Method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet and handling equipment for doing the same
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsNelson T. Brinas, Edward Frank Ryntz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet that includes the steps of placing an aluminum metal sheet in a hot forming tool, forming a shaped part at an elevated temperature, removing the hot shaped part from the forming tool, and thereafter transferring the hot shaped part to a cooling fixture. The transfer and removal steps are performed at a speed that is variable based on a correlation of the temperature and strength of the aluminum metal sheet and the speed at which the hot shaped part may be transferred without distortion of its shape due to inertia.
Claims20
A method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet comprising the steps of:
- a) placing an aluminum metal sheet in a hot forming tool;
- b) forming a shaped part at an elevated temperature such that the shaped part is hot;
- c) removing the hot shaped part from the hot forming tool as it is being cooled from said elevated temperature;
- d) transferring the hot shaped part to a cooling fixture;
- the transfer step being performed at a variable speed based on a correlation of the temperature and strength of the aluminum metal sheet and the speed at which the hot shaped part may be transferred without distortion of its shape.
A method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet comprising the steps of:
- a) placing an aluminum metal sheet in a hot forming tool;
- b) forming a shaped part at an elevated temperature such that the shaped part is hot;
- c) removing the hot shaped part from the hot forming tool as it is being cooled from said elevated temperature;
- d) transferring the hot shaped part to a cooling fixture;
- the removal step being performed at a speed and utilizing a removal device such that the shape of the hot shaped part is not distorted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.