Use of laser(s) in the process of Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding

    Authors

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

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Keywords

    ceramic dies; contamination-free forming; diffusion bonding titanium &; aluminium; factory simulation; laser heating; cost-lowering; process; integration; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Mechanics; Metallurgy &; Metallurgical Engineering

    Abstract

    Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding (SPF/DB) has permitted the manufacture of some of the lightest, strongest, corrosion resistant, complex, and yet often elegant structures ever to be produced. For the last 30 years, all such components have been made by some form of high thermal-mass, isothermal method of production using conventional equipment, such as hot platen presses or furnaces. However, if laser(s) could be used just to heat the material to be superplastically formed, this could provide a novel, low thermal-mass, means of production which could, relatively easily, be integrated into a laser based manufacturing centre. In this paper, a concept is described of how a laser based manufacturing centre, comprised of a number of individual process cells, together with integrated pre and post SPF/DB operations, would work and the benefits that would result. The concept is based on four considerations. Firstly, that it is essential to heat the material directly and quickly. Secondly, the environinent must be completely inert so that there is no contamination of components. Thirdly, the complete process of diffusion bonding must only entail the use of laser(s). Lastly, established laser activities such as cutting, welding, hole drilling or trepanning and the removal of surplus material, must be integrated into the process. In addition, the envisaged cells need to be modular in concept so industry can acquire capital plant progressively, thereby spreading the cost over time.

    Journal Title

    Superplasticity in Advanced Materials

    Volume

    447-4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2003

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    533

    Last Page

    539

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000189481800082

    ISSN

    0255-5476; 0-87849-937-7

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