Patent ID: 7100259
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a metallic composite structure, comprising: placing undeformed sheet metal between a die and a platen, said die and said platen configured to sealingly engage a periphery of said sheet metal for forming a die enclosed area of the sheet metal, said die having a forming surface defining a cavity between said forming surface and said metal sheet; moving said die and platen to their closed position such that said die engages the periphery of said sheet metal; adjusting the temperature of said sheet metal to a material blow forming temperature to reduce the density of said metallic composite structure; applying positive gas pressure to a surface of the sheet metal so as to superplastically form the sheet metal to at least partially conform with said die forming surface; and coupling metallic foam substrate to the sheet metal.