This article on the process of flowforming and its benefits was written by Matthew Fonte and published in Advanced Materials & Processes, September 2005.   

Dynamic Flowform has successfully flowformed cradle and recoil tubes for the M777 light-weight 155mm Howitzer guns. This work was performed for the United States Army through the National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology (NCEMT). These gun systems are made from titanium 6-Al-4V (grade 5). They will be used by the both the Marine Corps and Army. Initially, the cradle and recoil tubes were produced by extruding a thick-walled tube, measuring each individual extrusion for roundness and straightness, bump-straightening the extrusion, and then machining the extrusion wall thickness to meet the final tube requirements. By flowforming, Dynamic has been able to offer the Army a net-shape cradle and recoil tube which eliminates several manufacturing processes and reduces material waste. The flowforming manufacturing approach Dynamic developed offers the Army substantial cost-savings.

Dynamic Machine Works Inc. is proud to announce the change of our name to Dynamic Flowform Corp.. For the past 32 years, people throughout the metalworking world have referred to us as “Dynamic”, the folks to see for the manufacturing of dimensionally precise components, made from out-of-the ordinary metals.

For the last twenty years, we have built a reputation as the “flowforming people” as we pioneered the precision flowforming technology in dozens of markets. Looking into the future, we want everyone to know who we are and what do.

We are “Dynamic Flowform”.

We remain under the direction of Founder and President, Ven Fonte, and the strong managerial team that he has put together through the years. We continue to manufacture flowformed components in our plant in Billerica, Massachusetts where we have been located for more than 25 years. Precision Flowforming is our mission and, more importantly, our passion. We are continuously pushing it to new metallurgical and dimensional heights.

At Dynamic Flowform, we are eager to share the dynamic process of precision flowforming with you and to discuss how you might benefit from applying this method of metal forming to your projects.

In 2004, Dynamic became certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). At the core of the ISO 9001 Quality Standard is a series of five international standards that guide the development and implementation of an effective quality management system. This certification has helped us to refine and document our procedures and manufacturing operations. Our ISO team meets routinely to evaluate our systems and improve our company. The ISO 9001:2000 certificate assures our customers that we have the processes in place to manufacture their flowformed components as specified and on time. Click here for more information on our Quality Department.

Recently, Dynamic installed a 1,000 metric ton mechanical forge press used to manufacture preform hollows. The acquisition and installation of this forging press has allowed us to become more vertically integrated. We have more control of the entire manufacturing process and we are able to reduce turn around time for our customers.

In addition, by forging our starting blanks to near net shape, we improve the grain flow of the preform. We also reduce metal waste making for a less expensive final component.   For more information, see our Forging Department. 

In this article, case studies on Inconel 718 show that flowforming improves the grain structure of the material. 

The plastic deformation of the flowforming process significantly increases the strength of Titanium 6Al-4V while still maintaining good tensile ductility. Case studies are explained in this article.

Metal Forming Magazine highlights the flowforming process and how it is expanding outside of military applications.