Modularized reconfigurable heated forming tool

Abstract

Tooling apparatus comprises opposing first and second dies adapted to receive a three-dimensional honeycomb core article therebetween and including opposedly aligned arrays of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position engageable with the article. A controller individually moves each of the translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the article to form it to a predetermined contour. Each die includes a housing on which the translating pins are movably mounted, a plurality of drive output shafts each drivingly connected with an associated translating pin, and a transmission disposed in the base for independent driving controllable interconnection of each translating pin with a rotational drive source, and a controller interconnecting each transmission for selective energization thereof to thereby achieve selective rotation of at least one of the translating pins. The translating pins may have planar sides which prevent their rotation by the restraining action of adjacent translating pins. Each of the translating pins may define an internal cavity extending between bottom and tip ends, each being perforated and the apparatus may include a pump for delivering temperature controlled gas to each hollow pin tube for flow through the perforations in the bottom end, through the internal cavity, and out through the perforations in the tip end for delivery to cells of the article.