Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. The die enclosure includes radiant heaters for supplying heat to a workpiece being stretch-formed against the die.

Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.

Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. The die enclosure includes radiant heaters for supplying heat to a workpiece being stretch-formed against the die.

Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaw assemblies grip opposite end edge portions of a metal sheet for initially stretching the metal sheet into a yield state and forming the metal sheet into a predetermined curved configuration. Each jaw assembly includes a jaw having an array of adjacent grippers or groups of grippers moveable relative to each other to define a part of the curve of the jaw and adapted to extend along one side edge of the metal sheet from adjacent a first corner to adjacent a second corner of the sheet, a moveable yoke connected to the jaw, a pivot connecting the yoke to a beam way, and at least one actuator connected to the yoke for pivoting the jaw about the pivot to urge the grippers at opposing ends of the gripper array away from the pivot while the grippers adjacent a centerline of the gripper array remain approximately stationary.

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaw assemblies grip opposite end edge portions of a metal sheet for initially stretching the metal sheet into a yield state and forming the metal sheet into a predetermined curved configuration. Each jaw assembly includes a jaw having an array of adjacent grippers or groups of grippers moveable relative to each other to define a part of the curve of the jaw and adapted to extend along one side edge of the metal sheet from adjacent a first corner to adjacent a second corner of the sheet, a moveable yoke connected to the jaw, a pivot connecting the yoke to a beam way, and at least one actuator connected to the yoke for pivoting the jaw about the pivot to urge the grippers at opposing ends of the gripper array away from the pivot while the grippers adjacent a centerline of the gripper array remain approximately stationary.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaws grips opposing ends of a metal sheet to be stretch-formed in a curved configuration. Each of the jaws are formed of an array of adjacent grippers movable relative to each other by respective hydraulic cylinders to define a part of the curve of the jaw. The improvement to the stretch-forming machine which is the subject of this application comprises a closed-loop servo-control means for moving each one of the grippers into a predetermined position relative to each other. Each of the servo-control means comprises a hydraulic cylinder position controller carried by the hydraulic cylinder of the one gripper for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder responsive to stored data representing the desired predetermined position of one of the grippers. A motor is provided for actuating the position controller in response to the data received by the position controller to move the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaws grips opposing ends of a metal sheet to be stretch-formed in a curved configuration. Each of the jaws are formed of an array of adjacent grippers movable relative to each other by respective hydraulic cylinders to define a part of the curve of the jaw. The improvement to the stretch-forming machine which is the subject of this application comprises a closed-loop servo-control means for moving each one of the grippers into a predetermined position relative to each other. Each of the servo-control means comprises a hydraulic cylinder position controller carried by the hydraulic cylinder of the one gripper for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder responsive to stored data representing the desired predetermined position of one of the grippers. A motor is provided for actuating the position controller in response to the data received by the position controller to move the hydraulic cylinder.