Abstract:
In a process for joining two metallic workpieces together, the pieces are butted together to form a butt joint and are joined to one another in the region of the butt joint. During this operation, the workpieces are subjected to a magnetic attraction force at one side, and. can be subjected to holddown pressure on the opposite side.
Abstract:
A system for clamping a sheet metal component in preparation for welding or the like. A clamping assembly includes a horizontally elongated lower clamping platen and a horizontally elongated upper clamping platen positioned over said lower platen. The upper platen includes an elongated carrier and a series of clamping pads, separately mounted on the carrier for movement toward and away from the carrier. A pair of coil springs between each pad and the carrier bias the pad away from the carrier. The pads are mounted for progressively further movement away from the carrier as they are displaced further from the centerline of the carrier.
Abstract:
The invention provides a tool and method for repairing a sheet metal according which a dented portion of a sheet metal can be easily and appropriately pulled out with a minimal force. The tool has a simple structure and adapted to be used in the method. The tool includes an end of an operation shaft 1 having a given length serves as a handle portion 2, and an arc electrode 3 is affixed to the other end. A support stand 4 is attached to an end of the operational shaft 1. The support stand 4 may include a base 5 through which the operational shaft 1 is inserted and affixed thereto, a leg portion 6 extended from the base 5, and a seat portion 7 attached to the lower end of the leg portion 6. With the configuration as above, the arc electrode 3 is welded to a dented portion r of a sheet metal while the seat portion 7 is in contact with the sheet metal surface R, and the operation shaft 1 is tilted in that state, while the seat portion 7 is pressed against the sheet metal surface R. Thus, the dented portion r joined to the arc electrode 3 is pulled out by leverage.
Abstract:
Capitalizing on the unique feature of our induction heating workcell that permits rapid and controlled heating and cooling of a workpiece within a wide temperature range allows us to combine manufacturing into a single heating cycle to save time, energy, capital, touch labor, and factory space. For example, we can combine superplastic forming (SPF) with annealing two operations that occur at temperatures that differ by about 150-200.degree. F. (85-105.degree. C.) or more, to produce quality parts. We mill parts flat to simplify their machining, form them to complex curvature, and anneal them.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for in-situ laser welding of a hemmed joint are applicable for, among other things, production of vehicle doors having inner and outer panels to be joined. In a preferred method, the laser welding of a hemmed joint is carried out while a stable condition is maintained between the inner and outer panels. Locating members of a hemming machine are engaged with the metal sheets to be joined and a compressive force is applied to the panels. A plurality of welding units may be sequentially or simultaneously controlled by a computer. The apparatus includes a first portion for vertically locating the hemmed joint and a second portion for horizontally locating the hemmed joint.
Abstract:
Multisheet SPF parts with braze joints at selected locations are produced with improved energy efficiency and at lower cost. The parts include a core defined with intermittent welds between two or more core sheets and aerodynamically smooth facing sheets brazed to the core. The manufacturing process includes heating the multisheet pack to its superplastic forming range below the melting point of the braze alloy, superplastically forming the pack to define braze joints having unmelted braze alloy; increasing the temperature to the braze temperature of the braze alloy, and cooling the pack below the superplastic range to freeze the braze alloy in the braze joint.
Abstract:
Device for guiding and feeding at least two sheet blanks previously brought edge to edge to form a joint plane, of the type including two units for supporting and feeding the sheet blanks in the direction of a high energy density beam disposed on each side of the joint plane and movable in synchronism with each other. Each supporting and feeding unit includes at least one lower series of carriages or at least one upper series of carriages, these carriages being articulated together in a vertical plane and movable in a direction parallel to the joint plane on a runway constituting a reference plane. Each carriage carries at least one shoe movable relative to the respective carriage in a direction perpendicular to the joint plane. The shoes of at least one of the two series of carriages cooperate with a device exerting a lateral pressure on the edges to be welded of the sheet blanks by a displacement of the shoes in a direction perpendicular to the joint plane.
Abstract:
Quality thermoplastic fusion welds are formed in prefabricated resin composite parts by aligning a susceptor along a bondline between parts with the induction coil segments of a solenoid induction coil along the centerline of the coil. Energizing the coil heats the susceptor to form the weld at the bondline. For this operation, our induction heating workcell users complementary dies that define a central cavity with an oval pattern of induction cool segments surrounding all faces of the cavity where the preform composite parts and susceptor are positioned.
Abstract:
For forming or consolidating organic matrix composites, an organic matrix composite panel is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to induction heating. The susceptor sheets enclose the panel and define a retort. Peripheral gaskets temporarily seal the retort when the retort is placed within upper and lower dies of an induction heating workcell where the susceptor sheets are heated inductively. The sheets in turn conduct heat to the organic matrix composite panel. When heated to the desired temperature, the composite panel is consolidated and/or formed. In some circumstances, edge seal strips are used to provide electrical continuity between the upper and lower sheets in the retort. An analogous retort can be used for metal processing operations.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepegs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.