HYBRID PRESS FOR SHAPING LARGE WORKPIECES

摘要

A hybrid press for shaping large workpieces, including two dies (4, 6) and actuating means (8) for clamping the workpiece therebetween. The press comprises at least one pulsed laser (16) for locally generating high-energy impacts (14) on one surface (10) of the workpiece. At least one channel (18) is formed in one of the dies (4) for the high-energy laser pulses to pass therethrough. A second laser (18) can be used to heat the workpiece being shaped during the shaping step.