Other

Rohr Industries, Inc.

Paul M Phillips

Gilbert C Cadwell

A method and apparatus for forming and bonding metal assemblies using an internally heated chamber. The parts can be both superplastic formed and diffusion bonded to other parts. A closable chamber contains a heating element near the chamber center. A ceramic die at least partially surrounding the heating element has a forming surface toward the heating element. The inner wall of the chamber is lined with a pressure bladder. A granular material, conical ceramic support, or extensible bladder fills the space between ceramic die and chamber inner wall. With the chamber closed, the heater is activated while an inert gas under pressure is introduced between heater and die and the bladder if used is pressurized. The bladder or packed granules support the outer die surface while the gas pressure presses metal parts on the die forming surface against the die. The metal parts are formed and bonded together by the substantially isostatic forces thereon. The heat is concentrated on the parts, leaving the chamber walls cold. When forming is complete, the chamber interior is cooled and the die is removed and broken away from the formed assembly. Parts can be formed and bonded rapidly with a considerable energy saving over conventional isostatic pressing ovens.

Method and apparatus for forming and bonding metal assemblies

An apparatus and method for shaving elongate metal stock such as rod, wire and the like, characterized by the employment of a plurality of progressive die stations each including diametrically opposed segmental dies which are automatically indexed to remove surface imperfections from metal stock, to impart desired cross-sectional shapes to the metal stock and/or to impart desired tapered profiles to the metal stock. The segmental dies at each station are rigidly secured to respective carriages by heel and toe clamps and the carriages are radially advanced and retracted in rigid restraints by hydraulic actuators provided with adjustable mechanical stops which limit inward carriage adavancement. The carriages and hydraulic actuators for each station are mounted on a mounting plate which is securable to an upright support plate at any one of a member of rotated positions. The support plates are fixed at their lower ends to a base structure and tied at their upper ends to adjacent support plates as well as the base structure to eliminate or minimize chatter as the metal stock is continuously advanced through the progressive die stations.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Paul M Phillips