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FLOWFORMING

Flowforming is an advanced rotary cold forming process that produces dimensionally precise, seamless components. By applying controlled pressure through rollers to a rotating preform positioned over a precision mandrel. As the rollers progressively deform the material, the part lengthens axially while wall thickness reduces in a controlled manner. Manufacturing of complex geometries with integrated features in a single operation becomes possible through flowforming.

This net-shape manufacturing approach delivers exceptional mechanical properties through work hardening, tighter tolerances than conventional forming methods, and design capabilities that enable part consolidation opportunities unavailable through stamping, casting, or welded assemblies.

NETFORM specializes in flowforming for automotive and industrial powertrain applications, leveraging proprietary processes to create innovative solutions that reduce weight, eliminate secondary operations, and deliver superior performance.

Flowforming at NETFORM Shelby

Flowforming Resources 

Explore our technical resources to learn more about flowforming capabilities, design considerations, and real-world applications. Access white papers, case studies, and related articles that demonstrate how flowforming drives innovation in powertrain component manufacturing.

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Superior angular flexibility compared to stamping

NETFORM's proprietary hub forming process creates true 90-degree joints at hub-to-drum interfaces—a geometry that stamped components fundamentally cannot achieve due to material flow limitations and spring-back issues

Near-net shape forming reduces material waste

Flowforming achieves final component geometry through plastic deformation rather than material removal, reducing material waste by up to 85% compared to machining from forgings or bar stock

Part consolidation for simplified assemblies

Flowforming enables the consolidation of multiple components into single, monolithic parts that eliminate assembly operations like welds and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Work hardening for enhanced mechanical properties

As rollers force material over a precision-toothed mandrel, the metal flows to create net-shape spline geometry with uninterrupted grain paths that follow the tooth profile, resulting in 20-50% higher torsional strength compared to splines produced through material removal.

Flowformed Components

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