Abstract: The invention has as its object to perform hydroforming so that no buckling or wrinkles remain at a hydroformed product with a long expanded region and comprises performing a first step of raising the internal pressure in a state with the metal tube fixed in position at the two ends or a state applying axial pushing actions of 10% or less of the total amount of axial pushing action, then applying axial pushing actions while holding the internal pressure at a constant pressure so as to expand the metal tube near the ends, then performing a second step of raising only the internal pressure without applying any axial pushing action so as to thereby expand a center of the metal tube, then performing a third step of lowering only the internal pressure to the value of the constant pressure without applying any axial pushing action, then repeating the first to third steps one or more times, then raising the internal pressure in the state not applying any axial pushing action or applying an axial pushing action of 10

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayered tube, including: preparing an outer tube, an inner tube having an outer diameter of 95˜98% of an inner diameter of the outer tube, and dies with a shaping void having a diameter of 100.20˜100.

Abstract: A method of making a wearable surface for a device configured for material comminution includes positioning inserts adjacent to a first metal structure positioning a second metal structure adjacent to the inserts and the first metal structure such that there is a gap between the second metal structure and the first metal structure, and positioning at least one explosive adjacent to the second metal structure. The one or more explosives are ignited adjacent to the second metal structure to cause a portion of the first metal structure to deform to attach the inserts to the first metal structure. The wearable surface may be, for example, a semi-autogenous layer of a roller or may be a wearable surface of a crushing body of a crushing device configured to impact, crush, or grind material such as rock, minerals, ore or agglomerated material. Devices that include such a wearable surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite hose is constructed to have an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion includes an elastic layer and a reinforcing layer provided on an outer periphery of the elastic layer. The inner peripheral portion includes a corrugated metal tube which is provided with a corrugated portion formed with corrugation hills and corrugation valleys. A distance between the reinforcing layer and tops of the corrugation hills of the corrugated metal tube is designed 0.27 mm or less.

Abstract: The object is to raise the yield by greatly eliminating the disposed amounts of the tube ends, prevent wrinkles due to closing the mold while applying internal pressure, cutting the plurality of steps of hydroforming and pre-processing of the tube ends, cutting the mold costs by simplifying the mold mechanism, and obtaining a hydroformed product formed with a flange along its entire length.

Abstract: Peening provides compression of component surfaces in order to create residual surface compressions to resist crack propagation in components such as aerofoils. Previously peening techniques have had problems with respect to achieving adequate treatment depths, speed of treatment and with respect to effectiveness. By the present method arrangement an electrical conductor in the form of a wire is subject to electrical pulses to cause evaporation and subsequent breakdown with high power ultrasound (HPU) propagation in a volume of dielectric fluid towards a component and so peening. The electrical conductor ensures that there is limited possibility of electrical discharge to the component surface while the positioning of the wire relative to the surface can be adjusted to achieve best effect particularly if reflector devices are utilized to concentrate (HPU) pulse presentation to the component.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a piezo actuator is disclosed. The method includes forcing a blank against a mold to form a cylindrical casing having an open end and a closed end and rotating the cylindrical casing. The method also includes urging a die having a plurality of equally spaced protrusions into a surface of the cylindrical casing to form bellows in the cylindrical casing. The method further includes positioning a piezo element within the cylindrical casing.

Abstract: An elevated temperature forming die apparatus comprising a lower die part having a first upper surface positioned to engage a lower surface of a first region of such a workpiece, an upper die part supported for reciprocal motion relative to the lower die part, the upper die part having a lower surface that engages an upper surface of a second region of a sheet material workpiece, heaters in thermal communication with the die parts, and a third die part having an upper surface that engages a lower surface of the second region of a sheet material workpiece whose first portion is positioned between the upper and lower die parts, the third die part being supported for reciprocal motion relative to the upper die part such that closure of the upper die part along the first stroke portion against the third die part will clamp the first portion of the workpiece between the upper and third die parts, and the third die part being supported for reciprocal motion relative to the lower die part such that, once the first p

Abstract: A method for making a stator assembly including the steps of providing a generally cylindrical stator casing, hydroforming the stator casing into a generally helical shape, and positioning a stator liner having a generally helical shape inside the stator casing.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a vehicle frame from hydro-formed tubular metal components. Each hydro-formed component has a surface feature that is complementary to a surface feature on an adjacent component. The complementary surface features allow the hydro-formed components to be interlocked together. The components are permanently joined by a plurality of welds. A front hoop, a rear hoop and right and left side hoops may be assembled and joined together to form the passenger compartment portion of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A piercing device for hydro-formed members comprises a punch having a cutting surface and a guide bore, a support member having a guide post complementary in shape to the guide bore and drive passages, and a drive member having two arms forming U-shaped members. The arms of the drive member extend through the drive passages of the support member to transfer a force between a ram and the punch.

Abstract: The invention provides structural component for an automobile, two-wheeled vehicle or railcar excellent in impact-absorption property, shape fixability and flange cuttability, and method for producing the same, which structural component has a hat-like shape including vertical walls and flanges, wherein distal ends of the flanges contain 20 vol % or greater of austenite phase and have a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers harness of 150˜350, and a center regions of the vertical walls have, in a common cross-section with the flanges, a content of deformation-induced martensite phase exceeding that of the distal ends of the flanges by 10 vol % or greater and a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers hardness that exceeds that of the distal ends of the flanges by 50 or greater.

Abstract: A tool, system, and method for removing islands from a stent is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with at least one exit hole in communication with the interior of the tube, and the tube being connected to a pressurized fluid source. A stent island is located over the exit hole and is removed by the force of the exiting fluid from the exit hole.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a rotor of and AC generator for a vehicle according to the invention includes the steps of applying a fluid resin material to a conductor immediately before the conductor is wound on a spool, and heating the entire structure to cause the resin to be heat-cured after the conductor to which the fluid resin material has been applied is wound around the spool in multi-rows and multi-layers.

Abstract: A bulge forming method includes arranging a raw material tube inside a die having an inner surface shape, in which plural crest portions and root portions are alternately formed, and providing a rod inside the raw material tube in the axial direction of the raw material tube, and the rod has a pressurized liquid supply opening. The bulge forming method further includes providing a pair of sealing portion having the pressurized liquid supply opening therebetween, and the sealing portions seal a space between the raw material tube and the rod. The bulge forming method further includes moving the rod in the axial direction while applying compressive stress to the raw material tube in the axial direction and supplying a pressurized liquid from the pressurized liquid supply opening into the raw material tube, whereby the raw material tube is formed into the shape of the inner surface of the die.

Abstract: One embodiment may include an automotive timing chain system component (10, 12) such as a tensioner arm (10) or a chain guide (12) that, during use, bears directly or indirectly against a chain (22) of an automotive timing chain system (14). The component (10, 12) may have an elongated body (16, 116) made into a generally hollow shape by a hydroforming process. The body may have a first open free end (26, 126) and a second open free end (28, 128).

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaping tool which is used to shape a workpiece, in particular, a sheet steel component, comprising at least two shaping tool halves. Contoured regions are provided in the region of the shaping tool halves in order to give the workpiece a corresponding contour, at least in sections. Each shaping tool half has a shaping surface shell which is oriented towards the workpiece and a support shaping half. The shaping surface shell is arranged on the support shaping half and comprises a shaping surface, which is oriented towards the workpiece, and a rear side which is oriented away from the workpiece. The support shaping half comprises a contoured area which essentially corresponds to the contour of the workpiece which is to be produced and the contoured area is surrounded by a flange area. Grooves are provided in the contoured area in the region of the rear side of the shaping surface shell.

Abstract: Method for bending tubular articles with a relative ratio of the bending radius (R) and the outer diameter (D) of the finished pipe which is less than 3, comprising the following steps: forging an article made of material with a predefined composition depending on the final use and with a predefined length (L) in the longitudinal direction and an outer diameter (D); providing a die having an asymmetrical bottom die half with seat for the pipe; and a top die half with punch asymmetrically arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-X) with respect to the vertical center axis of the die; heating the article in an oven to the required temperature for forging depending on the specific composition of the material; positioning the article inside the bottom die half in the longitudinal direction; closing of the two die halves so as to start bending of the article; opening the die; and extracting the bent article.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining tubes. An outer tube and an inner tube are provided. An end of the inner tube is inserted into an end of the outer tube to form an overlapped region of tube wall and form a pressure tight joint between the tubes. The overlapped region of the tubes is heated. The tubes are placed in pair of dies having a die cavity adjacent to the outer tube. Pressure is introduced into the tubes to expand the overlapped region of the tubes outwardly into the die cavity and thereby form an interlocking joint between the overlapped region of the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention was made with the object of eliminating the short pipe member when attaching a bolting nut to a hydroformed part, preventing an increase in the difficulty of hydroforming for attaching the nut, extending the nut length so as to enable sufficient strength at the time of bolting, and enabling application even to thin wall hydroformed parts and comprises inserting a metal pipe into a split mold having a pierce punch able to be moved perpendicular to an axis of the inserted metal pipe or in a slanted direction, having a front part narrower than a center part, and having around the front part a nut having an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the front part and smaller than an outside diameter of the center part; hydroforming it; then making the pierce punch advance to pierce part of the hydroformed part and pushing the nut by a center part arranged behind the nut and embedding the nut in the metal pipe.

Abstract: A hydroforming process forms a hydroformed automotive component as a multiple cell member having an integral internal rib separating the cells and reinforcing the hydroformed component to increase the strength of a hydroformed component with a given size and shape. The tubular blank can be manufactured through a roll-forming process or by welding two structural tubular members, to form a tubular blank that has multiple cells with an internal rib separating the cells. The hydroforming process injects fluid under pressure into each of the cells to expand the tubular blank into the shape defined by the die holding the blank. The internal web separating the cells of the blank becomes an integral internal reinforcement spanning the component to enhance the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the component. Providing differential pressure on the multiple cells can stretch and twist the internal rib for positioning internally as desired.

Abstract: A production robust autofrettage process for strengthening fuel injector nozzle tips includes applying a vacuum to the interior volume of the nozzle tip. Plugs are suctioned over each of the nozzle outlets. Nozzle outlets are blocked by pressing the plugs between the nozzle tip and a fixture component. The nozzle tip is then autofrettaged at least in part by pressurizing the interior volume with an autofrettage liquid. The plugs are then removed from the nozzle outlets leaving the nozzle tip strengthened with compressive residual stress, especially in the sac region of the interior volume of the nozzle tip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular include a resilient launcher. The resilient launcher includes a launcher portion and a sleeve portion. An inner diameter of the sleeve portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the launcher portion. An expansion cone is disposed in the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The expandable tubular is disposed around the sleeve portion and above the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The launcher portion comprises a port that is sealable below the expansion cone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the internal high-pressure forming of components from tubular workpieces, in particular microcomponents, comprising an at least two-part mould, in which a workpiece can be placed, and means for sealing and/or applying pressure to the workpiece at the ends of the workpiece, in which device at least one guide (11) is arranged on the mould (2a, 2b), on which guide a carriage (12) is displaceable, which carriage carries means (4, 5) for sealing and/or filling/applying pressure to a workpiece end (1a), wherein a carriage (12) is displaceable by means of a drive (13, 15) which is arranged separately from the at least one guide (11) and is coupled to the carriage (12) at least essentially such that it is free from transverse forces.

Abstract: A hydroform die includes a plurality of seal units to provide fluid to die cavities. The plurality of seal units each define a piston cylinder. A piston is located within the cylinder and is selectively moveable between an open and a closed position. Additionally, the piston at least partially defines a valve chamber located on a first side of the piston and a piston chamber located on a second side of the piston. A piston fluid passage is defined by the piston to fluidly connect the valve chamber and the piston chamber.

Abstract: A corrugated conduit and method of expanding to form a lined tubular member are described. In some embodiments, a corrugated conduit may be expandable. The corrugated conduit may be inserted into a tubular member and hydraulically or otherwise expanded against walls of the tubular member to strengthen and/or seal the tubular member when the corrugated conduit is expanded in the tubular member. In certain embodiments, the tubular member is a drill stem.

Abstract: A tubular preform is contracted in an electro-hydraulic forming operation. The tubular preform is wrapped with one or more coils of wire and placed in a chamber of an electro-hydraulic forming tool. The electro-hydraulic forming tool is discharged to form a compressed area on a portion of the tube. The tube is then placed in a hydroforming tool that expands the tubular preform to form a part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a high-pressure treatment apparatus with which the pressure or temperature in a treatment chamber can be efficiently adjusted in a short period of time without an overall significant increase in the size or complication of the apparatus. The high-pressure treatment apparatus has a pressure-resistant container having pressure-resistant walls surrounding a treatment chamber, a lid member that closes an open end of the pressure-resistant container, a supply means that supplies a process fluid into the treatment chamber, a partition wall that is thinner than the pressure-resistant wall and is provided along the inside surface of said pressure-resistant container to form a partitioned chamber with said inside surface, and a heat transfer control means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for holding tool parts together during a hydroforming process. The device comprises a first portion comprising a first force transmitting surface and a second portion comprising a second force transmitting surface, which are connected by means of a pivot, and a length variable power member which, with a force, tends to turn the second portion in relation to the first portion around the pivot by means of a first lever which is longer than a second lever by means of which a resultant larger force is created which acts between said force transmitting surfaces for holding the tool parts together during a hydroforming process.

Abstract: A titanium sheet to be formed is heated in a sealingly closed tool by the radiation heat from the heating elements integrated into the tool to a forming temperature not exceeding 600° C., and is deformed towards a cold tool contour by the action of a non-oxidizing gaseous pressure medium introduced into the tool and heated to the hot-forming temperature, as well as by underpressure generated on the side of the workpiece facing away from the pressure medium.

Abstract: A system for hydroforming a workpiece containing fluid at elevated pressure includes a die in which the workpiece is formed, a source of control pressure, a tank at low pressure, and a valve that includes a displaceable control element that alternately moves between an open state and a closed state, opening and closing, respectively, a passage that hydraulically connects the fluid in the workpiece and the tank in response to the relative magnitudes of a first force applied to the control element by the control pressure source and a second force applied to the control element by pressure of the fluid in the workpiece acting on the control element in opposition to the first force.

Abstract: A tooling method for calibrating a partially formed metal part in an electro-hydraulic forming tool. The method includes loading a partially formed metal part onto a forming surface of a die. The part is then clamped onto the forming surface and the part is pulsed with a high rate energy pulse to overcome a spring-back effect in the part. The EHF calibration tool includes a punch to which a part is held by clamps while a capacitive discharge circuit is discharged through electrodes provided in the tool. Upon discharge of the capacitive discharge circuit through the electrodes, a high rate energy pulse is applied through a liquid to calibrate the part.

Abstract: According to a bulging device and a bulging method using a profile element pipe, for example, even when a profile steel pipe having a cross sectional shape varying in the axial direction as in a tapered pipe is hydraulically bulged, a bulging in which an internal pressure loading and an axial pressing are combined with each other can be performed to provide a larger expansion ratio than a conventional case and a joining and socket connection thereof to the other part can also be easily performed.

Abstract: A superplastic forming apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material at an elevated temperatures into a workpiece having a complex geometry. The process takes advantage of a mechanical forming step, which draws material along a major axis to form a first preform. Upon completion of the first mechanical forming step, a second, initial superplastic forming step acts on the first preform to create a second preform having a plurality of channels or grooves located thereon. The grooves or channels function to draw additional material prior to the second or final gas forming step, which completes the forming process by driving the material against a forming surface. Accordingly, the method and apparatus function to reduce forming time and eliminate thinning and wrinkling of the sheet material during the forming process.

Abstract: A quick plastic forming (QPF) tool is provided in which a thermal gap is created that reduces or eliminates some of the conductive heat loss paths when the QPF tool is in an open position during part removal or sheet loading. By reducing conductive heat loss, a more precise temperature control for the QPF tool from manufacturing cycle to manufacturing cycle may be realized. The QPF tool may also have a thermal gap when the tool is placed in a semi-open position during idle times. The QPF tool may also include components for creating the thermal gap when the QPF tool is moved to the open position and control the lateral movement of the part forming section of the QPF tool as the part is moved between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a first step of performing swage autofrettage on an object; a second step of heat soaking the object; and a third step of performing hydraulic autofrettage on the object. The second and third steps may be repeated one or more times. A final step may be heat soaking the object. The object may be, for example, a pressure vessel or gun barrel.

Abstract: A centralizer for installing on a metal pipe. The centralizer includes a generally tubular body having a central opening sufficiently large to allow insertion therethrough of a pipe having an external diameter; a sidewall of substantially uniform thickness including an inner-facing surface directed to the central opening and an outer-facing surface onto which are formed a plurality of outwardly protruding ribs by hydroforming the sidewall.

Abstract: A method of electrohydraulically trimming a blank involving positioning a blank on a trimming member having a cutting edge such that a portion to be trimmed extends over the cutting edge and is in fluid communication with a chamber. Immobilize the blank with respect to the trimming member. Position a pair of electrodes in the chamber proximate the portion of the blank to be trimmed such that the electrodes and the trimming member are on opposite sides of the blank. Electrically connect the electrodes to a capacitor. Charge the capacitor. Fill the chamber with fluid to submerge the electrodes and to contact the portion of the blank to be trimmed. Discharge the capacitor across the electrodes to generate a pressure pulse that pushes the portion of the blank to be trimmed against the cutting edge thus trimming it off the blank.

Abstract: A process for forming a large-surface metal plate into a shaped part includes using a molding tool. The tool includes a reservoir filled with incompressible fluid work medium, clamping jaws and a shaping die movable towards the reservoir. Profiling elements, corresponding to each other, are configured in the interior of the reservoir and on the outer edge of the shaping die. The external high pressure punching by means of the shaping die moved forward against the high pressure of the fluid work medium is ended, when the shaping die has reached the profiling elements in the reservoir, by the pressure of the fluid work medium in the reservoir being reduced. The boundary sections of the metal plate are then formed between the profiling elements, pressed against each other, of the shaping die and the reservoir, at low pressure of the fluid work medium or at zero pressure.

Abstract: A method for shaping a conical metal tube using a tool that has sealing pistons and a die cavity with a complex contour is described. The die cavity has two ends with a cylindrical portion of the die cavity located at each end. The method includes inserting the conical tube into the die cavity such that the ends of the conical tube protrude into the cylindrical sections of the die cavity. Sealing pistons engage the tube ends and press each tube end against a cylindrical portion of the die cavity to seal an interior space of the conical tube. The tube is shaped by applying pressure to the sealed interior of the tube to force the tube against the complex contour of the die cavity while simultaneously axially compressed the tube by exerting axial forces on the tube ends with the sealing pistons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a can body (2) which is characterized in that a film piece (3c) is cut from a film web (3b), said film piece (3c) is wound up on a winding spindle (7) from its front edge to its rear edge and is maintained on the winding spindle (7) so that it somewhat overlaps. The film piece (3c) is transferred from the winding spindle (7) to a concave inner surface (11a) and the film areas of the front edge and the rear edge resting against each other are sealed with each other on the concave inner surface (11a) in the area of overlapping (14). According to the invention, a closed film piece (3d) can be transferred without complication onto a can body (2), thereby conferring on the can body (2) the function of the stable structure and on the film piece (3d) the function of the décor or the inner barrier in such a manner that both functions can be optimized in a substantially independent manner.

Abstract: A method of forming a space frame for a cab, including forming each of a pair of hydroformed, longitudinally extending inner side rails, a hydroformed connecting member, a hydroformed first upper cross member, each of a pair of hydroformed upper longitudinal members, and each of a pair of hydroformed A-pillar members. The method including, providing a tubular metallic blank having a tubular metallic wall. The method also including placing the tubular metallic blank into a die cavity of a die assembly, the die cavity having die surfaces, and providing a high pressure fluid into an interior of the blank to expand the metallic wall of the central portion of the blank outwardly into conformity with the surfaces of the die cavity to define the respective hydroformed member.

Abstract: A process generally includes contacting a surface of at least one workpiece with a reconfigurable pad of a fixture device, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to conform to the surface of the at least one workpiece, and fixturing the contacted workpiece.

Abstract: Method wherein a) a container (1, 6) is placed in a two halves mould (2) having an internal shaped wall (21), b) an internal pressure P of a fluid is build up so as to shape the skirt (12), is characterized in that an external pressure P?of a fluid is applied in an upper space (101) contiguous to an external or upper surface (100) of the open top end (10) and/or in a lower space (141) contiguous to an external or lower surface (140) of the shaped bottom end (14), so as to have, during the span of time ?t, a pressure difference ?P|P?P?1 low enough to prevent any distortion of the shaped open top end (10) and/or the shaped bottom end (14), so as to form a shaped metallic container (1?, 6?). An apparatus for carring out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for making a double-walled yoke that allows an inner yoke (4) and outer yoke (3) to be integrally joined to each other both easily and securely. Such a yoke provides an adequate cross sectional area for a magnetic path of the yoke while minimizing the weight of the yoke. A tubular member (14) destined to be form the inner yoke and a cup-shaped member (13) destined to form the outer yoke are both fitted on a punch (7) and a drawing process is executed by using an appropriate drawing die (8). The outer yoke may have a small wall thickness as long as it is capable of retaining its shape during use or supporting a bearing for the motor. The inner yoke is required to be relatively small in size as long it is capable of forming a satisfactory magnetic path for the motor. A satisfactory magnetic path can be obtained if the yoke is provided with an adequate wall thickness so as to provide an adequate cross sectional area for the magnetic path.

Abstract: An injection molding hot runner nozzle and a method of making such a nozzle are disclosed that improves heat transfer along the length of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle body and a heating element located on an outer surface of the nozzle body having a form-fitting thermally conductive shroud that conforms to a profile of the nozzle and the heating element.

Abstract: A lined conduit formed by decorrugating a corrugated liner conduit inside a first conduit is described. A method and apparatus for forming the lined conduit are also described. The corrugated liner conduit may be positioned inside the first conduit. Each end portion of the corrugated liner conduit may be coupled to a hydraulic expander. Each hydraulic expander may include a hydraulic cylinder. Each hydraulic cylinder may include a piston rod with an opening along the length of the piston rod. The corrugated liner conduit may be evacuated through a valve assembly coupled to the passageway in one of the piston rods. The evacuated corrugated liner conduit may be pressurized with fluid from a fluid source coupled to the valve assembly. Pressurizing the corrugated liner conduit may expand corrugations in the corrugated liner conduit to form a decorrugated liner in the first conduit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stretching magnesium-containing aluminum alloy sheet stock into intricate shapes such as are required in automotive body panels. The sheet stock, at a temperature in the range of about 400° C. to about 510° C., is stretched under the pressure of a working gas into conformance with the surface of a forming tool. The sheet forming pressure is increased continually in a controlled manner from ambient pressure to a final forming level in the range of about 250 psi to about 500 psi or higher. A portion of the sheet can experience strain rates substantially higher than 10?3 sec?1 and the forming of the sheet can be completed within 12 minutes.