Hot forming refers to an industrial metal modification process that involves the bending, stretching, flattening or otherwise physically modifying the metal at temperatures greater than 600°C (1112°F).
Hot forming imparts strength to the metal and reduces its susceptibility to corrosion and other damaging agents.
Hot forming is similar to cold forming but involves heating the tool used to handle the metal as well as the metal itself. It is performed by bringing the hot sheet metal into contact with the hot die while the hot punch descends into the die and shapes the part. The part is then held under pressure for a period of time to finalize formation.
Advantages of hot forming include:
- Improved precision of physical surface modifications
- Facilitation of complex shapes and adjustments that are otherwise impractical to perform with cold working
- Higher surface profile tolerances
- Consistent thickness, strength and corrosion rates
- Resistance to cracking and improved strength