Services
Hydro Forming
Combine hydroforming services with our other metalworking processes for a complete product.
Combine hydroforming services with our other metalworking processes for a complete product.
Our precision sheet metal forming services can create any part or tool you need for your aerospace project (or any manufacturing industry!). With quality tooling options for quick changes, and a versatility in sizing, this process will work on almost any metal.
Also known as deep draw forming, this system doesn’t actually use water, but typically uses a hydraulic fluid, like oil, at high pressures to form metal around a rubber bladder.
One of the top benefits for deep drawing sheet metal is the ability to form into irregular shapes, while other machining processes rely on symmetrical shapes.
Our services don’t end at hydroforming, we carry your piece through the entire process even if it requires multiple machines.
Why should you choose hydro forming over normal machining processes?
And why should you choose C.B. Kaupp & Sons for the project?
Because the rubber bladder can be shaped to complex geometric shapes, you don’t need to build an additional stainless steel “female” part for the project.
With turning or regular tooling, you’re left with significant waste in the process. Through hydroforming, we can create near-sheer pieces with less thinning and scraps.
In the same way hydro forming saves you money, it saves you production time. No extra tooling required to finish your prototype or production piece.
While some machinist only offer one or the other services, we have hydroforming and CNC machines in house. Some pieces may require all machines, but we’ll be your one-stop shop.
No matter what stage of the process you’re in, Kaupp becomes your partner from engineering to prototype to production.
Before you send a piece to the hydraulic press, many time you can preform and precut the metal. This eliminates waste and helps maintain stringent tolerances. Our principles of quality, speed, and accuracy ensure you product meets high standards every time.
The deep drawing process is often compared to metal stamping. However, stamping costs more and allows for less flexibility in small batches. Both the male and female parts of the press must be formed, usually out of stainless steel, in order to then form the piece out of sheet aluminum, titanium, or other metals.
The stamping process also requires overlap to punch through and shape the piece, which leads to waste on expensive materials. Then, if you require any design changes, two new dies need to be made, which further increases lead time.
Metal stamping is still necessary in other projects, but you’ll find hydroforming an especially great fit for prototypes and small runs.
These two processes have many similarities: using high pressure, the metal forms to the shape of the mold. With metal spinning, the finished shape needs to be symmetrical. But deep drawing allows for complex shapes and squares.
Die pressing applied friction to the metal, while hydro forming allows the metal to flow over the rubber bladder. Where a die would need additional work to reinforce thinned areas, you save time and money with a modern simplified forming process.