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Fluid Forming Compound Shapes In Aluminum Parts DVD

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Part# 13-13046
MFR Model# TMV-0007-D

Overview

Use water pressure and a cavity to form sheetmetal parts, with either city water pressure or an inexpensive high-pressure pump. See detailed coverage of the pressures required for various sized parts, the inexpensive pumps available, and some engineering designs for the cavities. We make aluminum shapes that are smooth and free of marks, although other types of sheetmetal can certainly be "inflated" into some interesting shapes.

A large fabricating shop in the greater Boston area used to use a power steering pump to form the domed ends for pressure vessels. They would weld two large discs - up to 1/2" x 8' dia. - together around the edges, and weld a pipe coupling in the middle of one plate. Sometimes it took a couple of hours to get the desired results, but it worked like a charm. Leaks would usually pop up a few times, but they would just partially drain it and weld-up the leak and start again. They had about a 5 hp motor driving the power steering pump. The pumps would die occasionally since they weren't designed for water, but another one was only $25 from the junkyard. I saw them doing some 3/8" stainless ones once, and the whole job was done in less than a day.
   
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WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Reviews

Excellent demonstration of tooling and technique to form many compound curve structures as might be used on aircraft. Examples: Wheel pants, internal and external drop type fuel tanks, cowling blisters, wing tips, and many more. The video constantly makes reference to safety considerations. The metal forming knowledge that I gained from this video is invaluable.

Joseph N
December 30, 2020

Q&A

Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.