US20100050726A1 - Superplastically Continuous Roll Forming Titanium - Google Patents
Superplastically Continuous Roll Forming Titanium Download PDFInfo
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- US20100050726A1 US20100050726A1 US12/201,477 US20147708A US2010050726A1 US 20100050726 A1 US20100050726 A1 US 20100050726A1 US 20147708 A US20147708 A US 20147708A US 2010050726 A1 US2010050726 A1 US 2010050726A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D5/00—Bending sheet metal along straight lines, e.g. to form simple curves
- B21D5/06—Bending sheet metal along straight lines, e.g. to form simple curves by drawing procedure making use of dies or forming-rollers, e.g. making profiles
- B21D5/08—Bending sheet metal along straight lines, e.g. to form simple curves by drawing procedure making use of dies or forming-rollers, e.g. making profiles making use of forming-rollers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/16—Heating or cooling
Definitions
- the field of the present disclosure relates to a method of forming titanium structures, and more specifically, a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures.
- Superplastic forming takes advantage of a material's superplasticity or ability to be strained past its rupture point under certain elevated temperature conditions and strain rates.
- Superplasticity in metals is defined by very high tensile elongations, ranging from two hundred to several thousand percent.
- SPF is a process that can be used to produce structures that takes advantage of the high elongation behavior of certain superplastic materials.
- SPF typically includes the steps of heating a sheet of material to a point in which superplastic deformation is possible, clamping the material within a sealed die and then using gas pressure to force the material to stretch and take the shape of a forming surface located in the die cavity. Controlling the gas pressure during the forming process controls the deformation rate of the material and maintains superplasticity at the elevated temperature.
- the present invention is directed to a method of forming titanium structures employing superplastic continuous roll forming. Methods in accordance with the present invention may advantageously reduce overall cycle time and alpha case build up, and may reduce the costs associated with forming titanium structures, in comparison with the prior art.
- a method in one embodiment, includes forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method including, among other things, providing first and second rolling members, the first rolling members being conductive and the second rolling members being continuous roll shaping members. Next, the method includes contacting the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming. Finally, with the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the article with the second rolling members to form the shape in the article.
- a part prepared by a process to form titanium comprising the steps of, among other things, applying a current to a titanium blank to heat the blank to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming. With the article being in a superplastic state, continuous roll forming the blank to form a shape therein to define the part.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of a system having a plurality of continuous rolling members to form a shape into a blank.
- FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a process of forming the shape in the blank using the system of FIG. 1 , in a first embodiment.
- FIGS. 3 a - 3 e are plan views showing the blank being subjected to the process described in the first embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are a flow chart showing a process of forming the shape in the blank using the system of FIGS. 1 and 6 - 8 , in a further embodiment.
- FIGS. 6-11 are plan views showing the blank being subjected to the process described in the further embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the present disclosure teaches a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures.
- Many specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-11 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments.
- One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may have additional embodiments, or that the invention may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description.
- Blank 12 may comprise first and second opposed sides 13 and 15 having a side surface 17 extending therebetween. Blank 12 may have a thickness of a magnitude of 0.063 to 0.375 inches, a width of a magnitude of 1 to 48 inches, and a length of a magnitude of 20 feet. In a further embodiment, blank 12 may comprise a coil that may be unrolled such that the same may be processed by system 10 . Blank 12 may comprise a material selected from a group of materials including titanium and titanium alloys.
- blank 12 may have a volume resistivity such that the same may be a poor conductor of electricity, and as a result, when current is applied thereto, a temperature of blank 12 may be increased, described further below.
- blank 12 may comprise a volume resistivity of approximately 80 micro ohm-cm.
- System 10 comprises a plurality of stations 14 for forming a desired shape into blank 12 , described further below. As shown, system 10 comprises three stations 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c; however, system 10 may comprise any number of stations, depending upon the application desired and the shape desired to be formed into blank 12 . To that end, each of stations 14 may facilitate forming a shape into blank 12 until a desired final shape of blank 12 is achieved. First and second stations 14 b and 14 c may form a first and a second shape into blank 12 , respectively, such that upon processing blank 12 by system 10 , a final desired shape is formed into blank 12 , shown as formed blank 112 .
- system 10 comprises a plurality of rolling members 16 that may be in contact with second side 15 of blank 12 .
- the number of stationary rolling members 16 may depend on the number of stations 14 and the length of blank 12 .
- System 10 further comprises a plurality of first and second rolling members 18 and 20 positioned at stations 14 .
- First rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication with a power source 22 such that first rolling members 18 may be conductive.
- each of first rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication with differing power sources 22 ; however, in a further embodiment, each of first rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication with the same power source 22 .
- power source 22 may operate at 5 volts delivering 1500 amperes with a currently density of 3000 amperes per square inch for blank 12 .
- First rolling members 18 may transfer a current to blank 12 to heat blank 12 , described further below.
- Second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication with a motor 24 such that each of second rolling members 20 may rotate in a desired motion such that when in contact with blank 12 , second rolling members 20 may form a desired shape into blank 12 , described further below. Further, second rolling members 20 may be substantially non-conductive or may be electrically isolated from the rest of system 10 . For simplicity of illustration, each of second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication with differing motors 24 ; however, each of second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication with the same motor 24 .
- First station 14 a may comprise first rolling members 18 a
- second station 14 b may comprise first and second rolling members 18 b and 20 b
- third station 14 c may comprise second rolling members 20 c.
- system 10 forms a desired shape into blank 12 by moving blank 12 through system 10 and in superimposition with each of stations 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c via mechanical rollers 16 .
- Blank 12 may be continuously moved through system 10 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition with each of stations 14 successively, i.e. in order of first station 14 a, second station 14 b, and third station 14 c.
- an entirety of blank 12 may be exposed to only one station of stations 14 at a time.
- Stationary rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 is in superimposition with first rolling members 18 a.
- first rolling members 18 a may contact blank 12 on surface 13 thereof with a force F such that first rolling members 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rolling members 18 a transferring a current to blank 12 .
- force F may have a magnitude of up to several hundred pounds.
- a temperature of blank 12 may be increased such that blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown at step 102 .
- first rolling members 18 a of first station 14 a may contact any side of blank 12 in any configuration to facilitate transferring a current to blank 12 .
- blank 12 may comprise the temperature suitable for superplastic forming in an area approximately 4 to 48 inches in length across blank 12 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rolling members 20 b of second station 14 b.
- second rolling members 20 b may contact blank 12 to form a first shape thereinto, shown as step 104 .
- second rolling members 20 b contact first side 13 of blank 12 ; however, in a further embodiment, second rolling members 20 b may contact blank 12 in any configuration (including any combination of first side 13 , second side 15 , and side surface 17 ) to form any desired shape into blank 12 at second station 14 b.
- second rolling members 20 b may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with blank 12 . In an example, the temperature of second rolling members 20 may have a magnitude in a range of approximately 200° F. up to 1750° F. for continuous rolling.
- first and second rolling members 18 b and 20 b may contact blank 12 concurrently, and in still a further embodiment, first rolling members 18 b may contact blank 12 prior to second rolling members 20 b contacting blank 12 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition with third station 14 c.
- second rolling members 20 c may contact blank 12 to form a second shape thereinto, shown as step 108 .
- the first shape of blank 12 formed at station 14 b mentioned above, may be transformed into the second shape at station 14 c.
- the process of forming the second shape into blank 12 at third station 14 c may be substantially the same as described above with respect to second rolling members 20 b of second station 14 b forming the first shape into blank 12 .
- second rolling members 20 c contact first and second sides 13 and 15 of blank 12 ; however, in a further embodiment, second rolling members 20 c of third station 14 c may contact blank 12 in any configuration (including any combination of first side 13 , second side 15 , and side surface 17 ) to form any desired shape into blank 12 at third station 14 c. Also analogous to that of second rolling members 20 b, second rolling members 20 c may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with blank 12 . To that end, system 10 has formed a final desired shape into blank 12 , shown as formed blank 112 in FIG. 3 e.
- first rollers 18 a and 18 b of first and second stations 14 a and 14 b may contact any side of blank 12 in any configuration to facilitate transferring a current to blank 12 .
- second rollers 20 b and 20 c of second and third stations 14 b and 14 c may contact blank 12 in any configuration (including any combination of first side 13 , second side 15 , and side surface 17 ) to form any desired shape into blank 12 .
- first and second rolling members 18 and 20 may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with a portion of blank 12 that is in a superplastic state.
- blank 12 is shown having multiple discrete portions.
- blank 12 may be a single continuous sheet.
- a second embodiment of a process of forming a desired shape into blank 12 by system 10 is described below, comprising steps A-F.
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that a first portion 40 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rolling members 18 a of first stations 14 a.
- first rolling members 18 a may contact blank 12 on surface 13 thereof with the aforementioned force F such that first rolling members 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rolling members 18 a transferring a current to first portion 40 of blank 12 .
- a temperature of first portion 40 of blank 12 may be increased such that first portion 40 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown at step 202 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that first portion 40 of blank 12 is in superimposition with second rolling members 20 b of second station 14 b and a second portion 42 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rolling members 18 a of first station 14 a.
- second rolling members 20 b may contact first portion 40 of blank 12 to form a first shape thereinto, shown at step 204 .
- first rolling members 18 a may contact second portion 42 of blank 12 on surface 15 thereof with the aforementioned force F such that first rolling members 18 a remain in contact with second portion 42 of blank 12 to facilitate first rolling members 18 a transferring a current to second portion 42 of blank 12 .
- a temperature of second portion 42 of blank 12 may be increased such that second portion 42 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown at step 204 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that first and second portions 42 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rolling members 20 b and first rolling members 18 a, respectively, of second station 14 b and a third portion 44 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with first rolling members 18 a of first station 14 a.
- first rolling members 18 b may contact first portion 40 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heat first portion 40 of blank 12 to a temperature such that first portion 40 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown at step 206 . This process is substantially the same as described above with respect to first rolling members 18 a.
- second rolling members 20 b may contact second portion 42 of blank 12 to form a second shape thereinto, shown at step 206 .
- first rolling members 18 a may contact blank 12 on surface 13 thereof with a force F 1 such that first rolling members 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rolling members 18 a transferring a current to third portion 44 of blank 12 .
- a temperature of third portion 44 of blank 12 may be increased such that third portion 44 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown at step 206 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that first portion 40 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rolling members 20 c of third station 14 c and second and third portions 42 and 44 of blank 12 are in superimposition with first rolling members 18 b and second rolling members 20 b, respectively, of second station 14 b.
- Second rolling members 20 c may contact first portion 40 of blank 12 to form a third shape thereinto. More specifically, the first shape of first portion 40 of blank 12 formed at station 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the third shape of first portion 40 of blank 12 at station 14 c by second rolling members 20 c, shown at step 208 .
- first rolling members 18 b may contact second portion 42 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heat second portion 42 of blank 12 to a temperature such that second portion 42 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown at step 208 .
- second rolling members 20 b may contact third portion 44 of blank 12 to form a fourth shape thereinto, shown at step 208 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that second portion 42 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rolling members 20 c of third station 14 c and third portion 44 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rolling members 18 b of second station 14 b.
- Second rolling members 20 c may contact second portion 42 of blank 12 to form a fifth shape thereinto. More specifically, the second shape of second portion 42 of blank 12 formed at second station 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the fifth shape of second portion 42 of blank 12 at third station 14 c by second rolling members 20 c, shown at step 210 .
- third portion 44 of blank 12 may decrease to a magnitude such that third portion 44 of blank 12 may not be in a superplastic state. As a result, the temperature of third portion 44 of blank 12 may need to be increased.
- first rolling members 18 b may contact third portion 44 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heat third portion 44 of blank 12 to a temperature such that third portion 44 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown at step 210 .
- rolling members 16 may move blank 12 such that third portion 44 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rolling members 20 c of third station 14 c.
- Second rolling members 20 c of third station 14 c may contact third portion 44 of blank 12 to form a sixth shape thereinto. More specifically, the fourth shape of third portion 44 of blank 12 formed at second station 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the sixth shape of third portion 44 of blank 12 at third station 14 c, shown at step 212 . To that end, system 10 has formed a final desired shape into blank 12 .
- blank 12 is shown comprising three portions 40 , 42 , and 44 . This is merely for ease of example of blank 12 being subjected to the process of system 10 and blank 12 may comprise any number of portions to form a desired shape therein.
- system 10 is shown having a plurality of stations 14 for ease of understanding. System 10 may have stations 14 arranged in any order and any configuration such that system 10 may to form a desired shape into blank 12 .
- blank 12 may be exposed to an environment within system 10 comprising oxygen. As a result, in temperatures above approximately 1000° F., blank 12 may absorb the oxygen resulting in alpha case build up within blank 12 , which may undesirable. However, as mentioned above, any portion of blank 12 may be exposed to temperatures to place the same in a superplastic state for a limited period of time, and a result, alpha case build up within blank 12 may be minimized, if not prevented, which is desirable. In a further embodiment to minimize, if not prevent, alpha case build up within blank 12 , blank 12 may be exposed to an environment within system 10 comprising an inert gas, such as argon.
- an inert gas such as argon.
Abstract
A method of forming titanium structures, and more specifically, a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method including, among other things, providing first and second rolling members, the first rolling members being conductive and the second rolling members being continuous roll shaping members; contacting the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and with the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the article with the second rolling members to form the shape in the article.
Description
- The field of the present disclosure relates to a method of forming titanium structures, and more specifically, a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures.
- Superplastic forming (SPF) takes advantage of a material's superplasticity or ability to be strained past its rupture point under certain elevated temperature conditions and strain rates. Superplasticity in metals is defined by very high tensile elongations, ranging from two hundred to several thousand percent. SPF is a process that can be used to produce structures that takes advantage of the high elongation behavior of certain superplastic materials.
- SPF typically includes the steps of heating a sheet of material to a point in which superplastic deformation is possible, clamping the material within a sealed die and then using gas pressure to force the material to stretch and take the shape of a forming surface located in the die cavity. Controlling the gas pressure during the forming process controls the deformation rate of the material and maintains superplasticity at the elevated temperature. Although desirable results have been achieved using such prior art methods, there is room for improvement. For example, it is known that prior art processes for SPF employing dies is limited to press size, a long heat up and cool down SPF cycle, thermal degradation of tools, and requirement for shielding gases to prevent alpha case build up or post SPF chemical process to remove alpha case. To that end, it may be desired to provide an improved method of SPF to form desired patterns in parts.
- The present invention is directed to a method of forming titanium structures employing superplastic continuous roll forming. Methods in accordance with the present invention may advantageously reduce overall cycle time and alpha case build up, and may reduce the costs associated with forming titanium structures, in comparison with the prior art.
- In one embodiment, a method includes forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method including, among other things, providing first and second rolling members, the first rolling members being conductive and the second rolling members being continuous roll shaping members. Next, the method includes contacting the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming. Finally, with the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the article with the second rolling members to form the shape in the article.
- In another embodiment, a part prepared by a process to form titanium comprising the steps of, among other things, applying a current to a titanium blank to heat the blank to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming. With the article being in a superplastic state, continuous roll forming the blank to form a shape therein to define the part.
- The features, functions, and advantages that have been above or will be discussed below can be achieved independently in various embodiments, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
- Embodiments of systems and methods in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of a system having a plurality of continuous rolling members to form a shape into a blank. -
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a process of forming the shape in the blank using the system ofFIG. 1 , in a first embodiment. -
FIGS. 3 a-3 e are plan views showing the blank being subjected to the process described in the first embodiment ofFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are a flow chart showing a process of forming the shape in the blank using the system of FIGS. 1 and 6-8, in a further embodiment. -
FIGS. 6-11 are plan views showing the blank being subjected to the process described in the further embodiment ofFIGS. 4 and 5 . - The present disclosure teaches a method of superplastically continuous roll forming titanium structures. Many specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in
FIGS. 1-11 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may have additional embodiments, or that the invention may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , asystem 10 for forming a desired shape in a blank 12 is shown.Blank 12 may comprise first and secondopposed sides side surface 17 extending therebetween.Blank 12 may have a thickness of a magnitude of 0.063 to 0.375 inches, a width of a magnitude of 1 to 48 inches, and a length of a magnitude of 20 feet. In a further embodiment, blank 12 may comprise a coil that may be unrolled such that the same may be processed bysystem 10.Blank 12 may comprise a material selected from a group of materials including titanium and titanium alloys. By comprising one of the aforementioned materials, blank 12 may have a volume resistivity such that the same may be a poor conductor of electricity, and as a result, when current is applied thereto, a temperature of blank 12 may be increased, described further below. In an example, blank 12 may comprise a volume resistivity of approximately 80 micro ohm-cm. -
System 10 comprises a plurality of stations 14 for forming a desired shape into blank 12, described further below. As shown,system 10 comprises threestations system 10 may comprise any number of stations, depending upon the application desired and the shape desired to be formed into blank 12. To that end, each of stations 14 may facilitate forming a shape into blank 12 until a desired final shape of blank 12 is achieved. First andsecond stations system 10, a final desired shape is formed into blank 12, shown as formed blank 112. To move blank 12 throughsystem 10 and to and from each station 14,system 10 comprises a plurality of rollingmembers 16 that may be in contact withsecond side 15 of blank 12. The number of stationary rollingmembers 16 may depend on the number of stations 14 and the length of blank 12. -
System 10 further comprises a plurality of first and second rolling members 18 and 20 positioned at stations 14. First rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication with apower source 22 such that first rolling members 18 may be conductive. For simplicity of illustration, each of first rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication withdiffering power sources 22; however, in a further embodiment, each of first rolling members 18 may be in electrical communication with thesame power source 22. In an example,power source 22 may operate at 5 volts delivering 1500 amperes with a currently density of 3000 amperes per square inch for blank 12. First rolling members 18 may transfer a current to blank 12 to heat blank 12, described further below. Second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication with amotor 24 such that each of second rolling members 20 may rotate in a desired motion such that when in contact with blank 12, second rolling members 20 may form a desired shape into blank 12, described further below. Further, second rolling members 20 may be substantially non-conductive or may be electrically isolated from the rest ofsystem 10. For simplicity of illustration, each of second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication withdiffering motors 24; however, each of second rolling members 20 may be in mechanical communication with thesame motor 24.First station 14 a may comprise first rollingmembers 18 a,second station 14 b may comprise first and second rollingmembers third station 14 c may comprise second rollingmembers 20 c. - To that end,
system 10 forms a desired shape into blank 12 by moving blank 12 throughsystem 10 and in superimposition with each ofstations mechanical rollers 16. Blank 12 may be continuously moved throughsystem 10 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition with each of stations 14 successively, i.e. in order offirst station 14 a,second station 14 b, andthird station 14 c. In the present example, for simplicity of illustration, an entirety of blank 12 may be exposed to only one station of stations 14 at a time. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 a, a first embodiment of a process of forming a desired shape into blank 12 bysystem 10 is described. Stationary rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 is in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 a. Atfirst station 14 a, first rollingmembers 18 a may contact blank 12 onsurface 13 thereof with a force F such that first rollingmembers 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rollingmembers 18 a transferring a current to blank 12. In an example, force F may have a magnitude of up to several hundred pounds. To that end, upon transferring the current to blank 12, a temperature of blank 12 may be increased such that blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown atstep 102. In a further embodiment, first rollingmembers 18 a offirst station 14 a may contact any side of blank 12 in any configuration to facilitate transferring a current to blank 12. Further, in an example, blank 12 may comprise the temperature suitable for superplastic forming in an area approximately 4 to 48 inches in length across blank 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 b, after placing blank 12 in a superplastic state, rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 b ofsecond station 14 b. Atsecond station 14 b, second rollingmembers 20 b may contact blank 12 to form a first shape thereinto, shown asstep 104. As shown, second rollingmembers 20 b contactfirst side 13 of blank 12; however, in a further embodiment, second rollingmembers 20 b may contact blank 12 in any configuration (including any combination offirst side 13,second side 15, and side surface 17) to form any desired shape into blank 12 atsecond station 14 b. Furthermore, second rollingmembers 20 b may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with blank 12. In an example, the temperature of second rolling members 20 may have a magnitude in a range of approximately 200° F. up to 1750° F. for continuous rolling. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 c, after forming the first shape into blank 12 atsecond station 14 b, the temperature of blank 12 may decrease to a magnitude such that blank 12 may not be in a superplastic state. As a result, the temperature of blank 12 may need to be increased. To that end, rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 is in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 b. First rollingmembers 18 b may contact blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heat blank 12 to a temperature such that blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown asstep 106. This process is substantially the same as described above with respect to first rollingmembers 18 a ofstation 14 a. To that end, in a further embodiment, first and second rollingmembers members 18 b may contact blank 12 prior tosecond rolling members 20 b contacting blank 12. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 d, after placing blank 12 in a superplastic state atsecond station 14 b, rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that blank 12 may be in superimposition withthird station 14 c. Atthird station 14 c, second rollingmembers 20 c may contact blank 12 to form a second shape thereinto, shown asstep 108. More specifically, the first shape of blank 12 formed atstation 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the second shape atstation 14 c. To that end, the process of forming the second shape into blank 12 atthird station 14 c may be substantially the same as described above with respect tosecond rolling members 20 b ofsecond station 14 b forming the first shape into blank 12. Further, as shown, second rollingmembers 20 c contact first andsecond sides members 20 c ofthird station 14 c may contact blank 12 in any configuration (including any combination offirst side 13,second side 15, and side surface 17) to form any desired shape into blank 12 atthird station 14 c. Also analogous to that of second rollingmembers 20 b, second rollingmembers 20 c may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with blank 12. To that end,system 10 has formed a final desired shape into blank 12, shown as formed blank 112 inFIG. 3 e. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 4, and 5, a further embodiment of the process of forming a desired shape into blank 12 bysystem 10 is described, the further embodiment comprising steps A)-F), described below. To that end, analogous to that mentioned above,first rollers second stations second rollers third stations first side 13,second side 15, and side surface 17) to form any desired shape into blank 12. Also, first and second rolling members 18 and 20 may have a temperature associated therewith that is less than the temperature associated with a portion of blank 12 that is in a superplastic state. For ease of illustration, blank 12 is shown having multiple discrete portions. However, blank 12 may be a single continuous sheet. - A second embodiment of a process of forming a desired shape into blank 12 by
system 10 is described below, comprising steps A-F. - Step A
- Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 6 , rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that afirst portion 40 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 a offirst stations 14 a. - At
first station 14 a, first rollingmembers 18 a may contact blank 12 onsurface 13 thereof with the aforementioned force F such that first rollingmembers 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rollingmembers 18 a transferring a current tofirst portion 40 of blank 12. To that end, upon transferring the current tofirst portion 40 of blank 12, a temperature offirst portion 40 of blank 12 may be increased such thatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown atstep 202. - Step B
- Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 7 , after completing step A), rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such thatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 is in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 b ofsecond station 14 b and asecond portion 42 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 a offirst station 14 a. - At
second station 14 b, second rollingmembers 20 b may contactfirst portion 40 of blank 12 to form a first shape thereinto, shown atstep 204. - At
first station 14 a, first rollingmembers 18 a may contactsecond portion 42 of blank 12 onsurface 15 thereof with the aforementioned force F such that first rollingmembers 18 a remain in contact withsecond portion 42 of blank 12 to facilitate first rollingmembers 18 a transferring a current tosecond portion 42 of blank 12. To that end, upon transferring the current tosecond portion 42 of blank 12, a temperature ofsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may be increased such thatsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown atstep 204. - Step C
- Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 8 , after completing step B), rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such that first andsecond portions 42 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 b and first rollingmembers 18 a, respectively, ofsecond station 14 b and athird portion 44 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 a offirst station 14 a. - After forming the first shape into
first portion 40 of blank 12 atsecond station 14 b, the temperature offirst portion 40 of blank 12 may decrease to a magnitude such thatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 may not be in a superplastic state. As a result, the temperature offirst portion 40 of blank 12 may need to be increased. To that end, first rollingmembers 18 b may contactfirst portion 40 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 to a temperature such thatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown atstep 206. This process is substantially the same as described above with respect to first rollingmembers 18 a. - Concurrently, second rolling
members 20 b may contactsecond portion 42 of blank 12 to form a second shape thereinto, shown atstep 206. - Concurrently, first rolling
members 18 a may contact blank 12 onsurface 13 thereof with a force F1 such that first rollingmembers 18 a remain in contact with blank 12 to facilitate first rollingmembers 18 a transferring a current tothird portion 44 of blank 12. To that end, upon transferring current tothird portion 44 of blank 12, a temperature ofthird portion 44 of blank 12 may be increased such thatthird portion 44 of blank 12 may comprise a temperature suitable for superplastic forming, and, more specifically, in a range of approximately 1650° F.-1750° F., shown atstep 206. - Step D
- Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 9 , after completing step C), rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such thatfirst portion 40 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 c ofthird station 14 c and second andthird portions members 18 b and second rollingmembers 20 b, respectively, ofsecond station 14 b. - Second rolling
members 20 c may contactfirst portion 40 of blank 12 to form a third shape thereinto. More specifically, the first shape offirst portion 40 of blank 12 formed atstation 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the third shape offirst portion 40 of blank 12 atstation 14 c by second rollingmembers 20 c, shown atstep 208. - Concurrently, after forming the second shape into
second portion 42 of blank 12 atsecond station 14 b, the temperature ofsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may decrease to a magnitude such thatsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may not be in a superplastic state. As a result, the temperature ofsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may need to be increased. To that end, first rollingmembers 18 b may contactsecond portion 42 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heatsecond portion 42 of blank 12 to a temperature such thatsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown atstep 208. - Concurrently, second rolling
members 20 b may contactthird portion 44 of blank 12 to form a fourth shape thereinto, shown atstep 208. - Step E
- Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 10 , after completing step D), rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such thatsecond portion 42 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 c ofthird station 14 c andthird portion 44 of blank 12 is in superimposition with first rollingmembers 18 b ofsecond station 14 b. - Second rolling
members 20 c may contactsecond portion 42 of blank 12 to form a fifth shape thereinto. More specifically, the second shape ofsecond portion 42 of blank 12 formed atsecond station 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the fifth shape ofsecond portion 42 of blank 12 atthird station 14 c by second rollingmembers 20 c, shown atstep 210. - Concurrently, the temperature of
third portion 44 of blank 12 may decrease to a magnitude such thatthird portion 44 of blank 12 may not be in a superplastic state. As a result, the temperature ofthird portion 44 of blank 12 may need to be increased. To that end, first rollingmembers 18 b may contactthird portion 44 of blank 12 to transfer the current to blank 12 to heatthird portion 44 of blank 12 to a temperature such thatthird portion 44 of blank 12 may be in a superplastic state, shown atstep 210. - Step F
- Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 11 , after completing step E), rollingmembers 16 may move blank 12 such thatthird portion 44 of blank 12 may be in superimposition with second rollingmembers 20 c ofthird station 14 c. - Second rolling
members 20 c ofthird station 14 c may contactthird portion 44 of blank 12 to form a sixth shape thereinto. More specifically, the fourth shape ofthird portion 44 of blank 12 formed atsecond station 14 b, mentioned above, may be transformed into the sixth shape ofthird portion 44 of blank 12 atthird station 14 c, shown atstep 212. To that end,system 10 has formed a final desired shape into blank 12. - For simplicity of illustration, blank 12 is shown comprising three
portions system 10 and blank 12 may comprise any number of portions to form a desired shape therein. Furthermore, please note thatsystem 10 is shown having a plurality of stations 14 for ease of understanding.System 10 may have stations 14 arranged in any order and any configuration such thatsystem 10 may to form a desired shape into blank 12. - Furthermore, blank 12 may be exposed to an environment within
system 10 comprising oxygen. As a result, in temperatures above approximately 1000° F., blank 12 may absorb the oxygen resulting in alpha case build up within blank 12, which may undesirable. However, as mentioned above, any portion of blank 12 may be exposed to temperatures to place the same in a superplastic state for a limited period of time, and a result, alpha case build up within blank 12 may be minimized, if not prevented, which is desirable. In a further embodiment to minimize, if not prevent, alpha case build up within blank 12, blank 12 may be exposed to an environment withinsystem 10 comprising an inert gas, such as argon. - While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the disclosure of the specific embodiments set forth above. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
1. A method of forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method comprising:
providing first and second rolling members, the first rolling members being conductive and the second rolling members being continuous roll shaping members;
contacting the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and
with the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the article with the second rolling members to form the shape in the article.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein providing further includes the second rolling member being non-conductive.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the article is greater than a temperature associated with the second rolling members.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the article may have the temperature for a magnitude of time to minimize alpha case within the article.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising contacting the article with the first and second rolling members concurrently.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising contacting the article with the first rolling members prior to contacting the article with the second rolling members.
7. A method of forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the method comprising the steps of:
A) providing first, second, third, and fourth rolling members, the first and the third rolling members being conductive and the second and the fourth rolling members being continuous roll shaping members;
B) contacting a first portion of the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the first portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming;
C) contacting the first portion of the article with the second rolling members, with the first portion of the article being in a superplastic state, to form a first pattern in the first portion of the article while concurrently contacting a second portion of the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the second portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming;
D) contacting the first portion of the article with the third rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the first portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming while concurrently, with the second portion of the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the second portion of the article with the second rolling members to form a second pattern in the second portion of the article;
E) contacting the first portion of the article with the fourth rolling members, with the first portion of the article being in a superplastic state, to form a third pattern in the first portion of the article while concurrently contacting the second portion of the article with the third rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the second portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and
F) contacting the second portion of the article with the fourth rolling members, with the second portion of the article being in a superplastic state, to form a fourth pattern in the second portion of the article, defining the shape in the article.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein step D) further includes concurrently contacting a third portion of the article with the first rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the third portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming.
9. The method as recited in claim 8 , wherein the step E) further includes concurrently, while the third portion of the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the third portion of the article with the second rolling members to form a fifth pattern in the third portion of the article.
10. The method as recited in claim 9 , wherein the step F) further includes concurrently contacting the third portion of the article with the third rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the third portion of the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming.
11. The method as recited in claim 10 further comprising the step G) with the third portion of the article being in a superplastic state, contacting the third portion of the article with the further rolling members to form a sixth pattern in the third portion of the article.
12. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein providing further includes the second rolling member being non-conductive.
13. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein the temperature of the article is greater than a temperature associated with the second and fourth rolling members.
14. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein the article may have the temperature for a magnitude of time to minimize alpha case within the article.
15. A part prepared by a process to form titanium comprising the steps of:
applying a current to a titanium blank to heat the blank to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and
with the article being in a superplastic state, continuous roll forming the blank to form a shape therein to define the part.
16. The part as recited in claim 15 , wherein applying may further comprise heating the blank to the temperature for a magnitude of time to minimize alpha case within the blank.
17. The part as recited in claim 15 , wherein the part is an airplane part.
18. A system for forming a shape in an article comprising titanium, the system comprising:
first conductive rolling members to transfer a current to the article to heat the article to a temperature suitable for superplastic forming; and
second continuous roll shaping members to form a shape into the article while the article is in a superplastic state.
19. The system as recited in claim 18 , wherein providing further includes the second rolling member being non-conductive.
20. The system as recited in claim 18 , wherein the temperature of the article is greater than a temperature associated with the second rolling members.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/201,477 US20100050726A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Superplastically Continuous Roll Forming Titanium |
PCT/US2009/055305 WO2010025327A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2009-08-28 | Superplastically continuous roll forming titanium |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/201,477 US20100050726A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Superplastically Continuous Roll Forming Titanium |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100050726A1 true US20100050726A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 |
Family
ID=41478540
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/201,477 Abandoned US20100050726A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Superplastically Continuous Roll Forming Titanium |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100050726A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010025327A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120272705A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Akio Hirane | Sheet metal repair jig |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2635388A1 (en) * | 2010-11-03 | 2013-09-11 | Johnson Controls GmbH | Method for the roll-forming of profiles and a structural part produced thereby |
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US3988914A (en) * | 1972-02-16 | 1976-11-02 | International Harvester Company | Isothermal metal forming apparatus |
US4433565A (en) * | 1978-03-30 | 1984-02-28 | Theodor Wuppermann Gmbh | Method of and apparatus for the manufacturing of metal profile members, especially steel profile members |
US5042281A (en) * | 1990-09-14 | 1991-08-27 | Metcalfe Arthur G | Isothermal sheet rolling mill |
US5058410A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1991-10-22 | Boehler Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Method and apparatus fo producing thin wire, rod, tube, and profiles, from steels and alloys with low deformability, particularly hardenable steels |
US5823037A (en) * | 1996-05-18 | 1998-10-20 | Kyong In Special Metal Co., Ltd. | Electrically heated metal strip rolling mill |
US7028522B2 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-04-18 | Kyong In Special Metal Co., Ltd. | Electric heating type rolling device |
US20060086774A1 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2006-04-27 | The Boeing Company | Formed structural assembly and associated preform and method |
US7302821B1 (en) * | 2004-12-27 | 2007-12-04 | Emc Corporation | Techniques for manufacturing a product using electric current during plastic deformation of material |
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GB1501623A (en) * | 1974-02-15 | 1978-02-22 | Int Harvester Co | Metal shaping processes |
EP1607147A1 (en) * | 2004-06-17 | 2005-12-21 | PLANSEE Aktiengesellschaft | Method and apparatus to produce a thin sheet or a foil of metallic material by rolling |
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2008
- 2008-08-29 US US12/201,477 patent/US20100050726A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US3988914A (en) * | 1972-02-16 | 1976-11-02 | International Harvester Company | Isothermal metal forming apparatus |
US3988913A (en) * | 1972-02-16 | 1976-11-02 | International Harvester Company | Isothermal metal forming apparatus |
US4150279A (en) * | 1972-02-16 | 1979-04-17 | International Harvester Company | Ring rolling methods and apparatus |
US3927460A (en) * | 1972-08-07 | 1975-12-23 | Kawasaki Steel Co | Pretreating process for vitreous enamelling |
US4433565A (en) * | 1978-03-30 | 1984-02-28 | Theodor Wuppermann Gmbh | Method of and apparatus for the manufacturing of metal profile members, especially steel profile members |
US5058410A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1991-10-22 | Boehler Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Method and apparatus fo producing thin wire, rod, tube, and profiles, from steels and alloys with low deformability, particularly hardenable steels |
US5042281A (en) * | 1990-09-14 | 1991-08-27 | Metcalfe Arthur G | Isothermal sheet rolling mill |
US5823037A (en) * | 1996-05-18 | 1998-10-20 | Kyong In Special Metal Co., Ltd. | Electrically heated metal strip rolling mill |
US7028522B2 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-04-18 | Kyong In Special Metal Co., Ltd. | Electric heating type rolling device |
US20060086774A1 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2006-04-27 | The Boeing Company | Formed structural assembly and associated preform and method |
US7302821B1 (en) * | 2004-12-27 | 2007-12-04 | Emc Corporation | Techniques for manufacturing a product using electric current during plastic deformation of material |
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US20120272705A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Akio Hirane | Sheet metal repair jig |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2010025327A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 |
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