Incremental Sheet Forming of Duplex Stainless Steel; Effect of Microstructure and Texture Evolution on Tensile Behavior

This study explores the impact of Single Point incremental sheet forming (SPISF) on the microstructure, texture evolution, and mechanical behavior of duplex stainless steel (DSS). DSS has a dual-phase microstructure of austenite and ferrite, which gives it great strength, resistance to corrosion, and weldability. However, it isn’t easy to manufacture using conventional methods since it works hard. It is emphasized that SPISF provides an affordable substitute for pricey dies for producing intricate geometries. This study treated DSS sheets with SPISF with different process parameters to investigate the phase transitions, mechanical characteristics, and microstructural changes. The microstructure and texture evolution during SPISF were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction analysis, which revealed notable differences in phase fractions, low-angle boundaries (LABs), and high-angle boundaries (HABs). The study results showed that higher plastic deformation during SPISF was accompanied by a decrease in HABs and an increase in LABs due to increased formability. Furthermore, tensile testing demonstrated that SPISF significantly alters elongation and ultimate tensile strength, consistent with the microstructural alterations seen. The results highlight how crucial optimizing SPISF settings is to improve DSS component formability and mechanical performance.