Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Steam cushion forming
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Application No.: US15584506Application Date: 2017-05-02
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Publication No.: US10427209B2Publication Date: 2019-10-01
- Inventor: Arianna T. Morales , Raja K. Mishra
- Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
- Applicant Address: US MI Detroit
- Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
- Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
- Current Assignee Address: US MI Detroit
- Agency: Quinn IP Law
- Main IPC: B21J3/00
- IPC: B21J3/00 ; B29C33/00 ; B21D37/18 ; B21J13/02 ; B21D22/02 ; B29C33/60 ; B29C51/08 ; B29C51/26 ; C03B40/02 ; B29C51/10 ; B29L31/00 ; B29C37/00

Abstract:
A method of forming a part from a blank includes positioning the blank within a forming die. Water is introduced between the blank and the forming die. The water is heated to form steam between the blank and the forming die. The blank is reshaped within the forming die to form the part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die. The steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween. A lubricant is not applied to the blank prior to being positioned in the forming die. Therefore, the formed part does not require a washing step after being formed.
Public/Granted literature
- US20180318909A1 STEAM CUSHION FORMING Public/Granted day:2018-11-08
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