Aluminum warm forming multi-opening oven and production line

Abstract

A multi-opening oven assembly for simultaneously heating a plurality of blanks, for example aluminum blanks, before forming the heated blanks in a production line is provided. The oven assembly includes vertically aligned shelves to present a plurality of chambers for heating the blanks. A table including an entry side platform and an exit side platform moves vertically along the oven assembly. A rail system extends along the platforms and the shelves to convey the blanks in and out of the chambers. Once one set of heated blanks is removed from a first chamber, the table moves vertically to a second chamber and is ready to receive the next set of heated blanks. A continuous supply of heated blanks is provided for high throughput. The oven assembly is preferably disposed in a press adjacent a forming station of an existing production line and thus, no additional floor space is required.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 147,721, entitled "Multiple Opening Oven and Line for Warm Forming Aluminum," filed April 15, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is It is considered part of the disclosure content of this application and is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to oven assemblies and methods for providing a plurality of heated billets, including methods and assemblies for warm or hot forming aluminum parts in a production line. Background technique [0004] Warm or hot forming is commonly used to manufacture aluminum parts for motor vehicles – such as structural bodies or chassis components. The process typically involves heating an aluminum billet in an oven and then transferring the heated billet to one or more forming stations in a production line, such as a stamping or pressing lin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In this case, transferring heated billets from the oven to the production line increases cycle time and results in undesired loss of heat energy

Ovens also take up limited floor space and are difficult to move to another line if required

Therefore, in-line warm or hot forming may not be a viable option in some cases

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