How does explosive hydroforming work?

For large parts, explosive hydroforming can generate the forming pressure by simply exploding a charge above the part (complete with evacuated mold) which is immersed in a pool of water. The hydroforming-into-a-mold process also works using only a shock wave in air as the pressuring medium.

What is explosive forming used for?

Explosive forming has been mainly used in aerospace and aircraft industry to produce large parts for which conventional tooling costs are high. It involves the discharge of explosives located at a predetermined distance from the workpiece, and water is generally used as the energy transfer medium.

What are the two types of hydroforming?

So, what are the two types of hydroforming? They are Tube Hydroforming and Sheet Hydroforming. We use Tube Hydroforming when a complex shape is needed, such as a curved section, or a hollow tube with various shapes.

Why is hydroforming explosive?

The Benefits of Explosive Forming It can produce large components, thus eliminating the need for costly welds. The process is less expensive than super-plastic forming. Tolerances are capable of maintaining precision. Tooling costs are lower because only one half of a die is required.

What explosives are used in explosive forming?

Explosive forming – process description The workpiece is situated directly above the die and explosive material placed above that. The explosive material is typically Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a mixture of acetylene and oxygen or Nitroglycerine.

What are the advantages of hydroforming?

Hydroforming provides several advantages in the manufacture of aerospace parts and components, including greater geometric possibilities, superior surface finishes, and more economical, streamlined operations.

What are the principles of explosive forming?

The main elements involved in the explosive forming process are: the explosive charge, an energy transfer medium, a forming die and the workpiece. One can distinguish two main types of explosive forming: the contact technique and stand-off technique [1] .

Why is hydroforming used?

Hydroforming is used to replace the older process of stamping two part halves and welding them together. It is also used to make parts both more efficiently by eliminating welding as well as creating complex shapes and contours.

What is sheet hydroforming?

Sheet hydroforming is a potential method to improve the formability of aluminum alloy sheets at room temperatures. The process has been used in the commercial manufacture of automotive steel parts; however, the technology is also ready for the production of aluminum parts.

Who invented explosive welding?

DuPont
In 1962, DuPont applied for a patent on the explosion welding process, which was granted on June 23, 1964 under US Patent 3,137,937 and resulted in the use of the Detaclad trademark to describe the process.