Hot Forming
Hot forming shapes metal at elevated temperature, making it easier to form thick sections, tight radii and high-strength materials without cracking. It includes hot bending, hot pressing of dished ends and hot stamping of high-strength steels.
What it is
Heating lowers the force needed and increases ductility, so thick plate can be pressed into dished ends, pipes can be hot bent to tight radii, and high-strength boron steels can be hot stamped and quenched in the die for very high strength.
Hot-formed parts may need heat treatment afterwards to restore or set mechanical properties.
Typical applications
- Dished and torispherical heads
- Hot-bent pipes and bends
- Hot-stamped automotive parts
- Thick plate components
- Heavy flanges and collars
Suitable materials
- Carbon and alloy steel plate
- Boron steels (hot stamping)
- Stainless steel
- Titanium (special)
Points to consider
- Heat treatment may be required after forming.
- Scale and dimensional allowances must be considered.
- Cold forming is cheaper for thinner, ductile materials.
- Pressure vessel heads follow applicable codes.
Frequently asked questions
When is hot forming needed?
For thick sections, tight bends or high-strength materials that would crack or need excessive force if formed cold.
What is hot stamping?
Heating high-strength boron steel, forming it and quenching it in the die, producing very strong automotive parts.
Are hot-formed parts heat treated afterwards?
Often yes, to restore or achieve the required mechanical properties.