[wheelguy]

This method of forming while linking opposing tools is difficult because it involves controlling two tools, and thus far has been considered difficult to put into practical use.

Nissan Motor Co has developed and put into practical use ‘face-to-face die-less moulding’ that forms body panels without using moulds. The Japanese automaker says that in future, it “will use this technology to consider the commercialisation of after-service parts and repair parts for older cars.”

The opposite or dual-sided die-less moulding methodology involves a robot equipped with a rod-shaped tool using the incremental moulding technology in which the panel is gradually deformed to form the moulding tool on the opposite side. It is a construction method that can form more complicated shapes. This method of forming while linking opposing tools is difficult because it involves controlling two tools, and thus far has been considered difficult to put into practical use.

Nissan says it succeeded in putting it to practical use by combining accumulated knowledge in the field of production technology possessed by the company's production technology R&D Centre with the research results of tool materials from the Research Laboratory.

This technology if made mainstream would help the low volume but high product range manufacturers a lot. And also companies don't have to maintain the dies for old and phased out products to support the existing customers. This technology will help the industry a lot.

More at source.

[Jeroen]

I had never heard of this, had to look it up.

Here you can see it in operations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt_ofsC1ctw

Pretty cool development ! With this and some 3D printing, there is little that can not be produced locally by a well equipped shop.

Of course, price and time is a factor.

Jeroen

[srini1785]

Looks cool and slow. The tech can be used for prototype production. Saves a lot of money and time on machining a die for the production of a one off prototype for testing. Normal mass production would still need the die and hydraulic press.