Multi-point forming is a high-tech of sheet metal flexible processing with computer technology as the main means. The flexible die with variable shape can be formed by controlling the basic body by computer to realize sheet metal digital, intelligent, low-cost and rapid forming. Over the years, many universities, research institutions and related enterprises in Japan, the United States and other developed countries have carried out relevant research and development, and made a lot of attempts in the hull shell and aircraft skin forming, but these works are basically in the laboratory stage.

The research work in this direction is undertaken by the dieless forming technology development center of Jilin University. The dieless forming technology development center is the only unit fully engaged in the research and development of sheet metal multi-point forming technology in China. This direction attaches great importance to the transformation of scientific research achievements into productive forces while carrying out basic research. After years of unremitting efforts, a series of innovative research results with independent intellectual property rights have been achieved, which makes the multi-point forming technology gradually mature and enter the industrialization stage. At present, the research work of this direction in basic theory, process research and equipment development is in a leading position in the world.

The research content of this direction covers the basic theoretical research, practical process development, equipment development, software development, numerical simulation and online measurement technology of multi-point forming. Since 1997, the accumulated research funding has reached more than 5 million yuan; It has completed seven national, ministerial and provincial related projects, including national key science and technology projects, 863 high-tech projects and National Natural Science Foundation projects; More than 100 academic papers have been published, many of which have been included in SCI, EI or ISTP; Obtained a utility model patent and applied for three invention patents. The basic theory of sheet metal multi-point forming has been established systematically, special software and many kinds of practical new processes have been developed, and several sheet metal multi-point forming presses have been developed. The commercialization of multi-point forming equipment has been realized, and the technology has been successfully applied to the streamlined front of high-speed train, the new generation submarine outer plate forming and the three-dimensional curved surface forming in medical engineering. At present, the dieless forming technology development center is undertaking six national, ministerial and provincial related projects, including the national key scientific and technological research projects of the Tenth Five Year Plan and the National Innovation Fund for small and medium enterprises. In 2003, it won another National Natural Science Foundation project. While carrying out the industrialization of multi-point forming equipment and the application demonstration of multi-point forming technology for sheet metal, the center has also won the National Science Foundation project, The research and development of multi-point forming technology and process equipment for large-scale panel and the digitalization and intellectualization of the technology are carried out. These research work will make the multi-point forming technology further perfect and mature, and promote the multi-point forming technology to a broader application field.

With the aggravation of market competition in modern manufacturing industry, the demand for small batch, multi variety, personalized and stylized products is increasing. Multi point forming technology will realize the flexible, low-cost and high-efficiency processing of three-dimensional curved parts of sheet metal, and can make a rapid response to the updating of products; This technology has a broad industrial application prospect in the manufacturing fields of automobile, high-speed train, aircraft, spacecraft, ship, warship, pressure vessel, household appliances, and many manufacturing fields of Engineering curved surface modeling such as architectural decoration and urban sculpture. The popularization and application of this technology will improve the processing level of three-dimensional curved sheet parts, enhance the market competitiveness of products, and greatly promote the technological progress of China's manufacturing industry.

Multi-point forming (MPF) is a significant change in the traditional sheet metal forming method. The in-depth study of this new sheet metal forming technology will enrich and develop the theory of sheet metal forming. Multi point forming technology is an organic combination and cross application of CAD / CAM, material forming, mechanical design, numerical control, data processing and other technologies, involving material processing, machinery, automation, computer, mechanics and other disciplines. Through the research in this direction, a good scientific research environment will be created, which not only has a solid theoretical foundation, but also has a strong practical ability High quality professionals with comprehensive quality.