Magna International Inc.
Tool with heater for forming part with tailored properties

Abstract:

Disclosed is a forming system having a first die assembly and a second die assembly with dies having die surfaces that are configured to cooperate with each other to form a die cavity therebetween so as to receive a workpiece therein. One or both of the dies includes a heater insert member that has a serpentine groove therein for receiving a flexible heater member. The flexible heater member is configured to conform with the shape of the serpentine groove. The heater insert member is position adjacent to the die surface and provides more uniform heating of the surface to form complex 3D surfaces with tailored properties.