What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how different toolpath strategies affect the forming of niobium sheets.

May 10, 2026Open Access

Defects and surface quality in single-point incremental forming of high-purity niobium sheets: a numerical–experimental investigation of toolpath effects

Key Points

The study aims to explore how different toolpath strategies affect the forming of niobium sheets.
Two toolpath strategies were used: conventional and stair-based.
Finite element analyses supported process parameter selection and prediction of outputs.
Conical frusta were manufactured from planar isotropic sheets of pure niobium.
The stair-based strategy reduced twisting and forming loads compared to the conventional approach.
Despite improved formability, surface quality remained inadequate due to niobium's intrinsic material properties.
The necessity for dedicated surface treatment strategies was highlighted to enhance surface finish.

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the effect of toolpath strategy on the incremental forming of planar isotropic sheets of pure niobium. Fixed wall angle conical frusta were manufactured using two toolpath strategies: a conventional approach and a stair-based approach. Finite element analyses were employed to support the selection of process parameters and to predict the main process outputs. Experimental results show that the stair-based strategy reduces twisting and forming loads. However, despite the excellent formability of niobium, the surface quality remains inadequate. This limitation is attributed to the intrinsic material properties of niobium, indicating the need for dedicated surface treatment strategies to improve surface finish.

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