Electro-Hydraulic Metal Forming in Aerospace Applied to the Automotive Industry

Use of the electro-hydraulic effect for metal forming is one of the significant advances in the high-energy-rate field. The Cincinnati Electroshape method of converting electrical energy to hydraulic energy by discharging a high voltage spark across a transducer under water provides new production capability.

This paper describes the Electroshape and discusses how new transducer developments provide an economic manufacturing method. Specific parts and related tooling problems are presented. Economic application of the electro-hydraulic effect to various parts and production rates are considered. The possibility of new quality standards and increased design flexibility are discussed.