How is the FormBalancer changing tube forming?
Did you know that the FormBalancer is also a tube forming machine? We've written a lot of articles for this blog about the FluidForming process and our family of precision metal forming machines, FormBalancers, but we haven't spent much time discussing its tube forming capabilities. It's time to fix that!
FormBalancers are the only universal sheet metal and tube forming machine
The FluidForming FormBalancer is the only metal forming press on the market today that metal forms components from sheet metal and tubes. With a simple adaptation, any FormBalancer can be converted from precision fluid cell sheet metal forming to powerful, high-pressure tube forming.
Benefits of FormBalancer tube forming
- The only two-for-one metal forming and tube forming machine on the market.
- Increased manufacturing capabilities and flexibility.
- Industry-leading tube forming pressures up to 60,000 psi.
- Enable design innovation and creativity by adding material during forming.
- Force-contained, compact tube forming machines fit in almost any shop.
- Costly structural or foundational reinforcements are unnecessary.
- Low maintenance and low overall cost of ownership.
How does FluidForming tube forming work?
The forming process is simple: just place the tube forming module and tube dies into the FormBalancer. Then, insert the tubing into the machine. Seal the tube ends and fill the cavity with water. As the highly pressurized water flows into the tube, the tube will expand to fit the custom mold. It's a highly precise and controllable 360-degree forming process.
The FormBalancer was designed to accommodate tube material that's force-fed into the die cavity as the tube is being formed, essentially “adding” material to the formed part. This unprecedented feature maximizes tube use and enables designers to develop complex parts with unusual shapes. As with metal forming, FluidForming's approach to tube forming enables even greater design flexibility.
Tube hydroforming benefits
Tube hydroforming — or tube FluidForming, in this case — is a cost-effective way to form strong, lightweight tubular components.
FluidForming tube forming is the perfect solution for small production runs or for manufacturing custom shapes for high-end lighting fixtures, designer appliances, intricate medical and laboratory equipment, or precision aerospace components.
Looking for a multi-function tube forming machine and metal forming machine for your job shop or manufacturing plant? We're here and we're ready to help. Give us a call: 800-497-3545.
FluidForming Americas, Inc. is a member of the Precision Metal Forming Association and is AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001:2015 certified.