K Abrinia - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology, University of Tehran
A Darwish - Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Mazandaran
M Mohammadi - Postgraduate Student, Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology, University of Tehran

This paper is the outcome of a research on the application of low melting point alloys for the manufacture of forming dies. Using low melting point alloy MCP137, the punch and matrix for a forming die were manufactured. The alloy was moulded using the casting process using a model to make the die. Using FEM ABAQUS software the die was modelled and analyzed to obtain the stress distribution in the male and female dies. The casting process was also simulated using Magmasoft software. Using these die aluminium sheet metals was formed. Comparison of simulation and experimental data showed good agreements.

rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, sheet metal forming, low melting point alloys