How Much Does a Hydroforming Press Cost?
Hydroforming
Among the different metal fabrication methods out there, hydroforming is a cost-effective option. Often employed as an alternative to more traditional stamping, like deep draw stamping, hydroforming is a fabrication method that can increase efficiency and time. This efficiency and several other benefits help to keep the hydroforming tooling cost low.
From start to finish of any metal fabrication process, time and cost are going to be important to customers. As metal manufacturers here at Jones Metal Products, we know how important it can be to customers to have cost-effective options that save both time and money. So when we quote price estimates to our new customers, we do our best to look for ways that will ultimately save you money and time.
So today, we are going to look at some of the ways that the hydroforming tooling cost can be kept down.
How Much Does A Hydroforming Press Cost?
Since we want to answer the question of “how much does a hydroforming press cost” today, we are going to take a closer look at what goes into hydroforming tooling cost. When we look at the overall expense of hydroforming tooling cost compared to the cost of metal stamping tooling, there is a significant difference.
The hydroforming tooling cost can be up to fifty percent less than that of metal stamping tooling! This cost difference certainly gives us part of the answer to how much does a hydroforming press cost, but we want to dig in a little bit more.
Hydroforming tooling cost is much lower than the cost of metal stamping tooling because of the actual process. The hydroforming process occurs on the hydroforming press. The press itself works as the female die component that puts out pressure downwards when a metal blank has been put into the chamber.
Fluid pressure is used during the hydroforming process to form metal. This means that only one punch (which is the male die in this method) and a blank that holds the ring are required to form a metal part.
The hydroforming tooling cost is lower than other methods of fabrication because hydroforming uses far less dies than other methods. On top of the need for fewer dies, hydroforming punches are also capable of being made of 4140 steel.
4140 steel is much softer than the hardened tools that are needed in other fabrication methods like deep draw stamping.
And to add a little bit of extra spice to the cost rundown, when short runs occur, punches can also be made out of a resin material that is also less expensive than 4140 steel. This helps to further keep the hydroforming tooling cost down.
Further Breakdown of A Hydroforming Tooling Cost
Now that we have a pretty good understanding of the hydroforming tooling cost, we can dig in just a bit more. Here are a few extra ways that the hydroforming tooling cost comes into play:
- The hydroforming press time is typically only one cycle. This can result in overall savings up to 25% when compared to other pressing methods that need multiple dies.
- Hydroforming uses a flexible diaphragm and results in metal parts that have excellent finishes, cutting out the need for further finishing services.
- No new tooling needs to be made when a change in thickness or materials is required.
Curious About The Hydroforming Tooling Cost of Your Project?
Now that you have a better understanding of the answer to “how much does a hydroforming press cost?”, we can move onto your needs. Whether you have a large volume order you need to place or you have a one-time production run in mind, the team here at Jones Metal Project is ready to help you.
If you want to learn more about the hydroforming tooling cost and what we can do for you, call us today at 888-479-9566 or get in contact with us online.
Recommended Resources from the Hydroforming Experts
Check out our latest video featuring
a deep dive on hydroforming by Jones Metal Products.
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