How to Get The Perfect Shape With Hydroforming

Metal fabrication may look like a simple process by which a sheet of metal is cut or shaped by any means into a desired shape. This work is being undertaken in a million fabricating units all over the world. But there are many methods by which sheet metal is fabricated.

Methods

The many methods of shaping a metal include CNC machine cutting, laser machine cutting,and hydroforming among others. Custom metal fabrication is done using any of these methods.

Custom metal fabrication is a process by which particular shapes are fabricated using different cutting methods. For precision cutting and shaping laser cutting machines are used.

Hydroforming:

Hydroforming is a method by which high pressure is used on a metal by fluids to press it into an already made die. This makes the metal to literally flow into the die and take its shape. The metal is forced to wrap inside the shape for precise shape and size.

The main advantage of this type of fabrication is the absence of any weld seams. This makes the fabricated metal precise for the use it is put to. There is also reduced tooling cost and design flexibility. The fabricating time is also short.

While metal fabricating is done at many places, one of the uses for metal fabrication is the making of EMI shields. EMI Shielding expands as Electro Magnetic Interference shielding.

EMI Shielding:

EMI Shielding is a necessary process in many places, especially in sensitive electronic appliances and equipment. Where there are electricity and fast motion, there is the production of electromagnetic waves. These are harmful to the function of many electronic parts. Hence the electromagnetic waves must be prevented from spreading to the sensitive electronic part.

The way to do this is to have a magnetic metal which will absorb the electromagnetic waves and neutralize it. A metal part thus fabricated to prevent the flow of electromagnetic waves is called an EMI shield.

Metal used in the process

The most common metal used for an EMI shield is mu-metal. This is an alloy formed by combining Nickel and Iron. This is a soft magnetic alloy that allows more electromagnetic rays to permeate thus creating a strong EMI shield. The alloy is available in a combination of the two metals in different strengths.

Once the metal shields are formed there is another process called the Hydrogen Heat Treating process. This process is done to optimize the permeability of the alloy. It makes the alloy allow maximum permeability to electromagnetic rays. The treatment also is required to keep the alloy pure to give it the best EMI shielding properties.

One of the most common uses of EMI shielding is found in MRI scans where even the slightest of interference by electromagnetic rays can disturb the proper functioning of the machine. Other uses are found in space crafts where sensitive electronic equipment has to be protected.

Conclusion

We can say that any of these cutting or shaping operations on a metal need not just precision machines and tools but also experienced people. To know more about EMI shielding visit our website www.mushield.com

MuShield is an ITAR and ISO 9001:2008 registered company and leading manufacturer of HyMu 80, custom magnetic shields and Precision Metal Fabrication fabrication.