Tool Thermal Behavior in SPF Environment

Abstract:

During a superplastic cycle and part loading/unloading operations, a superplastic tool withstands thermal cycles which affect its life-time, the superplastic cycle time and hence the productivity of the press. A thermal simulation of the tool behavior in superplastic conditions helps to understand which actions could reduce the effects of heat-shields opening/closing and of part loading/unloading on the cooling of the tool and on the heating of the part. Temperature measurements in transitory conditions and in steady-state have been collected on a tool of large dimensions in superplastic conditions of production. The paper will present the correlation between actual measures and simulation in steady state, in slow transitory conditions and in fast transitory conditions.