Abstract: A method of forming a part from sheet metal alloy is provided, for example, forming a part from aluminium alloy. The method comprises heating (A) the sheet metal alloy to a temperature at which solution heat treatment of the alloy occurs and so as to achieve solution heat treatment. The sheet is cooled (B) at at least the critical cooling rate for the alloy and then placed between dies to form (C) it into or towards the part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a component (40) from an alloy sheet of material (30) having at least a Solvus temperature and a Solidus temperature of a precipitation hardening phase, the method comprising the steps of: heating the sheet (30) to above its Solvus temperature; initiating forming the heated sheet (30) between matched tools (32, 34) of a die press and forming by means of plastic deformation towards a final shape whilst allowing the average temperature of the sheet (30) to reduce at a first predetermined rate A; interrupting the forming of the sheet for a predetermined first interruption period P1 prior to achieving said final shape; and, during the interrupt holding the sheet of material with reduced or no deformation and allowing the average temperature of the sheet to reduce at a second predetermined rate B lower than or equal to the first predetermined rate in order to allow for a reduction in dislocations and completing the forming of the heated sheet into the final shape

Abstract: A method of forming a part from sheet metal alloy is provided, for example, forming a part from aluminium alloy. The method comprises heating (A) the sheet metal alloy to a temperature at which solution heat treatment of the alloy occurs and so as to achieve solution heat treatment. The sheet is cooled (B) at least the critical cooling rate for the alloy and then placed between dies to form (C) it into or towards the part.