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Hydroforming of pipes

Plastic deformation of the tubes by high internal pressure.

Beskrivning
Illustration of Hydroforming of pipes

The process

The forming process starts when the workpiece in the form of a tube [1] is placed between two forming dies [2]. Two liquid carrying punches [3] are mounted on each side of the tube and the space is then filled with liquid. An applied pressure force is fed axially by the punches against each other making the liquid push against the pipe inner walls. The result is a plastic deformation of the pipe [4] which is pushed out to form the shape of the die.

Depending on the complexity of the end product, the workpiece may have to be pretreated, i.e. its tube geometry is modified before the process start.

Hydroforming of pipes
Process films
Advantages and disadvantages
In comparison with alternative methods
Weight reduction due to the more efficient design of the cross section
Improved material properties
Lower costs for utilities
Reduced number of subsequent machining operations
Tight tolerances
Long cycle
Expensive equipment
Need for comprehensive knowledge of tools and design
Complex design consideration