Mechanical property evaluation of paper die materials in explosive forming

Authors

• HIGA Yoshikazu, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Okinawa College, 905 Henoko, Nago, Okinawa, 905-2192 JapanFollow
• KADENA Hisashi, Graduate School of Engineering, Mechanical Systems Design Course, Toyohashi University of Technology,1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi, 441-8580 Japan
• SHIMOJIMA Ken, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Okinawa College, 905 Henoko, Nago, Okinawa, 905-2192 Japan
• IYAMA Hirofumi, Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kumamoto College, 2627 Hirayama-shinmachi, Yatsushiro, 866-8501 Japan

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of using paper materials as substitutes for molds in explosive forming by systematically evaluating their mechanical properties. Tensile tests were conducted on three paper types differing in thickness and internal fiber structure, using a custom-designed gripping tool. Specimens were prepared in multiple orientations to account for anisotropic behavior. Results indicate that coated paper, exhibiting the highest specific tensile strength and energy absorption per unit basis weight, is the most suitable for formability. In contrast, thick paper, characterized by the lowest specific tensile energy absorption, offers the best dimensional accuracy. Anisotropy was observed in matte and coated papers, with mechanical properties strongly dependent on fiber orientation, whereas thick paper behaved nearly isotropically. These findings provide critical insights for the development of die-free, paper die in explosive forming and are expected to support the adoption of low-cost, flexible, and industrially viable manufacturing processes.

Keywords

Paper die, Mechanical properties, Direction dependent, Basis weight

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

29/07/2025

Revised Date

07/02/2026

Accepted Date

17/03/2026

Recommended Citation

Yoshikazu, HIGA; Hisashi, KADENA; Ken, SHIMOJIMA; and Hirofumi, IYAMA (2026) "Mechanical property evaluation of paper die materials in explosive forming," ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development: Vol. 43: No. 2, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61931/2224-9028.1654
Available at: https://ajstd.ubd.edu.bn/journal/vol43/iss2/3