Demands on tool and machine design for temperature supported hydroforming of magnesium and aluminium alloys

Due to the need for a significant reduction in the weight of parts in automotive manufacturing, the use of lightweight materials such as magnesium and aluminum is becoming increasingly important. Unfortunately, these materials are often associated with limited cold formability. Because of this, production of large, complex sheet metal components using forming technology frequently entails greater cost. To extend the application of these materials in manufacturing processes, it is essential to identify strategies which permit improvement of the forming behavior of these materials. The use of elevated temperatures as a process parameter in forming operations is a strategy which has potential in terms of the search for a solution to counter the aforementioned disadvantages. Firstly, it permits a distinct increase in the ductility and formability of the material. Secondly, it reduces deformation resistance and hence the forming forces and pressures required.