Influence of thickness variability on the deep drawing of a cylindrical cup

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the blank thickness variability on the forming of a cylindrical cup, using the Finite Element Method. To quantify this influence, different thickness distributions were numerically generated and analyzed, considering different levels of smoothness in the thickness distribution, but the same average and variance. For each case study, the evolution of the punch force, equivalent plastic strain, cup thickness distribution for different heights and earing profile were analyzed. The results showed that varying the initial thickness distribution of the blank has a marginal influence on the majority of the cup results, but it affects the clamping of the blank and, consequently, the earing profile.