Abstract: A ceramic refractory insulation block for a hot press is provided that is reinforced in a manner that reduces the likelihood of cracking and, once cracked, reduces the rate at which the crack will propagate through the ceramic refractory insulation block. The ceramic refractory insulation block includes a ceramic body defining a plurality of outer surfaces. Each of the surfaces is a planar surface. The ceramic body also defines a centerline about which the ceramic body is subjected to a bending moment. The ceramic refractory insulation body also includes a plurality of reinforcing rods extending through the ceramic body. The reinforcing rods have a greater flexural strength than the ceramic body. One or more of the plurality of reinforcing rods extend through the ceramic body on each of the opposed sides of the centerline about which the ceramic body is subjected to the bending moment.

Abstract: A method of superplastic forming of titanium packs and an associated assembly is provided. The titanium packs can include sheets having different granular structures so that the different sheets are adapted to superplastically form at different temperatures. One or more of the sheets can be formed at a temperature that is below the superplastic forming temperature of another sheet in the pack. In some cases, the occurrence of markoff can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for superplastically forming and/or diffusion bonding a structural member and an associated structural member are provided. The structural member is formed at least partially of titanium, e.g., Ti-6A1-4V, and has a fine grain structure. For example, the grain size of the material of the structural member can be less than 2 micron. The member can be superplastically formed and/or diffusion bonded at a reduced temperature, thereby potentially reducing the thermal energy required for forming and bonding, and also reducing the effects of heating on the structural member and the forming apparatus. In addition, the structural member can be formed at an increased strain rate.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable, compact hot press. The hot press includes a frame that has a press unit attached thereto. The press unit has a crown plate, a bolster plate, and a base plate. An upper press unit is attached to the crown plate and a lower press unit is attached to the bolster plate. The lower press unit is configured to contact the upper press unit when the press is in a closed position. The press further includes a control unit attached to the frame. The control unit is configured to manually or automatically control press operation. Additionally, the press includes a hydraulic unit that is attached to the frame and is configured to facilitate motion of the press operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable, compact hot press. The hot press includes a frame that has a press unit attached thereto. The press unit has a crown plate, a bolster plate, and a base plate. An upper press unit is attached to the crown plate and a lower press unit is attached to the bolster plate. The lower press unit is configured to contact the upper press unit when the press is in a closed position. The press further includes a control unit attached to the frame. The control unit is configured to manually or automatically control press operation. Additionally, the press includes a hydraulic unit that is attached to the frame and is configured to facilitate motion of the press operation.

Abstract: A superplastic forming machine having ceramic platens which are oriented to each other with heating elements of each platen arranged at a substantially right angle relationship to the heating elements of the other platen. The heating elements are formed as wires in rectangular sections which overlie each other to permit the increased preferable heating of the areas of greatest heat loss, such as the corners and the periphery of a superplastic metal forming heated platen.