Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: This high-strength steel sheet has a component composition containing, in mass %, 0.02 to 0.3% C, 1 to 3% Si, 1.8 to 3% Mn, 0.1% or less P, 0.01% or less S, 0.001 to 0.1% Al, and 0.002 to 0.03% N, the remainder being iron and impurities. The high-strength steel sheet has a structure containing, in terms of area ratio relative to the entire structure, each of the following phases: 50 to 85% bainitic ferrite; 3% or more retained austenite (?); 10 to 45% martensite and the aforementioned retained austenite (?); and 5 to 40% ferrite. The ratio between the Mn concentration (Mn?R) in the retained austenite (?) and the average Mn concentration (Mnav) in the entire structure is 1.2 or more (Mn?R/ Mnav) based on the Mn concentration distribution obtained by means of EPMA line analysis. As a consequence, the high-strength steel sheet exhibits strength of 980 MPa or more and exerts excellent deep drawability.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an anisotropic porous scaffold includes heating a previously-formed porous metal scaffold to permit deformation of a material of the previously-formed porous metal scaffold, and deforming, while heated, the previously-formed porous metal scaffold in at least a first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a conventional sheet metal forming press. The apparatus allows the sheet metal forming process to be preformed fully submerged in an oil. Methods for sheet metal forming in oil are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a hot press product, the method including: a positioning and placing step of positioning a material, which is heated, and placing the material on a mold through engagement between a positioning pin provided to the mold and a positioning hole provided in the material; and a pressing and hole expanding step of performing press forming on the material through use of the mold, and expanding the positioning hole through bulging of a peripheral part of the positioning hole of the material) when the press forming is performed.

Abstract: A mold for hot stamping is disclosed. The mold for hot stamping according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an upper mold and a lower mold so as to stamp a heated blank having a welding portion. A recess may be formed at an upper forming surface in the upper mold corresponding to the welding portion of the blank and may define a cooling space between the recess and the blank such that a cooling fluid directly cools the welding portion of the blank after the blank is stamped.

Abstract: A method of forming a product via induction heating and forming of the product includes providing an induction heating coil for induction heating of a component and providing a die forming shell for supporting the component and for defining the final shape of a formed product formed from the component. The die forming shell includes a metallic material. A support structure is provided for supporting the die forming shell during the induction heating of the component. The support structure includes a metallic material. The support structure includes insulating portions to limit or substantially preclude inducement of electrical current through the support structure during the induction heating process. The component is inductively heated along its length while the component is in the die forming shell. The component is at least one of (a) heated before the formed product is formed and (b) heated while the formed product is formed.

Abstract: A high-strength steel sheet has a chemical composition including 0.05% to 0.3% of C, 1% to 3% of Si, 0.5% to 3% of Mn, 0% to 0.1% of P, 0% to 0.01% of S, 0.001% to 0.1% of Al, and 0.002% to 0.03% of N in mass percent; further includes iron and impurities; and has a structure including 50% to 90% of bainitic ferrite, 3% or more of retained austenite (?R), a total of 10% to 50% of martensite and the retained austenite, and 0% to 40% of polygonal ferrite in area percent based on the entire structure. The retained austenite has a carbon content (C?R) of 0.5% to 1.2% by mass. The steel sheet includes 0.3% or more of the retained austenite that is surrounded by martensite. The high-strength steel sheet has a strength of 980 MPa or more and exhibits better ductility.

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: A method for straightening a solution treated and aged (STA) titanium alloy form includes heating an STA titanium alloy form to a straightening temperature of at least 25° F. below the age hardening temperature, and applying an elongation tensile stress for a time sufficient to elongate and straighten the form. The elongation tensile stress is at least 20% of the yield stress and not equal to or greater than the yield stress at the straightening temperature. The straightened form deviates from straight by no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length. The straightened form is cooled while simultaneously applying a cooling tensile stress that balances the thermal cooling stress in the titanium alloy form to thereby maintain a deviation from straight of no greater than 0.125 inch over any 5 foot length or shorter length.

Abstract: An elevated temperature forming system in which a sheet metal workpiece is provided in a first stage position of a multi-stage pre-heater, is heated to a first stage temperature lower than a desired pre-heat temperature, is moved to a final stage position where it is heated to a desired final stage temperature, is transferred to a forming press, and is formed by the forming press. The preheater includes upper and lower platens that transfer heat into workpieces disposed between the platens. A shim spaces the upper platen from the lower platen by a distance greater than a thickness of the workpieces to be heated by the platens and less than a distance at which the upper platen would require an undesirably high input of energy to effectively heat the workpiece without being pressed into contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate processes for bulk solidifying amorphous metal alloys by rapid capacitor discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a semiconductor workpiece includes a heating system configured to cause thermally-induced motion of the semiconductor workpiece by heating a surface of the workpiece relative to a bulk of the workpiece. The thermally-induced motion includes vertical motion of an outer edge region of the workpiece and a center of the workpiece relative to each other. The apparatus further includes a support system configured to allow the thermally-induced motion including the vertical motion of the outer edge region of the workpiece and the center of the workpiece relative to each other while supporting the workpiece.

Abstract: A metal forming apparatus characterized by rapid cooling includes a forming tool having a first portion defining a forming surface and a second portion defining a cavity for a working gas. A plurality of fins are in conductive heat transfer relationship with the forming tool. The metal forming apparatus enables a high thermal efficiency mode of operation when the effect of the fins is negated for use during metal forming operation, and a rapid cooling mode for use in preparing for tool maintenance. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forging a steering rack having a toothed portion and an array of gear teeth. The die apparatus comprising first and second assemblies movable towards each other. The first assembly comprising a first bolster and a tooth die. The second assembly comprising a second bolster, first and second side dies, a centre punch, and a third bolster. The third bolster being disposed between the first and second bolsters and being movable relative to the second bolster. The first and second side dies being supported by the third bolster, and the centre punch being supported by the second bolster. As the die apparatus closes, the third bolster abuts the first assembly to form a closed forging cavity and then, as the die apparatus continues to close, the centre punch penetrates the closed forging cavity to complete the forging of the steering rack.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a can body by forming a circular laminated steel sheet having a radius of R0 includes producing a form at least one time with a laminated steel sheet coated with a polyester resin, which has a plane orientation coefficient of 0.06 or less such that that the height h, the maximum radius r, and the minimum radius d of the form satisfy d?r, 0.2?d/R?0.5, and 1.5?h/(R?r)?2.5, where R represents the radius of the laminated steel sheet having a weight equivalent to the weight of a final form; heating the resulting form at least one time at a temperature of 150° C. or higher, and lower than or equal to the melting point of the polyester resin; and working the heat-treated form into a form satisfying d?r, 0.1?d/R?0.25, and 1.5?h/(R?r)?4.

Abstract: A method for selectively forming at least one region of a gasket sheet metal layer made of a spring steel, wherein, for the purposes of facilitating the forming process, the region of the sheet metal layer that is to be formed is heated up inductively for reducing the hardness thereof and the electromagnetic alternating field serving for the inductive heating process is concentrated onto the region that is to be formed, wherein the application time of the electromagnetic alternating field on each part of said region of the sheet metal layer that is to be formed amounts to at most approximately 2 seconds.

Abstract: Provided are a steel pipe for a linepipe with high compressive strength and a heavy wall thickness, and a method of manufacturing the same. Lowering of yield stress caused by a Bauschinger effect can be suppressed by optimizing the metal microstructure of a steel plate without requiring particular forming conditions in forming the steel pipe, and without requiring heat treatment after pipe making. A steel pipe has the composition which contains by mass % 0.03 to 0.10% C, 0.30% or less Si, 1.00 to 2.00% Mn, 0.015% or less P, 0.003% or less S, 0.080% or less Al, 0.005 to 0.035% Nb, 0.005 to 0.020% Ti, and Fe and unavoidable impurities as a balance. The steel pipe has metal microstructure where a fraction of bainite is 60% or more, a fraction of rolled ferrite is 5% or less, and a fraction of M-A constituent (MA) is 3% or less.

Abstract: Coated steel having a well defined and uniform thickness is useful and advantageous for preparing products by hot stamping. Products prepared by hot stamping such a steel are particularly advantageous when subjected to a subsequent spot welding step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: An arm material for an upper arm or a lower arm is provided which constitutes a double wishbone suspension or the like of an automobile and which has a flat, hollow, closed cross-sectional shape and enables further decreases in size, decreases in weight, and increases in strength. An arm material for an automobile suspension has a body made from a parts material made by metal. The parts material made by metal has a flat, hollow, closed cross-sectional shape having a pair of opposing long sides and is formed from a single member in its lengthwise direction. The body has at least a first bent portion which is bent in a plane roughly parallel to the pair of long sides.

Abstract: Provided is a technique which can, in order to guarantee the molding accuracy of hot press molding, accurately measure the temperature of a workpiece being subjected to the hot press molding. A hot press mold is a mold used for hot press molding for hardening and molding a workpiece, which has been heated, by pressing the workpiece. The hot press mold is provided with a stroke type temperature measuring device which is extended and retracted by a pressing force applied thereto through the workpiece. The temperature measuring device is provided in such a manner that the temperature measuring device protrudes outward from the molding surface of the mold, and when subjected to the pressing force applied through the workpiece while being in contact with the workpiece, the temperature measuring device shortens in length and retracts into the mold.

Abstract: Described herein are coiled tubes with improved and varying properties along the length that are produced by using a continuous and dynamic heat treatment process (CDHT). Coiled tubes can be uncoiled from a spool, subjected to a CDHT process, and coiled onto a spool. A CDHT process can produce a “composite” tube such that properties of the tube along the length of the tube are selectively varied. For example, the properties of the tube can be selectively tailored along the length of the tube for particular application for which the tube will be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending die (3), particularly a V-shaped die (13), comprising a tool base body (7) with a contact surface (10) for contacting the workpiece (2) to be bent by a bending punch (5), a groove-shaped bending recess (11) in the contact surface (10) and at least one beam exit opening (17) in the bending recess (11) and extending along thereof, which is configured to discharge high-energy radiation (18) onto a workpiece (2) bearing against the contact surface (10) in order to heat the deformation zone of the workpiece (2). An arrangement of diode laser bars (20) is fixed in the interior of the tool base body (7) for producing the radiation (18). Said diode laser bars (20) are arranged at least approximately uniformly along the longitudinal direction (27) of the bending recess (11) behind the beam exit opening (17) in the tool base body (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding and distributing high-energy radiation (18), in particular laser radiation, in the tool base body (7) of a bending die (3), in particular a V-shaped die (13), comprising a bending recess (11) in the tool base body (7) and a beam exit opening (17) arranged therein for locally heating a workpiece (2) bearing against a contact surface (10) of the bending die (3) by introducing high-energy radiation (18) from a radiation source (20) arranged outside the tool base body (7) into the tool base body (7) through a beam entry opening (22) and high-energy radiation (18) is discharged to the bending recess (11) through the beam exit opening (17).

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together form the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bending a flat workpiece (2), comprising the discharge of high-energy radiation (19) in the form of at least one planar fanned beam (24) from a bending recess (12) of a die arrangement (3) having a bending die (7) onto a workpiece (2) bearing against a contact surface (11) of the bending die (7) for the local heating thereof before and/or during a bending process. The one or more planar fanned beams (24; 24a. 24b, . . . ) are produced by a number of optionally activatable radiation sources (22a, 22b, . . . ) which are arranged within the die arrangement (3) along the bending recess (12) or are caused by the distribution of a concentrated radiation beam (40) that is introduced from a radiation source (39) outside the bending dies (7a, 7b, . . . ) via a number of beam affecting arrangements (23a, 23b, . . . ) within the bending dies (7a, 7b, . . .

Abstract: A method of correcting the shape of a brittle cast component such as a low pressure turbine blade. The method includes steps of placing the component against a creep mold having a surface defining the desired profile of the component and HIP treating it to creep deform the component to the desired shape whilst consolidating it and removing gas and shrinkage porosity.

Abstract: A method corrects a head suspension by irradiating an objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam. The method is capable of precisely correcting the head suspension even when correcting the head suspension a plurality of times. The method removes residual stress created by the preceding correction from the head suspension, and then, carries out the next correction. Accordingly, the method can precisely correct the objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam even if the objective part has once been irradiated with a laser beam in the preceding correction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible piping device for an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle, said method comprising the steps: a) forming a wound metal hose from at least one profiled metal strip, so that strip edges of adjacent strip windings movably interlock; b) exposing said wound metal hose to heat; and c) assembling the flexible piping device from said wound metal hose and from other components. In order to further reduce or eliminate an ageing function of the flexible piping device to allow the user of the flexible piping device to receive functionality and properties over lifetime at similar condition, the present invention provides that step b) includes subjecting the wound metal hose to quenching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for and a method of manufacturing a linear gear (rack gear), in which a forming roll and a guide roll are used to form gear teeth in a sequential manner so as not to require a high load, thereby enabling to easily manufacture the rack gear. A system for manufacturing a rack gear according to the invention includes a forming roll having a convexo-concave portion formed on a part of the surface contacting with a linear bar, a guide roll adapted to roll while facing the forming roll, and at least one support member for supporting the linear bar so as to allow the linear bar to linearly move.

Abstract: A method for near net shape forging a titanium component includes heating a titanium billet to a temperature in the alpha-beta temperature range and extruding the titanium billet into a first die having a temperature approximately 500° F. below the temperature of the titanium billet. A system for near net shape forging a titanium component includes a titanium billet having a temperature in the alpha-beta temperature range and a punch in contact with the titanium billet. A first die proximate to the titanium billet for receiving the titanium billet has a temperature approximately 500° F. below the temperature of the titanium billet.

Abstract: An induction heater is used to heat composite reinforced pipe (CRP) prior to a bending operation. By heating the composite reinforcement to approximately 90° F.-110° F., the incidence of circumferential stress cracks in the resin is significantly reduced. Resin cracking is also reduced by incorporating longitudinal fibers in the composite reinforcement during manufacture of CRP.

Abstract: A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic article includes directly and/or indirectly inductively heating a localized region of a metallic article to a forming temperature. The metallic article may comprise materials selected from titanium alloys, nickel-base alloys, and specialty steels, e.g., stainless steel, high-strength low-alloy steel, armor steel alloys, and the like. The forming temperature may be in a forming temperature range of 0.2 to 0.5 of a melting temperature of a metallic material comprising the article. The metallic article is formed in the localized region. Devices for indirectly and directly inductively heating a localized region of a metallic article are disclosed. Articles including metallic articles processed according to the methods and/or devices taught herein also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing metal powder consisting a plurality of metal powder pellets, comprising the following steps: heating the metal powder pellets until they are in a doughy state, causing a collision of the metal power pellets in doughy state with an impact body to form deformed metal powder particles and collecting the deformed metal powder particles in a collecting vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surface hardening a component, particularly an aircraft construction component, is disclosed. A force is applied to the surface of the component, which is made of an intermetallic compound at least in the region of the surface to be hardened. The component is heated at least in the region that is made of the intermetallic compound to a temperature higher than the standard temperature. The temperature is set such that a ductility of the intermetallic compound at the temperature is increased compared to a ductility of the intermetallic compound at the standard temperature. The apparatus includes a hardening tool and a heating device where the component is heated to a temperature higher than the standard temperature and the temperature is set such that a ductility of the intermetallic compound at the temperature is increased compared to a ductility of the intermetallic compound at the standard temperature.

Abstract: A lightweight hollow member having a high strength such as at least 780 MPa, a complicated shape which can be applied to automotive parts, a high stiffness, and excellent impact properties, and a manufacturing apparatus and method which can form the hollow member by simple steps and which use relatively small and inexpensive forming equipment are provided. The manufacturing apparatus 10 has a feed unit 11 which feeds a hollow steel material being worked 20 having a closed transverse cross-sectional shape in its lengthwise direction, a support unit 12 which supports the material being worked 20 while it is being fed at a first position A, a heating unit 13 which heats the material being worked 20 at a second position B, a transverse cross-sectional shape modifying unit 14 which carries out working to modify the transverse cross-sectional shape of the material being worked 20 at a third position C, and a cooling unit 15 which cools the material being worked 20 at a fourth position D.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A process for stainless-steel pipe production which comprises piercing rolling a raw material stainless steel containing, by mass, Cr: 10-30%, to give a hollow shell, elongating rolling the hollow shell using a mandrel bar, together with a graphite-free lubricant, to give a finishing rolling blank pipe and heating the blank pipe in a reheating furnace and subjecting the same to finishing rolling by sizing rolling to produce a hot-finished pipe, and then subjecting this pipe as a mother pipe to cold working to produce a stainless-steel pipe. In the reheating furnace, the finishing rolling blank pipe is heated to 1000° C. or more and subjected to heating in which an oxidizing gas is blown into the pipe inside, whereby a stainless-steel pipe which is inhibited from forming a carburized layer in the pipe inner surface can be produced. When the finishing rolling by sizing rolling to give a cold working mother pipe is carried out by stretch reducer rolling at 860-1050° C.

Abstract: A method may include providing an outer panel that may have a flange that defines at least one planar section. The flange may be heated at the at least one planar section, and the flange may be bent about the at least one planar section.

Abstract: A method for stamping a desired shape from a sheet blank includes providing the sheet blank. The method also includes locally cooling the sheet blank with a stream of fluid in a predetermined area of high stress concentration to be experienced during forming of the sheet blank into a desired shape. The method additionally includes forming the metal sheet blank into the desired shape in a stamping press with a punch. A system employing the method for forming a sheet blank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making sputter targets from a BCC metal or BCC metal alloy is provided. The ingot is e-beamed melted and subjected to vacuum arc reduction. The ingot is then tri-axially forged, keeping the centerline of the ingot in the center of the ingot during the tri-axial forging step. The ingot is then vacuum annealed and clock rolled. During the clock rolling, the center line of the ingot is maintained in the center of the ingot and perpendicular to the compressive forces used during the clock rolling. The clock rolled ingot is then vacuum annealed and provided in a near net shape for usage as a sputter target. Tantalum target materials are disclosed having a purity of at least 99.5% and an interstitial content (CONH) of less than about 25 ppm. Tantalum targets, in accordance with the invention, have a grain size of about 50 to 100 microns and a mixed {100}/{111} texture with a higher % {111} gradient towards the center.

Abstract: In order to sharpen and harden a corner portion of a score line edge portion of an iron golf club having a plurality of score lines on a face surface within a prescribed range, heat input is implemented on an edge portion of a groove through laser irradiation after the groove is machined and, as a result, the edge portion is hardened and melted to form a rounded corner R. The hardness is set at a Vickers hardness value (HV) of at least 350. The corner R forms a part of a contour line of the edge portion and this contour line is formed to exist between a first circle that contacts the face surface and a side surface of the groove and has a radius of 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) and a second circle that is concentric with the first circle and has a radius of 0.011 inches (0.2794 millimeters).

Abstract: A pressure vessel may be formed from a thermally processed metal tube. The thermally processed metal tube may be seamless with a large length to diameter ratio. End portions of the thermally processed metal tube may be formed at a first temperature below the lower critical temperature by a load less than about the ultimate stress of the metal. After forming, the end portion may be thermally reconditioned at a second temperature below the lower critical temperature to relieve stress and approach similar material properties as the thermally processed metal tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to sheet material forming technology and the forming of structures there from. The invention relates to incremental forming of sheet material (1) with localised heating (5) and more particularly to a system and method for incrementally forming a sheet blank (1) that is at the same time heated by a dynamically moving heating source (5). This dynamic and localised heating locally changes the mechanical properties of the sheet material (1), thus facilitating the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of melting of Al in heating before hot-stamping, which had been a problem in the past in applying hot-stamping to Al-plated steel sheet, and provides Al-plated steel sheet for hot-stamping and a method of hot-stamping using that Al-plated steel sheet to solve the problem of delayed fracture due to residual hydrogen, and, furthermore, a method of a rapid heating hot-stamping using that Al-plated steel sheet. The Al-plated steel sheet of the present invention is produced by annealing the Al-plated steel sheet as coiled in a box-anneal furnace for the time and at the temperature indicated in FIG. 5, and alloying of a plated Al and a steel sheet. Further, a method of rapid heating hot-stamping in the present invention is characterized by cutting out a stamping blank of an Al-plated steel sheet, and heating that blank in heating before hot-stamping by an average temperature with a rising rate of 40° C./sec or more and a time of exposure to an environment of 700° C.

Abstract: Coated steel having a well defined and uniform thickness is useful and advantageous for preparing products by hot stamping. Products prepared by hot stamping such a steel are particularly advantageous when subjected to a subsequent spot welding step.

Abstract: A system and method for shaping a net or near-net titanium part, the method comprising machining a piece of titanium into a titanium part having non-uniform thickness, heating the titanium part to a target temperature within a target temperature range between an auto-relief temperature of the titanium part and a minimum temperature required for super plastic forming of the titanium part, and lowering a die into the titanium part with sufficient force to shape the titanium part. The system for shaping the titanium part may comprise a multiple-axis machine, a die, electrical clamps, sensors, and a control system for adjusting heating temperatures based on information received from the sensors regarding the titanium part.

Abstract: Method for austempering at least one part of a work piece, which method comprises the steps of: a) heating at least one part of the work piece to an initial austenitizing temperature (T1); b) subjecting said at least one part of the work piece to one or more austenitizing temperatures (T1 . . . T1n) for a predetermined time to austenitize it; c) quenching said at least one part of the work piece; d) heat treating said at least one part of the work piece at one or more austempering temperatures (T2 . . . T2n) for a predetermined time to austemper it; e) cooling the at least one part of the work piece; whereby at least one of the steps a) to e) is/are at least partly carried out under Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) conditions.