HFQ® Technology

HFQ® (Hot Form Quench) is the original hot forming technology for ultra-high strength aluminium (UHSAL) alloy sheet structures. The technology was first researched in the University of Birmingham and Imperial College London before being spun out in 2012. In serial production since 2016, it is a new global standard for cost-effective, complex geometries for 2x, 6x and 7x series pressings where high formability at fast cycle times is required.

unique features

Features

  • A hot visco-plastic forming process carried out >350°C whereby a solutionised alloy sheet is rapidly formed and chilled in a die
  • Similar in many ways to the forming of press hardened steel (PHS), there are distinct metallurgical, simulation and process differences covering temperature profiles, lubrication and trim operations
  • Depending on the equipment specified and level of automation, cycle times can range from 30 to less than 10 seconds per forming blow
  • PHS lines can be reconfigured to produce HFQ® parts, provided modifications are made to the oven and process controls
  • HFQ® Technology is an interconnected process and forming simulation solution whereby the process ‘recipe’ for each alloy-part combination is unique to a particular tool design so that mechanical properties, process capability and cycle times are optimised
  • HFQ® simulation tools (soon to be available to OEM and tier designers) offer predictability of damage and thinning, allowing for right-first time tools optimisation of material gauge (and therefore weight and cost)
  • The HFQ® Technology is underpinned by six patent families covering detailed forming process methods, extensive know-how acquired over almost 20 years of development and validation of over 35 parts now in serial automotive production
The Benefits of HFQ® Technology

Automotive, Aerospace and Consumer Product OEMS

  • A proven light-weighting technology for automotive, aerospace and consumer products
  • Ability to form ultra-high strength aluminium (UHSAL) – 2x,6x,7x series – into deep draw, sharp corner structures
  • Part count reduction via component integration
  • No spring back, resulting in very high dimensional capability
  • Wide choice of aluminium allows alloys ready for design (currently 18)
  • Potential to use highly recycled alloys compatible with the circular economy
  • Joining solutions such as SPR already developed
car repair and

Manufacturing Tiers

  • A ready-made proven technology to widen product portfolio and access growing markets
  • HFQ® Technology can be implemented rapidly to a common standard
  • Can often utilise current equipment with some modifications
  • Fully supported during technology transfer, and during production and new business acquisition
  • Access to and support from a global aluminium and equipment partner network

Aluminium Suppliers

  • Enabling competitive manufacture of structures in UHSAL
  • Characterisation of alloys to be listed as ready for HFQ® structure design and manufacture
  • Development of new and applications markets for alloys
aluminum ingot storage

Additional Technical Features of HFQ®

  • HFQ® Technology can achieve unparalleled depths of draw (over 200mm), tight radii (<1.0/t) and high levels of part integration
  • HFQ® Technology has been proven in gauges from 0.8 to 4.5mm with component sizes limited only by available press beds and solutionising ovens
  • HFQ® Technology can form all standard grades of aluminium, including those supplied in cheaper F Temper. HFQ® is ideal for highly recycled grades, offering enhanced sustainability
  • HFQ® parts retain a high residual ductility, therefore providing enhanced energy absorption properties for crash structures
  • Unlike cold forming, HFQ® Technology can form through weld-zones and is therefore very well suited to use with laser or friction stir tailor-welded blanks
  • Because the alloy is solutionised as part of the HFQ® process, there are no shelf-life concerns for the aluminium being used for HFQ® components
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