At the heart of Helander’s hydroforming services is our cutting edge 20″ hydroforming press. Sheet hydroforming is an ideal process for manufacturing parts with complex or asymmetrical geometries that would require multiple punch cycles in a matched die stamping process. By replacing one of the rigid dies with highly pressurized hydraulic fluid contained in a flexible diaphragm, its dynamics allow it to take on the form of any conceivable geometry. We use it to create an almost unlimited range of geometric shapes, either shallow or deep drawn, from a wide variety of metals and metal alloys.

Designed by engineering and manufacturing professionals with decades of experience in the machine tool industry, this hydroforming press sets the industry standard in hydroforming technology. Their pioneering pressure containment system offers a significantly reduced press size and operates with outstanding integrity and durability. Modern design software, state-of-the-art hydraulics, and computer-driven controls provide us with the capability to produce seamless parts that are extremely lightweight, strong, and durable.

This flexiblepress is fully programmable can be used interchangeably in the deep draw or fluid cell process mode. For deep drawn parts or those with curved geometries, the downward-acting bladder holds the material during pressurization as the tool is extended upward by a hydraulic punch cylinder. This draws the material into the bladder and allows it to flow as needed. By contrast, the fluid cell process allows the downward pressure of the bladder to form the material around the tool, allowing multiple parts to be run in a single cycle.

Operating at up to 10,000 psi, this hydroform features and advanced control and hydraulic systems that allows us to precisely manage the forming pressure of punch travel, which facilitates the production of net-shaped parts. Its “open” feature enables our operators to visually inspect parts mid-cycle, after which they can either continue the cycle or abort in order to modify the recipe – a significant time saver in new part development projects.

Maximum punch tool diameter is 15″, while draw depth capacity is 10″. Outfitted with components from well-known names in industrial automation, it gives us the capability to for an extensive PM program.

(more…)

At Helander, our powerful 80″ diameter spinning lathe provides a bridge between modern technology and one of the oldest metalworking crafts. By combining advanced CNC controls with high speed production and low tooling costs, it gives us the ability to provide a competitive alternative to the deep draw stamping process.

(more…)

If you are in the ultra-competitive manufacturing world, you are always looking for an advantage. This is especially true when it comes to die molding specialty products like magnetic rotary pumps.

(more…)

(more…)

When considering the numerous options available for working with metal, many companies choose the beneficial and cost effective process hydroforming.  Originally developed around 1950, hydroforming is ideal for shaping many types of ductile metals, including brass, aluminum, stainless and low alloy steels.  It holds a number of benefits when compared to similar work processes, especially when considering cost, precision, and efficient operation.  One area where hydroforming especially excels is its role in minimizing secondary finishing operations.

(more…)

Metal Spinning (or spin forming) is a process where a tube or a disc of metal is rotated at high speed and transformed into an axially symmetrical object. Metal spinning is usually performed on a vertical or horizontal lathe using CNC controls or hand processing. So, by its very nature, metal spinning is an example of a technology that has spanned a timeframe stretching from the days of hand-tooled craftwork to the modern computer era. How do the two techniques compare, and how do they complement one another? Good questions. Let’s take a look.

(more…)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) first published the Boiler & Pressure Code (BPVC) in 1915 in response to the need for safety measures in the production and use of boilers and pressure vessels. In the early 1900s, boilers and pressure vessels – closed containers designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure – were new innovations. These innovations promoted and advanced industrial activity in the U.S., specifically for companies that utilized machines for long-range transportation and heavy lifting.

(more…)

Metal Spinning has a long history that spans back to ancient Egypt and has progressed through the years to today’s more advanced methods of forming metal via spinning it.  Today, the modern metal spinning process takes place on rigid lathes that incorporate high velocity spindles that shape the metal.  These spindles are operated either manually or via advanced computer controls.

(more…)

Metal Spinning is a process by which a disc or tube of ductile metal is rotated on a spindle and formed into an axially symmetric part. Through the use of heavy forces and high speeds, the metal will deform and “flow” to form the desired shape around a mandrel, a kind of mold that is shaped to the interior geometry of the planned part. This process allows metal to deform evenly, without any wrinkling or warping, to create a smooth, even, and seamless surface. The processes’ heavy forces also realign and strengthen the grain structure, significantly increasing the tensile properties and fatigue resistance of the base material.

(more…)

(more…)