Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductile material by superplastic forming. The gas pressure is varied to control the material flow during the forming process. Accordingly, the gas pressure can be increased or decreased to control the rate of deformation of the workpiece. Accordingly, the method and apparatus contemplates the use of predetermined pressure profiles to reduce the overall forming time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductal material by superplastic forming. The gas pressure is varied to control the material flow during the forming process. Accordingly, the gas pressure can be increased or decreased to control the rate of deformation of the workpiece. Accordingly, the method and apparatus contemplates the use of predetermined pressure profiles to reduce the overall forming time.

Abstract: A superplastic forming tool for forming a workpiece to make a part. The forming tool includes a forming die having first and second die members. At least one of the die members having a cavity including a forming surface and a plenum. A plurality of passageways extend between the plenum and the cavity. The passageways allow passage of fluid between the cavity and the plenum.

Abstract: A system and method for superplastic forming a workpiece. The system includes a superplastic forming cell formed of a plurality of individual stations or modules, each one performing a specific manufacturing step or process on the workpiece. Individual stations include a preheat station, a forming station, a cooling station, a cleaning station and a trimming station. These stations work in conjunction with one another to reduce superplastic forming cycle times and correspondingly increased production times when manufacturing a workpiece using a superplastic forming process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and transferring a workpiece to a forming press for superplastic forming. The apparatus includes a heater assembly, having upper and lower heated platens, mounted to a frame. The heater assembly heats the workpiece to a predetermined temperature. A shuttle assembly operates to remove the heated workpiece from the heater assembly and transfer it to the forming press for forming.

Abstract: A superplastic forming tool for forming a workpiece to make a part. The forming tool includes a forming die having first and second die members. At least one of the die members having a cavity including a forming surface and a plenum. A plurality of passageways extend between the plenum and the cavity. The passageways allow passage of fluid between the cavity and the plenum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and transferring a workpiece to a forming press for superplastic forming. The apparatus includes a heater assembly, having upper and lower heated platens, mounted to a frame. The heater assembly heats the workpiece to a predetermined temperature. A shuttle assembly operates to remove the heated workpiece from the heater assembly and transfer it to the forming press for forming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a part from a forming tool and supporting the part. The apparatus includes a support member having a surface contoured to conform to a formed shape of the part and an aperture disposed in the surface. A manipulator moves the support member near the part while the part contacts the forming tool. Pressurized gas is directed toward the part to cause the release of the part from the forming tool and to cool the part. The surface supports the part to inhibit distortion as the part cools.

Abstract: A system and method for superplastic forming a workpiece. The system includes a superplastic forming cell formed of a plurality of individual stations or modules, each one performing a specific manufacturing step or process on the workpiece. Individual stations include a preheat station, a forming station, a cooling station, a cleaning station and a trimming station. These stations work in conjunction with one another to reduce superplastic forming cycle times and correspondingly increased production times when manufacturing a workpiece using a superplastic forming process.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for spray forming an article. The method includes spraying a plurality of metal streams upon a low-heat resistant model and thereby forming a spray formed article. Each of the plurality of metal streams is composed of moltenized droplets, and as between the plurality of metal streams, each is composed of different constituent elements. In the spray form process, conditions of the metal streams are controlled, particularly around the time that the droplets land, to prevent adverse affects such as melting or burning the master model. The spray conditions are controlled in such a manner that the individual metal droplets forming the metal streams remain substantially segregate. The segregated state is maintained through out solidification so that the resulting spray formed article is composed at least partially of psuedo-alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming an article and performing a secondary operation on the article in-situ. The apparatus includes a closure and a die having a cavity. A source of pressurized gas forces a portion of a sheet into contact with a forming surface having a predetermined shape. A tool is movably connected to the apparatus and is configured to engage the sheet to perform a secondary operation while the sheet is held in compression between the closure and the die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a part from a forming tool and supporting the part. The apparatus includes a support member having a surface contoured to conform to a formed shape of the part and an aperture disposed in the surface. A manipulator moves the support member near the part while the part contacts the forming tool. Pressurized gas is directed toward the part to cause the release of the part from the forming tool and to cool the part. The surface supports the part to inhibit distortion as the part cools.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming an article and performing a secondary operation on the article in-situ. The apparatus includes a closure and a die having a cavity. A source of pressurized gas forces a portion of a sheet into contact with a forming surface having a predetermined shape. A tool is movably connected to the apparatus and is configured to engage the sheet to perform a secondary operation while the sheet is held in compression between the closure and the die.