How the FluidForming Sheet Metal Hydroforming Process Works

The FluidForming Sheet Metal Hydroforming Process.

FluidForming is a modern reinvention of hydroforming, and our sheet metal hydroforming process has been trusted by leading American and European manufacturers for more than 20 years. Our sustainable metal forming process uses highly pressurized recycled tap water as the forming force and allows for precise rapid prototyping and low- to medium-volume parts production.

The Physics of FluidForming.

Every step of our sheet metal hydroforming process — from material flow to clamping pressure to water volume and pressure — is variable and controlled. Forming pressures of up to 4,000 bar (60,000 psi) ensure that FluidForming achieves finer, more detailed results than any other sheet metal hydroformg forming process available to manufacturers today. It's all about the physics.

FluidForming: Reinventing the sheet metal hydroforming process for better, faster, smarter metal forming.

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The Fluidforming Sheet Metal Hydroforming Process.

Step 1

Establish clamping pressure.

Our sheet metal hydroforming process begins when the FormBalancer's pressure pillow establishes clamping pressure. Closing forces are uniformly distributed throughout the frame.

Step 2

Introduce forming force.

After clamping pressure is established the forming force — water — is introduced into the FormBalancer metal forming machine.

Step 3

Establish forming pressures.

With high forming pressures of up to 4,000 bar (60,000 psi) the sheet metal flows evenly into the form cavity.

NOTE: Conventional hydroforming typically achieves pressures of up 1,000 bar (15,000). FluidForming's pressures are up to 4x greater, enabling complex part formation, accuracy, and repeatability.

Step 4

Final forming stage.

FluidForming is a bladder-free and friction-free process. After the final forming stage the fully-formed sheet metal component rests against the die surface, free from springback, tool marks, or friction-induced marring. Any materially thinning is radially distributed.

FluidForming's sheet metal hydrofrming process makes it possible to form complex, highly-detailed and defined components — with 99.996% accuracy and repeatability. Our manufacturing facilty can accommodate rapid prototyping and low- to medium-volume part production. FluidForming Americas can help companies form the "unfordable" at a lower overall cost.

Let’s talk about FluidForming.

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