Founded in 1999

Spin-off of TNO "Prins Maurits Laboratory" (Dutch Scientific Institute)

History

  • 1996: TNO (Dutch Scientific Institute) started a research program to re-introduce metal forming and cladding by making use of controlled explosions. The conclusion of this program was: High Energy Hydro Forming  (Explosive Forming)  is a valuable addition to existing metal forming technologies: unique design and manufacturing opportunities lie with so called “double curved” products;
  • 1999: Exploform B.V. was founded by TNO ”Prins Maurits Laboratory” ,Rijswijk, The Netherlands;
  • 2010: Name changed from Exploform B.V. to 3D Metal Forming B.V.;
  • 2012: Winner Aviation Week magazine “Innovation Challenge: Integral Structures”;
  • 2014: New production plant in Lelystad, The Netherlands, operational as a first phase anticipating  serial production for the Aerospace market;
  • 2015: Largest double curved Aerospace Near Net Shape formed: 6 m. by 3 m., 100 mm thick;
  • 2016: 120 mm. thick Aerospace  Near Net Shape formed in T3 temper.
Aerospace

Aerospace

Current Nose Fuselage designs as shown on the right are typically made up of hundreds of different parts which are assembled by means of drilled holes and rivets in special purpose assembly jigs.

Architectural

3D Metal Forming designed & manufactured all #64 Double Curved panels in the “Architectural Nose” and the Double Curved panels below the Escalator and Stairs of the Erasmus Train Station.

Energy / Big Science

A set of #7 different Coil Can halves was supplied by 3D Metal Forming ranging from approximately 1 m. Diameter until 5 m.