Tube hydroforming: current research, applications and need for training

Tube hydroforming is a relatively new technology compared to conventional stamping. Thus, there is no large “knowledge base” that can be utilized for process and die design. To remedy this situation, considerable research is now being conducted by various institutions on significant aspects of tube hydroforming technology, including material selection, friction, pre-form design, hydroforming process and tool design, die materials and coatings. ERC/NSM is also conducting R&D in tube hydroforming in association with its industrial partners. This paper summarizes some of the early results in hydroforming of low carbon steel and aluminum alloy 6061-T9 tubes.