Hot Metal Gas Forming (HMGF) is a process that is an outgrowth of superplastic forming and the Hot Blow Forming process used in the plastics industry in high-volume production, e.g., beverage containers, toys, and other mass-produced hollow shapes. Current research has focused mainly on forming tubular structures.

Current HMGF process development work has been focused on the placing a preformed tubular structure into a ceramic tool with imbedded induction heating coils. The preformed tube is inductively heated in the die forming cavity and is inflated against the die cavity using a gas pressure as the forming mechanism

This presentation will: (1) Give the attendee a solid background on the process and how it works (2) Give the attendee information as to the forming speeds that can be achieved for 5xxx material and 6xxx material, and what those forming parameters are. (3) Will view a video of a Prototype Production Forming System producing a generic automotive pick-up truck cross-member’s.