The shockwave in water accelerates the workpiece and brings it into a viscoplastic state at impact onto the die, enabling forming of complex shapes at high speeds in cold conditions. All of which happens in a matter of less than a millisecond. The total cycle time is within seconds, including charging time of the system.
This process allows forming of parts up to a few squared meters in size. An array of electrodes can be placed over a large workpiece, enabling pressure distribution according to the product’s topology, still using a one-sided die to create complex shapes and fine details.
EHF Benefits
Product Performance
- Significant increased formability of metals and even material distribution
- Springback reduction
- Complex engraving and sharp lines can be easily formed
- Extremely good capability to calibrate parts
- High-quality surface finish of part
Green & Clean Process
- Uses low amounts of energy
- Uses low quantity of water in closed circuit loops
Process Performance
- A single-step, extremely fast process
- Only a single one-sided die is required (1 EHF system can replace a heavy 5-step press system)
- Higher formability (high velocity deformation)
- Less chance of tears due to friction as no contact occurs between tool and part
- Can be combined with any other forming technology
- Allows forming of parts up to a few square meters in size
- Forming of male and female shapes (negative & positive)
- Equipment has small footprint
EHF System
Production capacity
- Up to 700,000 parts/year in 3 shifts
- Fully automatic operation
- Quick change over
Characteristics of manufactured products
- Perfume caps: up to 50 mm in diameter, 80 mm in length
- Lipstick bodies: up to 50 mm in diameter, 80 mm in length
- Decorative lids: up to 70mm in diameter
- Materials: aluminum up to 1.2 mm thick – other materials and thicknesses possible upon request
Footprint
- Cell size: 2000mm*5300mm*2250mm (h)
- Including: pulse generator, forming cell, water unit, master unit, electrical cabinet, part conveyor
Electric Consumption
Electrical consumption: less than conventional system