Decorated Products Supervisor

"Passing a large amount of current through a conductor, called a coil, creates a magnetic field. When a magnetic field is in close proximity to conductive material a current is created in the opposite polarity. Because two like poles repel each other, the material accelerates rapidly away from the coil. Using a die, we can capture the material, forming it upon impact. By using this technology in manufacturing we can achieve greater elongation, with less power consumption than conventional stampings."

High Velocity Metal Forming

What is HVMF...

High Velocity Metal Forming (HVMF) is a method of metal forming where the sheet metal to be formed is accelerated to 300 meters per second into a die, and thereby forms the part. It is an exciting breakthrough in metal forming technology which could add more precision to the metal forming process, increase processing speed and reduce cost in terms or equipment and processing. The most popular form of HVMF is Electromagnetic Forming (EMF)

What we do...

American Trim is advancing EMF technology in part through a grant received from Ohio’s Third Frontier Project. The focus of the technology and the grant is on bi-polar fuel cell plates for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The main goal of this grant is to reduce the cost of producing the bipolar plates used in making fuel cells to a fraction of their current cost – a key component in making the technology more affordable to the end consumer. American Trim is working hand in hand with General Motors and Ohio State University to advance this technology. HVMF/EMF has the potential to be utilized across many manufacturing disciplines and American Trim is working in multiple industries to move the technology forward.

Benefits of HVMF
  • Metal formability is improved providing a much more consistently formed part
  • The high impact improves surface finish and enhances formability resulting is a crisper, more defined part
  • Wrinkling is suppressed allowing for a deeper draw while maintaining a uniform thickness in the part
  • The opportunity to use lower cost materials because of the improved formability of the process
  • Reduced number of operations
  • Less tooling by using only one die
  • 10%-60% more elongation without tearing
  • Allows welding of dissimilar materials
  • Less reliance on lubricants
  • No hazardous chemicals for cleanup
  • No electromagnetic emissions
  • Controlled spring back
  • Lower energy cost by using less power





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