Advanced Metalforming Technology

In Booth N-6359, FluidForming Americas, LLC (Hartsville, TN) will showcase Fluid Forming (FF), an entirely new and enabling process/technology for the design and formation of metal from .004 in to .1969 in (1.01 mm to 5 mm) thick. Employing water pressures up to 60,000 psi as the force to form, this technology enables innovative design, economically produces parts which could not previously be formed of metal and is exceptionally cost effective for short run needs, prototyping, and production of less than 500,000 parts annually. Metal forming process repeatability is ensured through consistent, high quality parts production, with first pass yield results of 99.996 percent that eliminate rework and non-conformance parts, reduce scrap and provide consistent parts fit-up. Parts cross-contamination is eliminated as one side of the part comes into contact with water only.

Fluid Forming promotes innovative product designs of organic and geometric shapes that incorporate textured and pre-finished materials, all of which can be cost effectively integrated into each part/product. Trademarks, brands, and logos can all be easily incorporated into each part design. Lightweight metals can be used in lieu of castings, forgings, overly complex forms and plastics. Material overcompensation for thinning, internal stresses and springback are virtually eliminated. Expensive and environmentally stressful castings can be eliminated. The FF process can use thinner materials, tighter radius, more intricate designs and part nesting. Better design and consistent part fit-up increase efficiency and improves transfer performance.

Fluid Forming is also a timely and cost effective development/prototyping process where functional modeling, simulation, verification of design, tooling and manufacturing can be completed in short order. The stages of design concept through part manufacturing can be completed quickly and with little risk to significantly lower costs when compared to legacy processes and the attendant risks of process incompatibilities. FF significantly reduces initial asset acquisition cost of dies, tooling and fixturing for metal forms. The ongoing need for tooling repair and maintenance is greatly reduced and total life is extended through reduced stress on both the formed part and the tooling. This substantially improves total ownership cost.

FluidForming Americas, LLC, 295 Trousdale Way, Hartsville, TN 37074-2073, 800-497-3545, www.ffamericas.com.