Abstract: A non-contact temperature sensor (1) suitable for use in measuring the temperature of a material blank (3). The temperature sensor (1) comprises a housing (5), an opening (7) at the forward end of the housing (5), a reflector (13) that is located within the housing (5), at least one aperture (15) that is located between the forward surface and the rearward surface of the reflector (13) and a light detector arrangement (17) located rearward of the reflector (13). The light detector arrangement (17) is orientated such that it can receive light passing through the at least one aperture (15) and it is capable of detecting at least two ranges of wavelengths of infrared light. The light detector arrangement (17) outputs data for each of the at least two ranges of wavelengths of infrared light.

Abstract: Method of forming a component of complex shape from an Al-alloy sheet or a Mg-alloy sheet. The method includes the steps of: a) heating the sheet to a temperature below the solution heat treatment (SHT) temperature for the alloy; b) forming the heated sheet between heated dies into or towards the complex shape; c) heating the sheet to at least its SHT temperature and substantially maintaining that temperature until SHT has been completed; and d) quenching the solution heat treated sheet between cold dies and at the same time completing the forming into the complex shape or maintaining that shape.

Abstract: Method of forming a component of complex shape from an Al-alloy sheet or a Mg-alloy sheet. The method includes the steps of: a) heating the sheet to a temperature below the solution heat treatment (SHT) temperature for the alloy; b) forming the heated sheet between heated dies into or towards the complex shape; c) heating the sheet to at least its SHT temperature and substantially maintaining that temperature until SHT has been completed; and d) quenching the solution heat treated sheet between cold dies and at the same time completing the forming into the complex shape or maintaining that shape.