New Machine Concept for Hydroforming Tubes and Extrusions, Part 1

By inner pressure hydroforming a great variety of parts can be produced. This is especially true when forming tubes in a single action press with high closing forces. In cooperation with industrial companies at the Institute for Metal Forming Technology of the University of Stuttgart, Germany, a new concept for presses specially designed for hydroforming tubes and extrusions was developed. The press has a capacity of a 3500 tons closing force and a press table size of 2500 mm × 900 mm. A great reduction in costs can be achieved by integrating spacers between the frame of the press and the ram. This paper introduces this new press and discusses different press concepts for hydroforming tubes and extrusions.