Patent ID: 11865603
Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Field: Machine tools (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 0:
1. A device for use in incrementally forming a plurality of workpieces, the device comprising:
a frame configured to receive a workpiece;
at least one clamp configured to secure the workpiece to the frame;
a first sacrificial material layer configured to be secured to at least one surface of the workpiece; and
a first forming tool configured to impart force directly to the first sacrificial material layer and incrementally form the workpiece to a desired geometry based on a tool path of the first forming tool,
wherein the frame, the at least one clamp, the first sacrificial material layer, and the first forming tool are configured to cooperate such that the first forming tool is configured to impart a first force directly to the first sacrificial material layer while the first sacrificial material layer is secured to at least one surface of a first workpiece and incrementally form the first workpiece to a desired geometry based on a tool path of the first forming tool;
wherein the first sacrificial material layer is configured to be removed from the incrementally formed first workpiece and secured to at least one surface of a second workpiece; and
wherein the frame, the at least one clamp, the first sacrificial material layer, and the first forming tool are configured to cooperate such that the first forming tool is configured to impart a second force directly to the first sacrificial material layer to incrementally form the second workpiece to another desired geometry based on another tool path of the first forming tool.