Formzylinder

Formzylinder is a compound German term that translates roughly as "form cylinder" and is used in German technical language to refer to a cylindrical element used to produce or define a form. The meaning is not fixed and depends on the context in which it appears.

In mechanical engineering and metal forming, a Formzylinder denotes a cylindrical forming element, typically used as a male die or shaping punch. It can be part of stamping, deep drawing, extrusion, or hydroforming devices. The cylinder's outer diameter, height, and surface finish determine the final shape transmitted to the workpiece, and it is often paired with corresponding mating parts and guides to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Materials range from hardened steels to wear-resistant alloys, sometimes with coatings to reduce friction and wear.

In fluid power and automation contexts, the term may describe a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated cylinder used to exert shaping forces in forming machines. The device converts fluid or gas pressure into linear motion to drive forming operations, sometimes within a dedicated forming tool set.

In geometry and computer graphics, Formzylinder may appear as a descriptive term for a cylinder primitive: a 3D shape with a circular cross-section extruded along an axis. In modelling software and CAD, such a cylinder is parameterized by radius, height, and segmentation and can be transformed, subdivided, or joined with other primitives.

Ambiguity exists, so documentation typically specifies the exact application when the term Formzylinder is used.