Hydroforming

The hydroform technology enables the economical production of complex and intricate workpiece shapes. This complexity relates to both longitudinal and cross sections. Typical examples include chassis parts, branching elements of tubes, and frame and exhaust parts.

The method

The starting material is usually a hollow pre-form or a sheet blank, which is pressed into the shape of a forming tool with a high-pressure fluid. Compared to conventional methods, even hydro-mechanical and hydrostatic ones, the forming possibilities are significantly increased.

• Weight and material savings of 40 to 50 %, in some cases even up to 75 %
• Wall thickness distribution optimized to component requirements
• High work hardening
• Continuous material grain flow for optimum component performance
• More precise dimensional accuracy
• Flow-advantageous component contours and junction geometries
• Elimination of webs for joining operations
• Better usage of limited installation space

Siempelkamp – the competent partner for hydroforming

• In 1965 Siempelkamp started using the internal high-pressure forming process and has since then supplied more than 60 press plants ranging from 1,600 up to 100,000 kN.

• In 1994 Siempelkamp supplied the first hydroforming large series production plant for the automotive industry, supplied to BMW, Dingolfing, Germany.

Hydroforming production lines

Hydroforming production lines can be individually configured to our customers’ diverse requirements.

hydroforming for rear axle members

In 1994, the first fully automatic  plant for forming of aluminum materials at BMW, Dingolfing, started production. The four basic elements of the rear axle, side member left and right and cross member front and back, are produced fully automatically on two 16,000 kN hydroform presses with an output of 4500 parts per day.

ALLFORM for lightweight frames

Our ALLFORM production line for lightweight frames consists of two 50,000 kN single presses and four 60,000/81,000 kN tandem presses. The presses are equipped with "quick filling" and "fast pre-forming" systems. The presses are loaded by high-dynamic linear feeders from our subsidiary Strothmann.

Hydroforming for large series production

The Siempelkamp ALLFORM tandem press is designed for large series production of chassis parts. The press is characterized by two independent rams integrated in one press frame so that the parts are produced in alternating operation. This press design is being used worldwide.

• Same production capacity as two single presses at considerably reduced investment costs.
• Smaller space requirements than two single presses resulting in lower foundation costs.