A. J. Barnes, H. Raman, Superform USA, Riverside, CA
Although superplasticity in metals has engaged the interest of scientists, metallurgists and engineers for more than forty years it is only in the last ten years that it’s full potential has begun to be realized. This presentation examines the key factors that are needed for potential applications to succeed. These include: market and service conditions,material selection, part design and accurate process simulation. Integration of SPF’s forming capabilities into achieving optimal design, in terms of: functionality, part count, weight, integrity, durability and overall manufacturing costs are also examined and illustrated by ‘successful’ application examples.
