How to Form Sheet Metal With Hydraulic Die Forming
Gather all material needed, including a hydraulic press. , Draw design on craft paper.,Glue craft paper with design drawn on it with design side up and on center on material to be cut.,Wait for glue to dry then drill a hole next to the inside edge...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Gather all material needed
The design chosen for die forming should only be an outline of a form nothing intricate.
Make sure the edge of the material to be cut is approximately 1/2" to 1" away from the edges of the design.
Example: if the design chosen is 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter, then the material to be cut should be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) square. ,,, This is what creates the void that the sheet metal will be pressed into.,,,, This action will force the flexane (a rubber or urethane compound) to push the sheet metal into the die. ,,,, -
Step 2: including a hydraulic press.
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Step 3: Draw design on craft paper.
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Step 4: Glue craft paper with design drawn on it with design side up and on center on material to be cut.
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Step 5: Wait for glue to dry then drill a hole next to the inside edge of the design
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Step 6: Use the scroll saw or Jigsaw to cut out perimeter of design.
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Step 7: Place the pad of Flexane onto the bottom platen of the hydraulic press.
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Step 8: Place sheet metal to be used on flexane.
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Step 9: Place die in position desired on sheet metal.
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Step 10: Pump arm of hydraulic jack to advance lower platen (which rests on the head screw of the jack) to press the die and metal padded with flexane against upper platen as far as it will advance.
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Step 11: If two halves are desired
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Step 12: make sure the right half of the die is a mirror image of the left half.
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Step 13: Lower the jack and remove the die with the form that was just pressed.
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Step 14: Flip the die over
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Step 15: to use it as the mirror image
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Step 16: onto another piece of sheet metal which is sitting on the flexane and press the other half.
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Step 17: Finish the metal art form(s) as desired
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Step 18: such as lacquering or painting.
Detailed Guide
The design chosen for die forming should only be an outline of a form nothing intricate.
Make sure the edge of the material to be cut is approximately 1/2" to 1" away from the edges of the design.
Example: if the design chosen is 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter, then the material to be cut should be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) square. ,,, This is what creates the void that the sheet metal will be pressed into.,,,, This action will force the flexane (a rubber or urethane compound) to push the sheet metal into the die. ,,,,
About the Author
Zachary Ramirez
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in DIY projects and beyond.
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