Stamping explained--seriously.

We're not going to pretend that we've read Yanwu Xu's Modern Formability: Measurement, Analysis and Applications. That's because this is a book for those who are far more versed in the science and engineering of metalforming, something that is critically important in the auto industry. We can say, however, Dr. Xu is exceedingly thorough and methodical as he works his way through the basics of stamping engineering and production systems, though various theories (e.g., forming mode theory, universal formability theory), to material properties and behavior, to simulation, measurement, analysis, and, finally, to applications for automotive stamping. This book is well illustrated with charts, drawings, and graphs. Why would someone want this book? Well, for one thing, there isn't exactly a readily available body of literature on the subject, and certainly not one that is as recent and bound between hard covers. For another thing, Dr. Xu points out that "The complexities of the stamping process can be grouped into six categories: Four "mores," one "changing," and one "uneven." By which he means more part shapes, forming operations, sheet metals and grades, and stamping variables; changes within the "mores" during operation; and relative unevenness "because metal flow during forming processes is a non-steady process." Add to that his observation: "In addition to the general complexity of the stamping process ... automotive stampings have their own complexities and specialties that are reflected in the part geometry, end-use performance, stamping engineering, and production." Which is to say that automotive stamping is, in some ways, more challenging. Those are good reasons. Why are we mentioning this book? Well, for one thing, it just so happens that this is a book that carries the Automotive Design and Production logo on the cover, so ...--GSV

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