Abstract: A die apparatus including a first die element, a plurality of second die elements, a plurality of actuators, and a controller is provided. Each of the plurality of actuators is mounted to one of the plurality of second die elements. The controller is programmed to activate the actuators to contact and compress portions of a blank disposed between the die elements at separate pressures to influence microstructure forming for one of a geometry transition region, a deformation region, and a joining region. One of the separate pressures applied to one of the portions of the blank may be approximately 5 N/mm2 or less to form a soft strength zone. The pressure of approximately 5 N/mm2 or less may be applied to the one of the portions of the blank for approximately one to two seconds.

Abstract: In hot press forming a thin steel sheet K, when cooling the thin steel sheet K by supplying a refrigerant to an ejection hole (27) communicated from a supply path (28) inside a lower mold (12), precooling in which an ejection amount per unit time period of the refrigerant from the ejection hole (27) is suppressed is carried out, and thereafter, main cooling is carried out by increasing the ejection amount per unit time period.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high carbon steel rail with enhanced ductility comprising 0.65-1.4 mass % of carbon, 0.1-1.5 mass % of silicon, 0.01-0.4 mass % of manganese, 0.1-1.5 mass % of chromium, and 0.005-0.05 mass % of titanium, with additional allowances for Mo, Nb, V, Cu, M, Co, B, N, Ca, Mg, Zr, Al, and W, with the remainder comprising iron and the inevitable impurities, that displays a head surface hardness of at least 325 HB and a microstructure comprising at least 90% pearlite at a depth of between 2-20 mm below the rail head surface. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the high carbon steel rail with enhanced ductility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot-pressing apparatus capable of quenching a workpiece at a sufficient cooling rate. A hot-pressing apparatus includes a lower die and an upper die. The hot-pressing apparatus causes the dies to press a workpiece, and at the same time, to keep the forming surfaces thereof in contact with the workpiece to cool the workpiece. Depression parts are formed in parts of the lower die which faces external corners of the upper die, and parts of the upper die which faces external corners of the lower die. The water-feed channel and the lower water-feed device, and the water-feed channel and the upper water-feed device are provided to feed cooling water to spaces between the workpiece and the dies.

Abstract: A hot metal forming apparatus having a pair of dies which are movable between an open and closed position relative to each other. The dies have facing metal forming surfaces corresponding to the shape of the desired stamped part. At least one elongated heat pipe is mounted within at least one die for transferring heat away from the stamped part thus quenching the stamped part.

Abstract: A hot clamping method includes: blanking to cut a material; cold-working to cool down the cut material to produce a product having a shape of a completed product; heating the cooled product in a heating furnace; and clamping cooling to set the heated product in a clamp to clamp it so that it is in contact with the clamp to be cooled down.

Abstract: A water-blocking apparatus for cooling water for a hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present invention, which blocks cooling water sprayed onto a hot-rolled steel sheet at a sprayed water density of higher than 4 m3/m2/min and equal to or less than 10 m3/m2/min when the hot-rolled steel sheet is cooled after finish rolling of a hot-rolling process, includes: a plurality of water-blocking nozzles which spray water-blocking water onto the hot-rolled steel sheet. Impact areas of the water-blocking water respectively sprayed from the water-blocking nozzles are continuously lined up in a straight line in a width direction of the hot-rolled steel sheet on a surface of the hot-rolled steel sheet and the adjacent impact areas partially overlap.

Abstract: A current density changing portion is formed in a heating process on an upper base side with respect to a center portion of a flat metal plate in a direction of current flow, by passing current from a lower base side to the upper base side of the flat metal plate which is rectangular when viewed from above. As a result, a quenchable portion is formed on the upper base side with respect to the center portion of the flat metal plate in the direction of current flow, and a non-quenchable portion is formed on the lower base side with respect to the center portion of the flat metal plate in the direction of current flow. The flat metal plate is press-formed after the heating process, so a complex die cooling structure is not necessary during press-forming, which enables the die cost to be reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of cellulosic materials, such as wood, paper, etc., or synthetic polymeric materials, such as a thermoplastic, rubber, etc., or a composite containing one or more of these materials as feedstock barrels for the process of injection molding of metallic glasses by rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) techniques.

Abstract: A hot rolled steel sheet cooling apparatus includes a gradual cooling header 2 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 3 for gradual cooling and a rapid cooling header 4 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 5 for rapid cooling such that the headers constitute a cooling unit 9. The cooling unit 9 includes an elevating unit 7 capable of moving upward and downward in unison with the cooling unit. In cooling the upper surface of a hot rolled steel sheet (hot rolled steel strip or steel plate), uniform and stable cooling is achieved while both of high cooling rate and low cooling rate are ensured.

Abstract: A method for increasing formability of magnesium alloy sheet and the magnesium alloy sheet prepared by the same are provided, in which the method includes the following steps: forming {10-12} twins in magnesium alloy sheet (step 1); and annealing the magnesium alloy sheet of step 1 (step 2). The present invention also provides the magnesium alloy sheet containing {10-12} twins prepared by the method. Accordingly, the room temperature formability and the warm formability are increased by forming {10-12} twins through deformation on the magnesium alloy sheet and subsequently performing annealing, because it is possible to artificially form {10-12} twins without increasing dislocations in the magnesium alloy sheet and accommodate the deformation generated during the forming via annihilation of the twins.

Abstract: Cooling equipment for a hot rolled steel plate which is arranged on a hot rolling line of a steel plate includes an upper header which supplies cooling water to an upper surface of the hot rolled steel plate; upper cooling water jetting nozzles suspended from the upper header for jetting rod-like water flow; and an upper dividing wall arranged between the hot rolled steel plate and the upper header, wherein a plurality of upper water-supply inlets which allow insertion of lower end portions of the upper cooling water jetting nozzles thereinto, and a plurality of upper drain outlets which drain cooling water supplied to upper surface of the hot rolled steel plate on dividing wall are formed in the upper dividing wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a TWIP and nano twinned austenitic stainless steel. The austenitic steel should not contain more than 0.018 wt % C, 0.25-0.75 wt % Si, 1.5-2 wt % Mn, 17.80-19.60 wt % Cr, 24.00-25.25 wt % Ni, 3.75-4.85 wt % Mo, 1.26-2.78 wt % Cu, 0.04-0.15 wt % N, and the balance of Fe. In order to form nano twins in the material the austenitic stainless steel should be brought to a temperature below 0° C., and imparted a plastic deformation to such a degree that the desired nano twins are formed, e.g. to a plastic deformation of around 30%. The invention also relates to the thus produced austenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: A hot press-forming method includes a forming step that clamps a steel sheet heated to a temperature not less than an austenite transformation temperature and press-forms the steel sheet into a desired shape by causing a forming concave of a die and a convex of a punch to be close to each other. A formed portion has side and top portions that merge. The side portion rises up from an inner circumferential edge of a flange portion having been clamped by the die and the blank holder. A cooling step cools a region of the steel sheet after the heating step has been completed and before the forming step is completed. The particular region is along an inter-edge area formed between an opening circumferential edge of the forming concave and a top circumferential edge of the forming convex before the forming step is completed.

Abstract: A metal mold for hot pressing according to the present invention includes a fixed mold and a movable mold disposed such that molding surfaces of the fixed mold and the movable mold face each other. The metal mold sandwiches a heated workpiece between the fixed mold and the movable mold to press the workpiece while, at the same time, cooling the workpiece by keeping the molding surfaces of the fixed mold and the movable mold in contact with surfaces of the workpiece. A layer formed by a shape-memory alloy is formed at least at a portion, on which fitting during pressing is tight, of the molding surface of the fixed mold. According to the metal mold for hot pressing of the present invention, formation of a gap between the metal mold and the workpiece is suppressed and uniform contact between the metal mold and the workpiece can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention enhances a cooling effect on a press die for hot press. A lower die includes a first base, a second base mounted on the first base and having an opening in the center, a support table provided in the opening of the second base, and a die portion detachably mounted on the support table and including die pieces. The die portion is divided in die pieces disposed adjoining each other, and cold water pipes are provided in the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes are bent in a U shape and inserted in the die pieces respectively, and extended downward from the lower ends of the die pieces respectively. The cold water pipes have cooling water injection ends and cooling water ejection ends in a space between the first base and the support table.

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 hot-pressing die and a method for manufacturing the hot-pressing die are disclosed. The die which presses and cools a heated workpiece at the same time to form a product with a hat-shape includes a lower die and an upper die. The lower die has a protrusion which protrudes from the forming surface thereof, and the upper die has a recess corresponding to the protrusion. The lower die is modified into a modified lower die by forming, on the forming surface of the protruding end of the protrusion, a buildup part with a convex shape to gradually change in position in the protruding direction of the protrusion toward the middle thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot press molding method for molding a heated metallic plate (K) using a molding die (20, 60) comprising an upper die (21) and a lower die (20). According to the method, the heated metallic plate is arranged between the upper die and the lower die, the upper die and the lower die are brought together, and the metallic plate held between the dies is pressed. After the metallic plate is pressed, a refrigerant in the form of a liquid or mist is supplied via a plurality of supply holes provided to the lower die to a surface of the metallic plate held between the dies, and once the refrigerant has finished being supplied, a gas is sprayed onto the surface of the metallic plate via the plurality of supply holes. It is thereby possible to remove, with maximum speed, liquid refrigerant adhering to the metallic plate when the supply of liquid refrigerant is stopped.

Abstract: A method of producing a shaped aluminium alloy panel, preferably for aerospace or automotive applications, from 5000-series alloy sheet. The method includes: providing a sheet made of 5000-series alloy having a thickness of about 0.05 to 10 mm and a length in the longest dimension of at least 800 mm; and stretch forming the sheet at a forming temperature between ?100° C. and ?25° C., to obtain a shaped aluminium alloy panel. A shaped article formed by the above method is also provided.

Abstract: As to the method for fabricating a member of a vehicle, after a member for the vehicle having high-rigidity of martensite organization is fabricated by a hot stamping forming, the martensite organization is transformed to a ferrite having a low-rigidity partially and improved toughness or to a metal organization heat treated by tempering process through induction heating or secondary heat treatment using laser beam of conduction area, and thereby collision absorption performance is improved by stabilizing the absorption directivity of the collision energy without additional reinforcement.

Abstract: A metal forming process involves applying a lubricant, formed from a vitreous enamel mixed with particles of boron nitride, to at least one surface of a sheet metal blank, and without pre-heating the sheet metal blank, placing the sheet metal blank having the lubricant applied to the surface(s) thereof into a pre-heated forming tool so that the at least one surface contacts a surface of the forming tool. The method further involves, via the pre-heated forming tool, forming the sheet metal blank into a desired part shape, and during such forming, forming a lubricant layer on the surface(s) as the lubricant is heated from the pre-heated forming tool, the lubricant layer adhering to the surface(s) of the sheet metal blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device (100) for cooling a metal strip (200) after a forming in a cold rolling stand (200) having at least one nozzle (112) for spraying a cooling medium (400) onto the surface of the metal strip (200). In order to make such known cooling device more effective and efficient, it is proposed according to the invention to provide a plate (500), which in an operating position is arranged parallel to the surface of the metal strip (200) in the run-out of the cold rolling stand (300,) and to arrange the nozzle in the operation position in such a manner that the cooling medium is sprayed at an acute spray angle ? into a cavity between the surface of the metal strip and the opposing plate, with a spray direction (R) opposite to the running direction (L) of the metal strip.

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: The invention relates to a profile-rolling machine for rolling a profile in a blank, wherein the profile-rolling machine has a first and a second profile-rolling jaw. The second profile-rolling jaw (126) is guided—held by a carriage (124)—in a guide track (130) relative to the first profile-rolling jaw (110) for the purpose of rolling the profile into the blank. The carriage (124) has a carriage slide plate (122) and the guide track (130) has a guide slide plate (132). The two slide plates together form a sliding pairing and slide on each other. In order to render said sliding pairing less susceptible to dirty lubricant and less susceptible to wear, it is proposed according to the invention to manufacture the guide slide plate (132) and/or the carriage slide plate (122) at least partially from ceramic or from a non-metallic material or to coat the same with such materials.

Abstract: The invention deals with a rolling mill (1) for metallic products comprising at least one pair of work rolls and at least one cooling device (2) projecting a plurality of cooling jets under pressure on at least one work roll, the cooling device projecting also at least one scraper jet between the cooling jets and the metallic product to be rolled, the scraper jets being oriented in the desired flow direction following a re-entrant angle towards the perpendicular to the surface of the work roll, as well as with a rolling process using said rolling mill (1).

Abstract: An improved stamped metal part and method for making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cooling a metal strip (2) between two rolling stands (3), wherein the strip (2) is led over a leading-over element (4) of a flat form and arranged under the leading-over element (4) is a spraying element (5), which directs cooling medium (7) onto the underside (8) of the strip (2) through at least one opening (6) in the leading-over element (4). To achieve an improved spray pattern, the invention provides that at least two openings (6) are introduced into the leading-over element (4), said openings being arranged next to each other in a direction transverse (Q) to the conveying direction (F) of the strip (2) and having an elongated form, wherein the longitudinal axis (9) of the opening (6) is aligned at an angle (?) with respect to the conveying direction (F) of the strip.

Abstract: A laying pipe configured for rotation about its axis in a rolling mill laying head, comprises a metal outer tube having an entry section aligned with its axis, an intermediate section curving away from its axis, and a delivery section having a constant radius measured from its axis. A metal inner tube has entry, intermediate and delivery sections respectively lining the entry, intermediate and delivery sections of the outer tube. The inner tube is constrained against movement relative to the outer tube solely by frictional contact with the outer tube. The inner tube is movable incrementally within the outer tube in one direction in response to heating and cooling cycles during rotation of the laying pipe about its axis.

Abstract: A metalworking machine includes a tool for machining a workpiece metal and a cooling liquid supply unit for supplying a cooling liquid to a machining portion between the tool and the workpiece metal. The cooling liquid is formed by applying a degassing treatment that removes dissolved gases from the cooling liquid, and a hydrogenation treatment that adds hydrogen to the cooling liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cooling a hot-rolled steel strip after a finishing rolling in which a transportation speed varies, the method including: setting a transportation-speed changing schedule on the basis of a temperature of a steel strip before the finishing rolling and a condition of the finishing rolling; performing a first cooling in which the hot-rolled steel strip is cooled under a film boiling state in a first cooling section; performing a second cooling in which the hot-rolled steel strip is cooled with a water amount density of not less than 2m3/min/m2 in a second cooling section; and coiling the hot-rolled steel strip, in which a cooling condition is controlled in the first cooling so as to satisfy 0.8?(T2a??T2a)/?Tx?1.2.

Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.

Abstract: When shaping a metal blank (P), the blank (P) is heated to a predetermined temperature, is then cooled using a cooling device (10), and is subsequently placed in a press and is shaped. According to the invention, at least one plate surface, and particularly both plate surfaces, of the blank (P) is/are brought in direct contact with a cooling element (16, 19) in the cooling device (10), and the blank is clamped especially between said cooling elements (16, 19). A corresponding cooling device for a metal blank (P) comprises a first cooling element (16) and a second cooling element (19) which are adjustable relative to each other and between which the blank (P) can be clamped.

Abstract: An injector sleeve adapted to be mounted in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, where the injector sleeve comprises a tapered inner surface which constitutes a sealing surface for an injector, where the hardness of the tapered inner surface is higher than the hardness of the outer surface of the injector sleeve. The injector sleeve is produced in a cold forming process. The advantage of the invention is that the injector sleeve is provided with a sealing surface for an injector which is harder than the outer surface of the injector sleeve. In this way, a sealing surface for an injector having small tolerances is obtained without further machining, where the outer surface may be turned to the desired dimensions.

Abstract: Method upon heating of extrusion tools (1) for the extrusion of metal into a profile and which extrusion tool is formed by an internal tool (5) that is receivable by a tool ring (4) and that has the intended hole-profile openings (6). In that connection, the entire extrusion tool (1) is heated, after which the temperature of the tool ring (4) only is lowered before subsequent introduction of the extrusion tool (1) into the press and the execution of the extrusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a pearlitic rail by rough hot rolling and finish hot rolling a billet. In the finish hot rolling, the billet is rolled at a rail head surface temperature in a range of not higher than 900° C. to not lower than the Ar3 transformation point or Arcm transformation point to produce a head cumulative reduction of area of not less than 20%, where the reaction force ratio of the finish rolling is not less than 1.25. The finish hot rolled rail head surface is subjected to accelerated cooling or spontaneous cooling to a temperature of 550° C. or less at a cooling rate of 2 to 30° C./seconds, thereby refining the rail head structure to attain a hardness within a predetermined range, and improving rail wear resistance and ductility.

Abstract: A hot rolled steel sheet cooling apparatus includes a gradual cooling header 2 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 3 for gradual cooling and a rapid cooling header 4 including a rod-like cooling water nozzle 5 for rapid cooling such that the headers constitute a cooling unit 9. The cooling unit 9 includes an elevating unit 7 capable of moving upward and downward in unison with the cooling unit. In cooling the upper surface of a hot rolled steel sheet (hot rolled steel strip or steel plate), uniform and stable cooling is achieved while both of high cooling rate and low cooling rate are ensured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rolling mill apparatus and a method of shape control of a rolled strip which enables satisfactory shape control even in extremely thin rolling. A rolling mill apparatus of this invention has a rolling mill, which rolls a rolled strip P between upper and lower work rolls; a shape detecting portion, which detects the degree of flatness of the rolled strip in the width direction of rolled strip which has been rolled by the rolling mill; a spray portion, having a plurality of spray nozzles arranged along the length direction of the upper and lower work rolls, which sprays the upper and lower work rolls with coolant C; and, a shape control portion, which adjusts the spray amount and/or temperature of the coolant C sprayed from the spray portion based on detected information from the shape detecting portion, to control the shape of the rolled strip P.

Abstract: A plug material having a prescribed shape is prepared, the prepared plug material is thermally treated in a heat treatment atmosphere that contains at least 1.0 vol. % oxygen at a heat treatment temperature of at least 950° C. and less than 1050° C. and thus a plug having an oxide scale layer 30 on the surface is manufactured. According to the manufacturing method, pores PO that extend along the surface SF of the plug material are formed under outer scale layer 20 in the oxide scale layer 30, which allows cracks to be more easily propagated in the outer scale layer 20. Therefore, the outer scale layer 20 is more easily peeled off than the conventional one.

Abstract: Metal sheets and thin-wall metal tubes may be heated to a hot working temperature and transformed by a hot-blow-forming step to achieve shapes, difficult to attain, without excessive thinning or strain causing damage to the workpiece based on the inherent formability of the metal alloy. The stages of forming of the intended shape in the metal workpiece are analyzed and workpiece regions of potential damage during forming are identified. Then, during actual forming, these regions of the hot workpiece are selectively cooled with air (or other cooling fluid) to reduce thinning or strain in the critical region(s) and to redistribute this strain to adjacent lower strain areas of the workpiece. This hot-blow-forming practice is particularly useful in attaining complex shapes in workpieces of aluminum-based alloys and magnesium-based alloys.

Abstract: A thermoforming press for forming and hardening metal sheets includes an upper die and a lower die. At least one of the upper and lower dies has a mold jaw and a support jaw which are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the support jaw rests against the mold jaw to block a flow of coolant between the mold jaw and the support jaw, and a second position in which the support jaw is spaced from the mold jaw by a distance to define a cooling gap for coolant to flow between the mold jaw and the support jaw.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an arrangement for cooling a roll (5). The arrangement comprises a housing (2) to be secured to the roll (5), a hollow shaft (8) mounted for rotational movement within the housing (2) and a cooling medium line to convey cooling medium into the roll (5) via the interior of the shaft(8). The cooling medium line comprising an inlet communicating with an elbow portion, a first length (27) of the elbow portion (20) extending from the inlet substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and a second length (26) of the elbow portion extending from the first length in the direction of the axis of the shaft (8), the axes of the first and second lengths being in substantially the same plane.

Abstract: A hot forging facility enabling the manufacture of a hot forged product excellent in fatigue properties and cold workability is provided. A heating furnace for heating a steel material and a hot forging apparatus for performing forging of the heated steel material are sequentially arranged on a transport line. A partially cooling apparatus/apparatuses for partially cooling a forged product after hot forging is provided on an exit side of the hot forging apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant comprising an alkali soap and a cold working method, in which the lubricant layer can be easily formed on the surface of a steel pipe prior to cold working the reduces the work load during cold working of the steel pipe, and whose layer can be easily removed by washing the surface of the steel pipe after cold working. After that, an alkali soap aqueous solution or aqueous pasty alkali soap is applied to the working surface of the steel pipe, cold working of the steel pipe is performed, and thereafter the alkali soap layer is removed by washing with water. The alkali soap aqueous solution or aqueous pasty alkali soap is preferably prepared within a vessel having an inner surface consisting of a non-metal material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for influencing the temperature distribution over the width of a slab or a strip, particularly in hot strip rolling mill, wherein at least one cooling device is provided that features nozzles for applying a cooling medium, wherein the nozzles are arranged and/or actuated in such a way that the cooling medium is applied, in particular, at positions at which an elevated temperature is determined. The invention furthermore pertains to a device for influencing the state of the surface evenness of the strip by means of strip cooling, wherein the cooling device is controlled in dependence on the state of surface evenness of the strip in such a way that the surface unevenness is reduced or eliminated. In addition, this invention makes it possible to purposefully influence the strip contour, wherein the strip or the slab is cooled widthwise in such a way that the strip contour approximates a desired target contour more closely.

Abstract: When shaping a metal blank (P), the blank (P) is heated to a predetermined temperature, is then cooled using a cooling device (10), and is subsequently placed in a press and is shaped. According to the invention, at least one plate surface, and particularly both plate surfaces, of the blank (P) is/are brought in direct contact with a cooling element (16, 19) in the cooling device (10), and the blank is clamped especially between said cooling elements (16, 19). A corresponding cooling device for a metal blank (P) comprises a first cooling element (16) and a second cooling element (19) which are adjustable relative to each other and between which the blank (P) can be clamped.

Abstract: A press tool arrangement for use in hot creep forming, a method of hot creep forming a component of titanium alloy, and a resilient urging arrangement usable at elevated temperatures are described. The press tool arrangement includes a die, a holder member engageable with a blank of material in the die, and a resilient urging arrangement engageable with the holder member to urge same against a blank of material in the die.

Abstract: A method of hot-shaping and hardening a hot steel workpiece that is at or above its AC3 temperature.

Abstract: A hot forming die according to an exemplary embodiment can be provided for a press forming apparatus which can press-forms a heated metal plate (e.g., a work material) and may cool the work material by ejecting a cooling medium onto the work material. The hot forming die can have a main supply path through which the cooling medium passes, a plurality of branch supply paths branching off the main supply path, injection ports for ejecting the cooling medium to the outside of the die, and nozzle members fixed on the ejection port side of the branch supply paths to restrict the passage amount of the cooling medium by using passage holes for allowing the cooling medium to pass there through. In a hot press forming method according to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling medium in the die can be held on standby after being pressurized to a degree at which the cooling medium is not ejected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot forming method and apparatus that can improve strength of a product via die operation. The hot forming apparatus includes a lower die on which a workpiece is placed, an upper die coupled to the lower die to press the workpiece, a holder disposed between the upper and lower dies to form an inner space of the workpiece, and a cooling unit to cool the workpiece. The hot forming method includes coupling an upper die, a lower die and a holder with a workpiece placed on the lower die, followed by pressing the workpiece to perform a hot forming operation, determining whether or not a preset time has elapsed after pressing the workpiece, and cooling the workpiece by supplying a cooling fluid around the workpiece, if the preset time has elapsed.