Abstract:
A method of removing a formed part from a die, said part produced by clamping a preform between first and second dies, bringing said preform to within an elevated temperature range suitable for superplastic forming of said preform, and applying pressure to said preform to superplastically form at least a portion of said preform into a cavity of said first die, comprising the steps of: drawing a vacuum between at least a portion of said part and said second die such that said part is secured to said second die; and separating said second die from said first die while said part is within said temperature range and secured to said second die, such that said part is withdrawn from said cavity of said first die.