Precision Hydroforming

Perfected in the 1950's, hydroforming is a technique to deep draw sheet metal with the least tool expense. Best described as a "controlled hydraulic forming", the technique differs from conventional deep drawing on hydraulic or mechanical press because this technique flows the metal rather than stretching the metal. Therefore material "thin out" is minimal resulting in material savings because thinner blanks can be used.

Aero Trades offers hydroforming for all metals with blanks ranging from 12" to 32" and draw depths from 7" to 12" with a press of 15,000 PSI to draw a variety of intricate shapes.

Standard Metals Aluminum Alloys 6061, 2024, 5052, 6061, 7075 Brass Copper Low Alloy Steels Stainless Steel - 301, 304, 316, 321	High Temperature Alloys Monel 17-7 17-5 Hastelloys ® Inconel ® Mo-Metal
Click Here for a Variety of Hydroforming Parts

Complete Shop Facilities and Secondary Operations

Deep drawing, using the Hydroform requires only a draw ring (blank holder) and male punch. No die maker's fit in necessary. Set-ups are quick and simple. The tooling is self-centered and self-aging.

A male die (punch) and draw ring (blank holder) are generally the only tools required, making this an inexpensive tooling process. There rubber diaphragm acts as a universal female die. Hydroforming tools normally cost as least 50% less than a conventional press tooling.

The flexible diaphragm minimizes and often eliminates shock lines and draw marks normally created by matching die forming. Because pressures can be controlled over the entire blank, a higher percentage of reduction is possible and material thin out can be kept to a minimum.

Two or three conventional deep draw operations can often be replaced by one operation using the Hydroform, Hydroforming can sometimes accomplish up to 90% of the forming required in spun shapes.