Induction heating of composite materials
US5571436A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for superplastic forming. The workpiece is held between a pair of dies that are electrically and thermally nonconductive, and is heated inductively by a coil embedded within the dies. The dies are formed of a material that is substantially transparent to inductive heating. A plurality of electrical conductors are embedded within the die. The electrical conductors are interconnected into one or more electrically conductive coils that surround the workpiece. The electrical conductors are used to produce a time varying magnetic field that is used to heat the workpiece. In one embodiment, the workpiece is a composite material that is susceptible to inductive heating. The composite material includes an electrically conductive material. The time varying magnetic field heats the electrical conductive material, thereby heating the workpiece. The die also includes a forming surface having a shape corresponding to a desired shape of the workpiece. A pressure differential is created between the first and second sides of the workpiece to deform the workpiece to the shape of the forming surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.