What is Sheet Metal Forming?

In sheet metal forming, the final shape of a part is made from a flat metal sheet. The desired shape is achieved through plastic deformation, without undergoing any machining like milling. Sheet metal forming is used in almost every sector of industrial production, like the automotive industry, the aircraft industry, the home appliance industry, the food industry etc.

Flexform, also called fluid cell forming, or hydroforming, is an economical sheet metal forming process designed for low volume parts production, perfectly suited also for prototyping and pre-series production. The unique technology allow forming of sheet metal blanks over a single rigid, shape defining tool half by a flexible rubber diaphragm, supported by a uniform hydrostatic oil pressure.

Quintus Technologies, formerly known under the brand Avure Technologies, Flow Pressure Systems, ABB Pressure Systems and ASEA, has over several decades designed, built and installed more than 200 Flexform fluid cell presses for major manufacturers worldwide, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, BMW, Daimler, Embraer, Ford, Mitsubishi, Volvo and many, many more, along with a growing number of lower tier suppliers to the aerospace and automotive industries.

Flexform is a versatile solution for the manufacturing of high quality sheet metal components, made from all type of materials and thicknesses, where small volumes and large varieties are required. The technology is of particular interest in labor intensive industries, as well as for industries where the cost for forming dies and where time-to-market for new products are crucial.