Salop Design & Engineering is the first licensed UK and European partner for HFQ (Hot Form Quench) technology—a revolutionary hot stamping process that enables the precision forming of ultra-high-strength aluminium alloys into complex geometries. Recognised for its transformative potential in lightweighting, HFQ facilitates the production of structural components such as A/B/C pillars, chassis reinforcements, battery enclosures, and aerospace panels in a single forming cycle. The process delivers mechanical properties in the range of 300–500 MPa yield strength, while eliminating springback and enabling design freedom not achievable with conventional forming methods.
What Is HFQ?
HFQ is an advanced four-step process combining solutionising, transfer, press-quench, and artificial ageing:
- Heating the aluminium blank to ~550 °C (solutionising)
- Rapid transfer to a cooled die via automated handling
- Quench-forming in a high-speed press (<5–10 s dwell) that produces final part geometry and locks in microstructure
- Artificial ageing to attain full mechanical strength
The result is parts with exceptional formability—enabling deep draws and sharp radii—even in 6xxx and 7xxx series alloys, while eliminating cold forming issues like springback.
Technical Benefits:
Extraordinary geometrical complexity
Enables single-draw components previously impossible via cold forming, including integrated multi-feature panels
High-strength lightweight parts
20% weight saving compared to cold-formed aluminium and reinforcing steel
Negligible Springback
Hot forming eliminates compensation challenges and ensures ±0.5 mm part accuracy
Tooling efficiency
Reduced part counts, simplified tools, and elimination of secondary assembly—cutting costs and lead times
Recyclable & sustainable
Works with high-recycled alloys, supports circular economy goals, and reduces CO₂ footprint compared to steel
HFQ line features
- Convection oven reaching ~550 °C for solutionising
- Servo-hydraulic high-speed press with <5 s quench cycle
- Die cooling system to ensure rapid form-locking
- Auto-transfer manipulators for minimal time loss
- Controlled ageing ovens tuned for specific alloy response
This integrated setup allows us to run medium to high-volume production (cycles <30 s), delivering parts for both low-volume prototypes and fully scaled production lines.
Applications & Sectors
HFQ is ideal for:
- Automotive BIW (A/B pillars, door rings, sills) with tight geometry and crash-strength needs
- EV tooling such as battery casings and mounting structures
- Aerospace components including ribs, skins, and nacelles
- Industrial chassis & frames requiring light weight, strength, and precision
The HFQ® technology press forms hot aluminium blanks at high speed, which are quenched in the press tool, followed by artificial ageing to achieve full strength.
We are THE FIRST official licence holder for HFQ® technology for the UK and Europe. This revolutionary new process developed by the scientists at Imperial College, London, enables extremely complex aluminium parts to be formed in a single press operation, whilst achieving high levels of strength in the finished part using standard grades of aluminium. Using HFQ ®technology means that you can avoid design compromises.
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