Quality assurance for hydroformed parts

Description

In addition to conventional tensile testing, Schuler also performs bursting strength testing on the tube material.  For this purpose Schuler has developed a mobile burst test unit, which the company also markets.  The burst test permits an estimation of the deformability or forming properties as well as an assessment of the weld seam quality.
Tests using the mobile burst testing unit may be performed from the part development phase up to volume production.  This means that at the very beginning of part development certain decisions can be made about the basic suitability of various materials for the hydroforming process.  The results are systematically documented in a material data base so that comparative data are available when new projects are evaluated.
Having an accurate description of the material forming properties is one of the basic prerequirements for a successful FEM simulation of the forming process.  In addition, such testing also aids in quality control during volume production.

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