Steam cushion forming
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsArianna T. Morales, Raja K. Mishra
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of forming a part from a blank includes positioning the blank within a forming die. Water is introduced between the blank and the forming die. The water is heated to form steam between the blank and the forming die. The blank is reshaped within the forming die to form the part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die. The steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween. A lubricant is not applied to the blank prior to being positioned in the forming die. Therefore, the formed part does not require a washing step after being formed.
Claims18
A method of forming a part from a blank, the method comprising:
- positioning the blank within a forming die;
- introducing water between the blank and the forming die;
- heating the water to form steam between the blank and the forming die;
- and
- shaping the blank within the forming die to form the part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die, such that the steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween.
A forming process comprising:
- positioning a blank within a forming die, wherein the blank does not include a lubricant applied thereto prior to being positioned in the forming die;
- introducing water between the blank and the forming die;
- heating the water to form steam between the blank and the forming die;
- shaping the blank within the forming die to form a part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die, whereby the steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween;
- removing the formed part from the forming die;
- and
- drying the formed part after being removed from the forming die to eliminate any condensate remaining on the formed part from the steam, whereby no lubricant remains on the formed part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.