Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the modification of a deep-drawing sheet blank (P) for electric resistance heating. Generally, the modified sheet blank comprises slits (Z) being made in the edges of the blank (P) transversely to the electric current flow and oriented towards the perimeter of the forming zone (T). The distances between the ends of the slits (Z) and the forming zone (T) perimeter may be equal. The ends of the slits (Z) oriented towards the forming zone perimeter (T) may also be rounded.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the modification of a deep-drawing sheet blank (P) for electric resistance heating. Generally, the modified sheet blank comprises slits (Z) being made in the edges of the blank (P) transversely to the electric current flow and oriented towards the perimeter of the forming zone (T). The distances between the ends of the slits (Z) and the forming zone (T) perimeter may be equal. The ends of the slits (Z) oriented towards the forming zone perimeter (T) may also be rounded.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method for producing parts of AHS steel via a controlled local cooling by a cooling medium and an interrupted cooling at a required temperature, without immersion in a cooling bath, to thereby create a multiphase microstructure. Typically, the steel part may be cooled by a jet of cooling medium so that, depending on the amount of heat which needs to be removed from the surface of the part, the locations from which a larger amount of heat needs to be removed are cooled at a higher intensity.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method for the thermomechanical treatment of semi-finished products of high-alloy steel. Typically, the method involves initially heating the steel semi-finished product to at least 1200° C., after which the semi-finished product is cooled and then reheated to a forming temperature, at which the semi-finished product is formed. Afterwards, the formed product is then cooled to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing steel sheet semi-finished products (P) by press hardening is provided that utilizes locally-modified structure in spots for welding. During this method, a steel semi-finished product (P) is heated to a temperature at which complete transformation of ferritic-pearlitic structure to austenite occurs. Afterwards, the semi-finished product (P) is cooled locally in spots for welding to a temperature close to the Mf, after which heat conduction from the surroundings causes reheating and consequently annealing of the hardening structure. Subsequently, the semi-finished product (P) is formed into a drawn part which, at the same time, is hardened in the tool, after which the sheet semi-finished product (P) is retrieved from the tool, once the required temperature was reached.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method for producing steel parts by creating multiphase microstructures within the steel parts. Typically, the microstructures comprise low-stress martensite with increased ductility and stabilized retained austenite. The microstructures may be formed by cooling the steel parts to a temperature around the martensite start temperature (Ms) and subsequently holding the steel part at a temperature around the Ms in order to equalize the temperature throughout the steel part. Afterwards, the formation of the microstructures and the desired properties is completed by subjecting the steel part to a final cooling in still air.

Abstract: A method of, and arrangement for, producing shaped hollow metal objects by a hot process. A metal hollow semi-finished-product with at least one opening is heated to a forming temperature and placed into a cavity, whose shape corresponds to the desired final external shape of the hollow object. Then the cavity is sealed and water and/or steam is introduced therein. After the final shape of the semi-finished-product is achieved, the semi-finished-product is removed. The cavity is formed by a split mould, whose opening's entry edge has an expanded portion, against which a sealing feature is oriented. The outer surface of the sealing feature is arranged to close against this expanded portion. The sealing feature is also provided with a means of supply of water and/or steam, and a tube through which the water and/or steam is supplied. This tube extends into the interior space of the semi-finished-product, and can be provided with nozzles.

Abstract: A method of, and arrangement for, producing shaped hollow metal objects by a hot process. A metal hollow semi-finished-product with at least one opening is heated to a forming temperature and placed into a cavity, whose shape corresponds to the desired final external shape of the hollow object. Then the cavity is sealed and water and/or steam is introduced therein. After the final shape of the semi-finished-product is achieved, the semi-finished-product is removed. The cavity is formed by a split mould, whose opening's entry edge has an expanded portion, against which a sealing feature is oriented. The outer surface of the sealing feature is arranged to close against this expanded portion. The sealing feature is also provided with a means of supply of water and/or steam, and a tube through which the water and/or steam is supplied. This tube extends into the interior space of the semi-finished-product, and can be provided with nozzles.

Abstract: A method of hot forming hybrid parts wherein side-by-side with a thin-walled piece of steel stock, which has been heated to austenite temperature, another piece of stock of another formable metal is placed, The processing temperature of this formable metal corresponds to the temperature at which quenching of the steel stock is interrupted within an interval between the Ms and Mf temperatures. The steel stock and formable metal are then formed together, while the temperature decreases to a temperature which is close to the forming tool temperature. Next, the resulting semi-finished product is cooled to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: In a first step of the method of achieving TRIP microstructure in steels by deformation heat, steel feedstock is heated to a temperature below the temperature at which austenite begins to form in the steel in question, i.e. below AC1. In a next step, the feedstock is formed into a final product, using applied severe plastic deformation whereby deformation energy causes the temperature of the material to increase to the final temperature between AC1 and AC3, and whereupon the ferrite-pearlite microstructure transforms into austenite. In a third or last process step, the final product is cooled down from the final temperature to the temperature of the bainite nose of the material (B). The cooling is then interrupted and the material is held at the temperature of the bainite nose (B). Consequently, the TRIP microstructure forms. Finally, the product is cooled down to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method of production of high-strength hollow bodies from multiphase martensitic steels includes a heating process, a forming process and a cooling process. A heating device heats hollow steel stock to the austenitic temperature of the material from which the stock is made. The stock is then converted by deformation in a forming device into a hollow body having the final shape. A cooling device thereafter cools the hollow body such that the material with the original austenite microstructure refined by deformation during the forming process cools to a temperature at which incomplete transformation of austenite to martensite occurs. The retained austenite stabilization is performed in an annealing device by diffusion-based carbon partitioning within the material from which the hollow body is made. The hollow body is cooled in a cooling device to ambient temperature after stabilization.

Abstract: A method of manipulating and forming material where the material is a metal blank. The blank is inserted into an electromagnetic field that keeps it in levitation and heats it up to the temperature between solid state and liquid state. Temperature is measured by infrared thermometer. After the blank reaches the required temperature it is formed to the desired shape by external force. The temperature changes during the forming phase and this change can be controlled or uncontrolled. Forming of levitated blank is done by changing position of levitation device by inserting the blank between forming tools or levitated blank stays in place and forming tools move towards it and then the forming takes place.