Explosive forming is the forming of sheet metal using explosive materials. The results are dynamic and ideal for unique architectural and design expressions. Explosion forming experts 3D Metal-Forming are joining Materia at the Prototyping 2015 event in Kortrijk, Belgium (October 28-29) with a special presentation of one of their explosive objects.

So how does 3D metal forming by explosion work?

In general, a metal sheet is placed on a die. The die cavity is vacuumed and the assembly is placed in water. An explosive charge is detonated under water, pushing the sheet in the die in about 2 milliseconds. Explosive forming offers unique solutions because explosives can be applied in any shape (i.e. double curved) and mass. There are no restrictions in terms of product size, shape, material and thickness.

Sizes up to 10 x 2 meters, thicknesses from 0,3 mm aluminium to 150 mm stainless steel and many types of aluminium, titanium, stainless steel and nickel have been successfully formed by explosive forming. The shape of the blank material can be optimized for any product shape. Sheets can be formed from a flat or bent condition, or from a conical or cylindrical shape. The tooling for explosive forming is relatively simple. One die half is needed without a mating part. Low cost tooling concepts decrease costs further. Prototypes can be manufactured and delivered quickly. The tooling does not need to be installed in a machine. Therefore, production can be started immediately.