Patent ID: 7159427
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for hot gas blow-forming within a press, said apparatus comprising: a first heater plate for mounting to said press, said first heater plate being integrally heated; a first forming tool mounted to said first heater plate, such that said first forming tool is separately heated by said first heater plate; a first insulation enclosure including a base portion positioned between said first heater plate and said press, said first insulation enclosure further including a perimeter wall surrounding said first heater plate and at least a portion of said first forming tool; a second heater plate mounted to said press in opposed relationship to said first heater plate, said second heater plate being integrally heated; a second forming tool mounted to said second heater plate, such that said second forming tool is separately heated by said second heater plate; and a second insulation enclosure including a base portion positioned between said second heater plate and said press, said second insulation enclosure further including a perimeter wall surrounding said second heater plate and at least a portion of said second forming tool, wherein said apparatus closes together such that a portion of one of said insulation enclosures fits within a portion of the other of said insulation enclosures to define a closed insulation vessel so as to insulate said forming tools from the surrounding environment.