What might prevent metal “blowing” and other forms of shaping from working if gravity was not a factor? Let’s handwave-ignore the extremes of temperature as it relates to techniques and the present primitive space habitats and craft.

Is it possible to suspend a pool of molten metal, with a tube inside, spin while adding a gas to shape a container, and form more complex shapes through additional heat cycles in a repeatable process?

  • nooneescapesthelaw@mander.xyz
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    1 month ago

    Something similar to what you are describing is called hot metal forming where you heat up a metal tube ( like aluminum) and then pump it full of gas. I don’t have any experience with this method, I only learned about it theoretically, but some of the parts can get pretty complex.

    It’s mainly used in aerospace, but I’ve also heard of it being used to make some HVAC stuff

    • j4k3@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 month ago

      Hydroforming is very common on bicycles now too. The most controlled of these forming applications is usually found on the highest end Cannondale CAAD bikes.