Patent ID: 7021099
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. A forming tool for hot stretch forming of a heat softened sheet metal workpiece, the tool comprising: a solid metal body with a forming surface for the workpiece, the solid metal body having sides at the periphery of the forming surface, and a bottom opposite the forming surface; heating elements in the metal body for heating the body and forming surface to a hot forming temperature for the workpiece; pads carried on lift posts, the pads being positioned in the forming surface and having pad surfaces conforming with the forming surface to participate in the hot forming of the workpiece, the pad surfaces being movable away from the forming surface for separating the formed workpiece from the forming surface and tool, the lift posts extending from the pads through the metal body and its bottom; thermal insulation on the sides and bottom of the metal body, the lift posts extending through the insulation on the bottom of the metal body; and a lift plate adjacent the insulation on the bottom of the metal body for lifting the lift posts and pads in unison for raising the formed workpiece from the forming surface.