HEAT-EXCHANGING FORMING TOOL AND METHOD OF MAKING

摘要

An integrated heat-exchanging forming tool is prepared from a pre-formed metallic shell having an outer contoured shaping surface corresponding in configuration to the shape to be imparted to an article of manufacture to be formed by the tool. The shell is backed by a porous metallic support body comprised of a plurality of discrete metallic elements that have been heated and bonded metallurgically to each other and to the backside surface of the shell while providing a network of interconnected pores or channels throughout the body through which a heat transferring fluid may be circulated for transferring heat to or from the shaping surface of the shell and provide a structurally rugged mold capable of withstanding high molding pressures. The primary/fundamental concept of mold design and construction is fulfilled, namely design and construct one piece molds having an open, internal structure beneath the molding surface thus providing for a uniform and short path for thermal energy flowing from the molded part to the heat transfer fluid; a 10-15 fold increase over non-porous molds in the surface area of the fluid side contact with the heat transfer fluid; turbulent flow of the heat transfer fluid at all normal flow rates, and structures which will handle up to 10, 000 psi in compression.