Single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a technology that allows incremental manufacturing of complex parts from a flat sheet using simple tools; further, this technology is flexible and economical. Measuring the forming force using this technology helps in preventing failures, determining the optimal processes, and implementing on-line control. In this paper, an experimental study using SPIF is described. This study focuses on the influence of four different process parameters, namely, step size, tool diameter, sheet thickness, and feed rate, on the maximum forming force. For an efficient force predictive model based on an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), an artificial neural network (ANN) and a regressions model were applied. The predicted forces exhibited relatively good agreement with the experimental results. The results indicate that the performance of the ANFIS model realizes the full potential of the ANN model.
Single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a technology that allows incremental manufacturing of complex parts from a flat sheet using simple tools; further, this technology is flexible and economical. Measuring the forming force using this technology helps in preventing failures, determining the optimal processes, and implementing on-line control. In this paper, an experimental study using SPIF is described. This study focuses on the influence of four different process parameters, namely, step size, tool diameter, sheet thickness, and feed rate, on the maximum forming force. For an efficient force predictive model based on an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), an artificial neural network (ANN) and a regressions model were applied. The predicted forces exhibited relatively good agreement with the experimental results. The results indicate that the performance of the ANFIS model realizes the full potential of the ANN model.
Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a flexible manufacturing technology that does not require special dies and uses a single tool to produce a variety of regular and multifaceted shapes. Further, it is economical when employed in the manufacturing of complex parts using simple tools as compared with other conventional sheet metal forming technologies (e.g., extrusion, hydroforming [1], and deep drawing [2]) because it does not require expensive dies or punches. In addition, it is used as a simple tool to incrementally develop the desired parts from sheets. However, it is time-consuming and thus not useful for mass production.The ISF technique can be separated into two classes: two-point incremental forming (TPIF), which requires a partial die as a support for the sheet during the process [3], and single-point incremental forming (SPIF), which does not require any specific die [4]. Currently, focus is on SPIF, in which a small hemispherical tool is used to mold the sheet into the desired shapes; the tool is driven using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine along a predefined toolpath generated through computer-aided manufacturing software. The peripheral of the sheet is clamped using a fixture. Through this technique, complex parts can be manufactured in small batches and prototypes can be economically obtained.ISF is used in many applications, such as the manufacturing of automotive parts [5] and the standardization of void nucleation models for automotive aluminum sheets [6]. Furthermore, it can be used to produce parts such as a palate or knee implants [7] or an ankle prosthesis [8] [9]. The forming force in SPIF is essential while utilizing machines adapted for processes such as robots and milling centers [3]. It helps determine the optimal process parameters and equipment suitable for sheet forming [10]. The forming force has characteristics that are essential in predicting the power of a machine; in addition, it helps with the design of tools and improves the understanding of the deformation mechanics of several processes [11]. Iseki [12] was among the first few researchers to determine the forming forces for a pyramid based on a plane–strain deformation using a simple approximated deformation analysis. Later, Jeswiet et al. [13] measured the force magnitudes of SPIF and TPIF pyramids and truncated cones. Filice et al. [14] worked on a force analysis and categorized the force trends of a tangential force into three categories, namely, monotonically reducing, polynomial, and steady-state force trends. Dabwan [15] showed that the sheet thickness is the main factor in estimating the forming force, followed by the tool diameter and step size. The feed rate has proven to be insignificant in estimating the forming force. Duflou et al. [16] found that the forming forces increase with the sheet thickness, wall angle, and step size. Kumar and Gulati [17] investigated and optimized the effects of input factors on the forming forces using the Taguchi approach and analysis of variance. They showed that the force trend after the peak values depends on the instant input factors, which can be categorized into sets of parameters such as safe, severe, and crucial. Bagudanch et al. [18] concluded that the forming force is influenced by the bending condition. They also found that the forming force decreases as the spindle speed increases. Arfa et al. [19] and Henrard et al. [20] used a finite element analysis to predict the SPIF forces with satisfactory precision. Ingarao et al. [21] calculated and estimated the energy consumption for the SPIF process based on the recorded force data. Petek et al. [22] studied and localized the fracture by analyzing the response force using a skewness function. Fiorentino [23] presented another failure criterion according to the force detected during the forming process. Moreover, Ambrogio et al. [24] proposed that the incremental increase in force required to reach its maximum value can be effectually used as a predecessor to failure in SPIF.Therefore, it is essential to model and quantify the relationship between the forming force and the input process parameter affecting its value. Further, empirical models developed using traditional methods may not describe the nonlinear complex relationship between the input and output variables. Fuzzy logic (FL), an artificial neural network (ANN), and a genetic algorithm are unconventional methods used to develop models for a nonlinear complex system. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) can be used in numerous fields such as manufacturing technologies, machining, and economic systems [25]. ANFIS is a type of ANN developed based on a Takagi–Sugeno FIS. This approach was developed during the 1990s. ANFIS is a combination of neural networks and FL principles, and can capture the benefits of both in a single framework [26]. The inference system corresponding to the set of fuzzy IF-THEN rules can approximate nonlinear functions [27]. Therefore, ANFIS is considered a comprehensive estimator.An investigation into the forming forces in SPIF is particularly important for selecting the appropriate hardware and optimizing the process parameters to assure the precision of a process. The efficient prediction of the forming forces is desirable in order to monitor the forming process, prevent failures, and implement on-line process control. The characterization of the forming forces is essential in order to estimate the needed power of the machine. The expected forming force has consequences regarding the design of the tooling and fixtures, as well as on the selected machine. There has recently been an increasing interest in the development of models that can help investigate the effects of input variables on the performance outputs using artificial intelligence methods as an alternative to traditional approaches [28]–[31]. This paper proposes an intelligent process model, founded on the concept of data mining, for predicting the forming forces in SPIF. Several researchers have addressed the limitations of this process, resulting in low-quality profile products. The predictive model for the forming forces described in this paper is based on an adaptive-neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and an artificial neural network (ANN), which have not been considered in previous studies to the best of our knowledge. An accurate model used to predict the forming forces in SPIF is essential in order to control the process quality.The rest of this paper is organized as follows: The experiments are presented in Section 2. The ANFIS, ANN, and regression models are presented in Sections 3 and 4. The results and discussions are detailed in Section 5. Finally, the conclusions are presented in Section 6.
Experiments
A vertical CNC milling machine, a specially designed fixture, forming tools, and a piezoelectric dynamometer were used to conduct the experiments. The sheet material selected for this study was a commercial aluminum alloy, AA1050-H14, which is a popular grade of aluminum for general sheet metal work owing to its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and highly reflective finish. Further, the material composition, extracted using a SPECTRO machine, is presented in Table 1. Tensile tests were conducted on the specimens using a Zwick/Roell universal testing machine, the results of which are presented in Table 2. The sheet was clamped using the designed fixture in a working area of 200 mm × 200 mm. The tool used during this process was cylindrical with a hemispherical head. In this study, the tool motion was controlled numerically. Therefore, the required part was designed using SOLIDWORK software, and the design was then transferred to MASTERCAM software to generate the toolpath. The numerical control (NC) codes were obtained from the generated toolpath and transferred to the CNC machine. For the accurate formation of parts, it is important to select the best toolpath, which in this case is a spiral toolpath. A truncated conical geometry was built with a base diameter of 100 mm and a height of 50 mm. Important parameters considered for the incremental sheet metal forming are tool diameter, sheet thickness, feed rate, and step size, the values of which are listed in Table 3.
Table 1
Chemical composition of AA1050-H14 sheets used in this study.
Sample
Al %
Fe %
Si %
Ti %
Other
1
99.5
0.368
0.0480
0.0216
0.0624
2
99.5
0.360
0.0496
0.0205
0.0007
Table 2
Measured mechanical properties of aluminum alloy AA1050-H14.
Material code
YieldStrength σy (MPa)
Ultimate TensileStrength σUTS (MPa)
Elongation at Break A (mm)
Young ModulusE (MPa)
AA1050-H14
128
117.5
8.45
67648
Table 3
Process parameters and their levels.
Input process parameters
Level 1
Level 2
Tool diameter (d)
10 mm
20 mm
Feed rate (f)
500 mm/min
1000 mm/min
Step size (s)
0.5 mm
1 mm
Sheet thickness (t)
1 mm
2 mm
Measuring the forming force during this process is extremely important to prevent failure, determine the optimal process, and implement on-line control. Forming force tests were conducted using a KISTLER 2825A1 with eight freely selectable measuring signal-component force dynamometer controllers, which helped measure the force components in three directions (x, y, and z). In addition, the measuring system included charge amplifiers (a complementary KISTLER 5019B three-channel charge amplifier) and data acquisition cards to record the measured forces on a PC. The sampling rate of the force measurement was 50 Hz. Fig 1 shows the experimental system and procedure used to measure the performance of the forming forces. The workpiece fixture was mounted on top of a piezoelectric load cell. The experimental results for all responses that were used as training and testing data for both the ANN and ANFIS models are listed in Table 4.
Fig 1
Experimental setup and forming force measurement.
Table 4
Process parameters used with the corresponding experimental results of forming forces and predicted results.
Input Parameters
Experiment forming force
Predicted by ANFIS
Predicted by Regression
Predicted by ANN
D
f
S
t
Fx (N)
Fy (N)
Fz (N)
Fx (N)
Fy (N)
Fz (N)
Fx (N)
Fy (N)
Fz (N)
Fx (N)
Fy (N)
Fz (N)
10
500
1
1
318.16
331.69
529.75
313
288
528
305.1563
313.846
393.83
133.6167
682.762
535.5682
20
1000
0.5
2
680.92
705.17
1636.29
681
692
1600
679.9625
718.428
1701.837
325.2577
305.312
1617.228
20
1000
0.5
1
313.98
304.99
525.67
318
305
562
316.9325
347.377
558.8969
177.1499
777.368
570.9501
20
500
0.5
2
779.79
770.42
1637.1
668
779
1600
751.625
709.889
1554.133
177.4208
200.635
1644.425
10
500
0.5
1
200.51
202.94
427.65
199
203
451
180.7838
196.024
484.765
194.3887
286.471
532.8672
10
500
0.5
1
197.09
214.55
474.92
199
203
451
180.7838
196.024
484.765
194.3887
239.491
532.8672
10
500
1
1
307.23
288.38
449.73
313
288
528
305.1563
313.846
393.83
133.6167
777.368
1644.425
20
500
0.5
1
323.41
323.65
520.47
372
249
296
388.595
261.341
411.1931
182.1449
168.643
417.5815
20
500
0.5
2
756.54
788.15
1651.34
668
779
1640
751.625
709.889
1554.133
177.1499
682.762
1617.228
10
1000
0.5
1
187.17
186.83
375.34
187
187
375
163.1713
157.298
359.975
202.9756
124.666
1644.413
20
1000
0.5
2
677.69
678.64
1587.21
681
692
1610
679.9625
718.428
1701.837
180.4025
124.666
319.592
10
1000
0.5
1
186.81
188.07
411.57
187
187
375
163.1713
157.298
359.975
134.2937
239.491
566.8363
20
500
1
2
420.7
447.42
873.51
338
365
770
449.615
466.56
934.7656
198.0989
373.817
584.791
20
500
0.5
1
420.7
173.59
295.76
372
249
296
388.595
261.341
411.1931
177.4208
152.6
509.3007
10
500
1
2
377.02
380.88
724.6
352
381
674
359.5638
295.91
685.505
246.7695
241.052
1618.019
20
1000
1
1
140.51
143.01
219.14
148
146
226
201.9425
106.683
304.7819
182.1449
605.412
363.1248
10
500
0.5
2
222.86
262.58
472.52
223
246
558
235.1913
315.321
565.99
180.4025
203.033
412.5591
10
1000
0.5
2
195.17
236.15
469.88
194
215
492
217.5788
199.098
441.2
173.8994
152.6
1618.019
20
1000
1
2
862.29
868.92
1631.76
619
612
1250
564.9725
594.368
1082.469
139.1313
149.039
570.9501
10
1000
1
2
258.35
270.47
564.92
258
292
572
208.5413
298.957
560.715
198.0989
147.722
363.1248
20
1000
1
2
375.95
355.04
863.46
619
612
1250
564.9725
594.368
1082.469
202.9756
277.943
566.8363
20
1000
0.5
1
321.2
329.46
598.28
318
305
532
316.9325
347.377
558.8969
130.9983
147.722
416.6108
10
500
1
2
327.03
331.91
622.96
352
381
674
359.5638
295.91
685.505
139.1313
152.6
251.8233
10
1000
1
2
257.48
292.22
579.96
258
292
572
208.5413
298.957
560.715
173.7338
124.666
584.791
20
500
1
1
157.15
160.28
239.35
157
159
237
86.585
155.244
157.0781
130.9983
241.052
1644.413
20
1000
1
1
155.08
148.48
234.16
148
146
226
201.9425
106.683
304.7819
189.5676
149.039
509.3007
20
500
1
2
338.47
364.73
665.74
338
365
770
449.615
466.56
934.7656
246.7695
361.18
412.5591
10
1000
0.5
2
192.35
215.09
513.93
194
215
492
217.5788
199.098
441.2
130.5799
305.312
615.1648
10
1000
1
1
112.52
111.6
176.58
113
101
174
154.1338
140.523
269.04
134.2937
373.817
251.8233
20
500
1
1
156.08
157.83
231.07
157
159
237
86.585
155.244
157.0781
130.5799
200.635
412.5591
10
1000
1
1
97
91.32
169.68
113
101
174
154.1338
140.523
269.04
173.7338
203.033
417.5815
10
500
0.5
2
211.49
229.27
558.05
223
246
558
235.1913
315.321
565.99
189.5676
277.943
319.592
Development of predictive models for forming force
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
ANFIS is an effective approach to building models of complex nonlinear systems. Here, a hybrid learning process is used to structure an input–output mapping based on human knowledge and training data pairs. The ANFIS is applied in the framework of adaptive networks. It consists of five network layers. Each layer is described by several node functions. The information is moved unidirectionally. A diagram of the ANFIS structure with three inputs and two membership functions for each input and one output is shown in Fig 2. The objective of the current work is to investigate the potential of ANFIS in SPIF.
Fig 2
ANFIS architecture with five layers and several nodes [32].
ANFIS consist of five layers to achieve the following fuzzy inference [32]:Layer 1: Fuzzy layerIn this layer, the membership value is calculated using the following equation:
where μ Ai(x) is an appropriate parameterized membership function, and ai, bi, and ci form a parameter set that changes the forms of the functional movement screen () with a value between 1 and 0.Layer 2: Multiplies the incoming signals and sends the product out.Each node output represents the firing strength of a rule.Layer 3: Normalizes the firing strengthsIn this layer, the normalized firing strength is computed using the following equation:
where wi denotes the output of layer i.Layer 4: DefuzzificationIn this layer, each node i is an adaptive node with a node function.
where pi, qi, ri, and si make up the consequent parameter set of the node, which are identified during the training process.Layer 5: Total output layerIn this layer, all incoming signals are added (summation output). The circle node function is fixed whereas the indicated square function is adaptive. This can be calculated as follows:
Neural network model used for prediction
The ANN computational model involves three layers, output, hidden, and input layers. Each layer contains neurons and each neuron is related to all the neurons in the next layer. Fig 3 shows the layers in a model of the forming force (Fz).
Fig 3
Neural network model for Fz.
None of the processes are executed in the input layer, and the input for the neuron is obtained from the actual setting. The input vector is the weight of a neuron multiplied by the strength; the result obtained helps create the product. The output from the last neuron can be interconnected to the input of the next neurons or can be directly interconnected with the environment. The output comprises an activation function and a summation function. The activation function takes the weight of a neuron as an input and produces its activation as an output. The calculation of the net input from the processing neurons is the summation function. Using the ANN, the nonlinear relationships between the output and input owing to the contained activation function of the nonlinear and linear algebraic equations can be stored. After the weight is altered by the activation function, the neurons that have moved to other neurons make up the next layer. The output of the activation function accepts the results, and then presents them to either the external network or to the neurons in the next layer. The network output is compared with the target having the applied input, and the difference between them is then considered an error. Moreover, algorithms of different networks are applied to decrease the error [33].
Result and discussions
Statistical analysis
An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to estimate the effects of all factors and their interaction on Fz. As a standard practice in ANOVA, terms with a p-value < α = 0.05 are considered significant. The ANOVA results, presented in Table 5, indicate that the factors d, s, and t; the two-way interactions d*f, d*s, and d*t; and the three-way interaction between d, s, and t have a significant effect on Fz. The value of the adjusted R-squared value shows that the model can explain 91% of the variations in the data, and that 9% of the variations originate from unknown nuisance factors.
Table 5
ANOVA results for Fz.
Source
DF
Adj SS
Adj MS
F-Value
P-Value
Model
9
6002399
666933
25.34
0
Linear
4
4071606
1017901
38.67
0
d
1
1083491
1083491
41.16
0
f
1
1050
1050
0.04
0.844
s
1
356930
356930
13.56
0.001
t
1
2630134
2630134
99.92
0
2-Way Interactions
4
1765076
441269
16.76
0
d*f
1
148506
148506
5.64
0.027
d*s
1
406858
406858
15.46
0.001
d*t
1
1197730
1197730
45.5
0
s*t
1
11982
11982
0.46
0.507
3-Way Interactions
1
165717
165717
6.3
0.02
d*s*t
1
165717
165717
6.3
0.02
Error
22
579085
26322
Lack-of-Fit
6
218117
36353
1.61
0.208
Pure Error
16
360968
22561
Total
31
6581484
Model Summary
S 162.241 R-sq 91.20% R-sq(adj) 87.60%
ANFIS results
The ANFIS model was developed as a function of SPIF for the forming force using training and testing data. The ANFIS tool that already exists in MATLAB was applied, which tests the relationship of the process parameters used to execute the perfect training and maximizes the prediction model accuracy for the selected responses (forming force). To obtain the results, the ANFIS algorithm was designed using the initial parameters. Table 6 lists the parameters used to help build the ANFIS model.
Table 6
Initial parameters for the construction of the ANFIS.
Responses
Forming force
Fx
Fy
Fz
Training method
hybrid
hybrid
hybrid
Membership function for inputs
gaussmf
trimf
psigmf
Number of membership function
3 2 3 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
Output function
constant
constant
constant
Number of epochs
100
100
100
The training process was applied using 100 epochs for the forming force on three axes (Fx, Fy, and Fz). A training curve was obtained after the training process was complete, as shown in Fig 4. The figure shows the relationship between the number of epochs and the errors in the responses.
Fig 4
ANFIS training curve for forming force: (a) Fx, (b) Fy, and (c) Fz.
An analysis of the curves shows that, after 35 epochs, the errors become steady, as shown in Fig 4(a). This occurs because the developed model was trained using limited experimental data. To obtain the initial predicted values of the outputs, such as the forming force, a set of fuzzy inference parameters (FIPs) were selected during the training process. The measured values were compared with the predicted value of the forming force obtained from the developed ANFIS model. The performance of this model was measured based on the difference between the measured and predicted values.During the training process, FIPs were repeated multiple times until the errors were minimized. Different ANFIS parameters were used as the training parameters to validate the accuracy of the prediction model. Table 7 shows the different ANFIS architectures for a predictive model of the forming forces obtained for different input membership shapes, numbers of membership functions, and types of output (linear or constant). For instance, from Table 7, the trimf function was chosen to train the ANFIS because it achieved the lowest testing error of 31.4218. In addition, Figs 5 and 6 show a comparison between the measured and predicted forming forces for the training and testing data.
Table 7
Different ANFIS architectures for forming force.
Responses
NO. MF
Type of MF
Output function
Errors RMSE
Training error
Test error
Forming force (Fx)
3 3 3 3
trimf
constant
73.196
31.4218
linear
73.196
31.4166
2 2 2 2
Trapmf
constant
73.4195
33.2606
3 3 3 3
constant
73.196
31.4218
3 3 3 3
psigmf
constant
73.196
31.4309
Forming force (Fy)
2 2 2 2
trimf
constant
108.9255
103.2906
2 2 2 2
linear
108.3141
104.6017
3 3 3 3
trapmf
constant
108.3141
104.5998
2 2 2 2
constant
108.3236
104.2812
2 2 2 2
psigmf
constant
108.3145
104.5399
3 3 3 3
constant
108.3141
104.5998
Forming force (Fz)
3 3 3 3
psigmf
Constant
70.7654
32.4088
3 3 2 1
linear
96.5383
105.72
2 2 2 2
gaussmf
constant
70.2728
31.9748
3 3 3 3
constant
71.018
37.5940
3 3 3 3
trapmf
constant
71.0169
31.8061
3 2 3 1
gaussmf
constant
172.7283
131.9702
Fig 5
Comparison between the measured and predicted forming forces using the ANFIS training data.
Fig 6
Comparison between the measured and predicted forming force using the ANFIS test data.
Artificial neural network results
The results of the developed ANN model are used to predict the forming force based on the input process parameters in single-point incremental sheet metal forming. The numbers of training and testing samples are 28 and 6, respectively.Several training experiments were carried out to identify the optimal network structure and best training parameters of the neural networks, producing minimum errors during the training phase. Similarly, several training experiments with different numbers of hidden neurons, learning rates (0.60), and momentum values (0.80) were checked, as shown in Fig 7. The graph of the learning progress shows the maximum, average, and minimum training errors. The average validation error is 0.00138, which was obtained for a maximum of 38,650,000 learning cycles. The correlation coefficient (R value) can be used to gauge the performance of the established network. The R value is between the measured value and the predicted value for the testing (6) and training data (28). The measurement of the closeness of the dissimilarity in the output clarified by the target is known as the R value, which lies between 1 and 0. When the R value equals 1, the optimal correlation is observed between the output and target values for the forming force on the three axes. The R value obtained between the predicted values and the measured data is 0.981, which indicates a good correlation.
Fig 7
ANN training curve for forming force.
Regression model
A regression analysis helps in the development of a mathematical equation to characterize the relationship between two or more input variables and the response outputs. In this study, mathematical models are also developed using a regression analysis to fit the measured data for the three selected responses. Using Minitab software, regressions models for the forming force were developed, and a full quadratic model was initially selected for all responses. Later, the insignificant terms were removed based on their p-values and accuracy. The following equations can be used to predict the forming force as a function of significant factors:
Comparison of ANFIS with ANN and regressions
To assess the ability of the developed ANFIS model relative to that of a neural network and regression analysis, an ANN model and a regression algorithm were developed using the same input variables. Table 4 summarizes the results. For the forming force model along the x-axis, Fig 8 shows a comparison between the measured and predicted values obtained using the ANFIS, ANN, and regressions models for the training data. Fig 9 shows the same for the testing data.
Fig 8
Comparison between experimental and predicted Fx for training data.
Fig 9
Comparison between measured and predicted Fx for testing data.
Fig 10 shows a comparison between the measured and predicted values obtained using ANFIS and the regression model for the training data. Fig 11 shows the same for the testing data.
Fig 10
Comparison between measured and predicted Fy for training data.
Fig 11
Comparison between measured and predicted Fy for testing data.
Fig 12 shows a comparison between the measured and predicted values obtained using ANFIS and the regression model for the training data. Fig 13 shows the same for the testing data.
Fig 12
Comparison between measured and predicted Fz for training data.
Fig 13
Comparison between experimental and predicted Fz for testing data.
The results obtained using the ANFIS prediction are very close to the measured values. Moreover, the absolute mean percentage errors were calculated for each of the developed models. Tables 8 and 9 present a comparison of the performance between the ANFIS, ANN, and regression models based on the mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) for the training and testing data.
Table 8
Comparison of the developed models based on the mean absolute percentage errors for training data.
Outputs
ANFIS model
ANN model
Reg. model
MAPE
MAPE
MAPE
Forming force Fx
7.25
12.04
18.08
Forming force Fy
8.25
55.73
19.55
Forming force Fz
6.42
8.98
16.27
Table 9
Comparison of the developed models based on the mean absolute percentage errors for testing data.
Outputs
ANFIS model
ANN model
Reg. model
MAPE
MAPE
MAPE
Forming force Fx
5.85
16.14
15.37
Forming force Fy
9.61
44.77
9.42
Forming force Fz
15.44
11.59
26.05
Based on the performances of the ANFIS and ANN models in terms of the average absolute percentage error for the training and testing data, it was observed that the ANFIS model outperforms the ANN and regression models, while retaining their full potential.
Conclusions
This paper proposed ANFIS and ANN models to predict the forming force in the context of sheet metal forming, particularly SPIF. In addition, the influences of the tool diameter, feed rate, sheet thickness, and step size on the main forming force were investigated. Considering the ANOVA for the forming force (Fz), it was concluded that the significant factors are the tool diameter, step size, and sheet thickness. The results of the ANFIS and ANN models were compared with both the experimental data and those predicted using a regression model. The comparison showed that the ANFIS model can accurately predict the forming force for both training and testing data; in addition, the ANFIS model exhibited a better prediction performance for the selected responses. Moreover, the results showed that the ANFIS model can predict the forming force along the three axes for the training data with a MAPE of 7.25%, 6.42%, and 8.98%, respectively, and for the testing data with a MAPE of 5.85%, 9.61%, and 15.44%, respectively. It can therefore be concluded that the developed model using the ANFIS approach can be effectively used to measure the forming force during ISF and provide more reliable results than the ANN and regression models.