Pneumatic Metal Forming Services

Frigate uses pneumatic pressure to achieve controlled metal flow in forming processes. The method enhances part consistency and reduces cycle time in high-volume production. 

Our Clients

Advantages of Pneumatic Metal Forming Services

Reduced Tooling Costs

Pneumatic forming requires fewer specialized tools than other forming methods, lowering overall tooling and setup costs.

Minimal Heat Generation

Unlike traditional forging, pneumatic metal forming generates less heat, reducing the risk of material degradation and thermal distortion.

Improved Cycle Time Control

Pneumatic systems can be finely tuned for precise cycle times, optimizing throughput while maintaining high-quality part consistency.

Flexibility in Materials

Pneumatic forming works well with a wide range of metals, from soft alloys to harder, high-strength materials, offering broad application.

Custom Pneumatic Metal Forming for Precision and Efficiency

Custom pneumatic metal forming offers a highly controlled method for shaping metals with precision, addressing common challenges such as dimensional inconsistency and extended production times. By applying compressed air for deformation, this technique enables tight control over material flow, ensuring parts meet strict tolerance requirements. It is particularly effective for producing complex geometries, as it minimizes material waste and reduces the need for costly tooling. The process also generates minimal heat, preserving the structural integrity of metals and preventing distortion.  

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Our Pneumatic Metal Forming Process

HY D R O L Y SIS RESIS T ANCE
Material Preparation

Depending on the material type, the metal to be formed is prepped by heating or cutting it to the desired size. 

Tool Setup

A forming die is installed to match the final part shape. The die ensures the metal takes on the precise geometry during shaping. 

Compression with Air Pressure

Compressed air is directed into the system, and controlled pressure is applied to the metal. This pressure causes the metal to flow and form into the shape of the die. 

Deformation Control

The air pressure is carefully controlled to achieve the desired material flow and ensure the part's uniform thickness and dimensional accuracy. 

Cooling and Solidification

After forming, the part is cooled, allowing it to solidify in its new shape. Depending on the material, the cooling process may be natural or accelerated. 

Inspection and Finishing

The formed part undergoes inspection for dimensional accuracy and quality. Any necessary finishing processes, such as trimming or surface treatment, are performed to meet final specifications. 

Pneumatic Metal Forming Materials

Pneumatic metal forming uses compressed air for precise metal shaping. It ensures uniform material flow and tight dimensional accuracy for complex parts. 

Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys like 6061 and 7075 are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to form at low temperatures. Their high strength-to-weight ratio makes them ideal for aerospace and automotive applications, where minimal heat input is critical to avoid distortion. 

High-Strength Steel Alloys

Steel alloys offer exceptional strength and toughness, including carbon steels (AISI 1045) and stainless steels (304, 316). Pneumatic forming of steel requires precise control to prevent thermal stress and ensure high-quality components for automotive and industrial use. 

Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper and alloys like brass (C36000) and bronze (C51000) are known for excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. The pneumatic forming of these materials ensures smooth, precise shaping and is ideal for electrical connectors, plumbing, and decorative applications. 

Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V provide high strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Pneumatic forming allows precise shaping while maintaining material properties, and it is commonly used in aerospace and medical industries for lightweight, durable components. 

Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium alloys, like AZ91D, are the lightest structural metals used in automotive and aerospace industries. Pneumatic forming minimizes oxidation and ensures consistent material flow, making them ideal for weight-sensitive applications requiring strength and performance. 

Tool Steels

Tool steels like D2 and S7 are used for high-wear applications. Pneumatic forming enables precise shaping of these hard steels while maintaining their toughness and hardness, making them ideal for cutting, stamping, and forming tools. 

Nickel Alloys

Nickel alloys, such as Inconel 718, offer high resistance to heat and corrosion. Pneumatic forming ensures the precise shaping of these materials for critical aerospace and power generation applications, maintaining their structural integrity under extreme conditions. 

Enhancing Alloy Durability with Stable Temperature Control

Certain alloys, like titanium, require strict temperature control in pneumatic metal forming. Frigate uses precise temperature management systems to ensure stable forming conditions. Deviations from optimal temperatures can alter the material’s microstructure, compromising key properties such as strength, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. Maintaining accurate temperatures is essential to prevent performance degradation in these sensitive materials. 

Compliance for Pneumatic Metal Forming Services

Frigate’s Pneumatic Metal Forming services fully comply with critical industry standards to maintain precision, reliability, and safety. We rigorously follow regulations that ensure quality control and minimize risks during pneumatic forming operations. Our focus on compliance guarantees high-quality, durable metal components that meet or exceed customer specifications. 

Compliance Requirements for Pneumatic Metal Forming

ISO 9001:2015 (Certification No. 01 100 160707)

Ensures consistent quality management and continuous improvement in production and operational processes. 

ISO/TS 16949 (Certification No. 12278/31)

Automotive industry-specific standard ensuring reliable manufacturing of metal components with strict quality and process control. 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910

Establishes safety guidelines for the operation of pneumatic machinery, ensuring a safe working environment. 

ANSI B11.2

Defines safety requirements for forming and stamping presses, including pneumatic systems, to prevent workplace accidents. 

RoHS 2011/65/EU (Certification No. EU RoHS-08/16)

Restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment for environmental and health safety. 

REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 (Registration No. REACH-2031/22)

Regulates chemicals used in production, ensuring materials are safe and environmentally compliant. 

IEC 61508 (Certification No. IEC61508-78)

Ensures functional safety of electrical and electronic systems in pneumatic machinery, minimizing operational risks. 

 

Tolerance for Pneumatic Metal Forming Services

Springback
±0.1 mm to ±0.5 mm

Deviation in material shape after forming due to elastic recovery of the metal. 

Punch Force Variability
±2% to ±5%

Variation in the force applied by the punch during forming, affecting accuracy. 

Material Strain
±5% to ±10%

The amount of material deformation due to applied forces during the forming process. 

Die Wear
±0.1 mm to ±0.3 mm

Tolerance in part dimensions due to wear of the forming die over time. 

Stroke Length
±0.5 mm to ±1.0 mm

Deviation in the depth of the punch stroke, affecting part consistency. 

Tensile Strength Post-Forming
±5% to ±10%

Variation in the material’s tensile strength after forming, indicating material consistency. 

Corner Radii Consistency
±0.1 mm to ±0.3 mm

Uniformity in the radii of formed corners, essential for component fit and function. 

Thickness Distribution
±0.02 mm to ±0.1 mm

Consistency of material thickness after forming, particularly in deep-drawn parts. 

Flange Parallelism
±0.05 mm to ±0.2 mm

Deviation in the parallelism of formed flanges relative to the part's base surface. 

Forming Speed Impact
±1% to ±3%

Influence of forming speed on material properties and dimensional accuracy. 

Part Straightness
±0.05 mm to ±0.2 mm

Deviation from a straight line after forming, especially in long, thin parts. 

Die Closure Gap
±0.05 mm to ±0.2 mm

Tolerance in the gap between die halves during the forming cycle, affecting part consistency. 

Quality Testing Standards for Pneumatic Metal Forming Services

Forming Speed Consistency
High-Speed Cameras/Force Transducers

Monitors the consistency of pneumatic forming speed and its impact on part quality. 

Work Hardening
Microhardness Testing

Measures material hardness to evaluate the effect of work hardening during the forming process. 

Thermal Distortion
Infrared Thermography/Temperature Sensors

Detects heat distribution and its impact on material properties during forming. 

Forming Pressure Distribution
Pressure Sensors/Load Cells

Measures the uniformity of pneumatic pressure applied during the forming process. 

Die and Tool Alignment
Laser Measurement/Optical Inspection

Ensures precise alignment of die components to minimize dimensional errors in the final product. 

Lubrication Effectiveness
Surface Tension Measurement/Tribometer

Tests the lubrication between die and material to reduce friction and wear, ensuring part quality. 

Residual Stress
X-ray Diffraction or Neutron Diffraction

Analyzes internal stresses within the material after forming that can affect its performance. 

Burr Formation
Optical Microscope/Edge Profiling

Identifies the presence and size of burrs formed at the edges, ensuring smooth finishes. 

Cavity Fill Time
High-Speed Imaging/Time Measurement

Measures the time it takes for the material to completely fill the die cavity, affecting production efficiency. 

Material Flowability
Flow Simulation Software/Pressure Mapping

Evaluates how well the material flows during forming, optimizing die design and process parameters. 

Bonding Strength (for composite forming)
Tensile or Peel Test

Measures the strength of bonded materials, crucial for composite or layered forming processes. 

Geometric Distortion
3D Scanning/Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Measures any unintended distortion or shape change in the part during or after the forming process. 

Shaping the Future of Aerospace with Precision Pneumatic Forming

Aerospace components require precision, strength, and lightweight design, but traditional methods often fall short. Pneumatic metal forming meets these demands using controlled air pressure to accurately shape complex, high-tolerance parts. This technique ensures lightweight durability and is ideal for intricate designs and thin-walled structures. Frigate’s pneumatic forming services enhance production efficiency and material integrity, effectively meeting aerospace standards. 

Industries We Serve

What You Get

↓ 7-8%

OPS COST

↓ 2-3%

COGM

3X

Aggregation

↑ 25%

Machinery Utilisation

↓ 50%

Expedition

↑ 30%

Frigater Revenue

Reliable Alignment in Multi-Stage Forming Processes

Forming multi-stage components with tight tolerances is technically challenging, especially for complex geometries. Frigate’s pneumatic forming process uses carefully regulated parameters at each stage. This approach ensures alignment across stages to prevent misalignment or material failure. By maintaining dimensional accuracy throughout, Frigate enables the production of intricate, high-performance parts. This precision is vital for meeting stringent demands in advanced applications. 

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What Our Customers Say about Frigate

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Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate ensure precise control over material flow in pneumatic metal forming?

Frigate uses advanced pressure-regulation systems to control the compressed air, ensuring uniform material flow. This eliminates issues like uneven thickness and dimensional inaccuracies in complex parts. 

What measures does Frigate take to prevent distortion in high-strength materials during pneumatic forming?

Frigate applies controlled pressure and maintains optimal cooling rates, minimizing heat generation. This prevents warping or distortion in high-strength materials such as steel and titanium during forming. 

How does Frigate handle intricate part designs with pneumatic metal forming?

Frigate’s pneumatic forming technology allows precise shaping of intricate geometries with tight tolerances. The ability to adjust air pressure ensures accurate deformation of complex parts without compromising material integrity. 

Can pneumatic metal forming by Frigate handle high-volume production efficiently without sacrificing quality?

Yes, Frigate’s pneumatic metal forming process is optimized for high-volume production. Advanced automation and pressure control systems ensure consistent quality and high throughput, even for large-scale manufacturing runs. 

How does Frigate minimize material waste when forming complex components?

Frigate uses pneumatic forming to control material flow precisely, reducing scrap and optimizing material usage. The efficient deformation process ensures minimal material is wasted, enhancing cost-effectiveness for custom parts. 

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

23, 6th West Street, Balaji Nagar, Kattur,  Pappakuruchi, Tiruchirappalli-620019, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

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