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

Claim 18:
19. A device for use in incrementally forming a plurality of workpieces, the device comprising:
a frame configured to receive a workpiece;
a plurality of clamps 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 second sacrificial material layer configured to be secured to an opposite surface of the workpiece;
at least one elastomeric material disposed between at least one of the first sacrificial material layer and the workpiece, and the second sacrificial material layer and the workpiece;
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; and
a second forming tool configured to impart a third force directly to the second sacrificial material layer;
wherein the frame, the at least one clamp, the first and second sacrificial material layers, and the first and second forming tools 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 and second sacrificial material layers are configured to be removed from the incrementally formed first workpiece and secured to opposing surfaces of a second workpiece; and
wherein the frame, the at least one clamp, the first and second sacrificial material layers, and the first and second forming tools 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.