Abstract: Provided herein include methods of molding a parison comprising an amorphous alloy and or an amorphous alloy composites, where the molding takes place within the supercooled liquid region or around the glass transition temperature of the amorphous alloy. In one embodiment, the fo?ning can be carried out with two fluids at different temperatures. The molded article can have a very high aspect ratio or a three-dimensional hollow shape with a desirable surface finish.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of superplastic forming and diffusion bonding and a gas inlet tube that facilitates the methods which produce structures that are substantially mark off free. Methods include disposing a sealed pack into a die having a patterned surface and an opposite surface; applying a first pressure within the die around an outside of the pack; applying a second pressure within the pack, the second pressure exceeding the first pressure; and forming the pack by superplastic deformation into a diffusion-bonded structure. Further, a gas inlet tube is provided having an inner tube and an outer tube, where the outer tube is weldable to the pack in a gas tight seal.

Abstract: A method for processing at least one surface element wherein at least one layer of a deformable, medium-tight material is respectively attached to each side of the surface element, inserts the surface element and attached deformable layers between at least two molding tool parts and applies a pressure to at least one area of a surface section of the inserted surface element in response to a predetermined shaping temperature by introducing a medium between one of the deformable layers and a first molding tool part. The pressure acts directly against the deformable layer so that the surface element together with the deformable layers is shaped into at least one adjacent cavity of a second molding tool part due to the pressure created. A possibility of molding surface elements, which can currently not be shaped via gas pressure, into complex geometries, namely into spatially bent geometries, is created with this method.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a monolithic lacrosse stick handle having a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion disposed between the first and second portion. The first portion has a first cross-section of a first shape. The second portion has a second cross-section of a second shape. The second shape is different from the first shape. Over the transition portion, the cross-sectional shape of the handle transitions from the first shape to the second shape. The handle can be integrally formed from a malleable material. The handle can have varying cross-sectional areas (e.g., wall thicknesses) along its length. A further embodiment provides a lacrosse stick handle that changes in direction, rather than defining a single longitudinal axis as in traditional handles. The nonlinear handle can have, for example, a linear main portion, a curved intermediate portion, and a linear dowel portion.

Abstract: A creep forming tool modifies the shape of an aircraft component in the form of a wing skin portion. The tool includes a shaped surface defined by removable rib boards. The component is forced against the shaped surface, via a reusable intermediate plate. The shape of the shaped surface may be adjusted, if necessary, by replacing the rib boards with boards of a different shape.

Abstract: The invention has as its object to perform hydroforming so that no buckling or wrinkles remain at a hydroformed product with a long expanded region and comprises performing a first step of raising the internal pressure in a state with the metal tube fixed in position at the two ends or a state applying axial pushing actions of 10% or less of the total amount of axial pushing action, then applying axial pushing actions while holding the internal pressure at a constant pressure so as to expand the metal tube near the ends, then performing a second step of raising only the internal pressure without applying any axial pushing action so as to thereby expand a center of the metal tube, then performing a third step of lowering only the internal pressure to the value of the constant pressure without applying any axial pushing action, then repeating the first to third steps one or more times, then raising the internal pressure in the state not applying any axial pushing action or applying an axial pushing action of 10

Abstract: A method of correcting the shape of a brittle cast component such as a low pressure turbine blade. The method includes steps of placing the component against a creep mold having a surface defining the desired profile of the component and HIP treating it to creep deform the component to the desired shape whilst consolidating it and removing gas and shrinkage porosity.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydraulically forming a sheet metal part in an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) machine. The part in a first shape is placed in the EHF machine between a one-sided forming die and a chamber that is filled with a liquid. An electrode is discharged in the chamber to form the part toward the forming die. The electrode is advanced within the chamber toward the part and a subsequent discharge is provided in the chamber to form the part. A gap discharge EHF machine and a wire discharge EHF machine may be used in the system.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic forming tool for forming a sheet metal blank in a one-sided die has first and second rigid rings that engage opposite sides of a sheet metal blank. The rigid rings are contained within slots on a die portion and a hydraulic force applicator portion of the forming tool. The seals are either resiliently biased by an elastomeric member or inherently resiliently biased into contact with the blank.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for high velocity forming of medical device casings. The high velocity forming may be produced by creating a pressure wave within a liquid contained by an enclosure. A die and a workpiece adjacent to the die are in the path of the pressure wave within the enclosure and the pressure wave forces the workpiece to conform to the contours of the die. Objects may be adhered to the die to provide for customized contours. Trimming features may be included within the enclosure to trim excess material from a formed workpiece as an integral part of the forming process. Various other features may also be provided within the enclosure including a diffuser to disperse the pressure wave. The workpiece may be of various forms including flat sheet stock.

Abstract: A disk made of a first material has a groove in which a blade made of a second material is retained. A strip is placed between the blade and the disk to minimize rubbing damage to the blade and the disk and an insulating material is place between the rub strip and the blade for minimizing damaging responses of the blade to galvanic forces created by rubbing of the first material and the second material.

Abstract: A feed device for a superplastic press-forming press has a slide that moves vertically and a base between which is held a tool having a cover and a bottom die enclosing a forming tool, which includes at least one heating shuttle to transport the bottom die, equipped with the forming tool and a cover, with the heating shuttle adapted to complete the press and constitute the base of the press during a hot-press forming operation.

Abstract: A high pressure pump includes a pump housing. A piston rod located within the pump housing defines a plurality of pump cavities and a plurality of piston cavities. Movement of the piston within the piston cylinder pumps the fluid from the piston cavities out of the high pressure pump. The continuous pumping of HWBF from the pump housing provides fluid at a relatively constant flow and pressure. The HWBF pressure is also at a higher pressure than traditional single stage high pressure pumps can provide.

Abstract: A device for producing a pattern onto a work piece includes a die, an electromagnetic actuator and a base. The die includes a patterned surface, and the patterned surface includes a pattern. The electromagnetic actuator includes an plate body, a convex part and a strip unit connected to the plate body. The electromagnetic actuator is disposed in the base. When the electromagnetic actuator is activated while a work piece is being positioned between the patterned surface and the electromagnetic actuator, an inductive current is generated on the work piece by the electromagnetic actuator, and then a repulsive force is generated between the electromagnetic actuator and the work piece. The repulsive force causes the work piece to adhere to the patterned surface, forcing the work piece to deform against the patterned surface and to take on the shape of the pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaping tool which is used to shape a workpiece, in particular, a sheet steel component, comprising at least two shaping tool halves. Contoured regions are provided in the region of the shaping tool halves in order to give the workpiece a corresponding contour, at least in sections. Each shaping tool half has a shaping surface shell which is oriented towards the workpiece and a support shaping half. The shaping surface shell is arranged on the support shaping half and comprises a shaping surface, which is oriented towards the workpiece, and a rear side which is oriented away from the workpiece. The support shaping half comprises a contoured area which essentially corresponds to the contour of the workpiece which is to be produced and the contoured area is surrounded by a flange area. Grooves are provided in the contoured area in the region of the rear side of the shaping surface shell.

Abstract: A non-planar sputter target having differing crystallographic orientations in portions of the sputter target surface that promote more desirable deposition and density patterns of material sputtered from the target surface onto a substrate. A closed dome end of the sputter target is comprised of a first crystallographic orientation and sidewalls of the sputter target are comprised of a crystallographic orientation different from that of the dome. The sputter target is formed, preferably by hydroforming or other metal working techniques, in the absence of annealing. The hydroforming manipulations result in the different crystallographic orientations while minimizing, or ideally omitting, the application of heat. Quick and cost effective non-planar sputter targets that are easily repeatably producable are achievable as a result.

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: Electromagnetic forming can lead to better formability along with additional benefits. The spatial distribution of forming pressure in electromagnetic forming can be controlled by the configuration of the actuator. A type of actuator is discussed which gives a uniform pressure distribution in forming. It also provides a mechanically robust design and has a high efficiency for flat sheet forming.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal article includes: heating a mold to a working temperature ranging from 350° C. to 550° C., the mold having a forming surface with a predetermined pattern; disposing a metal sheet in the mold that has been heated, the metal sheet being made from one of aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy and having a temperature not higher than 100° C.; and forming the metal sheet by applying a fluid-pressure of not less than 10 kg/cm2 into the mold to press the metal sheet against the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a press tool for manufacturing a separating disk adapted to be included in a disk package of a centrifuge rotor of a centrifugal separator. The separating disk extends around an axis of rotation and has a tapering shape with an inner surface and an outer surface along the axis of rotation. A blank of a material is provided. A central opening is made in the blank. The blank is positioned in a charging position by means of a projecting central portion. The blank is pressed against the first tool part having a shape corresponding to the tapering shape of the separating disk.

Abstract: A guide and retention assembly for spaced apart confronting plates of a die set for guiding the plates for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from the other. The assembly includes a housing with a mounting flange and a sleeve with a through bore, and a rod extending through the bore and slidably received in at least one bushing in the sleeve.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out.

Abstract: A hydromechanical forming tool is disclosed that may include electro-hydraulic forming chambers in which a stored charge circuit may be discharged through electrodes to improve the level of detail that may be formed in a blank. The hydromechanical forming tool may include a liquid chamber at the entrance to the draw chamber to reduce friction, as the blank is drawn into the draw chamber. The draw chamber may have a movable bottom wall that is moved in tandem with the punch to reduce the amount of liquid in the draw chamber and reduce the need to pump liquid into and out of the draw chamber during a hydromechanical forming tool cycle.

Abstract: A set of tooling for a progressive forming machine comprising die and tool units having internal complementary cavity portions for receiving a workpiece, one of said units being arranged to slide a limited distance along its axis and to be biased by a spring force towards the other unit when the units are mounted in the forming machine, the units each having an end face with a smooth surface finish adapted to press against the smooth surface finish of the end face of the other unit, the end face area of one of the units being relatively small compared to its major cross-sectional area whereby a high contact pressure between the end faces is obtained for a given spring bias force such that extrusion/cooling oil coating a workpiece received in the cavity portions is restrained from leakage from the cavity portions across said end faces during a hydrostatic trapped extrusion of the workpiece in the die and tool units whereby the die and tool units are capable of shaping the workpiece to a degree beyond limits of

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

Abstract: A device for electrohydraulic forming of sheet metal includes an upper die part having a die plate, and a lower die part on which an electrode frame is disposed. The frame accommodates at least two electrodes, and a metal sheet can be clamped in place between the die plate and the electrode frame in fluid-tight manner. At least one potential-free bridge element is disposed between at least two electrodes, within the electrode frame.

Abstract: A billet of an aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy is formed by a combination of forming operations into a desired article of complex, but open shape. In a first step a billet is heated and extruded to form an extruded workpiece profile having at least first and second sections of different thicknesses. The extruded workpiece may be shaped so that the respective sections are at an angle to each other. The extruded workpiece is then further formed against a forming surface so that the shape of least one of the sections is further formed toward the shape of the article. The methods are suitable for efficient manufacture of many like complex shapes such as brackets and reinforcement members, and even container pans for computers and other electronic devices.

Abstract: A system for hydroforming a workpiece containing fluid at elevated pressure includes a die in which the workpiece is formed, a source of control pressure, a tank at low pressure, and a valve that includes a displaceable control element that alternately moves between an open state and a closed state, opening and closing, respectively, a passage that hydraulically connects the fluid in the workpiece and the tank in response to the relative magnitudes of a first force applied to the control element by the control pressure source and a second force applied to the control element by pressure of the fluid in the workpiece acting on the control element in opposition to the first force.

Abstract: A titanium sheet to be formed is heated in a sealingly closed tool by the radiation heat from the heating elements integrated into the tool to a forming temperature not exceeding 600° C., and is deformed towards a cold tool contour by the action of a non-oxidizing gaseous pressure medium introduced into the tool and heated to the hot-forming temperature, as well as by underpressure generated on the side of the workpiece facing away from the pressure medium.

Abstract: A superplastic forming apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material at an elevated temperatures into a workpiece having a complex geometry. The process takes advantage of a mechanical forming step, which draws material along a major axis to form a first preform. Upon completion of the first mechanical forming step, a second, initial superplastic forming step acts on the first preform to create a second preform having a plurality of channels or grooves located thereon. The grooves or channels function to draw additional material prior to the second or final gas forming step, which completes the forming process by driving the material against a forming surface. Accordingly, the method and apparatus function to reduce forming time and eliminate thinning and wrinkling of the sheet material during the forming process.

Abstract: A quick plastic forming (QPF) tool is provided in which a thermal gap is created that reduces or eliminates some of the conductive heat loss paths when the QPF tool is in an open position during part removal or sheet loading. By reducing conductive heat loss, a more precise temperature control for the QPF tool from manufacturing cycle to manufacturing cycle may be realized. The QPF tool may also have a thermal gap when the tool is placed in a semi-open position during idle times. The QPF tool may also include components for creating the thermal gap when the QPF tool is moved to the open position and control the lateral movement of the part forming section of the QPF tool as the part is moved between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a first step of performing swage autofrettage on an object; a second step of heat soaking the object; and a third step of performing hydraulic autofrettage on the object. The second and third steps may be repeated one or more times. A final step may be heat soaking the object. The object may be, for example, a pressure vessel or gun barrel.

Abstract: A method of electrohydraulically trimming a blank involving positioning a blank on a trimming member having a cutting edge such that a portion to be trimmed extends over the cutting edge and is in fluid communication with a chamber. Immobilize the blank with respect to the trimming member. Position a pair of electrodes in the chamber proximate the portion of the blank to be trimmed such that the electrodes and the trimming member are on opposite sides of the blank. Electrically connect the electrodes to a capacitor. Charge the capacitor. Fill the chamber with fluid to submerge the electrodes and to contact the portion of the blank to be trimmed. Discharge the capacitor across the electrodes to generate a pressure pulse that pushes the portion of the blank to be trimmed against the cutting edge thus trimming it off the blank.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of shaping a metallic hollow member in a shaping tool (1, 20, 50) at increased temperature and under internal pressure, said hollow member (5) protruding at one end at least from said shaping tool (1), the configuration of the tool mold and/or the shaping parameters acting onto said hollow member being selected in such a manner that said hollow member (5, 59) substantially keeps its original shape outside said tool (1, 20, 50), with said tool being heated in the region of the cavity and a tool, said tool being completely made from a homogeneous ceramic material with the component part being heated inductively, the cavity having a tribological additional coating in order to minimize friction of the component part against the wall and/or the affinity of the component part with the material of the cavity wall.

Abstract: A process for forming a large-surface metal plate into a shaped part includes using a molding tool. The tool includes a reservoir filled with incompressible fluid work medium, clamping jaws and a shaping die movable towards the reservoir. Profiling elements, corresponding to each other, are configured in the interior of the reservoir and on the outer edge of the shaping die. The external high pressure punching by means of the shaping die moved forward against the high pressure of the fluid work medium is ended, when the shaping die has reached the profiling elements in the reservoir, by the pressure of the fluid work medium in the reservoir being reduced. The boundary sections of the metal plate are then formed between the profiling elements, pressed against each other, of the shaping die and the reservoir, at low pressure of the fluid work medium or at zero pressure.

Abstract: A method for shaping a conical metal tube using a tool that has sealing pistons and a die cavity with a complex contour is described. The die cavity has two ends with a cylindrical portion of the die cavity located at each end. The method includes inserting the conical tube into the die cavity such that the ends of the conical tube protrude into the cylindrical sections of the die cavity. Sealing pistons engage the tube ends and press each tube end against a cylindrical portion of the die cavity to seal an interior space of the conical tube. The tube is shaped by applying pressure to the sealed interior of the tube to force the tube against the complex contour of the die cavity while simultaneously axially compressed the tube by exerting axial forces on the tube ends with the sealing pistons.

Abstract: The object is to raise the yield by greatly eliminating the disposed amounts of the tube ends, prevent wrinkles due to closing the mold while applying internal pressure, cutting the plurality of steps of hydroforming and pre-processing of the tube ends, cutting the mold costs by simplifying the mold mechanism, and obtaining a hydroformed product formed with a flange along its entire length.

Abstract: With the invention, a method and device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically simple to handle, is produced with the shortest possible setup time, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of induction.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for high velocity forming of medical device casings. The high velocity forming may be produced by creating a pressure wave within a liquid contained by an enclosure. A die and a workpiece adjacent to the die are in the path of the pressure wave within the enclosure and the pressure wave forces the workpiece to conform to the contours of the die. Objects may be adhered to the die to provide for customized contours. Trimming features may be included within the enclosure to trim excess material from a formed workpiece as an integral part of the forming process. Various other features may also be provided within the enclosure including a diffuser to disperse the pressure wave. The workpiece may be of various forms including flat sheet stock.

Abstract: A new fixture which is capable of holding an HAS throughout all processes so that Quasi-Static Test can be done before swaging. Also, a process for testing the HAS by means of the fixture. An embodiment method may include loading head gimbal assemblies and an actuator using an automatic loading machine; in-line dressing of the head gimbal assemblies; ultrasonic bonding of the head gimbal assemblies; testing said head gimbal assemblies in-line while quasi-static; and if an head gimbal assemblies fails to pass the testing, rejecting and reworking in-line; in-line coating of the head gimbal assemblies; ultra-violet curing of the head gimbal assemblies; in-line swaging said head gimbal assemblies and actuator to form an head stack assemblies; and visual checking and unloading of said head stack assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductile material by superplastic forming. The gas pressure is varied to control the material flow during the forming process. Accordingly, the gas pressure can be increased or decreased to control the rate of deformation of the workpiece. Accordingly, the method and apparatus contemplates the use of predetermined pressure profiles to reduce the overall forming time.

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 quick plastic forming (QPF) tool is provided in which a thermal gap is created that reduces or eliminates some of the conductive heat loss paths when the QPF tool is in an open position during part removal or sheet loading. By reducing conductive heat loss, a more precise temperature control for the QPF tool from manufacturing cycle to manufacturing cycle may be realized. The QPF tool may also have a thermal gap when the tool is placed in a semi-open position during idle times. The QPF tool may also include components for creating the thermal gap when the QPF tool is moved to the open position and control the lateral movement of the part forming section of the QPF tool as the part is moved between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A high-pressure press includes a pressure vessel surrounded by a force-absorbing press frame. The high-pressure press also includes a detection structure for detecting changes in length of at least one column comprised in the press frame, the changes in length depending on the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The detection structure includes a limit switch, which is adapted to detect if the change in length of the column has reached a threshold value and, in that case, interrupt a pressing operation in progress and reduce the pressure inside the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A ferrous metal tool is provided for the forming of light metal sheet workpieces at elevated temperatures, with the forming surface of the tool prepared to minimize friction and adhesion when engaged in deformation of the hot sheet metal. The forming surface of a steel tool is nitrocarburized to form a compound layer and diffusion layer on the surface. The compound layer initially comprises an outer gamma-phase material and an underlying epsilon phase material. Gamma-phase material is removed to expose underlying epsilon phase material, and low friction particles are embedded in the modified nitrocarburized compound layer of the forming tool.

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: An electrohydraulic forming (EHF) tool and a method of forming a sheet metal blank in an EHF operation. The tool may include a pair of electrodes and may be filled with a liquid. A high voltage discharge may be produced between the electrodes in a manner that induces a shockwave within the fluid. The shockwave may produce sufficient force within the liquid to form the blank against a die.

Abstract: A tooling method for calibrating a partially formed metal part in an electro-hydraulic forming tool. The method includes loading a partially formed metal part onto a forming surface of a die. The part is then clamped onto the forming surface and the part is pulsed with a high rate energy pulse to overcome a spring-back effect in the part. The EHF calibration tool includes a punch to which a part is held by clamps while a capacitive discharge circuit is discharged through electrodes provided in the tool. Upon discharge of the capacitive discharge circuit through the electrodes, a high rate energy pulse is applied through a liquid to calibrate the part.

Abstract: A system for hydroforming a workpiece containing fluid at elevated pressure includes a die in which the workpiece is formed, a source of control pressure, a tank at low pressure, and a valve that includes a displaceable control element that alternately moves between an open state and a closed state, opening and closing, respectively, a passage that hydraulically connects the fluid in the workpiece and the tank in response to the relative magnitudes of a first force applied to the control element by the control pressure source and a second force applied to the control element by pressure of the fluid in the workpiece acting on the control element in opposition to the first force.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stretching magnesium-containing aluminum alloy sheet stock into intricate shapes such as are required in automotive body panels. The sheet stock, at a temperature in the range of about 400° C. to about 510° C., is stretched under the pressure of a working gas into conformance with the surface of a forming tool. The sheet forming pressure is increased continually in a controlled manner from ambient pressure to a final forming level in the range of about 250 psi to about 500 psi or higher. A portion of the sheet can experience strain rates substantially higher than 10?3 sec?1 and the forming of the sheet can be completed within 12 minutes.