Tube Hydroforming: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Pressure Sequence Hydroforming

Abstract

<div class="htmlview paragraph">Tube hydroforming is a technology that is new to many and proving it's merits as a viable and often superior alternative to welding tubular assemblies from stampings.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper discusses how pressure sequence and high pressure hydroforming techniques work, how two functionally similar parts made by its respective technology compare and the dimensional stability of parts made with pressure sequence hydroforming.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Data comparing the 2 processes show a substantial benefit when using pressure sequence hydroforming considering processing steps, hydroforming equipment, energy consumption, cycle time and floor space requirements. PSH dimensional stability compares very well with welded assemblies. High pressure dimensional data is unavailable which prevents comparison.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Comparisons using specific information that has only recently become available should be interesting and valuable to anyone wanting to learn more about this emerging industry and technology.</div>