Method and apparatus for forming a blank as a portion of the blank receives pulses of direct current
US7516640B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D37/16
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for forming a sheet metal blank or tubular blank in a metal forming tool, such as a sheet metal press or a media forming tool. The sheet metal press has an upper die and a lower die that are moved by a press to form the metal blank. The forming tool has a plurality of electrodes that are connected in an electrical circuit to a source of direct current. The electrodes provide pulses of the electric current to at least a portion of the blank. The method comprises loading the blank into the forming tool and closing the upper die and the lower die. The electrical circuit is completed between multiple electrodes through one or more portions of the blank. Electrical current is pulsed intermittently through the blank in a plurality of pulses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.