Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bent article using an aluminum alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance comprises: extruding a cast billet of an aluminum alloy including, by mass, 6.0 to 8.0% Zn, 1.50 to 3.50% Mg, 0.20 to 1.50% Cu, 0.10 to 0.25% Zr, 0.005 to 0.05% Ti, 0.3% or less Mn, 0.25% or less Sr, and the balance Al with inevitable impurities to obtain an extruded material; cooling the extruded material at an average rate of 500° C./min or less immediately after the extrusion processing; subjecting the cooled extruded material to preliminary heating treatment at a temperature within a range of 140 to 260° C. for 30 to 120 seconds within a predetermined time after the extrusion processing; bending the extruded material having undergone the preliminary heating treatment to obtain a bent article; and subjecting the bent article to artificial aging treatment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component. The process can include providing an incremental forming machine, the machine having at least one arcuate tipped tool and at least electrode spaced a predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is operable to perform a plurality of incremental deformations on the sheet metal component using the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is also operable to apply an electric direct current through the electrode into the sheet metal component at the predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool while the machine is forming the sheet metal component.

Abstract: For aging deformation of a reaction vessel used for production of titanium sponge by the Kroll method, the deformation of the reaction vessel can be corrected to a desired deformation. The apparatus for correcting the deformation corrects by being inserted inside of the cylindrical deformation of the reaction vessel, the apparatus has multiple cylinder arms radially extendable to a circumference, a deformation-correcting head arranged on a top part of the cylinder arm, a hydraulic power unit connected to the cylinder arm and driving the deformation-correcting head, a detecting means for the stroke of the deformation-correcting head, and a measuring means for the pressing force against the reaction vessel. Furthermore, the method for correcting the deformation of the reaction vessel using the apparatus has a step of pressing the reaction vessel while adjusting stroke of the deformation-correcting head depending on an amount of deformation of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A current density changing portion is formed in a heating process on an upper base side with respect to a center portion of a flat metal plate in a direction of current flow, by passing current from a lower base side to the upper base side of the flat metal plate which is rectangular when viewed from above. As a result, a quenchable portion is formed on the upper base side with respect to the center portion of the flat metal plate in the direction of current flow, and a non-quenchable portion is formed on the lower base side with respect to the center portion of the flat metal plate in the direction of current flow. The flat metal plate is press-formed after the heating process, so a complex die cooling structure is not necessary during press-forming, which enables the die cost to be reduced.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcement is formed of a 7000 series aluminum alloy hollow extrusion and has crushed end portions. A portion of the end portions is heated to a temperature of 400° C. or more for reversion treatment, the heated portion is subjected to cold crushing, and then the whole bumper reinforcement is subjected to age hardening. Because of the age hardening, the heated portion has higher Vickers hardness than non-heated portions by Hv 10 or more. This compensates for a decrease in reaction force in a collision of an end portion resulting from a decrease in the section modulus of the crushed portion and thereby suppresses a decrease in energy absorption.

Abstract: In order to sharpen and harden a corner portion of a score line edge portion of an iron golf club having a plurality of score lines on a face surface within a prescribed range, heat input is implemented on an edge portion of a groove through laser irradiation after the groove is machined and, as a result, the edge portion is hardened and melted to form a rounded corner R. The hardness is set at a Vickers hardness value (HV) of at least 350. The corner R forms a part of a contour line of the edge portion and this contour line is formed to exist between a first circle that contacts the face surface and a side surface of the groove and has a radius of 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) and a second circle that is concentric with the first circle and has a radius of 0.011 inches (0.2794 millimeters).

Abstract: A near-infrared condensing heating unit includes a frame having an open side at a side and a seat inside, and a reflecting plate disposed in the seat of the frame having an opening corresponding to the open side, and an extended semi-elliptic cross-section along an elliptic line. The near-infrared condensing heating unit further includes a lamp disposed inside the reflecting plate, with both ends mounted on the frame through sockets.

Abstract: A system and method forming a ground bonding strap. A length of cable is measured to determine a segment of cable to stamp to form a pair of connectors. The segment is heated. The segment is stamped to form the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors defining an indentation and a pair of receptacles disposed through the cable. The pair of receptacles being each adjacent to and separated by an indentation. The indentations being positioned to allow a user to cut between the pair of connectors to form a ground bonding strap of a length selected by the user.

Abstract: A method for locking a nut with an inner thread, in which the ultimate tensile strength (Rm) and yield strength (Re) of the material constituting the nut are determined according to temperature. An optimal heating temperature is determined, at which a maximum of a relative plastic interval of the material is reached, said relative plastic interval being defined by the formula (Rm?Re)/Rm, and a maximum heating time is determined, above which the nut presents the risk of deterioration of its microstructure and/or of its initial mechanical strength. The nut is heated to a temperature substantially equal to said optimal temperature and for a heating time of less than said maximum time so that the initial microstructure and mechanical strength of the material constituting the nut are preserved, and a body of the nut is deformed locally by bending.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that is used to produce a press-hardened molded part (3) having at least two regions that differ regarding the strength of the regions by means of a press-hardening tool. A blank heated to a forming temperature is formed in the press-hardening tool and held in the press-hardening tool during the cooling for the purpose of heat-treating. In order to set the regions of lower strength, said regions are cooled more slowly than the other regions. During the forming step, the entire blank and thus also the regions of the blank intended to be set to a lower strength are in contact with a molding surface of the tool (1). After the conclusion of the forming step, the tool surface (2) in contact with the molded part is changed in such a way that the one or more regions to be set with lower strength have no tool contact during the cooling step that follows the forming step.

Abstract: A foam reinforced and bent tube for use in a vehicle seat frame and a method of forming such a tube are provided. The tube has a cavity which extends along its length and at least one open end. The foam may be inserted into the cavity through any desirable process including, for example, injection. The bend is formed by heating a portion of the tubular element and bending it at the heated region. The insertion of the foam material into the cavity of the tubular element may precede, follow or be simultaneous with the heating and bending processes. The foam material may have a variable type and/or a variable density through the length of the cavity.

Abstract: Provided are: a closed-die forging method capable of preventing a temperature decrease in a to-be-forged member during forging, easy temperature monitoring during forging, and causing cavity end portions of a die to be filled with the to-be-forged member; and a method of manufacturing a forged article using the closed-die forging method. The closed-die forging method, which involves placing a heated to-be-forged member on a lower die and hammer-forging the to-be-forged member with a reciprocating upper die, includes covering the whole of a portion of the to-be-forged member that contacts the lower die with a metal heat-insulation member prior to forging, except for at least a part of a portion that contacts an upper die during forging, and then forging the to-be-forged member integrally with the metal heat-insulation member. Preferably, the to-be-forged member is a superalloy and the metal heat-insulation member is stainless steel. Further preferably, the to-be-forged member is forged into a disk shape.

Abstract: A system and method for shaping a net or near-net titanium part, the method comprising machining a piece of titanium into a titanium part having non-uniform thickness, heating the titanium part to a target temperature within a target temperature range between an auto-relief temperature of the titanium part and a minimum temperature required for super plastic forming of the titanium part, and lowering a die into the titanium part with sufficient force to shape the titanium part. The system for shaping the titanium part may comprise a multiple-axis machine, a die, electrical clamps, sensors, and a control system for adjusting heating temperatures based on information received from the sensors regarding the titanium part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawing tool (1) for shaping and cooling a steel part from a blank (6), said tool including: at least one punch (2); and at least one matrix (3); the punch and the matrix each including: at least a first portion (21, 31) corresponding to a hot area (11) of the drawing tool; and at least a second portion (22, 32) corresponding to a cold area (12) of the drawing tool; in the cold area, the second part of the punch and the second part of the matrix are brought into contact with the blank when the drawing tool is closed; characterized in that, in the hot area of the drawing tool, a heating means are provided for heating said hot area to a temperature higher than about 400° C., and in that, in said hot area, a distance (L) on top of the blank thickness (e) is provided between the punch and the matrix when the drawing tool is closed, is related to the temperature (T) of the hot area, and is given by the formula T=100·(6?L), with L>0.2 and 400?T<600; L being in mm and T in ° C.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A bent member having excellent dimensional accuracy is manufactured by stably forming a high temperature portion uniformly in the circumferential direction of a steel tube and in a narrow region in the axial direction of the steel. The bent member is manufactured by supporting a steel tube at a first position while feeding it, performing induction heating of the steel tube at a second position with an induction heating coil, cooling the steel tube at a third position to form a high temperature portion which moves in the axial direction of the steel tube, and three-dimensionally varying the position of a gripping mechanism for the steel tube in a region to apply a bending moment to the high temperature portion.

Abstract: A system for annealing a formable panel includes a stamping press configured to pre-form the panel using a first die and a second die. The system also includes a transfer device configured to engage the pre-formed panel and transfer the panel from the stamping press. The transfer device includes a heating element configured to anneal the pre-formed panel. The heating element anneals the pre-formed panel in the stamping press after the first die is disengaged from the panel and while the panel is being supported by the second die. A method of processing a formable panel and a method of processing a pre-formed panel in a multi-stage stamping operation, each using the system, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for radially expanding a tubular element (8). The method comprises the steps of bending the tubular element (8) radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section (10) extending around an unexpanded tubular section (8) wherein bending occurs in a bending zone (14); and increasing the length of the expanded tubular section (10) by inducing the bending zone (14) to move in axial direction relative to the unexpanded tubular section (8). The method includes the further step of heating the bending zone. Several embodiments to enable heating are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making a hydro-formed part by first hydro-forming a tubular blank to form an initially formed part. The initially formed part is clamped in a calibration tool with clamps. The initially formed part is connected to a source of electric current and electric current is pulsed through the initially formed part to reduce internal stresses in the initially formed part and reduce spring-back to form the initially formed part to a target shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the hot dispensing of brass or aluminium plugs of predetermined lengths, obtained by cutting an elongated brass or aluminium bar. The invention is advantageous in that there is no loss of material in the cut pieces and the manufacturing process costs and times are very competitive. The machine can very accurately cut bars made from standard brass, as well as special brass, and can manufacture plugs using a “just in time” production system. The invention consists of a single compact body essentially comprising: means for progressively heating more than one brass or aluminium bar such that the bar closest to the outlet is the hottest bar; means for automatically pushing the bar nearest the outlet towards cutting means; and means for transversally cutting the pre-heated bar, thus forming plugs.

Abstract: Method for adjusting the throttling action of a valve comprising a valve body with at least one through-channel for a working medium, where the working medium is throttled by at least one valve disk which covers the throttle channel. By making use of the effect of the heat of a laser beam to change the elastic pretension of the disk, deviations from a predetermined throttling action are minimized. The laser beam is used to cause partial local melting in the minimum of one valve disk, the heat thus introduced having the effect of working at least one defined bending axis into the disk.

Abstract: A forming tooling including a fixed part and a moving part set in action by a one-way press, in a first direction, the tooling varying between an open position and a closed position in which the moving part applies pressure to the fixed part; the moving part including moving dies capable of starting to deform the metal workpiece through a translational movement of the dies in a second direction simultaneous with the translational movement of the dies in the first direction during closure of the tooling, the moving dies being capable of moving away from the metal workpiece through a reverse translational movement of the moving dies, in the second direction, simultaneously with the translational movement of the moving dies in the first direction during opening of the tooling.

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 method forming a ground bonding strap. A length of cable is measured to determine a segment of cable to stamp to form a pair of connectors. The segment is heated. The segment is stamped to form the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors defining an indentation and a pair of receptacles disposed through the cable. The pair of receptacles being each adjacent to and separated by an indentation. The indentations being positioned to allow a user to cut between the pair of connectors to form a ground bonding strap of a length selected by the user.

Abstract: A deep drawing apparatus is provided in which a sheet material is subjected to optimal heating and cooling, whereby the limiting draw ratio is increased and a product can be worked more deeply, and uniformity of the sheet thickness of the product can be controlled. This apparatus includes: a punch 2 for subjecting a sheet material 9 to deep drawing; a die 3, used along with the punch, for forming the sheet material and subject the same to deep drawing; an anti-wrinkling component 4 for preventing wrinkling around the periphery of the forming portion in the sheet material; an induction heating coil 5 for directly heating the sheet material at a portion supported by the anti-wrinkling component; a heating controller 6 for controlling the amount of heating of the sheet material by the induction heating coil; and cooling means 21 to 23 for cooling the sheet material at the portion formed by the punch.

Abstract: A method of forming an article from a metal alloy sheet material includes stamping the metal alloy sheet material to thereby form a preform having at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion includes a base portion, a first region having a first thickness and spaced apart from the base portion to thereby have a first maximum height, and a second region interconnecting the base portion and the first region and having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. After stamping, the method includes selectively annealing the second region without substantially annealing the first region, and, after selectively annealing, concurrently increasing the first maximum height and substantially equalizing the first thickness and the second thickness to thereby form the article.

Abstract: A product intermittently having a bent portion which curves three-dimensionally and a quenched portion is manufactured by performing bending downstream of a support means while feeding a metal material which is supported by the support means from an upstream side towards a downstream side. A portion of the metal material is heated by a heating means downstream of the support means. A bending moment is imparted to the portion of the metal material heated by the heating means to three-dimensionally change the position of a movable roller die which is disposed downstream of the heating means and has a plurality of rolls which feed the heated metal material in the axial direction, and the metal material is quenched by spraying a cooling medium at the portion of the metal material which was heated by a cooling means disposed between the heating means and the movable roller die.

Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.

Abstract: A first layer is established on a second layer and an induction coil is disposed within induction proximity to the second layer. The induction coil is electrically energized thereby heating the second layer to a target temperature. A die having a die cavity is translated from a first location spaced substantially beyond an induction heating distance from the induction coil to a clamping location adjacent the second layer such that the induction coil surrounds a predetermined location on an external surface of the die. The die is heated by induction between the induction coil and the die while the die is translated toward the clamping location until the die reaches a predetermined die temperature. The induction coil is de-energized after the die has reached the predetermined die temperature. The first layer and the second layer are clamped between a binder and the die.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a rack bar and a method for production thereof. The rack bar is composed of a steel pipe (10) and an embedded metal core (14) placed therein. The steel pipe has rack teeth formed thereon by forging. The embedded metal core (14) is made of a metal softer than the steel pipe (10) and has its surface wave-shaped such that the bottom (20) is wide and the top (22) is narrow.

Abstract: In a method of making a component for a motor vehicle, a metal part in the form of a plate, semifinished product, or a formed part, is heated in a fluidized bed of a fluidized bed furnace. The fluidized bed is being fluidized by a fluid, e.g. gas. Subsequently; the metal part is subjected to a forming, hardening or aging process.

Abstract: A method corrects a head suspension by irradiating an objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam. The method is capable of precisely correcting the head suspension even when correcting the head suspension a plurality of times. The method removes residual stress created by the preceding correction from the head suspension, and then, carries out the next correction. Accordingly, the method can precisely correct the objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam even if the objective part has once been irradiated with a laser beam in the preceding correction.

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: In a method of making a shaped metal part for a motor vehicle component, a blank is made from a steel alloy containing, in weight percent: carbon (C) 0.18% to 0.3%, silicon (Si) 0.1% to 0.7%, manganese (Mn) 1.0% to 2.5%, phosphorus (P) maximal 0.025%, chromium (Cr) 0.1 to 0.8%, molybdenum (Mo) 0.1 to 0.5%, sulfur (S) maximal 0.01%, titanium (Ti) 0.02% to 0.05%, boron (B) 0.002% to 0.005%, aluminum (Al) 0.01% to 0.06%, balance iron and impurities resulting from smelting, The blank is heated to a temperature between 900° C. and 950° C., and formed in a press tool into a formed part which is quenched and tempered while still being in the press tool. At least one region of the formed part is then annealed to become soft by a heating operation within a time interval of less than 30 seconds to thereby provide the region with higher ductility.

Abstract: A bent metal member which is obtained by bending accompanied by heat treatment of a zinc-based coated metal material and which is suitable for use in components of automobiles due to having a high strength and excellent post-painting corrosion resistance is manufactured. The outer surface of a tubular metal material having on its surface a Zn—Fe alloy coating layer with a coating weight of 30-90 g/m2 per side, an Fe content of 8-20%, and a surface roughness Ra of at most 0.8 ?m is supported at two locations spaced in the axial direction of the metal material so that the material can move in its axial direction, the metal material is heated between the two locations to a temperature range of at least the Ac3 point at a heating speed such that the rate of temperature increase is at least 3.0×102° C. per second while feeding the metal material in its axial direction, holding so that the length of time for which the surface of the metal material is at 8.0×102° C.

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: In various embodiments, a method for patterning the surface of a solder-covered photovoltaic cell connector on the light-incidence side of a photovoltaic cell is provided. The method may include heating at least a part of the solder-covered photovoltaic cell connector which is in contact with the surface of the photovoltaic cell; patterning at least a part of the surface of the heated part of the solder-covered photovoltaic cell connector so that a predetermined surface pattern is formed; and cooling the photovoltaic cell connector by means of which the pattern is fixed on the solder-covered surface of the photovoltaic cell connector.

Abstract: A metallic reflector device having one or an array of individual reflector elements for positioning over a corresponding one or array of light sources, preferably comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The metallic reflector device includes a planar base and a plurality of the reflector elements. The planar base has one or a plurality of apertures, each aperture having an edge that defines a proximal rim of the reflector element. Each reflector element includes an annular sidewall having an inner surface that extends from the proximal annular rim to a distal annular rim. The proximal annular rim defines a first opening through which direct and reflected light from a light source is emitted. The distal annular rim defines a second opening through which the light source is disposed. The inner surface of the annular sidewall is formed from the material of the planar sheet by mechanically deforming the planar sheet, such as by stamping or drawing.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal sheet pressing method of precision-pressing a metal sheet, wherein after a metal sheet (1) is partially drawn so as to form a perforated portion (1a), the perforated portion (1a) is heated by baking and after it is heated by baking, the perforated portion (1a) is pressed with press dies into an uneven-surface shape.

Abstract: A method may include providing an outer panel that may have a flange that defines at least one planar section. The flange may be heated at the at least one planar section, and the flange may be bent about the at least one planar section.

Abstract: Method for bending tubular articles with a relative ratio of the bending radius (R) and the outer diameter (D) of the finished pipe which is less than 3, comprising the following steps: forging an article made of material with a predefined composition depending on the final use and with a predefined length (L) in the longitudinal direction and an outer diameter (D); providing a die having an asymmetrical bottom die half with seat for the pipe; and a top die half with punch asymmetrically arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-X) with respect to the vertical center axis of the die; heating the article in an oven to the required temperature for forging depending on the specific composition of the material; positioning the article inside the bottom die half in the longitudinal direction; closing of the two die halves so as to start bending of the article; opening the die; and extracting the bent article.

Abstract: A method for making a riser component includes: positioning a coupler adjacent and end of a tube such that a region of the coupler forms an interface with the tube's end, wherein the region includes a material (in some embodiments an aluminum alloy), and the tube's end includes a groove and another material (in some embodiments a steel alloy) that is different than the region's material; heating the region of the coupler to increase the region's malleability; and exerting pressure on the region of the coupler to plastically deform the region to insert some of the region's material into the groove in the tube's end. By fixing the coupler to the tube in this manner, the coupler may be strongly secured to the tube, and thus able to withstand high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service. Also, the material of the coupler may be different than the material of the tube, and thus the material of the coupler may be lighter than the material of the tube.

Abstract: Metal sheets and thin-wall metal tubes may be heated to a hot working temperature and transformed by a hot-blow-forming step to achieve shapes, difficult to attain, without excessive thinning or strain causing damage to the workpiece based on the inherent formability of the metal alloy. The stages of forming of the intended shape in the metal workpiece are analyzed and workpiece regions of potential damage during forming are identified. Then, during actual forming, these regions of the hot workpiece are selectively cooled with air (or other cooling fluid) to reduce thinning or strain in the critical region(s) and to redistribute this strain to adjacent lower strain areas of the workpiece. This hot-blow-forming practice is particularly useful in attaining complex shapes in workpieces of aluminum-based alloys and magnesium-based alloys.

Abstract: A forming method of a tooth trace of a gear according to the present invention includes: a first step of preparing a preformed gear made of metal including a cylindrical main body and a tooth part having a flat tooth flank having a uniform thickness in a tooth trace direction inside of the main body; and a second step of conducting a surface treatment locally to an outside surface of the main body in order to deform the outside surface of the main body in such a manner that the same becomes concave, so that a crowning bulging in the tooth trace direction is formed on the tooth flank of the tooth part.

Abstract: A system and method for shaping a net or near-net titanium part, the method comprising machining a piece of titanium into a titanium part having non-uniform thickness, heating the titanium part to a target temperature within a target temperature range between an auto-relief temperature of the titanium part and a minimum temperature required for super plastic forming of the titanium part, and lowering a die into the titanium part with sufficient force to shape the titanium part. The system for shaping the titanium part may comprise a multiple-axis machine, a die, electrical clamps, sensors, and a control system for adjusting heating temperatures based on information received from the sensors regarding the titanium part.

Abstract: Electromagnetic forming methods suitable for creating surface features on a shape memory alloy are described. Features may be created over a range of scales, including those suitable for the generation of holographic images. Features, images, or patterns may be made capable of reversibly appearing and disappearing as a result of changes in temperature and may include temperature sensitive displays for automotive and other applications.

Abstract: Pipe to be upset is conveyed via walking beam though a series of induction heating coils and one end is heated to a maximum temperature of 2350 degrees F. Thereafter, a robot transports the pipe into a forging machine where the pipe end is upset in one or more die pockets. For those types of pipes where the pipe end temperature falls below an acceptable temperature during upsetting, the robot delivers the pipe end to an auxiliary induction heating coil and is re-heated to an acceptable forging temperature. The robot then transports the pipe back into the forging machine where the pipe end is forged to its final upset dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawing tool (1) for shaping and cooling a steel part from a blank (6), said tool including: at least one punch (2); and at least one matrix (3); the punch and the matrix each including: at least a first portion (21, 31) corresponding to a hot area (11) of the drawing tool; and at least a second portion (22, 32) corresponding to a cold area (12) of the drawing tool; in the cold area, the second part of the punch and the second part of the matrix are brought into contact with the blank when the drawing tool is closed; characterised in that, in the hot area of the drawing tool, a heating means are provided CD for heating said hot area to a temperature higher than about 400° C., and in that, in said hot area, a distance (L) on top of the blank thickness (e) is provided between the punch and the matrix when the drawing tool is closed, is related to the temperature (T) of the hot area, and is given by the formula T=100·(6?L), with L>0.2 and 400?T<600; L being in mm and T in ° C.

Abstract: A dimple forming apparatus for forming dimple on a workpiece at a desired position comprises a base mould with a concave surface, a heating unit and a forming pin with a spherical surface. The base mould is configured to be positioned below the workpiece. The heating unit is configured to heat the desired position of the workpiece for enhancing tractility of the desired position of the workpiece, and the forming pin is configured to be positioned above workpiece with the spherical surface of the forming pin aiming toward the desired position of the workpiece heated by the heating unit. The heating unit successfully enhances the tractility of desired position of the workpiece before the desired position of the workpiece is punched by the forming pin, and produces low stress at the junction of the dimple formed by the forming pin punching and the workpiece of the workpiece. The present invention also discloses a dimple forming method, a head gimbal assembly and a method for manufacturing a head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a platform, a stylus, and a heating system. The platform is capable of holding a sheet of material. The stylus is capable of impinging the sheet of the material to incrementally form a shape for a part. The heating system is capable of heating at least a portion of the sheet of material in a location on the sheet of material prior to the stylus impinging the location.