What is HFQ®?
Understanding HFQ® Technology
HFQ® Technology is the original aluminium hot forming knowledge set that is the most advanced and validated of its kind.
Applying to ultra-high strength aluminium sheet, this unique package, offered to tiers and OEMs seeking cost-effective lightweighting comprises hot forming process specifications, aluminium hot forming simulation, hot forming material cards (including recycled and F-temper) and design rules.
HFQ® Technology offers weight savings of between 20-50% compared to established technologies with additional benefits of sustainability and part consolidation. This proprietary aluminium hot stamping technology has been developed as a global standard and can be applied to any structure that needs to be lighter, stronger, cheaper and more sustainable: automotive, aerospace, mass transit and consumer products all have such requirements.
What is HFQ® Technology?
HFQ® – short for Hot Form Quench – is an advanced viscoplastic aluminium hot forming process that enables the precise shaping of the strongest grades of aluminium sheet through hot forming at (400-660 C) followed by rapid in-die quenching and optional artificial aging. HFQis the original hot forming technology for ultra-high strength aluminium (UHSAL) alloy sheet structures, and was first researched in the University of Birmingham and Imperial College London before being launched in 2012. Whilst there are important differences in metallurgy, simulation parameters and thermal properties, the processing and equipment of press hardening steel and hot stamping of aluminium have some similarities.
In serial production since 2016, it is a new global standard for cost-effective, complex geometries for 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxxx series pressings where high formability at fast cycle times is required. Components can be formed by HFQ® in common gauges of sheet, with size of structures limited only by available heating ovens and press bed dimensions. Recently, ITL has demonstrated how the unique thermal profile of HFQ® can be exploited to process F-temper alloys (which could open up more supply options), recycled alloys and tailor welded blanks.
HFQ® is now being used for a range of automotive structures including A/B/C pillars, door ring inners and outers, cant rails, sills, door inners and battery enclosures. For aerospace nacelles, wing ribs, lip skins and seats have been recent programmes. In other sectors, cycle frames, electronics housings, wind turbine blades and marine components have been studied or prototyped.
Additional technical features of HFQ® Aluminium Hot Forming
HFQ® Technology can achieve unparalleled depths of draw (over 200mm), tight radii (<1.0/t) and high levels of part integration.
HFQ® Technology forms parts with negligible springback when compared to cold formed parts, improving repeatability & build quality
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.
HFQ® Technology reduces tooling investment by enabling complex parts in a single draw operation to remove restrike, flange and downstream assembly operations
Key advantages of HFQ® Technology
For automotive, aerospace and consumer product OEMS
- 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
In the automotive industry, HFQ® Technology enables the production of lightweight structural components that contribute to fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Additionally, HFQ-formed components can enhance vehicle safety by improving crashworthiness and structural integrity.
In aerospace applications, weight reduction is paramount for achieving fuel efficiency and maximising payload capacity – but now sustainability and supply scalability are emerging and essential needs. HFQ® Technology enables the high-speed fabrication of lightweight yet robust components for aircraft structures, interiors, and propulsion systems housings – all whilst ensuring high material yields and excellent dimensional conformity.
In the rail industry, HFQ® Technology offers similar benefits to those in automotive and aerospace sectors. Light-weighting is crucial for rail vehicles to enhance energy efficiency, increase carrying capacity, and reduce operating costs. HFQ® formed components, such as structural elements, interior fittings, and exterior panels, contribute to the overall light-weighting strategy of modern rail vehicles.
For manufacturing tiers
- A ready-made proven hot forming 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 minor modifications
- Fully supported during technology transfer, during production and new business acquisition
- Access to and support from an accredited global aluminium and equipment HFQ® partner network
For aluminium suppliers
- A technology 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
- Ability to use HFQ® for lower cost F-temper alloy, reducing capital and operational costs for heat treatment lines
Case studies
To explore HFQ® Technology in more depth and discover real-world applications across industries, we at Impression Technologies invite you to explore our collection of case studies and resources. These resources provide detailed insights into the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with adopting HFQ® Technology for component design and manufacturing.
Case Studies
HFQ® FRICTION STIR WELDED (FSW) MORGAN CROSS MEMBER
Case Studies
HFQ® ASTON MARTIN SIDEWALL
Case Studies
HFQ® Single Piece Deep Draw Door Inner
Case Studies
HFQ® BATTERY TRAYS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Case Studies
HFQ® AIRCRAFT SEAT ARMREST
Case Studies
HFQ® ASTON MARTIN D PILLAR
Case Studies
HFQ® High Strength DB11 A Pillar
Ask us about sustainable lightweighting
We welcome enquiries from OEMs, tiers, design consultancies and alloy producers looking for a new approach to reduce cost, complexity and carbon footprint. Our technical experts will be pleased to arrange a consultation and provide initial guidance.