Patent ID: 8479552

Claim:
A component forming system comprising: an induction heating coil for induction heating of a component; a die forming shell for supporting the component and for defining a final shape of a formed product formed from the component; wherein, when a current is generated along said induction heating coil, the generated current induces an electrical current in at least one of (i) said die forming shell and (ii) the component within said die forming shell to inductively heat the at least one of (i) said die forming shell and (ii) the component within said die forming shell; a support structure for supporting said die forming shell during the induction heating process, wherein said support structure comprises a fixed support structure disposed outboard of said die forming shell to fixedly support said die forming shell during the induction heating process, wherein at least a portion of said support structure is disposed inboard of said induction heating coil; and wherein said support structure comprises a metallic material, said support structure including insulating portions to limit inducement of electrical current through said support structure during the induction heating process.