Materials from .010 to .500 in thickness

Volumes from under 20 up to thousands

Tooling is half the cost of Deep Draw Stamping

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The cost effective alternative to deep drawn stampings. Hydroforming greatly simplifies the production of deep-drawn shapes. Hydroforming  uses an upper forming chamber with a flexible bladder and a lower hydraulic ram. The hydroforming process forms complex parts to close tolerances with excellent surfaces that require little to no finishing. It also has the ability to form stepped, irregular-shaped parts in a single operation rather than the standard series of sequential steps often required by other forming machines.

 

Our product development experience combined with our unique approach to forming has allowed us to be a leader in forming technology, developing tooling & procedures to form hardware for a wide range of applications. With a maximum blank diameter up to 26”, we can meet a wide range of your forming requirements.

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We can form materials ranging from .010 to .500 in thickness in material types such as Aluminum, all grades of Stainless Steel including aircraft grades, Inconel, Haynes 188 and 230, Hastelloy C and X, Titanium, Monel, Kovar, various Steel grades and Copper to name a few. Samples of industries served are Commercial Aircraft, Military, Medical, Space & Satellite, Energy, Fuel Cells, Lighting fixtures, Cookware, Private Funded Programs and Bicycle.

California Hydroforming takes immense pride in our ability to produce a wide range of formed hardware. Our experience and job history allow us to use the Hydro forms to their maximum capabilities to produce the best formed part possible. We also take immense pride in being able to produce those “Special Parts” that requires tooling and manufacturing techniques developed over our 60 plus years. Run sizes from under 20 pieces to larger quantities are welcome.

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Advantages of Hydroforming

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SAVINGS IN TOOL COST - Simplified tooling, only a male punch and draw ring are generally the only tools required. The rubber diaphragm acts as a universal female die. 

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SIMPLE TOOL INSTALLATION - Tools are quickly mounted and are self-centering and self-aligning.

 

VERSATILITY IN FORMING COMPLEX SHAPES & CONTOURS - Irregularly contoured shapes are easily formed using the Hydro form process because matching dies are not required.

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MINIMAL MATERIAL THIN OUT - Hydroforming flows the metal rather than stretching it. Therefore, the material thin out is minimal, usually less than 10%. Wall thickness at the open end of the part is typically nominal or slightly greater, depending on initial thickness.

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FEWER OPERATIONS REQUIRED - Many parts requiring two to three operations on conventional presses can be formed in one operation.

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MATERIAL VERSATILITY - Practically all sheet metals capable of being cold formed, carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, precious metals, inconel (nickel alloys), titanium, Haynes 188 and others, can be hydroformed. Material thickness from .010 to .500 can be formed.

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