New Hydroformed Structures are Lighter and Stronger than Traditional Stamped and Welded Automobile Assemblies for Today’s Fuel Efficient Vehicles
Fort Wayne, IN—Automobile designers everywhere have discovered that new hydroformed structures are a lighter and stronger alternative to traditional stamped and welded assemblies. American Hydroformers, Inc. (AHI) can meet the needs of customers in the automotive industry for hydroformed catalytic converter cones and exhaust components, crash tips, cross members, engine cradles, frame rails, header and exhaust manifolds, instrument panel beams, radiator and roof supports, trailing suspension arms and more.
For many years, high performance and race car builders have utilized tubular frame construction for its strength and lightweight nature. With the latest federal mandates for mileage and crash worthiness, hydroformed frames are an ideal solution.
“To achieve the goal of stronger, stiffer and lighter demanded by more fuel efficient automobiles, hydroformed structures are the way to go,” says Todd Ellinger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for AHI. He adds, “Hydroformed component will also benefit electric and hybrid vehicles. We work closely with OEMs to create the products they need at a competitive price.”
As the advantages of hydroforming and fabricating become better understood, more metal fabricating applications arise. AHI offers superior solutions for many pressure forming challenges. AHI’s unique metal forming, metal fabrication, tube bending, tube hydroforming and pressure forming capabilities enable the company to offer turnkey solutions -- from the time the hydroforming press closes to when the final hydroformed part is removed.
A simplified overview of the hydroform process is as follows: Raw tube is loaded into hydroforming dies and the hydroforming press closes. The sealing rods engage the part, seal the ends and fill it with water, increasing pressure inside the part. The sealing rods push the tube into the die (end feed) and the internal pressure is ramped to its maximum value. The hydroformed part takes on the shape of the die. Then, the final hydroformed part is removed.
| American Hydroformers specializes in the hydroform tube forming process. American Hydroformers processes start with raw tube and progresses through tube bending, tube pre-forming, tube forming, tube hydroforming, laser cutting and trimming. Originally founded in 2003, American Hydroformers, Inc. was formed to create a larger portfolio of fabrication offerings for the Tippmann Affiliated Group, who manages companies across a broad scope of industries. The addition of hydroforming was a great fit to expand the offerings from Summit Manufacturing and Zemco Manufacturing. For more information, call (260) 428-2660, visit www.americanhydroformers.com or e-mail info@americanhydroformers.com. AHI Headquarters is located at 2320 Meyer Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46803. |
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Edward M.Stevens, APR,
Ext. 201 estevens@stevensstrategic.com
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