Swaging is a process extremely common in metalworking and metal fabricating industry. The major use of swaging is to reduce the diameter of round or profiled bars and tubes, although it can also be used to form complex shapes. As such, swaging machines are considered a versatile metalworking tool.
Swaging machines use a hydraulic or mechanical ram that forces a master die into a shape to form a part. The amount of metal removal and amount of material displacement depends entirely on the size and design of the master die. The metalworking process is a direct force production technique in which metal is reshaped, deformed or otherwise forced into a desired shape.
Because swaging is an extremely versatile metalworking process, it can be used in various applications in both the commercial and military industries. In the automotive and transportation industries, swaged tubes and rods are applied as tie rod ends, suspension systems, and steering components. In the marine and outdoor sports industries, swaged parts are also applied as marine boat trailer and sporting goods components.
Swaging is a metalworking process that takes a great degree of skill and experience. The operator must use precise measurements in order to obtain the desired shape and uniformity. Mechanical swaging machines feature a set of rollers and are used to form rods and tubes out of sheet metal. Hydraulic swaging machines, on the other hand, are used to deform rods and tubes at high pressure.
The hot swaging process is a variation of the swaging process. It is often used to form complex shapes and parts with improved surface finish. Hot swaging machines apply the same principles of swaging but with the added element of heat. In hot swaging, the material is heated to a certain temperature before it is deformed in a set of dies. The heating and cooling process of hot swaging allows for tighter tolerances, as well as for parts that have a superior surface finish.
Another version of the swaging process is hydroforming. Hydroforming is a metalworking process that combines the fundamentals of swaging and hydrostatic forging, or expanding a part using a liquid instead of a solid material. This process is useful for producing parts with a high degree of precision, such as those found in consumer and automotive product designs.
Although swaging is a complex metalworking process, it is an extremely efficient and cost-effective method that offers a variety of applications. Swaging machines are used not only to reduce the diameter of round or profiled bars and tubes, but to also form complex shapes and components. From the automotive and transportation industries to the marine and outdoor sports industries, swaging machines are used in a variety of industries in order to produce parts and components that are precise and accurate.
