Hex

Many thanks for the replies, guys. At least I have more information to go on now..forewarned is forearmed as they say :wink: Looks like i`ll just have to give it a try and see how things turn out. Regards Colin

Hi Irnsrgn Thanks for the swift reply. I`m not sure of the grade but softer than T6, I assume it`s a general purpose alum if thats of any help. I didn`t realise there might be options for the die forms. I envisaged a cone shaped steel punch and a recessed cone for the die. I`m not sure of the correct placement though, i presumed the male punch would be on the ram to push the plate into the die, but perhaps the female die should be on the ram to form over the cone shaped punch? It`s obviously not as simple as i first imagined :wink:

Hi I`m hoping to tap into your vast experience to help solve a problem. Plaese note that i`m not a blacksmith, more of a hobbiest, but i`m quite resourceful :wink: My question is roughly how much force (in tons or kg) is required to press 3mm thick aluminium sheet approx 10" in diameter into a shallow cone? The angle of the "dish" after pressing will need to be about 12 degrees..but i`m guessing the tooling will need to be at a greater angle to account for springback? I wondered if this sounds like a remotely workable plan, My first thought is to use a hydraulic press with a male punch and a female die (hope the terminology is correct) Essentially the punch pushes the aluminium sheet into the die and forms the shallow cone. A center hole in the aluminium sheet (and in the punch) placed over a locating pin in the die to keep things aligned during the pressing operation. Any and all advice appreciated Regards Colin

Hi All from the UK Although i`m not a blacksmith, i do find myself needing to learn new skills here and there to during my various projects. I`m fast becoming a jack-of-some-trades and master of none My latest project required a small hydraulic press.. so instead of buying i built one..needless to say it ain`t pretty but it does the job. I have a lot to learn about pressing steel and aluminium sheet, perhaps i`ll get some useful pointers from you..the vastly more experienced metalworkers Best Regards Hex