Flexform, also called fluid cell forming, is engineered to be a low-cost sheet metal forming process designed for both prototyping and lower volume parts production. With Flexform, sheet metal is formed over one rigid, shape-defining tool half by a flexible rubber diaphragm supported by high hydraulic pressure. "The use of a single rigid tool half results in short lead times, low tool costs, fast try-out and easy tool modification after component design changes," said a Quintus Technologies spokesperson.
"The flexible rubber diaphragm forms scratch-free parts of complex shape, including undercuts, with different sheet thicknesses in all materials," continued the spokesperson. "High and ultrahigh uniform forming pressures help ensure high quality parts with close tolerances directly off the press, and add the possibility of trimming in the same press cycle. Low tool costs and short lead times make Flexform ideal for low volume production of high quality sheet metal parts for a wide range of applications."
Flexform fluid cell presses are intended for forming large items or multiple smaller parts in one cycle. Tools are placed, with no need for fine alignment or fixing, in the press trays. There is normally one tray at each end of the press and these shuttle in and out of the press frame where the flexible rubber diaphragm is situated.
Flexform fluid cell presses are manufactured with rectangular trays at standard widths of 0.7 m (27.6") to 1.8 m (70.9") and with tray lengths from 1.8 m (70.9") to 4.0 m (157.5"). The cycle time is normally between one and three minutes depending on press size, formed parts and selected pressure. Maximum forming pressure ranges from 800 bar (11,600 PSI) to 1,400 bar (20,000 PSI).
For increased productivity, the fluid cell presses can be equipped with pallet systems. With such a system, the tools and blanks are loaded onto a pallet that is lifted into and out of the tray with lifting pins operating through the tray bottom. The system can be used in connection with tool exchange and/or part exchange.
Circular Flexform Presses
The Circular Flexform press is intended for forming small and multiple parts. Tools are placed, with no need for fine alignment or fixing, in the circular press trays. There is normally one tray at each end of the press, and these shuttle in and out of the press frame where the circular flexible rubber diaphragm is situated. The tools can be simple punches (blocks), punches with fixed blank holders, dies or expansion tools. From a forming point of view, the Circular Flexform press is identical to the larger Flexform fluid cell press with rectangular trays, and is commonly used for off-load and back-up for those larger presses.
The compact Circular Flexform press is equipped with circular forming trays, allowing blank sizes up to 1 m. Maximum height for tools and throw pads is 220 mm (8.7"). The cycle time is about 60 seconds, depending on the formed parts and selected pressure. Maximum forming pressure is 800 bar (11,600 PSI).
For increased productivity, the Circular Flexform press can be equipped with a pallet system.
Circular Flexform Deep Draw Presses
Flexform deep draw presses are the most versatile in terms of forming capabilities. Not only can they form the same kind of parts as Flexform fluid cell presses, but also complex and deep parts that require a deep drawing function. This is performed with the rigid tool half - a movable punch and blank holder - and by controlling the forming pressure as a function of the draw depth. The circular Flexform unit contains the flexible rubber diaphragm.
Flexform applications include aircraft, automotive and general part production.
For more information contact:
Quintus Technologies LLC
8270 Green Meadows Drive N
Lewis Center, OH 43035
614-891-2732
info@quintusteam.com
www.quintustechnologies.com