Abstract: A process generally includes contacting a surface of at least one workpiece with a reconfigurable pad of a fixture device, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to conform to the surface of the at least one workpiece, and fixturing the contacted workpiece.

Abstract: A device and a method for axially forming an elongated hollow body is disclosed. The device has at least one receptacle, a reducing die, a punch for pressing the elongated hollow body through the reducing die in the direction of an axis, an expanding mandrel and means for limiting the axial displacement of the punch. The punch and the expanding mandrel are movable on the same axis and the expanding mandrel is arranged inside the punch. The hollow body is reduced to a first diameter in a first portion and expanded to a second diameter in a second portion as a result of a movement of the punch and the expanding mandrel in the same direction.

Abstract: Magnesium and other metal alloy sheet materials are deformed at hot forming temperatures into vehicle body panels and other articles. Many such hot forming operations are improved in speed and product quality by predetermining a static recrystallization temperature of the sheet material. As the sheet material is being heated to its hot forming temperature, deformation is commenced below the static recrystallization temperature. As heating and deformation are continued, dynamic recrystallization of the workpiece occurs and deformation may proceed faster and to a greater extent.

Abstract: A vehicular traction apparatus is manufactured which includes a connecting member having a female thread portion mountable to a vehicular side and a traction hook. At one end of the traction hook is a male thread portion screwable into the female thread portion and at the other end thereof is a hook portion to which a traction member is mountable. An original position and/or a terminal portion of the male thread portion of the traction hook is arranged in a predetermined position relative to the hook portion. After the male portion is clamped to the connecting member, position of the hook member is settable in a predetermined, allowable angle position.

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: In a closing machine (1) for closing an open end of a work piece (9) by pressing a die (4) heated by a high frequency heating device (2) against the work piece (9) rotating about an axial center, the die (4) comprises a die main body (601) which contacts the work piece (9) and a holder (611) which surrounds the die main body (601). The die main body (601) is formed from cemented carbide whereas the holder (611) is formed from a steel material. The holder (611) is subjected to induction heating by the high-frequency heating device (2), whereas the die main body (601) is heated by heat transfer from the holder (611).

Abstract: A B-pillar for a vehicle is made by the press-hardening method. The blank is made by placing together two blank elements (20,21) with an overlap (23) and welding the elements together before the shaping process.

Abstract: A subliner for use in a metal extrusion press, the subliner comprising an elongate annular body having an outer surface dimensioned for placement within an outer mantle, and an inner surface dimensioned to receive an inner liner. The subliner further comprises at least one heating element positioned longitudinally between the outer and inner surfaces of the elongate annular body for providing beat in at least one selected region of the subliner, in close proximity to the inner liner.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material.

Abstract: An Al—Mg—Si based aluminum alloy sheet having undergone normal-temperature aging (or being in a underaged state) after a solution treatment thereof is, before press forming, subjected to a heating treatment (partial reversion heating treatment) in which the alloy sheet is partially heated to a temperature in the range of 150 to 350° C. for a time of not more than 5 minutes so that the difference in strength (difference in 0.2% proof stress) between the heated part and the non-heated part will be not less than 10 MPa. The alloy sheet thus treated is subjected to cold press forming in the condition where the heated part with low strength is put in contact with a wrinkle holding-down appliance of the press and the non-heated part with high strength is put in contact with the shoulder part (radius) of the punch. In the partial reversion heating treatment, the temperature rise rate and the cooling rate in cooling down to 100° C. or below are set to be not less than 30° C./min.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Abstract: A process for forming a tubular member is provided which includes a pre-forming process for tube-expanding (bulge) forming and bending forming a tubular material using first and second molds and a final forming process for crush forming a preformed tube using a third mold so as to give its cross section a desired shape, the pre-forming step being carried out using the first and second molds heated at temperatures equal to or higher than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material and the final forming step being carried out using the third mold heated at temperatures equal to or lower than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material. The process enables a tubular material of aluminum alloy to be formed into a tubular member of high precision and high quality which has expanded portions as well as bent portions and whose cross section varies across its length.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic component (B) allows adjoining zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) having differing material properties to be produced in a manner which is simple in terms of production. This is achieved in that a sheet metal element (E) heated to a forming temperature is shaped in a forming tool (1) into an end-shaped component (B), wherein the forming tool (1) has a temperature adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of at least one of the portions (5, 7, 16) thereof that comes into contact with the sheet metal element (E) during the forming process, and in that the forming speed is controlled in consideration of the time for which the portion (5, 7, 16) of the forming tool (1) that is regulated with regard to the temperature thereof is in contact with the respective region (E1, E2, E3) of the sheet metal element (E) that rests against said portion.

Abstract: Work hardenable aluminum alloy sheet material is progressively stamped to a final stamped shape in a succession of stamping operations. A blank sheet of annealed starting material is stamped into a least a first preform shape between heated stamping tools to form a preform shape and subsequently anneal the worked preform shape. After one or more annealed preform shapes have been progressively attained, the last preform shape is cooled, if necessary, and stamped to its final stamped shape between unheated stamping tools.

Abstract: A sheet metal forming process and apparatus using both a mechanical forming step and a superplastic forming step. The mechanical forming step includes using a double-action draw die to create a preform. The preform is then transferred to a superplastic forming tool that uses a superplastic forming process to complete the forming process and create a finished workpiece. Using the mechanical forming step enables rapid creation of a preform having a geometry that reduces overall forming time and provides the ability to draw in additional material to reduce part thinning.

Abstract: A clamp ring for a forge die, the clamp ring comprising a substantially solid ring portion having a channel about the outer diameter and at least one flame aperture formed between the inside and the outside diameter and in fluid communication with the channel and a band portion having a inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the ring wherein the band portion is sized to fit over said ring portion, the ring portion having at least one aperture and a conduit attached thereto, whereby said band it attached to said ring such that combustible gas flows through said conduit into said channel and out of the at least one flame aperture.

Abstract: A subliner for use in a metal extrusion press, the subliner comprising an elongate annular body having an outer surface dimensioned for placement within an outer mantle, and an inner surface dimensioned to receive an inner liner. The subliner further comprises at least one heating element positioned longitudinally between the outer and inner surfaces of the elongate annular body for providing heat in at least one selected region of the subliner, in close proximity to the inner liner.

Abstract: A system for delivering a coolant fluid to a workpiece has a reservoir for retaining the fluid, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir, a supply line in communication with the workpiece and a diverter valve. A bypass line is in communication with the diverter valve, and the valve may be utilized to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the workpiece or to bypass the workpiece and circulate fluid back to the reservoir. The system also includes a fluid return line for conveying fluid from the workpiece back to the reservoir.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a process for the heating of a forging machine tool, including an insert holder and an insert with one free face bearing a forging impression, in preparation for a forging operation in the said forging machine. The process is characterised by the fact that the insert holder includes a furnace element that has at least one burner and one flue for removal of the gases, forming, with the said face of the insert, a closed heating chamber, the said chamber being heated until the insert reaches a given temperature, when the furnace element is removed. The invention also covers the forging tool, including an insert with an impression, mounted in an insert holder, for implementation of the process, and a removable furnace element.

Abstract: A press and tooling apparatus for forming a preheated blank includes a heated upper tool and an opposing heated lower tool mounted within the press for relative closing movement to press the preheated blank there between. A binder ring assembly surrounds the lower tool and is mounted on the press for movement relative to the lower tool so at to bind the preheated blank to the upper tool in air tight sealing relationship in readiness for closure of the tools and application of pressurized gas to force the blank into contact with the upper tools. The binder ring assembly includes an upper ring that is heated so as to prevent the cooling of the preheated blank, and a lower ring that supports the upper ring and is fixedly connected to the upper ring by spaced apart connectors so as to minimize the heat transfer path from the heated upper ring to the lower ring.

Abstract: Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a rotatable wheel, the rotatable wheel including a circumferential groove. Continuous extrusion apparatus includes a shoe including an arcuate tooling bounding a radially outer portion of the groove provided with an exit aperture in a die body and an abutment displaced in the direction of rotation from the exit aperture. The shoe includes a heater body assembly including an electrical induction heating coil assembly arranged to be energisable to co-act with a magnetisable element to effect electrical induction heating thereof; and an element is provided to thermally induce movement of co-acting members for one of expanding and contracting to adjust clearances between the rotatable wheel and the abutment and the shoe within requisite limits.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tool and/or die geometry and methods of use generally comprise forming at least a portion of a shape defining surface with a shape memory material. In response to an activation signal, the shape memory material changes geometry of the shape defining surface to provide a means for forming parts with different geometries from the same tool and/or die. In an alternative embodiment, an insert for a tool and/or die can be used, wherein the insert has at least a portion of its shape defining surface formed of a shape memory material. Also disclosed are processes for forming a first part with a defined geometry and a second part with a defined geometry different from the first part defined geometry using a reconfigurable tool and/or die as well as a reconfigurable insert with a standard tool and/or die.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for two-stage stretch forming of a sheet metal blank workpiece between a preform tool with a concave cavity and an opposing finish-form punch tool. Both tools are independently heated to different forming temperatures with the preform tool being hotter. Gas pressure is first applied to one side of the workpiece in the first forming stage to balloon it into the cavity of the preform tool. Gas pressure is then applied to the other side of the preformed workpiece to stretch it against the finish-form surface. The hotter preform tool enables faster forming and gas venting in the first stage. The cooler finish-form tool enables the final shaping of the part and its undistorted removal from the punch surface.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of manufacturing, in a tool mold provided with a final contour as desired, a hollow metal body the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the longitudinal direction, an internal pressure being applied to a tubular hollow body with approximately uniform initial wall thickness, the tubular hollow body having the highest temperature in the zones of greatest deformation, the temperature in these zones being reduced once the hollow body fits against the wall of the tool mold, the temperature being subsequently increased in zones with lower degrees of deformation.

Abstract: A heated metal forming tool including an un-heated mounting plate that is attached to a press. A tool detail is attached to the mounting plate. Insulation surrounds the tool detail to thermally isolate it from the mounting plate, and from the tool surroundings. The tool detail is heated internally by heaters disposed in zones within the tool detail. The temperature of various portions of the tool detail can be independently controlled by varying the temperature within any of the zones.

Abstract: A scattered ray removal grid that has an overall shape of constant spherical curvature. The scattered ray removal grid has radiation absorbing portions arrayed in a lattice configuration and radiation non-absorbing portions made of thermoplastic resin disposed between the radiation absorbing portions and can therefore be easily produced to have an overall spherical shape at low cost.

Abstract: A hardened steel part of complex shape is made from a workpiece by first heating the workpiece to an annealing temperature. Then, while the workpiece is still at the annealing temperature, the workpiece is rapidly deformed by a machine into an intermediate shape. The deformed workpiece is then moved from the machine to a press, and, while the workpiece is still at the annealing temperature, it is deformed in the press to the complex shape and then held in the press to harden the workpiece.

Abstract: A metallic material 27 is placed between an upper die 6 and a lower die 13. Inert gas is fed into the processing chamber 17 defined by a transparent quartz tube 16. The dies 6 and 13 are heated together with the metallic material 27 by infrared lamps 20. The dies 6 and 13 are closed to form the material 27.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A heated metal forming tool including an un-heated mounting plate that is attached to a press. A tool detail is attached to the mounting plate. Insulation surrounds the tool detail to thermally isolate it from the mounting plate, and from the tool surroundings. The tool detail is heated internally by heaters disposed in zones within the tool detail. The temperature of various portions of the tool detail can be independently controlled by varying the temperature within any of the zones.

Abstract: A bottom dead center correction device for a servo press machine which can correct the bottom dead center with a high precision not achieved by a bottom dead center correction by a slide position detection device provided on a frame includes a bottom dead center sensor (11) and a temperature sensor (12) on a lower mold (10B) of a die (10). The bottom dead center of a set slide motion of slide (3) is corrected by the bottom dead center measurement value of bottom dead center detection sensor (11) and by the temperature drift of bottom dead center detection sensor (11) resulting from the temperature rise of die (10) due to molding and detected by temperature sensor (12). A bottom dead center correction of one micron unit not previously achieved becomes possible. The bottom dead center correction device also can be provided as one which corrects for the fluctuations in the bottom dead center resulting from deformations in all of the construction parts and the die of the servo press.

Abstract: A scattered ray removal grid that has an overall shape of constant spherical curvature. The scattered ray removal grid has radiation absorbing portions arrayed in a lattice configuration and radiation non-absorbing portions made of thermoplastic resin disposed between the radiation absorbing portions and can therefore be easily produced to have an overall spherical shape at low cost.

Abstract: In metal stamping dies, by taking advantage of improved material flow by selectively warming the die, flat sections of the die can contribute to the flow of material throughout the workpiece. Local surface heating can be accomplished by placing a heating block in the die. Distribution of heating at the flat lower train central regions outside of the bend region allows a softer flow at a lower stress to enable material flow into the thinner, higher strain areas at the bend/s. The heating block is inserted into the die and is powered by a power supply.

Abstract: A metallic material 27 is placed between an upper die 6 and a lower die 13. Inert gas is fed into the processing chamber 17 defined by a transparent quartz tube 16. The dies 6 and 13 are heated together with the metallic material 27 by infrared lamps 20. The dies 6 and 13 are closed to form the material 27.

Abstract: In a method of forming a hollow workpiece having open ends by inner pressure in a multi-part forming tool, the forming tool having a forming mold is heated and the workpiece is placed into the forming mold of the forming tool. Closing plugs are inserted into the open ends of the workpiece, wherein the closing plugs are components of closing cylinders, in order to seal off the open ends. The forming tool is closed. A heated pressure fluid is introduced into the hollow workpiece through at least one of the closing plugs, with the hollow workpiece having been heated and plasticized in the forming tool. The material of the hollow workpiece is pressed with the heated pressure fluid into the forming mold of the forming tool. The device for performing the method has a multi-part forming tool with a forming mold for the workpiece. Hydraulic closing cylinders with closing plugs are provided for sealing the open ends of the workpiece. The forming tool has a heating device for heating at least the forming mold.

Abstract: An ultra precision net shape forming process is disclosed which can satisfy the requirements of MMW and sub-MMW components and sabots for small caliber armor piercing ammunition. The process is well suited to both moderate and high volume applications, and offers the potential for dramatically reducing piece part fabrication costs. The process involves closely controlled high temperature compression forming of metals with cycle times of the order of one minute or less, precise replication of all die features, and very low residual stresses. The ultra precision net shape forming cycle starts following insertion of the billet/blank into an open die. In the preheat phase the press is closed to preheat position where the billet/blank is enclosed in both halves of the die but no force is applied. Following preheat the part is formed employing displacement and force control to insure a fully formed part. After holding for a preset time at the peak force, the press is then commanded back to the loading position.