Bladder Hydroforming Tooling & Parts

Additive manufacturing has completely changed the way manufacturers – and OEMs – view tooling in terms of production time, cost and quality. When compared to traditional metal tooling, Catalysis can 3D print tooling in half the time for half the cost while maintaining the same level of quality. Not only that, but 3D printing allows for the design of more complex tooling or low-to-medium volume production parts, removing constraints inhibited by traditional tooling design.

The bladder hydroforming process is used for forming metal parts with a single sided tool. The bladder forms the metal over the tool, inflating to 11,000+ PSI to accurately form the metal part over the tool. Bladder hydroforming is a slower cycle time (1-2 minutes) commonly used for aerospace but is a good application for automotive, agricultural, and other industries for part development and low production.

Catalysis can provide tooling and parts in half the cost & half the time of a traditional kirksite machined tool. The tool is good for product development and is capable of making 1000s of parts.

Tool Characteristics

• Fully isotropic in strength to withstand high forming pressures of 11,000+ PSI
• Secondary coating on tool which eliminates defects on finished part
• Tool is capable of running prototype/low volume parts
• Tool cost & time is less than 50% of existing conventional prototype tooling
• Catalysis can offer tooling and parts

Conventional Stamping
Kirksite Tooling

2 tools
Traditional stamping press
Traditional subtractive tools
4-6 weeks manufacturing time
Tooling cost: $15,000

3D Printed Hydroforming Tool

1 tool
Hydroform/press
Additive manufactured tool
1-2 weeks manufacturing time (printed in hours)
Tool cost: $2,500

Our technology has allowed us to truly be a One-Stop-Shop for all of your tooling needs