From technology push, to industrial pull: superplastic forming and diffusion bonding using lasers

    Authors

    A. Jocelyn; A. Kar; A. Fanourakis; T. Flower; M. Ackerman; A. Keevil;J. Way

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Materialwiss. Werkstofftech.

    Keywords

    Superplastic forming; diffusion bonding; laser; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    The process of Superplastic Forming (SPF) has produced a vast number of components, from simple shapes to those with complex geometric features, all to a dimensional accuracy difficult to obtain by traditional sheet metal methods. When used in conjunction with Diffusion Bonding (DB), extraordinarily lightweight, stiff, strong and fatigue enduring components and structures can be manufactured that are virtually impossible to produce by any other means. However, SPF/DB is often criticised as too complicated, expensive, slow and unstable, a reputation that has contributed to its use being largely confined to manufacturing when no other means of production can be found. Perhaps, the fundamental cause of this negative perception of SPF/DB is the fact that derivatives of mid 18(th) century hydraulic presses are used, virtually universally, that provide only a single temperature to the work piece, which is heated primarily through conduction, a form of heating which is slow and expensive. By comparison, modern, electrically efficient, lasers, if used to directly heat the work piece, could transform SPF/DB into a mainstream process and the first choice of designers. This paper compares, and contrasts, the two systems.

    Journal Title

    Materialwissenschaft Und Werkstofftechnik

    Volume

    40

    Issue/Number

    8

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    601

    Last Page

    605

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000269736200001

    ISSN

    0933-5137

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