Icognel 618 tube hydroforming

[Gary_Z]

We are looking to hydroform exhaust manifold tubes out of Inconel 618 material. Inside diameter changes along the length of the tube and some bends are fairly complex and tight. Is there any resources or shops that would help with this?

 

[Doug Hunter]

Gary,

Are you looking to procure a hydroformed part for an assembly manufactured by you, or are you a hydroforming company looking for Engineering help with a part?

 

[Gary_Z]

Good Afternoon Doug,

We are a metal fabrication shop and have been asked about hydroforming the tubes for a prototype exhaust. Outside of our immediate capacity so we are looking for a partner that can provide the tubes.

 

[Doug Hunter]

Some places that come up in an internet search:

• FluidForming Americas
• Helander Metal
• Fischer Group
• Hydroform USA
• C.B.Kaupp & Sons
• Cutting Dynamics
• Hydroform Solutions
• Weber Hydroforming

I can't vouch for any of them.

 

[mfgenggear]

No quote

 

[Doug Hunter]

Mfgenggear,

I think he is part of a "captive"-supplier/internal-division and does not have that option.

 

[mfgenggear]

Hi Doug
Hydroforming inconel is not easy. To my experience which limited but it was with aluminum , stainless, mild steel.
This will have to be developed. And engineered to process. It may require heavy press. With expensive dies.

 

[Doug Hunter]

Mfgenggear,

I do not doubt you at all.

 

[TugboatEng]

Is hydroforming a suitable process for a prototype? It seems like it would be very expensive to tool up for unless there is some high level of certainty that the part will go into production after the prototype phase.

 

[EdStainless]

If you need to make one then you use wooden forms.
If you want a thousand you make steel tooling.
In between you are in trouble.
I have formed a lot of 625 over the years.
Us as thin of walls as possible and HT for maximum elongation (not necessarily minimum strength).

 

[mfgenggear]

To my experience it depends on many factors, deep draw or shallow draw. The configuration. Deep draw needs to be developed, and it's not a pleasant development. Many companies will quote very high or bo quote. There is specialized companies that will tackle this. And they are good at it. But be ready to pay the $$$$