Abstract: A tool may be used to shape and/or partially press harden a workpiece. In some examples, the tool may comprise a main body having a surface, as well as a heat conducting system containing a thermal medium. The heat conducting system is integrated in the tool in such a way that, for the heating of the surface, a heat radiating from a heat source is conducted by means of the heat conducting system to the surface of the main body. Further, the heat conducting system may comprise a thermal oil or a melt as the thermal medium. The surface of the main body may be configured to face the workpiece during the shaping or partial press hardening of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the forming of a workpiece, in particular a blank, composed of sheet steel, in which method the following steps are performed in succession: providing a workpiece composed of multiple steel layers which have been non-detachably connected to one another by roll-bonding and of which at least two steel layers have a different strength and/or elongation at fracture, heating the workpiece, and subjecting the workpiece to hot forming. To ensure a high strength and at the same time the easiest possible formability, the invention proposes that at least one section of the hot-formed workpiece is hardened, and that the workpiece is subsequently subjected to cold forming in the region in which the hardening has been performed. The invention also relates to a corresponding workpiece.

Abstract: A tool for machining a workpiece may comprise multiple parts that have different temperatures when the tool is being operated. To reduce or, in some cases, eliminate thermal radiation between the multiple parts, the tool may incorporate one or more devices that manipulate the thermal radiation. Such devices may be disposed along one or more of the multiple parts and, in some examples, between two or more parts of the tool. These devices may also help reduce and, at times, eliminate thermal radiation between the tool parts and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method for producing a semifinished material for the production of metallic components having regions of different strength may involve, in a first step, providing thermal energy to a first region of the semifinished material that is uncoated such that the first region is heated and a material structure in the first region is converted at least partially into austenite. Meanwhile, thermal energy may prevented from being supplied to a second region of the semifinished material. In a second step following the first step, the first region may be cooled such that the material structure in the first region is converted at least partially into martensite.

Abstract: A tool may be used to shape and/or partially press harden a workpiece. In some examples, the tool may comprise a main body having a surface, as well as a heat conducting system containing a thermal medium. The heat conducting system is integrated in the tool in such a way that, for the heating of the surface, a heat radiating from a heat source is conducted by means of the heat conducting system to the surface of the main body. Further, the heat conducting system may comprise a thermal oil or a melt as the thermal medium. The surface of the main body may be configured to face the workpiece during the shaping or partial press hardening of the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool for machining a workpiece may comprise multiple parts that have different temperatures when the tool is being operated. To reduce or, in some cases, eliminate thermal radiation between the multiple parts, the tool may incorporate one or more devices that manipulate the thermal radiation. Such devices may be disposed along one or more of the multiple parts and, in some examples, between two or more parts of the tool. These devices may also help reduce and, at times, eliminate thermal radiation between the tool parts and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the forming of a workpiece, in particular a blank, composed of sheet steel, in which method the following steps are performed in succession: providing a workpiece composed of multiple steel layers which have been non-detachably connected to one another by roll-bonding and of which at least two steel layers have a different strength and/or elongation at fracture, heating the workpiece, and subjecting the workpiece to hot forming. To ensure a high strength and at the same time the easiest possible formability, the invention proposes that at least one section of the hot-formed workpiece is hardened, and that the workpiece is subsequently subjected to cold forming in the region in which the hardening has been performed. The invention also relates to a corresponding workpiece.