Sheet hydroforming for the automotive industry

Objective

This project intends to develop sheet hydro forming for full-scale industrial application. The overall aim is to reduce the weight of the vehicles to support the reduction of CO2 emissions. The overall process development and optimisation is planned, starting from the choice of material, the preparation of sheets, process design and ends with the manufacture of two demonstrators, displaying the advantages of sheet hydro formed parts. Experimental and virtual procedures are considered as well as the process parameters and control systems. The link between experimental work and simulation is a key issue for the project in order to develop sheet hydro forming towards an industrial application, that fits into modern design and manufacture strategies. The project intends to promote the use of steel and aluminium by extending their forming limits using hydro forming process.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-3. - Key Action Land Transport and Marine Technologies

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (9)