The Design of an Experimental Hydraulic Bulge Forming Machine

Summary

Preliminary investigations into hydraulic bulge forming of tubular components on a prototype machine produced useful but limited results. The need for a dedicated experimental bulge forming machine, which would be capable of producing a wider variety of components more readily and with more comprehensive instrumentation, quickly became evident. A new machine was designed and built on the basis of the operating parameters determined from the prototype machine. Axial compressive forces of up to 200 kN and internal pressures of up to 69 N/mm² can be obtained. Facilities for future automation were incorporated early in the design stages. The machine is now in operation and results are promising. This paper describes the design of the machine and some of the problems overcome in commissioning. Initial experimental results achieved from the machine are presented.