How to reduce Part Costs and save Weight Hydroforming - an Alternative Manufacturing Process 2001-01-3400

The first objective of this paper is to briefly introduce hydroforming technology. The hydroforming process itself as well as the benefits and possibilities of hydroforming will be shown in the paper. Typical benefits and the different applications of hydroforming in the automotive industry will be presented.

Hydroforming is an increasing manufacturing technology that offers many possibilities for part cost savings. The second objective of this paper is to demonstrate some of the important factors like part design and equipment design determining the hydroforming part costs.