Apparatus for forming and heat treating structural assemblies
US8684721B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2791/007
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There are provided an apparatus and an associated method for manufacturing superplastically formed structural assemblies from preforms. The apparatus includes first and second co-operable dies structured to define a die cavity therebetween for at least partially receiving the preform, at least one heater in thermal communication with the die cavity for heating the preform to a forming temperature, and at least one injector in fluid communication with the die cavity. The injector is structured for injecting pressurized gas into the die cavity to urge the preform against one of the dies to form the preform into the structural assembly. Further, at least one of the injectors is structured for injecting a quenchant into the die cavity to thereby heat treat the structural assembly while distortion of the structural assembly is being at least partially restrained by at least one of the dies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.