Metal forming is an efficient manufacturing method resulting in parts of high quality. Those parts will most often be joined to other parts, which are either formed or manufactured by other processes. The efficiency and quality of the joining process are highly influential to the final product. In this Special Issue of JMMP, current research findings will be reported within the following three main areas: Metal forming of parts prepared for subsequent joining; Examples include the forming of specific geometric features for subsequent joining, forming with high geometrical or dimensional accuracy necessary for subsequent joining, and the creation of beneficial surface conditions by forming for subsequent joining; Joining processes suitable for joining assemblies involving one or more formed parts; Various joining methods fall under this topic. Examples include resistance welding of formed sheet parts of, for example, advanced high strength steels or ultra-high strength steels, TIG welding of stainless tubular parts or tanks, and ultrasonic welding of dissimilar materials; Hybrid processes involving both metal forming and joining;
This may include joining by plastic deformation, simultaneous forming of multiple materials to form hybrid components, and joining by combining welding/additive manufacturing with forming. Within these three areas we welcome a wide range of contributions on topics such as the following: Sheet metal forming, bulk metal forming, and tube forming, as well as their combinations; Joining by plastic deformation, e.g., riveting, clinching, cold welding, and joining by forming; Welding, e.g., arc welding, resistance welding, friction welding, friction stir welding, and ultrasonic welding; The combination of product and process design facilitating forming and joining; Tool design facilitating forming and joining; Joining of dissimilar materials involving one or more formed part(s).
Keywords: metal forming; joining; plastic deformation; welding; dissimilar materials.