Stretch Forming Machines for Sale – Aerospace & Industrial Metal Forming
At Sterling Machinery Exchange, we sell stretch forming machines for precision shaping of aluminum and sheet metal parts used in the aerospace, automotive, and architectural industries. These machines form complex curves and contours by clamping and stretching the metal over a die, producing smooth, high-accuracy surfaces without wrinkles or thinning. We carry new Baileigh stretch formers and quality used machines from Hufford, Marchant, and other major brands.
Why Use a Stretch Forming Machine?
• Precision Aerospace Forming: Create exact, repeatable contours for fuselage, wing, and skin panels
• High Surface Finish: Eliminates wrinkles and tool marks for smooth, ready-to-finish parts
• Durable Forming Process: Maintains material integrity for aluminum, stainless, or titanium
• Custom Dies & Tooling: Adaptable for aircraft, automotive, and architectural panels
Buy or Trade a Stretch Former
With over 70 years of metalworking experience, Sterling Machinery helps companies purchase or sell stretch forming equipment nationwide. Whether you’re adding new capacity with a Baileigh hydraulic stretch former or upgrading from a Hufford or Marchant model, our experts can assist with sizing, setup, and tooling. We also buy and trade used stretch forming machines for immediate value.
Premier New Brands We Carry
- New
18 Ga. x 1.5" baileigh MSS-18, New #SMMSS18
$Financing Available
Stock No: #SMMSS18 Capacity: 18 Ga. x 1.5"Category: Stretch Forming MachinesCondition: New
Starting At:$989.00
How Stretch Forming Works
Stretch forming is a metal shaping process where a sheet or extrusion is clamped along its edges and stretched over a forming die. Tension is applied while the part conforms to the die’s shape, producing smooth, uniform curves. The process is ideal for large, thin-gauge components where tight tolerances and consistent surface finishes are critical.
Common Applications
• Aerospace components – wing skins, fuselage panels, bulkheads, ribs, and fairings
• Automotive and rail panels – structural and decorative outer panels
• Architecture – curved façade panels, trim, and structural aluminum forms
Types of Stretch Formers
• Hydraulic Stretch Formers: Dual-ram or single-ram machines offering high force and controlled tension
• Manual/Mechanical Machines: Ideal for prototype or low-volume work
• CNC-Controlled Stretch Formers: Offer programmable repeatability and digital positioning for aerospace applications
Key Considerations When Buying
• Forming Force (Tonnage): Determines max thickness and material strength
• Throat Depth & Arm Span: Defines max part size and contour reach
• Tooling & Die Setup: Verify compatibility with existing dies or custom shapes
• Automation Options: Choose hydraulic or CNC for repeatable, high-volume production