(19)
(11) EP 0 190 640 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
01.04.1987 Bulletin 1987/14

(43) Date of publication A2:
13.08.1986 Bulletin 1986/33

(21) Application number: 86101065

(22) Date of filing: 27.01.1986
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

(30) Priority: 04.02.1985 GB 8502772

(71) Applicant: TKR International Ltd.
 ()

(72) Inventor:
  • Green, Anthony
     ()

   


(54) Pressing contoured shapes


(57) A process for forming superplastically deformable sheet metal into contoured shapes, especially complex saddle shapes having compound curvature, utilises the technique of pressure forming in combination with a forming tool with the sheet metal in condition for superplastic deformation. A preform of superplastically deformable sheet metal is first formed and then sealed to a pressure box. A forming tool is engaged with the preform face external of the pressure box and, under conditions for superplastic deformation, the sheet metal is pressure-formed into conformity with the forming tool. Apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.







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