Overview of Tube Hydroforming
Tube hydroforming is one of two groups within the broader category of hydroforming itself, along with sheet hydroforming. It is a relatively new manufacturing process, but it has led to very impressive results. The process involves expanding metal tubes into a different form through the use of a pair of die halves. The die halves support the raw tube. The cross-sectional tube structure is altered as a result of the internal pressure involved.
Friction stir welding is an innovative and unique method of joining metals by using frictional heat combined with a controlled forging pressure, producing full penetrated welded joints with high integrity that are defect free. Friction stir welding is most efficient on cylindrical components, flat plates as well as on parts of uneven thickness.
Metal has been used for centuries to create numerous products in a variety of markets. Since the 1800s, many of those metal forming operations eventually grew into the operations that we use today. With so many developments being made during the metal forming operations, a degree of separation needed to be made.
If you need a lightweight metal part with a depth larger than the radius, deep draw hydroforming is the way to go. This versatile process makes lightweight, durable parts that are deeper and more accurate than traditionally stamped parts.
To create a part with deep draw hydroforming, metal sheets are drawn into a die and shaped by a punch. Unlike with a stamp, these pieces can be redrawn to reshape it as much as it needs to be. Hydroforming has been around since 1899, but the process really took off when it was adopted by the automotive industry in the early 1900s. Since then, manufacturers continue to use deep draw hydroforming to make high-quality products. Here are some of the advantages of this process.
Want to build your own droid? Advances in aluminum hydroforming make it possible.
No one would deny the sheer popularity of the Star Wars franchise. Talking about the cultural impact of the Star Wars franchise is like talking about the effects of the sun on the planet. It’s that big and encompassing…sometimes life-changing (B2C).
The enduring popularity of these movies has led to unparalleled merchandising opportunities: mugs, hats, t-shirts, and even full costumes. There are some people, however, for whom plastic replicas and cheap knock-offs are not enough.
They want the real deal.
