EXTRUSION STRETCH FORMING SOLUTIONS Stretching the Limits of Metal Forming Stretch forming is a unique metal forming application commonly used in the aerospace industry to form parts of varying complexity . From simple , curved parts like aircraft skins to those with intricate geometries or non-uniform cross sections , stretch forming offers the flexibility and precision necessary to support aerospace manufacturing . In fact , most leading edge parts , joined structural sections , and contoured trim are created using a stretch forming machine .
How Does it Work ? During the stretch forming ( or wrap forming ) process , metal sheets or extrusions are stretched to exceed their inherent elastic limit and wrapped around contoured dies to create the desired shape . This “ stretching ” results in stronger finished parts with better shape control , surface quality , and yield strength than rolled or drawn parts .
Custom Machinery to Enhance Productivity Every Triform sheet and extrusion stretch forming machine is customized to optimize formability . Tonnage , jaw distance , jaw size , and table size are extensively evaluated by Triform ’ s application experts to determine the best machinery configuration for the part being formed .
Arm actuation ( both position and speed ) is fully programmable , allowing for both synced and independent movement while a modern ‘ closed-loop ’ control system allows precise , repeatable tension and angle control during operation .
Supplemental accessories such as heat integration for high strength alloys and hydraulic joggle rams for setting bends in the formed extrusions can be incorporated as needed .
Features & Benefits
• Synced or independent arm actuation
• Programmable pressure and position facilitates both traditional and tangential stretch forming
• ‘ Closed-loop ’ control system allows precise , repeatable tension and angle control
• Accurate , uniform tension force throughout the cycle minimizes wrinkling
• Programmable post-load cycle minimizes material spring back and increases the yield strength
• Built-in recipe functionality for repeatability and fast set-up
• Manual Control Mode allows direct control of the cycle profile to facilitate new part development
• Heat integration , joggle ram adapters , and bar code scanners can be incorporated as needed