When the right situation presents itself, sheet metal hydroforming will be an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. However, the situation will depend on the project and the type of equipment that will be available. Some benefits of sheet metal hydroforming will include diminished costs and reduced setup time. 

The sheet metal hydroforming process is ideal for simple shapes and complex shapes. The process can also be used to effectively eliminate draw marks. The process will involve tooling that is less complex when compared to traditional metal stamping.

The Sheet Metal Hydroforming Process

The sheet metal hydroforming process is a better match for low production projects or prototypes where the cycle time is condemning but lowering the tooling cost is. As a result, the lower tools may be subdued and can be machined quickly. What does this mean? This means the sheet metal hydroforming projects can go from the design phase to the production phase with ease because there will not be high lead times.

Generally, a part that was created during sheet metal hydroforming can end as a complex shape after starting off as a blank. In order to have a durable and effective part, the production team will need to know how much hydro pressure needs to be applied. The sheet metal hydroforming process will determine where pressure and thinning occurs and how much needs to be applied.

When is the sheet metal hydroforming suitable? Sheet metal hydroforming is suitable for low production volume projects and production projects that involve complex shapes. The sheet metal hydroforming process will also be suitable when a production and tooling budget will not allow for successful high-volume production tooling.

American Hydroformers

If you want to know if sheet metal hydroforming will be suitable to create the complex hydroformed parts you need, feel free to contact us today.