A review on forming technologies of fibre metal laminates

Fibre metal laminates (FMLs), as a class of hybrid material taking advantages of both metals and composites, have shown great promise as lightweight structural materials in the transportation industry. Accordingly, manufacturing technologies of FMLs are attracting increasing research interests. This review emphasises the developing technologies of forming FML components, with other aspects related to FML materials being briefly introduced. First, we provide an overall review of the historical background and recent developments of FMLs, their classifications, sheet fabrication processes, and their advantages and disadvantages. Then, various forming technologies are introduced in detail, with a particular focus on stamp forming, which is considered to be the most promising approach for the high-volume production of complex-shaped FML components. Furthermore, the deformation modes and defects in forming FMLs are analysed and the challenges encountered in the existing research are thoroughly discussed. Finally, studies on modelling and process simulation of forming FMLs are reviewed and discussed. Based on the comprehensive appraisal of various aspects, current research progress and challenges related to FMLs and their forming technologies are summarised and an outlook of further developments is discussed.