Jeffrey S Fletcher

US Patent:

6672125, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Jan 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/348499

Inventors:

Phillip E. Kenney - El Dorado KS
Jeffrey D. Fletcher - Wichita KS
Dennis R. Malone - Derby KS
Lawrence B. Wilson - Winfield KS

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23P 2500

US Classification:

72296, 72 60, 29462, 294211

Abstract:

A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

US Patent:

20030132269, Jul 17, 2003

Filed:

Jan 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/348401

Inventors:

Phillip Kenney - El Dorado KS, US
Jeffrey Fletcher - Wichita KS, US
Dennis Malone - Derby KS, US
Lawrence Wilson - Winfield KS, US

International Classification:

B23K037/00

US Classification:

228/015100

Abstract:

A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

US Patent:

6510601, Jan 28, 2003

Filed:

Mar 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/528328

Inventors:

Phillip E. Kenney - El Dorado KS
Jeffrey D. Fletcher - Wichita KS
Dennis R. Malone - Derby KS
Lawrence B. Wilson - Winfield KS

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23P 2500

US Classification:

29462

Abstract:

A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.