Lab for Metal Forming Technology
Research Field
Meet Professor Kuang-Jau Fann, an expert in sheet metal forming technologies at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan.
With a Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart in Germany and experience as a visiting scholar at the University of Minnesota and TAMU, Prof. Fann has established himself as a leader in advanced forming methods. His research interests span dieless drawing, roll forming, incremental forming, and more.
Over his prolific career, Prof. Fann has authored numerous papers on innovations in forming tech. He is known for his work developing techniques to control blankholder force and apply localized pressure during stamping. This enables more flexibility in forming irregular sheet metal parts.
Other highlights of Prof. Fann's work include:
- Studying the formability of shape memory alloys like Ni-Ti
- Simulating metal forming processes with finite element analysis
- Designing roll forging processes for complex geometries
- Investigating flexible and incremental sheet forming
With his expertise in both academic research and industrial engineering, Prof. Fann continues to push the boundaries of forming technologies. He actively collaborates with partners in Germany, Thailand, and across the globe.
So next time you come across an impressive new advancement in sheet metal forming, chances are Prof. Fann had a hand in it! His work shapes both materials and the future of manufacturing.
At the heart of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National Chung Hsing University sits the Lab for Metal Forming Technology, led by Prof. Kuang-Jau Fann. This innovative lab tackles the latest challenges in advanced forming techniques.
Step inside the lab, and you'll find an impressive array of specialized equipment. The lab's servo-motor driven precision machine allows the team to conduct small-scale forming trials with extreme accuracy and control. They also house a material testing machine to analyze properties like tensile strength.
Prof. Fann oversees a variety of ongoing projects in the lab. On one table, a student may be experimenting with roll forming a complex shaped profile from sheet metal strips. On another, a researcher analyzes how process parameters affect residual stress in incrementally formed aluminum sheets.
The lab team takes advantage of advanced simulation software and precision instruments to gain insights. But they also place great value on practical, hands-on engineering. Prof. Fann emphasizes the importance of physically testing new concepts before implementing them industrially.
With Prof. Fann's guidance, the lab collaborates with partners in Taiwan and beyond. They regularly contribute papers to international conferences and journals to share their findings.
The Lab for Metal Forming Technology advances the state of the art in flexforming, roll forming, roll forging, and more every day. Visiting this lab provides a glimpse into the future of high-performance forming technology.
Professor Kuang-Jau Fann is pushing boundaries across a range of advanced metal forming techniques. His diverse research interests and expertise allow him to innovate across disciplines.
One major focus of Prof. Fann’s work has been developing novel methods for incremental sheet forming. He investigates how process parameters affect formability, residual stress, and more in materials from aluminum to titanium alloys. His findings help make incremental forming more viable for industrial applications.
Prof. Fann also explores metal forming using an English wheel and other flexible forming approaches. He analyzes how to control localized pressure and precisely shape complex curves. These unconventional techniques create new possibilities for metal shaping.
Roll forming and roll forging also represent key areas of research. Prof. Fann examines how to adapt roll forming to create helical coil springs and curved metal rods. His roll forging investigations focus on forming complex geometries from round bar stock.
In addition, Prof. Fann studies forming characteristics and applications for shape memory alloys like Ni-Ti. He evaluates their unique shape recovery and superelastic properties during forming operations.
With his exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge, Prof. Fann continues to uncover new ways to push metal forming technologies forward. His discoveries help expand the design possibilities for formed metal components across countless industries.
In addition to his pioneering research, Professor Kuang-Jau Fann has received widespread recognition through prestigious honors and speaking invitations.
Prof. Fann is frequently invited to share his expertise as a keynote speaker at international conferences. He has delivered keynote addresses at events including the International Conference on Precision Machinery and Manufacturing Technology (ICPMMT) and the Asian Pacific Symposium on Technology of Plasticity (APSTP).
He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Taiwan Society of Technology for Plasticity and on the Board of the Taiwan Forging Association.
For several consecutive years, Prof. Fann has been listed in Marquis Who's Who, recognizing his prominence in metal forming.
Through his consistent research innovations and leadership, Prof. Fann has rightly achieved widespread acclaim. As he continues advancing the field, we can expect further prestigious honors to come.
Professor Kuang-Jau Fann boasts an impressive educational background, laying the foundation for his expertise in advanced metal forming technologies.
He obtained his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. This provided him with solid foundational engineering knowledge.
Prof. Fann then traveled to Germany to continue his studies at the prestigious University of Stuttgart. Here he earned his Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing. degrees, both in the field of metal forming.
His time at Stuttgart allowed Prof. Fann to learn from world-renowned leaders in forming research. He honed his knowledge of topics like process design, simulation, and precision forming techniques.
Along with his robust academic credentials, Prof. Fann also spent time training in industry. He worked as a Development Engineer at automotive part supplier Müller-Weingarten in Germany and Dayton Die Cushions in Minnesota.
Additionally, Prof. Fann served as a visiting scholar at institutions like the University of Minnesota and TAMU to collaborate with international colleagues.
With his diverse global education and training, Prof. Fann has become a true authority in sheet metal forming and beyond. His background has uniquely equipped him to drive innovation in this critical field of manufacturing technology.