Patent ID: 9032772
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a product via induction heating of a component and forming of the heated component, said method comprising: providing an induction heating coil for induction heating of a component; providing a die forming shell for supporting the component and for defining the final shape of a formed product formed from the component, said die forming shell comprising a metallic material; providing a support structure for supporting said die forming shell during the induction heating of the component, said support structure comprising a metallic material, said support structure including insulating portions to limit or substantially preclude inducement of electrical current through said support structure during the induction heating process; substantially joining two portions of said die forming shell together so that an inner surface of said two portions cooperate to form a cavity that defines the shape of the formed product; inductively heating the component along its length while the component is in said cavity of said die forming shell; and forming the component into a formed product, whereby the component is at least one of (a) heated before the formed product is formed and (b) heated while the formed product is formed.