The project addresses a previously unsolved problem in sheet metal forming: there are no established methods for reliably predicting material failure during bending operations on pre-stretched sheets. The aim of the project was therefore to develop a robust methodology for assessing the bendability of pre-stretched sheets. Innovative measurement methods such as digital image correlation were employed. The model is implemented in two variants: as a standalone tool for SMEs that do not use complex simulation software, and as a subroutine for integration into common FE tools (e.g. AutoForm, LS-Dyna). This enables efficient and practical application.

The results will be published as an EFB research report.

The award winners were honoured by EFB Managing Director Daniel Rosenbusch at the evening event of the EFB Colloquium 2026.