Hüdroformülleerimine

Hüdroformülleerimine, also known as hydroforming, is a metal forming process used to shape sheet metal or tubing into a desired form. It involves using high-pressure fluid as a punch to deform a piece of metal into a mold. This technique is particularly useful for creating complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional stamping methods. The fluid, typically water or oil, is introduced into a sealed cavity containing the metal blank. As the fluid pressure increases, it forces the metal to conform to the contours of the die cavity.

The process can be applied to both sheet metal hydroforming and tube hydroforming. In sheet metal hydroforming, a sheet metal blank is placed between two halves of a die. The die closes, and then a high-pressure fluid is injected, pressing the sheet metal against the die walls. For tube hydroforming, a piece of tubing is placed inside a die, and then internal pressure from the fluid causes the tube to expand and fill the die cavity. Sometimes external pressure is also applied to the die.

Hydroforming offers several advantages over conventional methods. It can produce parts with tighter tolerances, improved strength and stiffness, and reduced material waste. The process also allows for the creation of complex geometries, such as deep draws, undercuts, and intricate curves, in a single operation. This can lead to part consolidation, reducing the number of components and assembly steps in a product. Industries that commonly utilize hydroforming include automotive, aerospace, and appliance manufacturing due to its efficiency and ability to produce high-quality, complex parts.