Abstract
This paper presents a numerical simulation for metal sheet bending with elastic pads made of silicone rubber reinforced with different ratios of very small glass fibers. Experimental tests were performed (traction and compression), in order to determine some characteristics for the materials and the results were used in the simulation program. A correction for the geometry of the punch, a prediction diagram for springback angle and the evolution of the force developed by the punch are also presented Keywords: numerical simultation, silicon rubber, glass fibers, finite elements