Abstract: A manufacturing method for fuel cell separators by way of a progressive pressing method which molds a plurality of separator shaped parts in an elongated metal plate, the method having: a pressing step of forming a separator shaped part in an elongated metal plate by way of pressing; a trimming step of cutting loose the separator shaped part from the elongated metal plate by punching an outer peripheral part of the separator shaped part formed in the elongated metal plate in the same pressing direction as the pressing step; a lifting step of lifting up the elongated metal plate from which the separator shaped part was cut loose; and a separator shaped part conveying step of conveying the separator shaped part which was cut loose to a downstream side in the conveying direction, in the midst of the elongated metal plate being lifted up in the lifting step.

Abstract: A method for producing a curved tubular connection element has at least the following production steps: machining a linearly extending metal tube piece (10) with a specifiable length while incorporating connection geometries (12, 14) for receiving separate connection parts (18, 20) to connect a media-conducting piping; carrying out a bending process for the tube piece (10) produced by being machined with a specifiable bending radius, preferably up to 90 degrees; and attaching each connection part (18, 20) to the respective connection geometry (12, 14) that can be paired with it.

Abstract: A method of forming a sector of an annular component such as an inlet cowl/lip skin of a nacelle for an aircraft engine. The method comprising the steps of clamping at least part of a blank along a clamping boundary in a retaining arrangement so as to leave a portion of the blank exposed within the clamping boundary. Moving a punch and/or retaining arrangement radially so that the punch comes in to contact with the exposed portion of the blank and through the main body of the exposed blank thereby drawing the blank onto an external surface of the punch forming the sector from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Activating cooperating forming arrangement for engaging the blank and drawing the blank over the punch forming the sector of the inlet cowl from the leading edge to the inlet edge, the method comprising using a second draw forming tooling arrangement for the cooperating forming arrangement.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing improved free-swinging hammermill hammer configurations are disclosed and described and include steps commonly associated with one or more processes selected from the group of hot working, cold working, and MIG welding. The free-swinging hammermill hammer configurations are for comminution of materials such as grain and refuse. The hammer configurations of the present disclosure are adaptable to most hammer mill or grinders having free-swinging systems. The improved configurations improve installing, removing, and cleaning hammer components within the hammermill. Additionally, the hammer configurations of the present disclosure improve the overall efficiency of the hammermill during operation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a curved channel part having a curved portion in a vertical wall portion by press forming, the method restricting stretch flange deformation, which occurs in the vertical wall portion and a flange portion. The method includes a shear deformation step as a step of forming the vertical wall portion. In the shear deformation step, a boundary-side portion of a base section of a blank with respect to a deformation section, and an outer portion of the deformation section are individually restrained, a portion to be a vertical wall portion of the deformation section is shear-deformed in a sheet face, and a material is caused to flow from a portion separated from a curved portion toward the curved portion in an outer edge portion of the portion to be the vertical wall portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a sector of an annular component having an arrangement for securely retaining at least a portion of a blank mountable thereon. The retaining arrangement is adapted for leaving a portion of the retainable blank accessible. A punch is provided having an external surface contour shaped to correspond to the shape of all or a part of the profile of the sector of the annular component from a trailing edge to a leading edge and/or from a leading edge to an inlet edge. The apparatus has a cooperating forming arrangement for forming the profile of the sector of the annular component from the leading edge to the inlet edge. The retaining arrangement is adapted for forming a clamping boundary enclosing the accessible part of the blank to be formed by the punch.

Abstract: A knuckle bracket includes a bracket main body that has an inner peripheral shape along a tube of a shock absorber and a pair of attachment parts that are formed to protrude parallel to each other. The apparatus for manufacturing the knuckle bracket includes a width molding machine that molds a width of the pair of attachment parts in a state where the workpiece is supported on a support shaft, and a hole punching machine that machines attachment holes into the pair of attachment parts in a state where the workpiece is supported on the support shaft. The workpiece is transported from the width molding machine to the hole punching machine by moving the workpiece along the support shaft until the workpiece is above the die after the support shaft is raised and then lowering the support shaft until the support shaft abuts a top surface of the die.

Abstract: A metal part is hot formed by placing a metal part blank on a forming tool and installing a fabric cover over the forming tool, overlying the metal part blank. The fabric is at least partially wrapped around the metal part blank. The metal part blank is heated to a temperature sufficient to allow forming of the metal part blank. Forming pressure is applied to the metal part blank that conforms the metal part blank to the forming tool by tensioning the fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a multipoint stretch forming apparatus enabling individual clamping control for manufacturing a curved panel, wherein a plurality of stretching units are positioned at both sides at a lower position of a supporting frame in forward and backward directions, and each of the stretching units is independently and individually controlled. Further, since the distance between the right and left stretching units is adjustable in accordance with the size of punch modules and the size of a curved panel to be formed, the precision formation of both wide and narrow curved panels/shapes is possible. Through this technical constitution, an atypical curved panel is formed more efficiently and the loss of panel material is remarkably reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first fitting and an actuator. The first fitting is operable to be coupled to a first surface to be deformed. The actuator includes a second fitting, a third fitting, a lever, a shaft, and a threaded shaft. The second fitting is operable to be coupled to a second surface. The third fitting is operable to be coupled to the second surface. The lever includes a first end and a second end. The lever is operable to be coupled to the second fitting proximate to the first end of the lever. The shaft is operable to be coupled to the first fitting and is further operable to be coupled through the second fitting to the lever proximate to the first end of the lever. The threaded shaft is operable to couple the third fitting to the lever proximate to the second end of the lever.

Abstract: Forming a sector for a nacelle lip skin from a sheet metal blank via punch by placing the blank against an outer surface of the punch and clamping a trailing edge of the blank in a clamping member that grips a trailing edge of the blank without slippage; gripping a leading edge of the blank, opposite the trailing edge, in a gripping device at a location axially spaced from the punch with sufficient force to permit the blank to flow therethrough in a controlled manner; displacing the gripping device in a first direction, radially with respect to the punch while drawing the blank through the gripper; displacing the gripping device in a second direction, axially with respect to the punch, to draw the blank over the leading edge of the punch and through the gripping device.

Abstract: A bending press system is disclosed. The bending press system may include: at least one guide post; a slide plate mounted at a slider so as to be slidable upwardly or downwardly along the guide post; a bending die including a lower die having an upper surface and an upper die having a lower surface corresponding to the upper surface of the lower die and mounted on a lower surface of the slide plate, and adapted to bend an object supplied between the lower die and the upper die to have a predetermined curvature; and a pair of clamping means mounted respectively at both sides of the bending die corresponding to the bending die and adapted to clamp both end portions of the object.

Abstract: A multiple clamp type stretching and forming machine is composed of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), multiple material stretching mechanisms (2) and a frame (3). The material clamping mechanism (1) is composed of a material clamping frame (7), material clamping blocks (8, 9) and a hydraulic cylinder (6) for clamping material. The two sides of the frame (3) are arranged with a row of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), respectively. The material clamping frame (7) of each material clamping mechanism (1) is provided with one or two connecting holes (5), which connect with one or more material stretching mechanisms (2) through a universal push-pull mechanism (4). The stretching and forming machine can improve the utilization ratio of the material, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: A stretching device has a housing; a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing; a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing; wherein the first clamping member has a movable pivot member such that an angle of contact between the first clamping member and a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of the workpiece's thickness. A stretcher assembly has a first stretcher having a first housing having a first clamping member and a second clamping member opposed to each other; and a second stretcher having a second housing having a third clamping member and a fourth clamping member opposed to each other; and a workpiece support member interposed between the first stretcher and the second stretcher, wherein the first and third clamping members each includes a movable pivot joint such that an angle of contact of the first and third members with a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of a thickness of the workpiece.

Abstract: A lead pin correction device includes a holding unit holding an electronic device having lead pins; a pressing unit pressing the electronic device held by the holding unit in an extending direction of the lead pins; and a correction fixture including holes having a shape corresponding to a shape of the lead pins after correction. Further, the shape of the lead pins is corrected so as to fit the shape of the holes by inserting the lead pins into the holes by pressing the electronic device with the pressing unit while distal ends of the lead pins are inserted into the holes, the electronic device being held by the holding unit.

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together from the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for providing a substantially pressure-tight connection between a source of a plastics component and an opening of an inner channel of a rock bolt. The apparatus includes a central block moveable to be aligned with the rock bolt, a supply pipe slidably arranged in the central block, a first force transmitter, a gripper for attaching the central block to the rock bolt, a gripper drive slidably mounted on the central block and arranged to operate the gripper, and a second force transmitter, such that the first force transmitter is arranged to press the supply pipe onto the opening of the inner channel of the rock bolt. The gripper is mounted on the central block, and the second force transmitter is arranged to operate the gripper drive to force the gripper to clamp the central block onto the rock bolt.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a vehicle includes an ironing step for ironing a tubular material to manufacture a tubular member having a non-constant thickness, using an ironing apparatus provided with a punch, a die whose side surface opposing the punch is a convex and concave surface, and a pressing member. At the ironing step, a flange portion of the tubular material is set at the die, then the pressing member is moved relative to the die thereby to squeeze the flange portion of the tubular material by the pressing member and the die, and then the punch is moved relative to the die to iron at least a portion of the tubular material except the flange portion of the tubular material to manufacture the tubular member having a non-constant thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing quenched components consisting of sheet steel, comprising the following steps: a) shaped parts are formed from sheet steel; b) the end of the shaped part is cut and the sheet steel is optionally punched or provided with a desired hole pattern prior to, during, or after the forming of the shaped part; c) at least some sections of the shaped part are subsequently heated to a temperature that permits the steel material to austenitize; and d) the component is then transferred to a quenching die, where it is subjected to a quenching process, during which the component is cooled and thus quenched by the contact of the quenching die with some sections of the component and the compression of said sections. The invention is characterized in that the component is supported by the quenching die in the vicinity of the positive radii and that some sections of said component are clamped in a secure manner without distortion in the vicinity of the cut edges.

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together from the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a metal sheet. In one implementation the apparatus includes a fixed head having a first window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a first holder for holding a first portion of the metal sheet within the first window during a drawing process. The apparatus also includes a moving head that is moveable relative to the fixed head. The moving head has a second window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a second holder for holding a second portion of the metal sheet within the second window during a drawing process. A support assembly is attached at one end to the fixed head and extends longitudinally through the second window of the moving head. The support assembly forms a part of an actuator assembly that is operable to situate the moving head in different and fixed longitudinal positions relative to the fixed head prior to a drawing process.

Abstract: A bending apparatus has (a) a first manipulator which feeds a hollow metal blank of closed cross section in its lengthwise direction, (b) a second manipulator which supports a first support means disposed at a first position and a metal blank while feeding it, a heating means disposed at a second position downstream of the first position in the blank feed direction for heating all or part of the circumference of the blank, and a cooling means disposed at a third position downstream of the second position for cooling a portion of the heated blank, and (c) a third manipulator which constitutes a second support means disposed at a fourth position downstream of the third position in the feed direction of the blank and which moves two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting at least one location of the metal blank to bend the metal blank into a desired shape.

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together form the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.

Abstract: In a method for cold-working a piping component (10) with a pipe branch (16), particularly a valve housing of stainless steel, the pipe branch (16) is provided its length and final bore by forcing at least one ball or a drawing tool with partially spherical surface in direction from an inner cavity in the component and outwards. The inventive feature of the method is that before the drawing of an opening, there is performed clamping of the component (10) in a matrix tool composed of several parts (2, 4, 6, 8), the parts of the matrix tool fitting closely to the greater part of the external surfaces of the component, so that surfaces at the parts of the component to be cold-worked are fixed during the drawing operation. Thereby, the drawing action will not distort the external or adjacent parts of the component or change the dimensions of the component, and control of the form and dimensions of the component is provided during the drawing action.

Abstract: A method of forming a sector for a nacelle lip skin from a sheet metal blank comprising the steps of: providing an arcuate or annular punch (7) or mandrel having an inner surface, an outer surface and a leading edge, said punch (7) substantially corresponding in shape to an inner surface of at least a sector of the nacelle lip skin, placing the blank (13) against the outer surface of the punch (7) and clamping a trailing edge of the blank (13) in a clamping means (11,12) to hold the blank (13) against the outer surface of the punch (7), said clamping means (11,12) gripping said trailing edge of the blank without slippage; gripping a leading edge of the blank (13), opposite said trailing edge, in a gripping means (8,9), at a location axially spaced from said punch (7) adjacent and in front of the leading edge of the punch (7), said gripping means (8,9) gripping said blank (13) with sufficient force to permit the blank (13) to flow therethrough in a controlled manner without tearing or wrinkling; displacing the

Abstract: A stretch-forming device is provided for stretch forming a workpiece, which has a first bending device having a first bending stamp and a first bending shoe and a second bending device having a second bending stamp and a second bending shoe. In addition, the stretch-forming device has a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft mounted so it is rotatable around a first axis and providing a first support surface for the workpiece, and the second shaft mounted so it is rotatable around a second axis and providing a second support surface for the workpiece. The first bending stamp and the second bending stamp are components of a first part of the stretch-forming device, and the first bending shoe and the second bending shoe are components of a second part of the stretch-forming device. The first part and the second part are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting device for producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction, the sealing element locking moving blades arranged on the rotor against an axial displacement. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method of producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction. The quality of the fitting can be further increased by means of a modular, mobile fitting device which secures the sealing element for the duration of the bending operation.

Abstract: This invention concerns an active reconfigurable stretch forming tool, and in another aspect the invention is a method of stretch forming. The tool comprises an array of extensible shape forming elements which are driven in extension to produce the same force per unit area across a workpiece during shape forming. An array of limit switches are located in front of the array of shape forming elements, such that each shape forming element is driven in extension towards a respective limit switch during shape forming. In use, each limit switch is activated by the workpiece as it is shaped and each switch, upon activation, prevents further extension of the respective driven element. The tool and method are useful in the forming of three dimensional shapes in solid sheet metal or mesh, to produce panels for reflector antennas.

Abstract: In a method of making a sheet metal part for motor vehicles, a blank is placed with its opposite length sides between outer lower forming jaws of a die. The blank is then clamped by moving the outer lower forming jaws toward one another. Outer upper forming jaws are then moved to their closed position so that the length sides of the blank are secured in place between the lower and upper forming jaws. The lower and upper forming jaws and a press tool are then moved toward one another, and the blank is shaped to its final configuration to produce a sheet metal part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing quenched components consisting of sheet steel, comprising the following steps: a) shaped parts are formed from sheet steel; b) the end of the shaped part is cut and the sheet steel is optionally punched or provided with a desired hole pattern prior to, during, or after the forming of the shaped part; c) at least some sections of the shaped part are subsequently heated to a temperature that permits the steel material to austenitize; and d) the component is then transferred to a quenching die, where it is subjected to a quenching process, during which the component is cooled and thus quenched by the contact of the quenching die with some sections of the component and the compression of said sections. The invention is characterised in that the component is supported by the quenching die in the vicinity of the positive radii and that some sections of said component are clamped in a secure manner without distortion in the vicinity of the cut edges.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaw assemblies grip opposite end edge portions of a metal sheet for initially stretching the metal sheet into a yield state and forming the metal sheet into a predetermined curved configuration. Each jaw assembly includes a jaw having an array of adjacent grippers or groups of grippers moveable relative to each other to define a part of the curve of the jaw and adapted to extend along one side edge of the metal sheet from adjacent a first corner to adjacent a second corner of the sheet, a moveable yoke connected to the jaw, a pivot connecting the yoke to a beam way, and at least one actuator connected to the yoke for pivoting the jaw about the pivot to urge the grippers at opposing ends of the gripper array away from the pivot while the grippers adjacent a centerline of the gripper array remain approximately stationary.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for stamping can lids or the like, having a bridge (10) supported on a frame and carrying stamping tools (1) actuated vertically in a continuously repeating manner, having a longitudinal conveying device (30) gradually transporting metal sheets (11, 12) under said tools (1) in each case with the latter opened, and having a transverse conveying device (20, 40) laterally displacing to a limited extent the metal sheet (11, 12) moving or moved longitudinally in each case, wherein a separately controllable transverse conveying device (20, 40) is arranged in a stationary position in each case on the feed and discharge side approximately symmetrically to the tools (1) close in front of and behind the latter, said transverse conveying device (20, 40) in each case carrying a driving roller pair (31, 32; 51, 52) as the longitudinal conveying device (30, 50), which delivers the metal sheet (11, 12) in a controlled clamping manner or releases it in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.

Abstract: A method of forming an aircraft nacelle nose lip segment. The method includes bending a sheet of metal into a substantially U-shaped workpiece having a spanwise axis, opposed first and second ends, and opposed first and second edges. The method further includes placing the workpiece over a substantially flexible first mandrel, stretching the workpiece in a spanwise direction between the first and second ends, and wrapping the workpiece and first mandrel together about a curved die while stretching the workpiece. The workpiece is thereby plastically deformed to have a first shape. The method may further include removing the workpiece from the first mandrel, and placing the workpiece over a substantially rigid second mandrel that substantially corresponds in shape to the first shape of the workpiece. The workpiece is stretched over the second mandrel in a chordwise direction that is substantially transverse to the spanwise axis of the workpiece, thereby further plastically deforming the workpiece.

Abstract: A hot creep stretch wrap forming method includes heating a metal bar to a forming temperature within a temperature range suitable for creep deformation thereof, applying a stretching force to the metal bar at a strain rate no greater than 0.05 inch/inch/second, and wrapping the metal bar around a die, preferably having a thermally and/or electrically insulative work surface. The stretching force is typically applied to a strain ranging from 0.5% to 15.0%. The metal bar most preferably is a titanium alloy with a forming temperature ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 of its melting temperature. The wrapped metal bar is held in position and its temperature maintained within the temperature range typically for 5 to 120 minutes for stress relief. Preferably, the metal bar is held substantially at the forming temperature throughout the process. Thermal insulation around the die and metal bar reduce heat loss from the metal bar.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display with a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a layer that is different from a gate electrode so that the capacitor wiring is arranged in parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of adjacent pixels can be avoided, thereby obtaining satisfactory display images.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece such as a cast turbine blade allows bending and/or twist correction of the workpiece with the movable ram of a press. The fixture includes a base and a pair of workpiece supports mounted at spaced locations on the base. A bearing such as a spherical swivel bearing is included in each workpiece support. Each bearing has a mount receiving a portion of the workpiece therein. When the workpiece is supported by the bearing mounts along a support axis, and is engaged by the press ram intermediate the workpiece supports for bending correction, the bearings and workpiece can move in at least one plane including the support axis. Preferably, the bearings also allow rotational movement about the support axis, while a rotation imparting member allows twist correction by rotational movement of one bearing and the workpiece portion therein with respect to the other bearing which is restricted from rotating.

Abstract: A forming machine including a frame extending longitudinally on either side of a tool. This tool is arranged transversally to the central portion of the frame. Jaws arranged on either side of the tool, are each actuated by two pairs of quasi-horizontal jacks and quasi-vertical jacks. Each jaw comprises a point which is mobile in a vertical longitudinal plane, and this point is held in such plane by means of one of the control jacks of the jaw especially a quasi-vertical jack. This guiding jack includes pads arranged on the upper end of its roll and these pads slide on longitudinal vertical planes integral with the frame. The cradle of the jaw is hinged on the end of the rod of the guiding jack by means of an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the jack whereof the axis is situated in the guiding plane.

Abstract: A stretch bending device that can conduct accurate bending without using heavy material. A tension application mechanism 62 comprises first and second drive sources for movably supporting both ends of a guide member 12 with respect to a pair of arm members 28, 30 and moving the guide member 12 along the arm members 28, 30. Between the arm members 28, 30, a work piece 6 is arranged. There are tension sensor 98 for detecting tension applied to the work piece 6 and position sensors for detecting positions of the guide member 12. Torque of the first drive source is controlled based on the tension detected by the tension sensor 98, and the second drive force is controlled based on the positions detected by the position sensors.

Abstract: A device for forming a double-curved object comprises a frame, two elongate clamping heads which are arranged parallel to one another on the frame, a support with an exchangeable shaping die, on either side of which support there are clamping heads, and drive means for moving the clamping heads to and fro transversely with respect to their longitudinal direction, along the shaping die in the direction of a working stroke, during which the sheet is stretched and formed, and a return stroke. At least one of the clamping heads is provided with a double-curved shaping piece.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

Abstract: A drawing mold has a contoured mold surface receiving a metal sheet thereon. A tensile drawing machine applies a drawing tension to the sheet edges to deform the sheet onto the mold. Heated pressurized air supplied through air holes in the mold surface forms an air cushion between the sheet and the mold, to heat and support the sheet without friction. A forming method includes: a pre-stressing phase of pre-stressing and pre-bending the sheet at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; a heating phase of heating the sheet with the pressurized air at an elevated temperature and intermediate elevated pressure; a forming phase of maintaining the temperature and increasing the pressure to support the sheet on the air cushion, and drawing the sheet with the tensile drawing machine; and a cooling phase of cooling the sheet without further deformation, with the air at the intermediate pressure and cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided which includes a stretch-forming apparatus and a beam processing unit or apparatus, which can be controlled by a common control unit. The beam processing unit can be a laser beam processing unit, which permits a sheet metal piece to be subjected to an additional laser processing step before, during and/or after a stretch-forming process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a vehicle with a manipulative anchoring device comprises a base configured to engage a frame removably mounted on a work surface with the base slidingly attached to the frame. An upright column is mounted in the base, with the upright column supporting an anchoring collar and a clamping platform. The anchoring collar can be rotated about the upright column and is configured to receive at least one anchoring chain. The clamping platform is configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable clamping members and can also be configured to support a force applying device, such as a fluid cylinder or a screw jack. When the vehicle manipulative anchoring device is configured with the force applying device, it is used to impart a force to the vehicle, typically to counter a force being applied to the vehicle in a different area.

Abstract: A stretch bending device that can conduct accurate bending without using heavy material. A tension application mechanism 62 comprises first and second drive sources for movably supporting both ends of a guide member 12 with respect to a pair of arm members 28, 30 and moving the guide member 12 along the arm members 28, 30. Between the arm members 28, 30, a work piece 6 is arranged. There are tension sensor 98 for detecting tension applied to the work piece 6 and position sensors for detecting positions of the guide member 12. Torque of the first drive source is controlled based on the tension detected by the tension sensor 98, and the second drive force is controlled based on the positions detected by the position sensors.

Abstract: A cold steel cambering apparatus and method of use, the apparatus comprising, a cambering assembly having a forward-most end and a rearward-most end and therebetween a plurality of adjustable beam guides, each having means to restrain lateral movement of at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly, with a plurality of guides also having second means to restrain upward movement of at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly; and at least one hydraulic lift cylinder positioned directly under at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly with means to impart a concave or upward camber to at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly over the forward hydraulic cylinder and restrained by the means to restrain lateral and upward movement.

Abstract: The forming machine comprises a frame (1) extending longitudinally on either side of a tool (3). This tool (3) is arranged transversally to the central portion of the frame (1).

Abstract: A device for forming a double-curved object comprises a frame, two elongate clamping heads which are arranged parallel to one another on the frame, a support with an exchangeable shaping die, on either side of which support there are clamping heads, and drive means for moving the clamping heads to and fro transversely with respect to their longitudinal direction, along the shaping die in the direction of a working stroke, during which the sheet is stretched and formed, and a return stroke. At least one of the clamping heads is provided with a double-curved shaping piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending thermoplastic tube in which a pre-heated region of the tube is conformed to a required bend configuration while supported internally and externally to prevent the tube wall collapsing. The external support is provided by relatively movable formers which enclose a section of the tube at the point where the bending force is applied and this enclosed section moves progressively along the heated region as the bend is developed by the relative movement of the formers. The internal support is provided by fluid pressure higher than atmospheric pressure within the tube during the forming operation. Multiple bends can be formed sequentially and/or siitultateously.