(MetalForming Magazine: Independence, OH) -- When it comes to producing aluminum hydrogen tanks, fabricators require flexibility in terms of shaping for sophisticated neck geometries and wall-thickness gradients for high operating pressures. To that end, Leifeld Metal Spinning GmbH has developed an innovative forming machine—the Aluminum Forming Center (AFC)—that meets these forming requirements while also helping to reduce CO₂ emissions. The AFC forms the ends of the aluminum cylinders using a special necking-in process that optimizes the entire neck area in its wall-thickness profile to improve durability. In addition, Leifeld offers a machine type that combines the necking-in process with flow forming to form the entire pressure-vessel body and the necks. 

The process is completed by controlled loading and unloading as well as automated programming. “Maximum safety, increased flexibility, and a contribution to CO₂ reduction, combined with our technology promise—these are the innovations the automotive industry needs,” says Oliver Reimann, CEO of Leifeld Metal Spinning GmbH.

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