Hydroforming Steel – A Solution for the Automotive Industry
Hydroforming
,automotive hydroforming
Hydroforming steel is a cost-effective way to create small runs of drawn parts that have asymmetrical contours, such as the ones used in the automotive industry. The automotive industry, in particular, benefits from hydroforming steel for several reasons: First, many steel parts used on vehicles are shaped irregularly and don’t lend themselves to stamping. Also, the automotive industry is striving to reduce costs by using parts with lower weights and hydroforming steel produces parts that are structurally very strong, but do not weigh more as a result. Further, many steel parts in the automotive industry are produced in small quantities. Finally, in hydroforming, the extra production steps necessary to weld together multiple parts are eradicated, meaning a decrease in tooling costs and a lower risk of long-term weld failure.
When hydroforming steel, a metal blank sits on top of a contoured ring. The ring is then placed over a punch that fits the exact shape of the part. When the press is closed, a pressurized fluid in the diaphragm presses the blank down and forms the metal in the shape of the punch. This process is quick and efficient but is also known for its quality and precision.
There are several other benefits of hydroforming steel, specifically for the automotive industry. Hydroforming creates much less friction than deep draw stamping, which reduces part stretching. The result is a part with uniform thickness and increased drawability of the material. Further, because the process produces less friction, parts are smoother, blemish-free, and don’t require extra costly finishing or buffing processes.
It is important to remember, however, that steel isn’t the only metal that benefits from hydroforming. Virtually any type of metal can be hydroformed, including brass, aluminum, carbon copper, and high strength alloys.
Jones Metal Products has been hydroforming steel and other metal parts since 1956 and is an expert in not only the process of hydroforming, but also in the specific needs of the automotive industry. Engineers at Jones Metal are equipped with the expertise to advise customers on the most cost-effective process for their specific applications.
To learn more about hydroforming steel, call Jones Metal at 740-545-6381!
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