Flow Forming

DEFINITION of FLOW FORMING: An advanced, cold forming process used to manufacture dimensionally precise, round, seamless, hollow components.

Since the mid-1980s, Dynamic Flowform has used the precision flow forming process to produce hundreds of different thin-walled components to net or near-net shape. Our satisfied customers come from some of the most demanding military, nuclear and industrial markets. They appreciate the fact that the flow forming process can be a cost-effective alternative to conventional manufacturing practices. Other customers utilize flow forming to reap the dimensional, mechanical or metallurgical benefits.

By changing the necessary tooling, it is possible to execute Forward Flow forming, Reverse Flow forming and Shear forming on the same flow forming machine. Although there are exceptions, in most cases it is the configuration of the end of the final component that dictates the method of flow forming to be employed. Typically, a cylinder with one closed or partially closed end is Forward Flow formed. A cylinder with two open ends is Reverse Flow formed. A conical or ogivial component is Shear formed. In a number of cases, a combination of Forward and Reverse Flow forming is utilized to successfully achieve the desired geometry.

our flow forming CAPABILITIES: Our components range in size from diameters of 0.866” to 25.600” (22-650mm), wall thicknesses from 0.006” to 0.600” (0.15-15mm) with lengths up to 26.5 ft. (8 meters). Since flow forming poses no limitations on the relationship between component diameter and wall thickness, quite often we produce large diameters with precise thin walls.

To date, we have successfully flow formed a myriad of geometries in more than 50 different metals ranging from Aluminum to Zirconium. We truly appreciate the many customers who have put their trust in the know-how and reliability of Dynamic Flowform