LAUSR

This study was carried out to evaluate a new roll forming process involving pre-heating using a gas torch. The temperature distribution for the formed sheet was observed using a 3D-IR graph generated from a thermal imaging camera. The appropriate distance between the formed sheet and the butane gas torch was also determined based on the results of the flame characteristics. The thermal effects of the formed sheet were confirmed by the temperature distribution. Spring-back analysis was applied to the Nominal the Best characteristic of Taguchi’s experimental method. In spring-back analysis, the forming speed is an influential variable. Bow analysis was applied to the Smaller the best characteristic of Taguchi’s experimental method. Lastly, at room temperature, the roll forming process was performed with pre-heating and formability was analyzed with respect to spring-back, bow and variance of bending angle (buckling). Spring-back, bow and buckling with the roll forming process involving pre-heating got improved by 0.97°, 0.17 mm and 0.20, respectively, compared to the same processes at room temperature. Forming speed appeared to have the most influence on the formability and pre-heating was found to improve the formability in the roll forming process.