Hydroforming or Stamping: Which Should You Choose?

Since our founding in 1923, Jones Metal Products has worked to stay at the forefront of manufacturing. We invest in the technologies that we know will benefit our customers most, with our goal being to provide high quality orders on time, at a competitive price. By offering a wide range of forming methods, we can utilize the ideal method for your product. From aluminum to high-tech alloys, JMP is experienced with many types of metals. If you’re deciding between hydroforming and metal stamping for your next project, here are some points to consider.

Hydroforming

For a product with a complex or asymmetrical shape, hydroforming can be an excellent fit. Hydroforming brings high flexibility and precision to your project. This technique is useful for parts that are intricately designed, or for parts that are long and shallow. With fluid cell hydroforming Jones Metal Products can form parts up to 6 feet long, 27.5 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. The hydroforming process can lessen tooling costs as well. Only one tool is needed to create parts by hydroforming; no mating tool is needed. Additionally, fluid cell hydroforming allows for multiple tools to be used at the same time, so different parts can be made simultaneously. Because hydroforming uses intense liquid pressure to form parts, the finished products have fewer abrasions and better finishes. These clean finishes mean that downstream processing is minimized. For industries that need a smooth finish to their products, hydroforming is often the perfect option.

Metal Stamping

Metal stamping is a traditional, tried and true technique that can quickly complete a large or small order. Two hardened steel dies are needed to form a part; after this, the metal stamping process facilitates fast work and high production rates. At Jones Metal Products, metal stamping can be used to create parts up to 12 inches deep and 40 inches in diameter. Metal stamping can be the right option for both high-volume and short-run production. With short-run metal stamping, the inside of a part can be kept within +/- .1 inch of its die. If the part in production is a simple shape and surface marks are not a cause for concern, consider metal stamping for your products.

Jones Metal Products has decades of experience in both hydroforming and metal stamping. To talk with one of our experts about either of these processes, call 888-479-9566 or submit your drawing today.