What is Hydraulic Die Forming?

Hydraulic die forming is a method of forming sheet metals by means of a hydraulic press, dies and tooling and Urethane.

Hydraulic die forming allows the user to form metal quickly and precisely without the traditional tools such as hammer and stake. While this greatly benefits prodution jewelry, this system is equally useful in the creation of beautiful one-of-a-kind works of art. For more extensive information on hydraulic die forming, we recommend Susan Kingsley's book "Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers & Metalsmiths".

1. Press

Designed specifically for the jeweler and metalsmith, these hydraulic presses come either hand or electric powered with a pressure gauge for increased precision.

2. Die

There are many kinds of dies, punches and forming tools used in hydraulic die forming. In this example a matrix die is being used.

3. Metal

Nonferrous sheet metal such as yellow golds, brass, copper, sterling, fine silver, niobium, pewter aluminum and titanium are usable in hydraulic die forming.

4. Urethane

An ideal medium which "flows" under pressure to apply gentle, uniform pressure over the entire metal surface.

See: About Urethane

5. Forming

The metal is placed between the die and Urethane in the press. As the pressure is increased, the Urethane forces the metal into the shape of the die.

6. The Result

A smooth, three-dimensional form in the shape of the die.

By varying the types of dies and forming tools, the Bonny Doon System can achieve countless other metalsmithing applications such as:

• blanking
• stamping
• embossing
• coining
• striking
• chasing
• raising
• repousse
• hollow-ware
• tubing
  ...to name a few.

See the Gallery for some examples of what can be accomplished with hydraulic die forming.