Abstract: A system for universal testing of metal sheet formability is described. The system discloses a cylinder barrel including two pistons for testing formability of the metal sheets. The driving force is provided by the hydraulic pressure of an incompressible fluid. The present application also describes an apparatus to perform various formability tests on metal sheets such as the bulge test, Nakazima test, Marciniak test, cupping test, and the blanking test. The system can also be used in hydroforming metal sheets.

Abstract: An improved electro-hydraulic clinching system involves generating, through a high potential electric shock, a forceful wave in a fluid such as water, and applying the force of the wave to a sheet of metal. The force of the wave results in deforming the sheet and making the sheet material move through a hole in a second sheet adjacent to the first sheet, thus joining the two sheets. In an alternative implementation, in which neither sheet includes an opening, the force of the wave moves both sheets simultaneously, thereby causing them to join together at the point of impact.

Abstract: An improved electro-hydraulic clinching system involves generating, through a high potential electric shock, a forceful wave in a fluid such as water, and applying the force of the wave to a sheet of metal. The force of the wave results in deforming the sheet and making the sheet material move through a hole in a second sheet adjacent to the first sheet, thus joining the two sheets. In an alternative implementation, in which neither sheet includes an opening, the force of the wave moves both sheets simultaneously, thereby causing them to join together at the point of impact.

Abstract: A hot forming by gas and direct quenching method and apparatus are disclosed. One method of using the system includes a heating step, a forming step, and a direct quenching step. This method increases the quenching speed and allows common steels with high critical cooling rate to be hot formed and quenched. This method reduces or eliminates the need for a furnace and/or the coating of the workpiece prior to the forming, as well as the removal of the coating after the forming. Furthermore, by using a hot gas containing carbon or nitrogen, the workpiece may be case hardened after the heating, forming and quenching steps.

Abstract: A system for universal testing of metal sheet formability is described. The system discloses a cylinder barrel including two pistons for testing formability of the metal sheets. The driving force is provided by the hydraulic pressure of an incompressible fluid. The present application also describes an apparatus to perform various formability tests on metal sheets such as the bulge test, Nakazima test, Marciniak test, cupping test, and the blanking test. The system can also be used in hydroforming metal sheets.

Abstract: A high-speed hot forming and direct quenching method and apparatus are disclosed. A first step of the method can comprise various pre-processing steps that can prepare a workpiece for the apparatus. A second step involves a heat-treatment of the workpiece. A third step comprises hot forming the workpiece and primary quenching of the workpiece. A fourth step can comprise a secondary quenching of the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for hydraulic forming of sheets is provided. A coil is connected to a pulse generator storing electric energy and discharging the electric energy to the coil, creating a first electromagnetic field in the coil. A conductive plate placed on the coil such that the first electromagnetic field causes creating of a second electromagnetic field in the conductive plate, in a direction opposite to the first electromagnetic field, creating a force. A pressure chamber filled with a fluid and placed on the conductive plate. A piston placed inside the pressure chamber to transfer the force to the fluid. A sheet placed on the pressure chamber, the fluid being configured to receive the force from the piston and transfer the force to the sheet. A die placed on the sheet, wherein the force transferred to the sheet from the fluid causes the sheet to take a shape of the die.

Abstract: A system and method for hydraulic forming of sheets is provided. A coil is connected to a pulse generator storing electric energy and discharging the electric energy to the coil, creating a first electromagnetic field in the coil. A conductive plate placed on the coil such that the first electromagnetic field causes creating of a second electromagnetic field in the conductive plate, in a direction opposite to the first electromagnetic field, creating a force. A pressure chamber filled with a fluid and placed on the conductive plate. A piston placed inside the pressure chamber to transfer the force to the fluid. A sheet placed on the pressure chamber, the fluid being configured to receive the force from the piston and transfer the force to the sheet. A die placed on the sheet, wherein the force transferred to the sheet from the fluid causes the sheet to take a shape of the die.