Abstract: A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.

Abstract: An elevated temperature forming system in which a sheet metal workpiece is provided in a first stage position of a multi-stage pre-heater, is heated to a first stage temperature lower than a desired pre-heat temperature, is moved to a final stage position where it is heated to a desired final stage temperature, is transferred to a forming press, and is formed by the forming press. The preheater includes upper and lower platens that transfer heat into workpieces disposed between the platens. A shim spaces the upper platen from the lower platen by a distance greater than a thickness of the workpieces to be heated by the platens and less than a distance at which the upper platen would require an undesirably high input of energy to effectively heat the workpiece without being pressed into contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.

Abstract: An elevated temperature forming system in which a sheet metal workpiece is provided in a first stage position of a multi-stage pre-heater, is heated to a first stage temperature lower than a desired pre-heat temperature, is moved to a final stage position where it is heated to a desired final stage temperature, is transferred to a forming press, and is formed by the forming press. The preheater includes upper and lower platens that transfer heat into workpieces disposed between the platens. A shim spaces the upper platen from the lower platen by a distance greater than a thickness of the workpieces to be heated by the platens and less than a distance at which the upper platen would require an undesirably high input of energy to effectively heat the workpiece without being pressed into contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a ductile sheet or work piece into a part or component. The method includes using a forming apparatus wherein the workpiece is placed between and upper die and a blank holder and then lowered onto a punch such that continued lowering of the upper die draws the workpiece around the punch. Once the draw process is complete, gas pressure acts on one side of the workpiece to press the workpiece against a forming surface of the punch to complete the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a ductile sheet or work piece into a part or component. The method includes using a forming apparatus wherein the workpiece is placed between and upper die and a blank holder and then lowered onto a punch such that continued lowering of the upper die draws the workpiece around the punch. Once the draw process is complete, gas pressure acts on one side of the workpiece to press the workpiece against a forming surface of the punch to complete the forming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductile material by superplastic forming is disclosed. The method is directed to first creating a pre-form by mechanical forming in which the pre-form is created with a die and punch. Thereafter the pre-form is subjected to gas pressure in a forming cavity to complete formation of the part. A metallic gasket is provided to ensure that no pressurized gas escapes from the forming cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductile material by superplastic forming is disclosed. The method is directed to first creating a pre-form by mechanical forming in which the pre-form is created with a die and punch. Thereafter the pre-form is subjected to gas pressure in a forming cavity to complete formation of the part. A metallic gasket is provided to ensure that no pressurized gas escapes from the forming cavity.