Abstract
Considerable disadvantages of hydroforming processes in comparison with conventional sheet metal forming operations are the longer process and cycle times, respectively, for the realization of part geometries. To make a use of this innovative forming technology also for other industrial applications possible, strategies have technology. The integration of additional operations into the main hydroformin process offers the chance to reach a higher productivity. With regard to a corresponding techno logy and an appropriate tool design, forming steps can be reduced, which would be necessary for a conventional part realization. This approach possesses a large potential to minimize tool expenditure as well as process times. Consequently, the effectiveness of a hydroforming operation can be positively effected. The main preconditions for a successful process integration is the consideration of the main components and the existing interactions of the forming system during
- designing of part and tool,
- design of process and
- determination of optimum process parameters.