ACB

Superplastic forming

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Superplastic Forming – SPF process

In Super plastic forming, a sheet of metal is clamped between a die cavity and a plate which are kept at the convenient temperature.. Gas pressure is applied to deform the sheet by forcing it against the walls of the die cavity, under suitable stress and deformation rate
This process applies to Titanium, Aluminum and some Inconel.


SPF and Diffusion Bonding of titanium – SPF/DB process

Initial contact : Limited to surface irregularities

Step 1 : Plastic deformation, then creep of irregular zones. In this stage, surfaces are brought unto further contact and phenomena such as oxide film rupture occur.

Step 2 : Grain growth across the interface, whereby new joints tend toward equilibrium. Remaining pores begin to disappear by diffusion at grain boundaries.

Step 3 : Elimination of last pores by diffusion through the metal volume.

Superplastic formingSuperplastic forming<<Click to enlarge

Aluminium part Inconel 718 alloy part SPF/DB process Titanium part



Typical titanium alloys applications
  • Civil aircrafts: hot parts around engines or handling hot air : pylon panels, nacelle panels, piping components, propellers...
  • Military aircrafts: hot parts around engines : heat shields ...
  • Engines: jet engine components : air intake, fan and ogv blades,casing parts,
  • Space: miscellaneous applications

Duct (Airbus A340) Nose Centre Cover (SAAB 2000)



Typical aluminium alloys applications
  • Civil aircrafts
Heat shield (Crusader) Door part (A320)
Typical titanium SPF/DB applications
  • Civil aircrafts: hot parts around engines or handling hot air : pylon panels, nacelle panels, wing access panels,...
  • Engines: jet engine components : fan blades, ...
  • Military aircrafts: hot parts around engines : heat shields ...
  • High-loaded aerodynamic parts : leading edges, foreplanes

Titanium SPF/DB applications Titanium SPF/DB applications Titanium SPF/DB applications