Abstract: A method including arranging a plurality of flat sheets into a part assembly, consisting of a first outer sheet and a second outer sheet. A friction-modifying layer is applied to the first outer sheet, where the first outer sheet has a first portion and a second portion. The friction-modifying layer is applied at a first thickness in the first portion and a second thickness in the second portion. The first thickness and the second thickness are different thicknesses. The method also includes placing the part assembly on a lower die of a die system with the first outer sheet facing the lower die. The method further includes moving an upper die of the die system in a forming direction toward the lower die to stretch and compress the part assembly between the upper die and the lower die and to super-plastically form the part assembly into the formed part.

Abstract: A die assembly for forming finished parts from blanks includes an upper die section and a lower die section. The upper die section includes an upper segmented die having a plurality of upper die segments releasably coupled to each other. The lower die section includes a lower segmented die having a plurality of lower die segments releasably coupled to each other. The die assembly is usable with a movable gantry press configured to move to a location of the die assembly and operate the die assembly.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for fabricating finished parts include a system that includes a plurality of die assemblies located at a plurality of respective locations, each die assembly being configured to fabricate a respective finished part. The system further includes a movable gantry press and a robot, each configured to move between the plurality of respective locations. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a input to fabricate a finished part and identify a die assembly of the plurality of die assemblies. The controller is further configured to instruct the movable gantry press and the robot to move to the location of the die assembly. The controller is further configured to instruct the robot to load a blank into the die assembly, and instruct the movable gantry press to operate the die assembly to fabricate the finished part.

Abstract: A die assembly for forming finished parts from blanks includes an upper die section and a lower die section. The upper die section includes an upper segmented die having a plurality of upper die segments releasably coupled to each other. The lower die section includes a lower segmented die having a plurality of lower die segments releasably coupled to each other. The die assembly is usable with a movable gantry press configured to move to a location of the die assembly and operate the die assembly.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for fabricating finished parts include a system that includes a plurality of die assemblies located at a plurality of respective locations, each die assembly being configured to fabricate a respective finished part. The system further includes a movable gantry press and a robot, each configured to move between the plurality of respective locations. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a input to fabricate a finished part and identify a die assembly of the plurality of die assemblies. The controller is further configured to instruct the movable gantry press and the robot to move to the location of the die assembly. The controller is further configured to instruct the robot to load a blank into the die assembly, and instruct the movable gantry press to operate the die assembly to fabricate the finished part.