Mike Bollheimer

Developing an automated cell of any sort requires detailed planning,and hydroforming is no exception. All elements, from tube debundling to scrap removal, are like pieces of a puzzle—and if any one of them is missing or doesn’t fit, the entire system becomes ineffective.

Competition is tough and getting tougher. A critical strategy for staying in business is automation. Putting together a flexible, automated system with quick-change capability can help tube fabricators manufacture a variety of parts, both for existing projects and future programs. A few key pieces of equipment and a long-term view of current and future projects can help to justify the expense.