Experimental Implementation of the Multipoint Hydroforming Process

The process of flexible hydroforming is a combination be-tween the hydroforming and the multipoint flexible forming, which allows a synergy of the advantages of two processes. On one hand, the hydroforming process allows a contribution in the flexibility by replacing one of two shaping tools by a fluid, on the other hand, the multipoint flexible forming, allows modifying freely the final shape with its reconfigurable tool, constituted by a matrices of adjustable punch elements. This innovative process presents a potential interest by accumulating at once the advantages of hydro-forming and flexible multipoint hydroforming. The purpose of this paper is to present the process review and its experimental implementation to highlight the contribution in flexibility and to validate the feasibility of the multipoint flexible hydroforming and its ability to produce of complex metal sheet part with improved quality.