Methods and apparatus for forming a workpiece
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorRandall Stephen Corn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of forming a workpiece using an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first stage including a die fixture, a die actuator coupled to the die fixture, and a holding member configured to cooperate with the die fixture to hold the workpiece. The method includes holding the workpiece to the first stage die fixture using the first stage holding member, and conforming the workpiece to a first predetermined dimension using the first stage die fixture.
Claims28
A method of forming a workpiece using an apparatus that includes a first stage including a die fixture, a die actuator coupled to the die fixture, and a holding member configured to cooperate with the die fixture to hold the workpiece, said method comprising:
- holding the workpiece to the first stage die fixture using the first stage holding member that includes an actuator to provide a holding force to substantially prevent the die fixture from moving when the actuator provides a holding force that is less than a predetermined holding force and applies the holding force to the first stage holding member such that a second end of the workpiece engages the die fixture;
- and
- moving a die member of the first stage die fixture radially outwardly against a bias to conform the workpiece to a first predetermined dimension using the first stage die fixture.
A method of forming a gas turbine engine transition piece using an aft end expander that includes at least a first stage including a die fixture, a die actuator coupled to the die fixture, and a holding member configured to cooperate with the die fixture to hold the workpiece during the forming process, said method comprising:
- holding the transition piece to the at least first stage die fixture using the at least first stage holding member;
- preventing the die fixture from moving when the actuator provides a holding force that is less than a predetermined holding force;
- and
- conforming the transition piece aft end to a first predetermined dimension using the at least first stage die fixture.
An apparatus for forming a workpiece, said apparatus includes a first stage comprising:
- a die fixture comprising an expander wedge and an expander centerpiece, said expander wedge configured to engage said expander centerpiece and configured to engage the workpiece, said expander wedge biased from an expanded position to a contracted position;
- a die actuator coupled to said die fixture and coupled to said expander centerpiece;
- and
- a holding member configured to cooperate with the die fixture to hold the workpiece, said holding member comprising a top holder configured to engage a first end of the workpiece, a vertical slide coupled to an apparatus base, said vertical slide extending away from said base, and a slide clamp slidably coupled to said vertical slide, said top holder is pivotally coupled to said slide clamp.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.