"Phil Kangas" wrote in message
...
That roll forming thing sounds like fun! Might be 'the' way?


Phil,

"Roll forming" is the process by which tubes are made from flat sheet.

"Flow forming" is similar to metal spinning. A blank is formed around a
mandrel using rollers, but the mandrel has splines into which the blank is
formed. This requires a very powerful spindle and a very rigid machine.

The outter surface of the formed part must be machined as the process
results in a very rough surface finish. I can't remember if the internal
splines require further machining, but any stamping must of course be done
after forming.

The part was a clutch housing for Jeep, IIRC.

Regards,

Robin