Spin forming process and apparatus for manufacturing articles by spin forming
AssigneeCambridge Enterprise Limited
InventorsJulian M. Allwood, Omer Music
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spin forming process and apparatus is disclosed. A workpiece (e.g. sheet metal) is rotated with respect to a forming roller which bears against one of the outer and inner surfaces of the workpiece to deform the workpiece towards a required shape. First and second support rollers bears against the opposite surface of the workpiece. Computer control of the positions of the forming roller and the first and second support rollers allow non-axisymmetric shapes to be manufactured by spin-forming.
Claims20
A spin forming process for manufacturing an article of a required shape from a workpiece, the workpiece having, with reference to the required shape of the article, an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the workpiece is rotated with respect to a forming tool which bears against one of the outer and inner surfaces of the workpiece to deform the workpiece towards the required shape and a first support bear against one of the inner and outer surfaces of the workpiece, and a second support bears against the opposite surface of the workpiece compared with the forming tool, the workpiece rotating with respect to the supports.
An apparatus for manufacturing an article of a required shape from a workpiece by spin forming, the workpiece having, with reference to the required shape of the article, an outer surface and an inner surface, the apparatus having:
- mounting means for rotatable mounting of the workpiece in the apparatus;
- a forming tool for bearing against one of the outer and inner surfaces of the workpiece to deform the workpiece towards the required shape;
- a first support for bearing against one of the inner and outer surfaces of the workpiece;
- and
- a second support for bearing against the opposite surface of the workpiece compared to the forming tool,
- wherein the apparatus is operable to allow the workpiece to rotate with respect to the first and second supports.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.