Draft:Flowforming

{{AFC submission|d|ai|u=Akhara2025|ns=118|decliner=S0091|declinets=20250609184039|ts=20250609183642}}

{{Short description|Metalworking process used to form rotationally symmetrical parts with high precision and strength}}

{{Draft topics|engineering|technology}}

{{AfC topic|other}}

Flowforming (sometimes spelled as flow forming) is a metalworking process used to form rotationally symmetrical parts with high precision and strength. It is widely employed in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing.

Process Overview

Flow forming begins with a cylindrical preform, called a blank, which is mounted on a rotating mandrel. Rollers apply localized pressure, forcing the material to plastically deform and flow along the surface of the mandrel.

There are three primary variants of the flow forming process:

• Forward flow forming: Material moves in the direction of roller travel.

• Reverse flow forming: Material flows opposite to the roller travel.

• Shear forming: The wall thickness is reduced without significant change to the original blank diameter.

Precise control of variables such as roller force, rotational speed, and feed rate is critical to achieving desired wall thicknesses and dimensional tolerances.

Advantages

Flow forming offers several advantages compared to conventional manufacturing techniques:

• Improved mechanical properties due to cold working and grain flow orientation.

• Reduced weight through the creation of thin-walled structures without loss of strength.

• High dimensional accuracy and repeatability.

• Minimal material waste compared to machining or forging.

• Ability to form complex shapes and contours in a single process.

History

Flow forming evolved from traditional metal spinning practices during the mid-20th century. The method gained prominence in the aerospace and defense sectors during the 1960s and 1970s due to its ability to produce high-strength, lightweight parts. Advances in materials science, computer numerical control (CNC) systems, and precision tooling have expanded its applications across numerous industries.

FlowformingPlus

FlowformingPlus™ is a proprietary process developed by PMF Industries that extends the capabilities of conventional flow forming. It integrates additional techniques such as shear forming, rolling, deep drawing, spinning, and piercing, allowing for the creation of components with complex geometries, multiple diameter transitions, and integrated features.

In May 2024, PMF Industries announced an $8 million expansion to enhance their manufacturing capabilities, including further investment into their FlowformingPlus™ process. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to advancing metal forming technologies and meeting the evolving needs of industries such as aerospace, defense, and energy.