Apparatus and method for forming a beam into a three-dimensional shape

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional beam (5). It is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1,31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support means and an actuation means.
The apparatus is characterised in that it comprises means for the provision of cooling of the inner side of the beam in the quenching of the newly formed beam.