How FluidForming Works

The principles of FluidForming.

FluidForming sheet metal hydroforming is a new way of deforming malleable metal sheets into lightweight, durable parts. Think of it as a reinvention of hydroforming. The sustainable metal forming process uses highly pressurized 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 the metal forming 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 metal forming process available to manufacturers today. It's all about the physics.

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The Fluidforming process.

Step 1

Establish clamping pressure.

The process begins with 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 makes it possible to form complex, highly-detailed and defined components — with 99.996% accuracy and repeatability. The FormBalancer's compact and force-contained design is the perfect for prototyping and low- to medium-volume part production. FluidForming Americas can help companies form the parts of their dreams ... at a lower overall cost.

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