Manufacturing system for the integrated hydroforming, trimming and welding of sheet metal pairs

The purpose of the presented work is to shorten the process chain for the manufacturing of complex hollow bodies made of sheet metal by developing a manufacturing system that integrates the process steps: hydroforming, mechanical trimming, laser beam welding and hydrocalibrating. For the hydroforming process, a special tool is developed that integrates a trimming device. After the preforming and cutting, the flange is welded by a laser beam that is guided by a special CNC-controlled welding robot.