Forming method and apparatus and an associated preform having a hydrostatic pressing medium
First Claim
1. An apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration, the apparatus comprising:
- first and second co-operable dies;
a susceptor comprised of a conductive material, wherein the first and second co-operable dies and the susceptor are configured to define a die cavity for receiving the workpiece, wherein the die cavity defines the desired configuration of the workpiece, and wherein the susceptor is in thermal communication with the die cavity to repeatedly cycle the workpiece between a first temperature above a beta transus temperature of the workpiece and a second temperature below the beta transus temperature of the workpiece; and
a hydrostatic pressing medium disposed within the die cavity so as to be proximate at least one side of the workpiece, the hydrostatic pressing medium configured to be a liquid having a viscosity greater than 103 poise at temperatures between the first and second temperatures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration, the apparatus comprising:
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first and second co-operable dies; a susceptor comprised of a conductive material, wherein the first and second co-operable dies and the susceptor are configured to define a die cavity for receiving the workpiece, wherein the die cavity defines the desired configuration of the workpiece, and wherein the susceptor is in thermal communication with the die cavity to repeatedly cycle the workpiece between a first temperature above a beta transus temperature of the workpiece and a second temperature below the beta transus temperature of the workpiece; and a hydrostatic pressing medium disposed within the die cavity so as to be proximate at least one side of the workpiece, the hydrostatic pressing medium configured to be a liquid having a viscosity greater than 103 poise at temperatures between the first and second temperatures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A preform assembly comprising:
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a preform configured to change from a first solid phase at a first temperature below a transus temperature to a second solid phase at a second temperature above the transus temperature; and a hydrostatic pressing medium disposed upon at least one side of the preform, the hydrostatic pressing medium configured to be a liquid having a viscosity greater than 103 poise within a phase transformation temperature range between the first and second temperatures. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration, the method comprising:
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positioning a workpiece within a die cavity defined by a die assembly, wherein the die cavity defines the desired configuration of the workpiece, and wherein a hydrostatic pressing medium is also disposed within the die cavity so as to be proximate at least one side of the workpiece; repeatedly cycling the workpiece between a first temperature above a beta transus temperature of the workpiece and a second temperature below the beta transus temperature of the workpiece; and applying pressure to the workpiece and the hydrostatic pressing medium concurrent with repeatedly cycling the workpiece between the first and second temperatures, wherein the hydrostatic pressing medium remains in a liquid phase with a viscosity greater than 103 poise while repeatedly cycling the workpiece between the first and second temperatures. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification