The Use of 3D Printers in the Unbending of Thin Sheets Made from Metallic Materials

The aim of the work is to explore the possibility of using 3D printers in an innovative way to restore thin metallic sheets to their original shape when they have been accidentally deformed. One of the methods applied in the automotive industry for unbending metal sheets is the Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) technology, which involves repairing dents or impacts on car bodies without repainting the affected areas. To restore painted steel or aluminum sheets to their original shape, various devices are used that allow for massaging and pulling the metal. Devices used for pulling the sheets often employ suction cups, which can be easily designed and printed using 3D printers with common materials such as PLA, ABS, or PETG.