ERICHSEN CUPPING TEST

AIM: To determine of the formability of sheet metal characterized by Erichsen number.

APPARATUS & SPECIMEN REQUIRED: Erichsen cupping test setup, MS and Aluminium sheet
of 0.5mm thickness.
THEORY:
Sheet metal formability tests are designed to measure the ductility of the material under
condition similar to those found in sheet metal forming implies under biaxial loading. In
tensile test we can measure the ductility, work hardening in materials in a uniaxial tensile
loading, which can’t truly represent the material behaviours obtained from biaxial
stretching occurring in sheet metal forming.
Erichsen cupping test is one of the formability tests where formability is represented by a
number called Erichsen number. This test is very simple and easy. Symmetric and equal
biaxial stretch is applied on the sheet metal square shaped test piece. Sheet metal specimen
is punched with a steel ball and depth of deep drawing of the cup is measured in mm up to
the point when first crack is observed on the specimen. Distance (d) moved by the punch in
mm during experiment is called Erichsen number is a measure of formability in sheet metal.
APPLICATIONS:
 Automotive: The Erichsen cupping test is used to select materials for automotive parts,
such as fenders, hoods, and door panels. The test is used to ensure that the material can be
formed into the desired shape without cracking.
 Aerospace: The Erichsen cupping test is used to select materials for aerospace parts, such
as aircraft skins and fuselage panels. The test is used to ensure that the material can
withstand the high stresses that are encountered during flight.
 Appliance manufacturing: The Erichsen cupping test is used to select materials for
appliance parts, such as oven doors and refrigerator cabinets. The test is used to ensure
that the material can be formed into the desired shape without cracking or denting.
 Metal forming: The Erichsen cupping test is used to control the forming process in metal
forming operations, such as stamping and deep drawing. The test is used to ensure that the
material is not stressed beyond its limits, which could lead to cracking or tearing.
 Quality control: The Erichsen cupping test is used as a quality control tool to ensure that
the formability of sheet metal meets the required specifications. The test is used to identify
batches of material that do not meet the required specifications so that they can be
rejected.
PROCEDURE:
a. Measure the dimensions of the given specimen.
b. Set the dial gauge at ‘D’ first before every test.
c. Fix the specimen/test piece through slot-P on the die by rotating the left-hand wheel B1.
Adjust the die movement such that specimen is in contact with the hold down ring. The
thickness of test piece is not less than 0.5mm up to 2mm and width less then 90mm.
d. While watching through Eye hole-A, rotate the Handle-B2. The clockwise rotation of the
HandleB-2 and upward motion of the cup gives deflection in dial gauge.
e. Then give a 5mm movement to the die to maintain an initial pressure.
f. After that gradually rotate the right-hand wheel (implies punch movement is given) and
observe the cup formation by the deep drawing operation.
g. Continue the punch movement until first crack is observed on the sample.
h. The total deflection of dial gauge gives the direct reading of depth of penetration i.e. the
capacity of deep drawing of test piece (Depth of cupping).
PRECAUTIONS: Test piece should be properly placed in the fixture.
RESULT:
SR. MATERIAL SAMPLE MAIN ROTATING PUNCH ERICHSEN
NO. SIZE SCALE SCALE MOVEMENT NUMBER
READING READING (mm)
1. MS
2. Aluminium

CONCLUSION:
PROCEDURE:
a. Measure the dimensions of the given specimen.
b. Set the dial gauge at ‘D’ first before every test.
c. Fix the specimen/test piece through slot-P on the die by rotating the left-hand wheel B1.
Adjust the die movement such that specimen is in contact with the hold down ring. The
thickness of test piece is not less than 0.5mm up to 2mm and width less then 90mm.
d. While watching through Eye hole-A, rotate the Handle-B2. The clockwise rotation of the
HandleB-2 and upward motion of the cup gives deflection in dial gauge.
e. Then give a 5mm movement to the die to maintain an initial pressure.
f. After that gradually rotate the right-hand wheel (implies punch movement is given) and
observe the cup formation by the deep drawing operation.
g. Continue the punch movement until first crack is observed on the sample.
h. The total deflection of dial gauge gives the direct reading of depth of penetration i.e. the
capacity of deep drawing of test piece (Depth of cupping).
PRECAUTIONS: Test piece should be properly placed in the fixture.
CONCLUSION: