Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding sheets having complex shapes during heat treating. The fixture includes a base having a central opening and defining a peripheral foundation. A support structure extends inwardly and upwardly from the base and across the central opening. The support structure includes first axial and traverse openings extending there through. A sheet engagement structure is secured to the support structure and includes second axial openings extending there through. The sheet engagement structure has a peripheral section and at least one connecting leg extending between portions of the peripheral section. A sheet securing ring is removably secured to the sheet engagement structure for slidingly securing a sheet between the sheet securing ring and the sheet engagement structure. The central opening, first axial and traverse openings and second axial openings cooperating to create a uniform and accelerated flow of fluid through the fixture.

Abstract: A method is presented for hot forming sheets having arcuate shapes. The method includes providing a die having a first and second clamping section. The first clamping section has a first arcuate pressing surface and the second clamping section has a complementary second arcuate pressing surface. The clamping sections have a plurality of heaters disposed therein. The die is heated to a predetermined temperature. The clamping sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A precursor sheet is positioned therebetween such that the precursor sheet is spaced apart from the first arcuate pressing surface by a spacing distance. The clamping sections are pressed into engagement with the precursor sheet to form a production sheet having a predetermined shape by engagement with the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface and a predetermined pressing force for a predetermined pressing time.

Abstract: A method for hot forming sheets having complex shapes includes providing a die having a first and second clamping section, the first clamping section defining a first arcuate pressing surface and the second clamping section defining a second arcuate pressing surface complementary to the first pressing surface. The first and second clamping sections have a plurality of heaters disposed therein. The die is heated to a predetermined temperature. The first and second clamping sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A precursor sheet is positioned therebetween such that the precursor sheet is spaced apart from the first arcuate pressing surface by a spacing distance. The first and second clamping sections are pressed into engagement with the precursor sheet to form a production sheet having a predetermined shape by engagement with the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface via a predetermined pressing force for a predetermined pressing time.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding sheets having complex shapes during heat treating. The fixture includes a base having a central opening and defining a peripheral foundation. A support structure extends inwardly and upwardly from the base and across the central opening. The support structure includes first axial and traverse openings extending there through. A sheet engagement structure is secured to the support structure and includes second axial openings extending there through. The sheet engagement structure has a peripheral section and at least one connecting leg extending between portions of the peripheral section. A sheet securing ring is removably secured to the sheet engagement structure for slidingly securing a sheet between the sheet securing ring and the sheet engagement structure. The central opening, first axial and traverse openings and second axial openings cooperating to create a uniform and accelerated flow of fluid through the fixture.