Apparatus and method for producing shaped metal parts using continuous heating
AssigneeAmax Inc.
InventorsRoger A. Nichting, Norman H. Nicholas, Kenneth P. Young
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from a semi-solid metal perform. A plurality of free-standing metal slugs are sequentially heated within an arcuate path defined by a pair of concentrically-positioned solenoid coils to a semi-solid state, such that they may be shaped into a metal part. Means for rotating the slugs during their movement through the arcuate path is also provided.
Claims16
A method for heating by electrical induction and forming a metal element, comprising the steps of:
- a) positioning said metal element within a first location in a space defined by two concentrically-positioned, electrically-energized solenoid coils connected by an electrical bridge, said pair of solenoid coils defining an arcuate path not passing under said electrical bridge;
- b) moving said metal element through said arcuate path defined by said coils from said first location to a second location while current is passing through said coils and heating said metal element by electrical induction, such that said metal element is heated to semi-solid form but does not pass under said electrical bridge;
- and
- c) withdrawing said metal element from said second location and forming said element with a semi-solid forming technique.
A method for heating by electrical induction and forming a metal element, comprising the steps of:
- a) positioning said metal element upon a supporting pedestal at a first level;
- b) moving said pedestal such that said element moves from said first level to a second level and is in an arcuate space defined between adjacent portions of two concentrically-positioned, electrically-energized solenoid coils;
- c) moving said pedestal while alternating electric current is passing through and energizing said coils such that said metal element is heated by thermal induction while moving from said first location to a second location along a path at said second level which is within said space between said coils;
- d) moving said pedestal from said second level to said first level such that said element moves out from between said said coils;
- and
- e) withdrawing said metal element from said second location and forming said element with a semi-solid forming technique.
An apparatus for continuously producing shaped metal elements, comprising:
- a) a pair of concentrically-positioned solenoid coils connected by an electrical bridge, said pair of solenoid coils defining an arcuate path not passing under said electrical bridge;
- b) means for energizing said coils so that a magnetic field is generated in said arcuate path;
- c) means for passing at least one of said metal elements through said energized arcuate path such that said one of said metal elements does not pass under said electrical bridge;
- d) transfer means for removing said element from said path, and
- e) means for forming said metal part by a semi-solid forming technique after being heated by said magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.