Experimental Study of Lubrication Influence in the Production of Hydroformed T-Joint Tubes

Abstract

THF process is a forming technique that consists of tube deformation by means of hydraulic pressure and punches which guarantee the tube ends feeding and sealing. In the last years, this technique found a large and rapid diffusion thanks to its many advantages with respect to conventional processes: parts weight reduction, tighter dimensional tolerances, lower costs or fewer secondary assembly operations. Besides, many lacks in the process knowledge still represent an obstacle and they are usually bypassed by …