Introduction to Hydroforming

Hydroforming, sometimes referred to as fluid forming or rubber diaphragm forming, was developed during the late 1940s and early 1950s in response to a need for a lower cost method of producing relatively small quantities of deep drawn parts.
The Verson Allsteel Press Company, Chicago, Illinois, acquired the Hydroform press line in 1975 and embarked on an aggressive program of equipment modernization. The speed and forming capabilities have been greatly improved.
Today, Hydroform technology provides an attractive alternative to conventional matched die forming, especially for cost-sensitive, lower volume production, and for parts with asymmetrical or irregular contours. Hydroforming complements other techniques of metal forming -- such as metal spinning -- and gives added versatility and capability to contract metalworking companies.

Advantages of Hydroforming

Deep drawing, using the Hydroform method, requires only a draw ring (blank holder) and male punch. No die maker's fit is necessary. Setups are quick and simple. The tooling is self-centered and self-aligning.
The flexible diaphragm minimizes and often eliminates shock lines and draw marks normally created by matched die forming. Because pressures can be controlled over the entire blank, a higher percentage of reduction is possible and material thinout can be kept to a minimum.
Two or three conventional deep draw operations can often be replaced by one operation using the Hydroform method. Hydroforming can sometimes accomplish up to 90% or more of the forming required in spun shapes. Alternatively, a blank, pre-formed by spinning, can often be completely formed in one operation using the steel spinning chuck as the Hydroform punch.

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