The Hydroforming Technology Seen Through the Eyes of a Material Supplier and a Hydroformer 982327

The ULSAB project, conducted by a consortium of 35 international steel producers, clearly demonstrates that the application of tubular hydroformed components offers a large contribution to the structural and crash performance of the Body in White whilst offering both a weight and cost saving [1, 2]. Although the number of hydroformed parts is only two (the left and right side roof rail) the potential in other hollow components is high. What needs to be proven is the viability in mass production. This incorporates not only the hydroforming technology itself, but also the availability of large diameter thin walled tubes. This paper will only deal with the first item for which Hoogovens Steel Strip mill Products and Dr. Meleghy Hydroforming GmbH have formed a partnership in October 1996. The objectives of the partnership are the development of forming simulation models and determine the relation between material characteristics and the hydroforming process.