Combined superplastic forming and forging of metal preform - to produce articles of complex variable thickness

摘要

A metal preform exhibiting superplastic characteristics is brought within a temp. range suitable for superplastic forming and pressure is applied to expand at least a portion of the preform superplastically. The preform is subsequently forged between a pair of shaping members which are configured to the desired final shape of the preform. Used for prodn. of complex, variable thickness metallic structures by a combination of superplastic forming and forging. Materials which exhibit superplasticity may be formed into articles having a variable thickness.