Steel Tube Air Forming (Hot Air Blow Forming)
Lightly, strongly, simply.
The STAF (Steel Tube Air Forming) system is the world's first forming system that electrically heats pipe material within a press mold and injects high-pressure air into the interior of the pipe to shape continuous irregular closed cross-section members with integrated flanges. By rapidly cooling the material with the mold simultaneously during forming, it is possible to shape closed cross-section members using Press Hardened Steel (PHS). The unique one-pack forming process and the structure of continuous irregular closed cross-sections with flanges enable simplification of the process, as well as lightweighting and strengthening of components. *Information provided by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
basic information
1. Electric Heating The ends of the material pipe are clamped with electrodes, and electric heating is performed within the mold to rapidly heat the material. Compared to heating methods using a furnace, electric heating generates heat within the material itself, resulting in very high energy efficiency and significant reductions in running costs and environmental impact. 2. Primary Blow (Flange Forming) After heating the material pipe, the mold is tightened to a semi-open state using unique control technology, and high-pressure blow is supplied from inside the pipe to form the flange section. 3. Secondary Blow (Main Body Forming) & Material Quenching After the primary blow, the mold is tightened to the bottom dead center, and high-pressure blow is supplied again to form the cross-section of the main body. The material is pressed against the mold from inside the pipe, and quenching is performed by rapidly cooling the material with the mold. (Die Quench) *Information provided by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
Price range
Delivery Time
Model number/Brand name
Sumitomo Heavy Industries,Ltd
Applications/Examples of results
By applying to automotive structural components such as front pillars, roof side rails, roof rails, bumper beams, door impact beams, and side sills, it is possible to achieve weight reduction and improved collision performance in vehicles. *Information provided by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
