Why Choose HFQ®?
Why choose HFQ® Technology?
For effective lightweighting, choosing the right forming process can make all the difference. HFQ® Technology for aluminium hot forming stands out as leading solution to make the highest strength 6xxx, 7xxx and 2xxx alloys (UHSAL) viable for complex and highly integrated structures.
HFQ® offers a high-speed hot stamping and in-die quenching process, similar to steel press hardening, which makes UHSAL formable without the problems of splitting and spring-back that hinder the use of UHSAL grades by conventional cold forming. High formability offers the potential for significant part count reduction. Furthermore, engineers benefit from the option of a new genre of aluminium forming that can be considered alongside extrusion, machining, casting, hydroforming, superplastic forming and spinning.
HFQ® Technology has proven to be an effective lightweighting technology for automotive, aerospace and consumer products. Typically, HFQ® components, designed optimally for the process, can save 20-50% weight versus alternative aluminium or steel designs. With no spring back, customers benefit from very high dimensional capability (usually well within +/-0.5mm), which is critical for automotive and aerospace structure assembly.
Overall, aluminium hot pressing with HFQ® offers a compelling combination of strength, weight savings, design flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications across various industries. HFQ® widens the applicability of USHAL, making it a viable option against modern steels and composites.
Comparing HFQ® to alternative manufacturing methods
| Process | Material Recycling & CO2 | Low Cost | Mass Reduction | Dimension Control | High Formability | Part Integration | High Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) |  |  | | | | | |
| Boron Steel (hot formed grades) | | | | | | | |
| Aluminium Cold Formed (multi-piece) | |  | | | | | |
| Aluminium – Super Plastic Formed | | | | | | | |
| Aluminium – Warm Formed | | | | | | | |
| Carbon Fibre – Formed Sheet | | | | | | | |
Benefits of HFQ® Technology
High strength
HFQ® Technology delivers components with superior strength and durability, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Part Integration
Exceptional formability of HFQ® permits the combination of parts that would otherwise have to be split up and assembled. This reduces cost, design effort and potential for quality issues.
Geometrical conformance
From intricate geometries to deep-drawn pressings, HFQ® excels in handling complex shapes with precision and efficiency, without springback
Speed and scalability
Short cycle times (potential for 12s press quench cycle already demonstrated) and smaller blanks than cold forming (as usually no material for blank holder is required), HFQ® Technology offers competitive conversion cost, high space utilisation and reduction in material spend
Sustainability
HFQ® has been demonstrated with 100% recycled aluminium, and a range of low-carbon and high recycled content alloys are being accredited by HFQ-TA in readiness for new applications
Choice of Supply
HFQ® is offered via a unique model against a global technical standard. OEMs benefit from a wide choice of accredited alloys (over 20 currently) all of which align with simulation algorithms and process settings. Choice of aluminium supply gives OEMs greater supply chain robustness of global volumes and more commercial leverage. HFQ® is also available from a growing network of tiers and OEMs can request HFQ-TA to accredit new tiers to open up new sources of HFQ® component supply. OEMs also have the option to install their own HFQ® 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® High Strength DB11 A Pillar
Case Studies
HFQ® Single Piece Deep Draw Door Inner
Case Studies
HFQ® BATTERY TRAYS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Case Studies
HFQ® ASTON MARTIN D PILLAR
Case Studies
HFQ® FRICTION STIR WELDED (FSW) MORGAN CROSS MEMBER
Case Studies
HFQ® AIRCRAFT SEAT ARMREST
Case Studies
HFQ® ASTON MARTIN SIDEWALL
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.