Abstract: A forming device for hot forming a component, such as a steel door panel for a vehicle, is provided. The forming device includes an upper cam slide and a lower fill slide which form a heated steel blank into the component therebetween. The upper cam slide and the lower fill slide are designed to form the desired shape and material properties in the component, such that no post forming operations are needed. The lower fill slide also retracts from the upper cam slide after forming the component, such that the component can be easily removed from the forming device and a backdraft situation is avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a forming system having a first die assembly and a second die assembly with dies having die surfaces that are configured to cooperate with each other to form a die cavity therebetween so as to receive a workpiece therein. One or both of the dies includes a heater insert member that has a serpentine groove therein for receiving a flexible heater member. The flexible heater member is configured to conform with the shape of the serpentine groove. The heater insert member is position adjacent to the die surface and provides more uniform heating of the surface to form complex 3D surfaces with tailored properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a forming system having a first die assembly and a second die assembly with dies having die surfaces that are configured to cooperate with each other to form a die cavity therebetween so as to receive a workpiece therein. One or both of the dies includes a heater insert member that has a serpentine groove therein for receiving a flexible heater member. The flexible heater member is configured to conform with the shape of the serpentine groove. The heater insert member is position adjacent to the die surface and provides more uniform heating of the surface to form complex 3D surfaces with tailored properties.