FOCUS ON HYDROFORMING
FORM AND FUNCTION
“ Hydroforming is ideal for shaping intricate , exceptionally complex or asymmetrical / irregularly shaped components ( including both convex and concave shapes ).”
Image : Shutterstock . com .
Hydroforming is a near net shape manufacturing method which uses a combination of fluid pressure and mechanical forces to transform sheet blanks into functional geometries . The process has several advantages such as the ability to achieve deeper draws and more complicated features / complex components with strong metal surface quality . Hydroforming is a specialised type of die moulding that utilises highly pressurised fluid to form metal .
It is also , in fact , a quick and efficient metalforming method that reduces waste while guaranteeing structurally robust parts and components with minimal need for secondary finishing operations . Hydroforming is ideal for shaping intricate , exceptionally complex or asymmetrical / irregularly shaped components ( including both convex and concave shapes ). The final shape can be achieved in fewer steps and with less manual correction . Heavy gauge and difficult materials can also be formed into complex shapes with close tolerances . The process is suitable for industries that require intricate and high-quality components ( such as automotive , aerospace and electronics ).
The metal fabrication and forming process
Hydroformed components .
Hydroforming is a specialised type of die moulding that utilises highly pressurised fluid to form a range of metals . There are numerous applications for the process in various industry sectors to manufacture lighter , stronger as well as rigid one-piece structures .
Images : American Hydroformers Inc . enables the shaping of metals such as steel ; stainless steel ; copper ; aluminium and brass . Internal high-pressure forming ( hydroforming ) is , in essence , a methodology for the manufacture of hollow metal components , a process that has grown enormously since the mid-1990s . There are numerous applications for the process in various industry sectors to manufacture lighter , stronger as well as rigid one-piece structures .
It is also a sustainable process , producing little to no scrap . In sheet hydroforming , a metal sheet is placed over a die before highly pressurised water forces it down and makes it conform to the shape of the mould . In tube hydroforming , a pre-existing tube is set between two dies , and water pushes the interior of the tube to expand and conform to the new shape . Both processes allow for the seamless forming of new shapes and parts in common metal alloys without welds .
30 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024