Bladder And Tubular Hydroforming

If you are new to the world of shaping, metalwork, and understanding how processes work in the construction and parts manufacturing industry then fear not you are not alone in this scenario, many people have no clue how the components and parts that they use come to be. 

Hearing manufacturers and business owners talk about prototypes and equipment needing to be made using specific techniques such as hydroforming can seem like another world, and for the most it is, but as we look into it further and discuss you will soon see it is quite simple.

To break it down into its most basic explanation, the technique of hydroforming is when a component is shaped using a form of liquid. This liquid can be anything from hydraulic fluids, oils, and even plain water, but what makes this method so special and sought after for many projects is that the method uses force to essentially squash the material into the shape needed. The final look is cleaner, chicer, and gives a fluid, endless look which appeals to many entrepreneurs. 

 

The differences.

When we talk about bladder forming you need to envision the initial die (also known as a mold shape), this is essentially the ‘mold’ that the metal will be shaped to and formed into. The sheet metal is placed on top of the die mold and using the liquid force the sheet is pushed into the desired and designed shape to fill the space, and thus the object is made. But a note to be aware of is that the liquid does not have direct contact with the metal as many people may think as it could tarnish the metal or discolor it, but rather a ‘bladder’ (bag) is filled with the liquid and this bladder is what pushes into the metal. 

Then we take a quick look at tubular forming where again liquid is used but this time it is inside a compilation of tubes that are strategically placed for the desired shape. Then the liquid is forced through these tubes at different pressure percentages to shape and mold the metal. This is a highly popular method in the automotive industry as so many of the components that make up the automobile foundation are surprisingly tubular. 

To learn more about these two techniques have a look here and if you are about to embark on the beginning stages of the product creation, it is good to see which would be a better fit. 

While the first few steps can be tedious and painstakingly intricate and involve an idea coming to life and with the help and guidance of industry professionals and engineers, a prototype is created and a plan of execution formulated. A hydroforming method whilst labor intensive it does produce light and durable components, and with the highest quality in the final product. What more could you ask for, you have worked long and hard to get this project off the ground, why would you want anything less than the best, am I right?

There are many positives to using the hydroforming method, see some mentioned below and it may help you conclude a decision on whether this could be the process needed for your project and to take it to the next level. 

  • Weight. This is a big factor for many business and product owners as who would want to lug around a 5kg object and then expect a customer to want to do the same, no thank you. With this method, you use less material hence the lightweight, win-win.
  • Accuracy. There is almost no room for error, the die is what it is having been perfectly designed, programmed, and made for the project, and we all know that liquid gets into every nook and cranny, even when we don’t want it to sometimes. Thus when it is put into the bladder and the tubes the shape you want is the shape you get.
  • Aesthetics. With the need for welding of components together to make up one larger item, or the joining mechanisms added to bring elements together eliminated, you have an overall product with a higher quality of finish and cohesiveness.

If these features sound like something you want for your prototype and next product then finding the right company to do the job will allow for a better result, you want like a Bladder and Tubular Hydroforming Company that has your best interests in mind and that prides itself on a product well made. With careful research, you can find the perfect firm to make your dreams come to life. 

  • Cost-effective. With less initial material needed and the fact that a lot of items can be produced in a shorter time whilst maintaining uniformity and quality, it makes this method one above the rest and is easy on the wallet. 

To sum it up.

The first use of this method was to create and manufacture fixtures used in plumbing and for kitchen tap spouts, and upon seeing its versatility and speed of production it has become highly popular around the world and across a multitude of industries. 

One main element that appeals to many business owners and entrepreneurs with endless ideas is the high level of adaptability hydroforming brings to the table, that and the fact that for the results the costs are not overwhelming. And we all know we could use a helping hand from time to time when it comes to paying for things, correct?

It is a process that is long-lasting and offers a sturdy end product, what more could you ask for in an item that is essentially a dream come reality. 

 

At the end of the day, you want to put to market a product that represents you in the best light, even more so if your name is attached to it and not simply an addition to another item. Using the best methods to execute the design and instilling the help of industry professionals by searching the web using keywords such as sheet metal fabrication shops near me, you have an opportunity to make a difference in the world, one hydro-formed product at a time.

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