Stamping system and method of stamping forming for forming composite component for structure

Abstract

A stamping system for forming a composite component for an aircraft includes a blank comprised of a composite material having a crystallization temperature. The system includes a blank heater configured to heat a blank to a melting temperature to define a heated blank. The melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature. The system includes: a tool movable to an open position for presentation of an opening for receiving a heated blank; and a heat transfer member cooperating with the heated blank and the tool to postpone the occurrence of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank when the heated blank is disposed in the opening. A method of press forming a composite component uses a blank heater, a tool, and a heat transfer component. Heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool is controlled by the heat transfer member to postpone the occurrence of crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stamping system and a stamping forming method for forming a composite component for a structure. Background Art

[0002] Various processes have been developed to form composite materials into desired shapes. One such process for forming composite materials into a desired shape is stamping. Conventional stamping processes use a heater to heat a thermoplastic composite blank to a predetermined temperature, i.e., above the crystallization temperature. Then, the thermoplastic composite blank is introduced into a tool, and pressure is applied in the tool to form the thermoplastic composite blank into a desired shape. However, once the thermoplastic composite blank leaves the heater, the thermoplastic composite blank begins to cool and cools rapidly when it contacts the tool. To achieve the desired shape during a conventional stamping process, the tool must form the thermoplastic composite blank before the temperature drops below the crystallization temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a stamping system that slows down the heat transfer between a blank made of a composite material and a tool, which can increase the amount of available time for forming a composite component during the forming process.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a stamping system for forming a composite component for a structure. The stamping system is for a blank made of a composite material. The composite material has a crystallization temperature. The stamping system includes a blank heater configured to heat the blank to a melting temperature to define a heated blank. The melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material. In addition, the stamping system includes a press that is movable to an open position to present an opening for receiving the heated blank, and the press is movable to a closed position to stamp the heated blank. The press includes a tool having a predetermined configuration, and the tool is configured to change the heated blank according to the predetermined configuration of the tool when the press is in the closed position to stamp the heated blank. The stamping system further includes a heat transfer component that cooperates with the heated blank and the tool to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank when the heated blank is disposed in the opening of the press.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides a method of stamping a composite part for a structure. A blank formed of a composite material is heated to a melting temperature via a blank heater to define a heated blank. The melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material. The heated blank is inserted into an opening of a press. The press is closed toward the heated blank. Pressure is applied to the heated blank when the press is closed to stamp the heated blank. The press includes a tool having a predetermined configuration that is configured to cause the heated blank to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool when the press applies pressure to the heated blank. Heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool is controlled via a heat transfer component to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0006] The detailed description and the illustrations or drawings support and describe the present disclosure, but the scope of the claims of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims. Although some of the best modes and other configurations for implementing the claims have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and configurations for practicing the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a structure of an aircraft.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a stamping system using a heat transfer component, wherein the heat transfer component includes a first liner and a second liner attached to a tool of a press.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a stamping system having a first liner and a second liner attached to a blank.

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a stamping system having a first liner and a second liner, wherein the first liner and the second liner can be moved into the press independently of the blank.

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a stamping system using a heat transfer component, wherein the heat transfer component includes a tool heater movable via a track.

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a stamping system having a tool heater movable via a robot.

[0013] The present disclosure can be extended to variations and alternative forms. Representative configurations are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail below. The inventive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the disclosed configurations. Instead, the present disclosure is intended to cover variations, equivalents, combinations, and substitutions that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Those skilled in the art should recognize that all reference directions (e.g., above, below, upward, up, downward, down, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively for the figures to assist the reader's understanding and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims (e.g., with respect to position, orientation, use, etc.). Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe separate components. Such terms may include the specifically mentioned words above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings. Further, the term "substantially" may refer to a slight imprecision or slight variation in a condition, quantity, value, dimension, etc., some of which are within manufacturing variations or tolerances.

[0015] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" or "an" should not necessarily be construed as excluding a plurality of elements or steps. Additionally, any reference to "a configuration" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other configurations that also include the recited features. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, a configuration that includes one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include other elements that do not have that characteristic. The phrase "at least one" as used herein should be construed to include the non-exclusive logical "or," i.e., A and / or B, etc., depending on the number of components.

[0016] Referring to the accompanying drawings, throughout the drawings, like reference numerals represent like or corresponding parts, and in Figure 1 which structure 10 is generally shown, illustrated as an aircraft as an exemplary structure. Structure 10 may include components formed via stamping using the stamping system 12 described herein. The stamping system 12 described herein is generally used to form composite component 14, which is ultimately assembled with a plurality of components to form structure 10.

[0017] Structure 10 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples can include: a movable platform, which can include a vehicle, a train, a ship, an aircraft, equipment, agricultural machinery, a robot, etc.; an immovable platform, which can include a building, equipment, agricultural machinery, a robot, etc.; or any other suitable structure. Thus, the composite part 14 can be formed into a desired configuration to fit the desired structure 10, including but not limited to the movable and immovable platforms described above. As described above, the composite part 14 can be part of an aircraft, and non-limiting examples of the aircraft can include an airplane, a helicopter, a jet plane, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, a space shuttle, a drone, a payload aircraft, or any other suitable aircraft. Thus, the composite part 14 can be part of a wing, a fuselage, a nose, a tail, or any other suitable feature of the aircraft. As another example, the composite part 14 can be part of a vehicle, and non-limiting examples of the vehicle can include a car, a truck, an off-road vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle.

[0018] Reference Figures 2 to 6 , the stamping system 12 includes a blank 16 formed of a composite material and / or a thermoplastic polymer material. Thus, in certain configurations, the composite material of the blank 16 can include a thermoplastic composite. Generally, a composite material has a crystallization temperature. The blank 16 is the composite material before forming the desired shape of the composite part 14. That is, the blank 16 is the initial, unfinished composite material for finally forming the final composite part 14. The blank 16 can include a first side 18 and a second side 20 opposite the first side 18. By using the stamping system 12 described herein, more types of blanks 16 can be used to form different composite parts 14. For example, the blank 16 can be a thin-walled structure, a structure with one or more laminated transition regions, a structure with complex surface features, or any other blank that can be formed using the stamping system 12 described herein.

[0019] Reference Figures 2 to 6 , the stamping system 12 further includes a blank heater 22 configured to heat the blank 16 to a melting temperature to define a heated blank 16. The melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material. By heating the blank 16 to the melting temperature, the heated blank 16 flows sufficiently and / or is easily stamped or formed into the desired shape. For the forming process, once the crystallization temperature is reached, the composite part 14 cures so that the composite part 14 is no longer easily bendable.

[0020] For any configuration of the present disclosure, the heated blank 16 can be moved via a movable platform 24 (such as a track, robot, shuttle, etc.). The movable platform 24 can be interconnected between multiple stations of the stamping system 12 and is thus denoted by the same reference numeral in the figures. It should be understood that the movable platform 24 can be separate, independent movable platforms 24 that move the respective components between the respective stations of the stamping system 12.

[0021] The blank heater 22 can be any suitable configuration capable of heating the blank 16 to a molten temperature, and non-limiting examples of the blank heater 22 can include furnaces, such as infrared furnaces, or any other suitable furnace or heater.

[0022] The stamping system 12 further includes a press 26 that can be moved to an open position to present an opening 27 for receiving the heated blank 16, and the press 26 can be moved to a closed position to stamp the heated blank 16. The press 26 includes a tool 29 having a predetermined configuration that is configured to cause the heated blank 16 to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool 29 to stamp the heated blank 16 when the press 26 is in the closed position.

[0023] Generally, the tool 29 can include a first face 28 and a second face 30 that face each other. When the press 26 is in the open position, the opening 27 is located between the first face 28 and the second face 30. The press 26 can also be moved to the closed position to apply pressure to the heated blank 16 via the tool 29 to form the composite component 14. More specifically, the press 26 is configured to apply a predetermined amount of pressure to the heated blank 16 via the tool 29 and for a predetermined amount of time to reach a full lamination pressure, thereby forming or stamping the blank 16 into the desired shape of the composite component 14. Thus, the predetermined configuration of the tool 29 stamps on and / or in the heated blank 16 such that the final configuration of the composite component 14 is complementary to the predetermined configuration of the tool 29. When the heated blank 16 enters the press 26, the heated blank 16 flows sufficiently from being heated to a molten temperature to allow the full lamination pressure to be reached during the forming process. The press 26 can be any suitable configuration, and the tool 29 can be any suitable configuration for forming or stamping the composite component 14 into the desired configuration. Additionally, one tool 29 can be interchanged with tools 29 of different configurations and can thus be detached, interchanged, and reattached to the press 26 as needed.

[0024] The stamping system 12 further includes a heat transfer member 32 that cooperates with the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16 when the heated blank 16 is located in the opening 27 of the press 26. That is, when the press 26 is closed, the heat transfer member 32 slows down the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. Thus, when the press 26 is closed, the heat transfer member 32 slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank 16 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. By slowing down the heat transfer, the cooling rate of the heated blank 16 is reduced, and thus additional time is obtained to reach and maintain the full lamination pressure in the forming process. Therefore, by slowing down the cooling rate, more types of blanks 16 can be used to form different composite components 14. In addition, by slowing down the cooling rate, the viscoelastic behavior of the heated blank 16 can be controlled.

[0025] The stamping system 12 can use various different features or means to obtain the desired heating to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature, and some of these configurations will be discussed below.

[0026] For example, referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the heat transfer member 32 can include a first gasket 34 and a second gasket 36. According to Figures 2 to 4 the configuration, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can be located at different positions. Generally, in Figures 2 to 4 these configurations, each of the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 creates a barrier that is configured to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. In other words, the heat transfer member 32 can act as a barrier, buffer, thermal insulator, or the like to slow down the cooling rate of the heated blank 16. Thus, generally, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 reduce the heat transfer rate between the blank 16 and the tool 29.

[0027] The first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can be any suitable material for delaying the onset of the crystallization temperature, and non-limiting examples of such materials can include one or more metallic materials, one or more polymeric materials, or any other suitable material for delaying the onset of the crystallization temperature. More specifically, examples of the materials of the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can include steel, polyimide, Kapton, etc. Generally, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can be formed as a film, layer, foil, etc. Thus, if Kapton is used as the gaskets 34, 36, the gaskets 34, 36 are generally referred to as Kapton foils. In addition, if steel is used as the gaskets 34, 36, the gaskets 34, 36 are generally referred to as steel foils. Generally, if steel is used, the steel foil is a low thermal conductivity type of steel material.

[0028] Turning toFigure 2 , the heat transfer member 32 is attached to or affixed to the tool 29. More specifically, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are attached to the tool 29. That is, the first gasket 34 covers the first face 28 of the tool 29 and the second gasket 36 covers the second face 30 of the tool 29. Generally, when the press 26 is closed, the heated blank 16 is clamped between the first face 28 and the second face 30 to apply pressure to the heated blank 16. Therefore, when pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 via the tool 29 by the press 26, the first gasket 34 abuts the first side 18 of the heated blank 16, and the second gasket 36 abuts the second side 20 of the heated blank 16, which slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank 16 to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16.

[0029] Go to Figure 3 , in this configuration, the heat transfer member 32 is temporarily attached to the blank 16. More specifically, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are removably attached to the blank 16. That is, during the forming process, the first gasket 34 covers the first side 18 of the blank 16, and the second gasket 36 covers the second side 20 of the blank 16. Generally, when the press 26 is closed, the heated blank 16 is clamped between the first face 28 of the tool 29 and the second face 30 of the tool 29 to apply pressure to the heated blank 16. Therefore, when pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 via the tool 29 by the press 26, the first gasket 34 abuts the first face 28 of the tool 29 and the second gasket 36 abuts the second face 30 of the tool 29, which slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank 16 to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. That is, when the press 26 is closed, the heat transfer member 32 slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank 16 to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16.

[0030] Continue to refer to Figure 3, the stamping system 12 may include an end effector 38 configured to remove the first liner 34 and the second liner 36 from the composite component 14 when the press 26 is opened again after forming the composite component 14. That is, after the composite component 14 is formed in the tool 29 and the press 26 is opened again, the composite component 14 may be removed from the press 26 by a movable platform 24 (such as a rail, a robot, a shuttle, etc.). Then, the end effector 38 may detach or remove the first liner 34 from the first side 18 of the composite component 14 by grasping the first liner 34, engaging the first liner, etc. Then, the end effector 38 may detach or remove the second liner 36 from the second side 20 of the composite component 14 by grasping the second liner 36, engaging the second liner, etc. The end effector 38 may be attached to a movable arm and / or a robot. It should be understood that the end effector 38 may first remove the first liner 34 from the first side 18 and then remove the second liner 36 from the second side 20, or the end effector 38 may first remove the second liner 36 from the second side 20 and then remove the first liner 34 from the first side 18. Alternatively, the end effector 38 may remove the first liner 34 and the second liner 36 simultaneously or together.

[0031] Go to Figure 4 , the heat transfer component 32 is spaced apart from the blank 16 and the press 26 / tool 29. That is, the heat transfer component 32 is not attached to or affixed to the blank 16, and similarly, is not attached or fixed to the tool 29. In Figure 4 's configuration, two heaters 22, 40 are used, one heater for the press 26 / tool 29 and one heater for the blank 16. As discussed above, the blank heater 22 is used to heat the blank 16 to the melting temperature. In addition, the stamping system 12 may include a liner heater 40 configured to heat the first liner 34 and the second liner 36 to a predetermined temperature to define the heated first liner 34 and the heated second liner 36. The liner heater 40 may be any suitable configuration capable of heating the first liner 34 and the second liner 36 to the above-mentioned melting temperature, and non-limiting examples may include, for example but not limited to, a furnace for conduction heating or induction heating or any other suitable heater. In addition, in Figure 4 's example, the first liner 34 and the second liner 36 may be formed of foil, such as but not limited to steel foil.

[0032] After the heated first gasket 34 and the heated second gasket 36 reach a predetermined temperature, the heated first gasket 34 and the heated second gasket 36 can be moved into the press 26 to heat the first face 28 and the second face 30 of the tool 29. In addition, when the blank 16 is heated to the melting temperature, the heated blank 16 can then be moved into the press 26. Thus, the heated blank 16, the heated first gasket 34, and the heated second gasket 36 are disposed in the opening 27 of the press 26 such that the heated first gasket 34 is disposed between the first side 18 of the heated blank 16 and the tool 29, and the heated second gasket 36 is disposed between the second side 20 of the heated blank 16 and the tool 29. More specifically, when the heated blank 16 is disposed inside the press 26, the heated first gasket 34 is disposed between the first side 18 of the heated blank 16 and the first face 28 of the tool 29, and the heated second gasket 36 is disposed between the second side 20 of the heated blank 16 and the second face 30 of the tool 29. When the press 26 is closed, the heated blank 16 is clamped between the heated first gasket 34, the heated second gasket 36, the first face 28 of the tool 29, and the second face 30 of the tool 29.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , show additional other configurations of the heat transfer member 32. In these configurations, the heat transfer member 32 can include a tool heater 42 configured to heat the first face 28 and the second face 30 of the tool 29 inside the opening 27 of the press 26. Generally, the tool heater 42 can include a movable platform 24 configured to move the tool heater 42 into the opening 27 of the press 26 in an initial heating state to heat the first face 28 and the second face 30 (of the tool 29) to a predetermined temperature. When the predetermined temperature is reached, the movable platform 24 can also move the tool heater out of the opening 27 of the press 26 in a final heating state.

[0034] The movable platform 24 can be of any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples can include tracks, shuttle rails as shown in Figure 5 , robots and / or robotic arms as shown in Figure 6 , or any other suitable movable platform capable of moving the tool heater 42 into and out of the press 26. In addition, the tool heater 42 can be of any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples can include infrared heaters, induction heaters, conduction heaters, or any other suitable tool heater for heating the first face 28 and the second face 30 of the tool 29.

[0035] If the tool heater 42 is an induction heater, the tool heater 42 may include a first susceptor 44 attached to or embedded in the first face 28 of the tool 29 and a second susceptor 46 attached to or embedded in the second face 30 of the tool 29. The first susceptor 44 and the second susceptor 46 cooperate with the induction heater to inductively heat the first face 28 and the second face 30 of the tool 29. For illustrative purposes, the first susceptor 44 and the second susceptor 46 are shown as dashed-dot-dot-dashed lines in Figure 5 and Figure 6 to indicate such an optional feature (use of susceptors 44, 46 if the tool heater 42 is an induction heater).

[0036] The present disclosure also provides a method of stamping a composite part 14 for the structure 10. By using the stamping system 12 and method, thin-walled structures, small-scale structures, and / or complex structures can be stamped on a large scale, and equipment requirements can be reduced. Thus, high-speed manufacturing of the composite part 14 can be achieved by using the stamping system 12 and the method herein. Depending on the type of heat transfer component 32 used, the method may have different steps or processes, and each of these steps or processes will be discussed below.

[0037] Generally, for any configuration herein, the blank 16 is heated to a melting temperature via the blank heater 22 to define the heated blank 16. As described above, the melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material. Figures 2 to 6 The multiple arrows A in

[0038] represent the heating of the blank 16 in the blank heater 22. Additionally, as described above, the blank 16 is made of a composite material. Next, the heated blank 16 is inserted into the opening 27 of the press 26. For any configuration herein, the heated blank 16 may be moved via the movable platform 24. The press 26 is in an open position to receive the heated blank 16. That is, after the blank 16 is heated above the crystallization temperature, the heated blank 16 is moved to the press 26 to stamp the heated blank 16 into a desired configuration.

[0039] Next, the press 26 is closed towards the heated blank 16. That is, after the heated blank 16 is located in the opening 27 of the press 26, the press 26 is moved to the closed position. Then, in order to stamp the heated blank 16, pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 while the press 26 is closed. As discussed above, the tool 29 of the press 26 has a predetermined configuration that is configured to cause the heated blank 16 to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool 29 when the press 26 applies pressure to the heated blank 16. More specifically, after the press 26 is in the closed position, the press 26 can apply pressure to the heated blank 16 through the tool 29 to stamp the heated blank 16 or cause the heated blank to form a desired shape. The pressure applied to the heated blank 16 by the press 26 via the tool 29 continues until the full lamination pressure is reached and, optionally, is maintained for a predetermined amount of time, which completes the process of forming / stamping the composite component 14.

[0040] Once the heated blank 16 exits the blank heater 22, the heated blank 16 begins to cool. In addition, heat transfer occurs once there is engagement or contact between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29. In addition, heat transfer occurs when pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 via the tool 29. Therefore, it is desirable to slow down this heat transfer. Thus, the heat transfer component 32 described herein controls heat transfer to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. Accordingly, the method also includes controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 via the heat transfer component 32 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16. By controlling the heat transfer, the pressing time can be increased, which ensures that the time to reach the full lamination pressure is achieved. In other words, by controlling the heat transfer as needed as described herein, the heated blank 16 can be pressed for a longer period of time.

[0041] After a predetermined amount of time for applying pressure has elapsed, the press 26 is opened and the stamped composite component 14 is removed from the press 26. Simply put, after the composite component 14 is formed, the composite component 14 is removed from the press 26. Thus, in order to remove the completed composite component 14, the press 26 is moved back to the open position to remove the composite component 14 therefrom. Now, the stamping process of the composite component 14 is complete, and the composite component 14 can be moved to the trimming process or the assembly process as needed.

[0042] Returning to the heat transfer component 32, next, each of these configurations will be described with respect to the method.

[0043] Go to Figures 2 to 4, in these configurations, the heat transfer component 32 includes a first gasket 34 and a second gasket 36. As discussed above, each of the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 creates a barrier to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature. Controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 via the heat transfer component 32 also includes controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 via the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank 16.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 , in this configuration, the first gasket 34 covers the first face 28 of the tool 29 and the second gasket 36 covers the second face 30 of the tool 29. The first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are respectively attached to the first face 28 and the second face 30 of the tool 29. Thus, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 remain attached to the tool 29 during the process of forming the composite component 14. For example, when the press 26 moves to the open position and the closed position, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 move accordingly.

[0045] Continue to refer Figure 2 , in this configuration, controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 via the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 further includes: when pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 via the press 26, bringing the first gasket 34 into contact with the first side 18 of the heated blank 16 and bringing the second gasket 36 into contact with the second side 20 of the heated blank 16. During the pressing process, the heated blank 16 is sandwiched between such structures: the first face 28 of the tool 29 and the first gasket 34 are disposed relative to the first side 18 of the heated blank 16, and the second face 30 of the tool 29 and the second gasket 36 are disposed relative to the second side 20 of the heated blank 16. The first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 create a barrier between the heated blank 16 and the first face 28 and the second face 30 to delay the onset of the crystallization temperature during stamping in the press 26. After the pressing process is completed, the press 26 opens to move back to the open position, and the composite component 14 is removed from the press 26. Since the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are attached to the tool 29, these gaskets 34, 36 can be reused for the forming process of new blanks.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 , in this configuration, the first gasket 34 covers the first side 18 of the blank 16 and the second gasket 36 covers the second side 20 of the blank 16. That is, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are attached to the blank 16. However, the gaskets 34, 36 are temporarily attached to the blank 16 before the composite component 14 is stamped or formed, which will be further discussed below.

[0047] Continue to refer Figure 3, in this configuration, controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank 16 and the tool 29 via the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 further includes: when pressure is applied to the heated blank 16 via the press 26, bringing the first face 28 of the tool 29 into contact with the first gasket 34 and bringing the second face 30 of the tool 29 into contact with the second gasket 36. During the pressing process, the heated blank 16 is sandwiched between such a structure: the first face 28 and the first gasket 34 are provided relative to the first side 18 of the heated blank 16, and the second face 30 and the second gasket 36 are provided relative to the second side 20 of the heated blank 16. The first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 create a barrier between the heated blank 16 and the first face 28 and the second face 30 to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature during stamping in the press 26. After the pressing process is completed, the press 26 is moved back to the open position, and the composite part 14 is removed from the press 26. Next, after removing the composite part 14 from the tool 29, the first gasket 34 is removed from the first side 18 of the composite part 14, and in addition, after removing the composite part 14 from the tool 29, the second gasket 36 is removed from the second side 20 of the composite part 14. The first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can be removed by the end effector 38 or any other suitable mechanism capable of grasping / removing the gaskets 34, 36. Any order of removing the gaskets 34, 36 from the composite part 14 is applicable to this process; that is, the first gasket 34 can be removed first, the second gasket 36 can be removed first, or both the gaskets 34, 36 can be removed simultaneously. After removing the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 from the composite part 14, the composite part 14 can be moved to a trimming process or an assembly process as needed. When repeating the process for a new blank, a new first gasket and a new second gasket are attached to the new blank.

[0048] Go to Figure 4 , in this configuration, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are not attached to the press 26 / the tool 29, nor are they attached to the heated blank 16. Instead, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 can be moved into the press 26 independently of the heated blank 16, and the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are heated independently of the blank 16. Therefore, in this configuration, the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are heated via the gasket heater 40 to define the heated first gasket 34 and the heated second gasket 36. Figure 4 The arrow B in represents heating the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 in the gasket heater 40. Generally, before inserting the blank 16 into the opening 27 of the press 26, the blank 16 is heated by the blank heater 22 and the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 are heated by the gasket heater 40. In some configurations, heating the blank 16 by the blank heater 22 and heating the first gasket 34 and the second gasket 36 by the gasket heater 40 are carried out simultaneously.

[0049] Continue again Figure 4 , after the blank 16 reaches the melting temperature, the heated blank 16 is moved into the press 26, and after the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 reach the predetermined temperature, the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 are moved into the press 26. More specifically, the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 enter the press 26 from the pad heater 40, while the heated blank 16 enters the press 26 from the blank heater 22. Therefore, inserting the heated blank 16 into the opening 27 of the press 26 also includes inserting the heated first pad 34, the heated second pad 36, and the heated blank 16 into the opening 27 of the press 26, such that the heated first pad 34 is disposed between the first side 18 of the heated blank 16 and the tool 29, and the heated second pad 36 is disposed between the second side 20 of the heated blank 16 and the tool 29. During the pressing process, the heated blank 16 is sandwiched between such structures: a first surface 28 and a first pad 34 are disposed relative to the first side 18 of the heated blank 16, and a second surface 30 and a second pad 36 are disposed relative to the second side 20 of the heated blank 16. The first pad 34 and the second pad 36 create a barrier between the heated blank 16 and the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature during stamping in the tool 29. After the pressing process is completed, the press 26 is moved back to the open position, and the composite part 14 ( Figure 4 The arrow C in points to the composite part 14 after being removed from the press 26), and the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 return to the pad heater 40, where the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 can be reheated for reuse in the stamping / formning process for another blank.

[0050] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in these configurations, generally, the tool 29 is heated, and thus, the first pad 34 and the second pad 36 are dispensed with. In these configurations, the heat transfer member 32 includes a tool heater 42. Therefore, before inserting the heated blank 16 into the opening 27 of the press 26, the first surface 28 of the tool 29 is heated via the tool heater 42 and the second surface 30 of the tool 29 is heated via the tool heater 42. More specifically, the tool heater 42 enters the press 26 to heat the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 of the tool 29, while heating the blank 16 in the blank heater 22 at a separate location. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The multiple arrows D in indicate the heating of the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 of the tool 29 via the tool heater 42. The movable platform 24 controls the movement of the tool heater 42, and for illustrative purposes, Figure 5 the movable platform 24 is shown as a track, and Figure 6The movable platform 24 is shown as a robot. Regardless of the configuration of the movable platform 24, the movable platform 24 controls the movement of the tool heater 42 relative to the tool 29 and the tool heater 42.

[0051] Continue Figure 5 and Figure 6 The tool heater 42 is inserted into the opening 27 of the press 26 to heat the first surface 28 and the second surface 30. After the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 reach a predetermined temperature, the tool heater 42 is removed from the opening 27 of the press 26, and then the heated blank 16 can be inserted into the opening 27 of the press 26. That is, the tool heater 42 is removed before the heated blank 16 is inserted into the opening 27 of the press 26. Figure 5 The arrow E in shows the illustration of moving to the next stage of this process after the tool 29 has been heated and the blank 16 has been heated.

[0052] During Figure 5 and Figure 6 the pressing process, the heated blank 16 is clamped between the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 of the tool 29. By preheating the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 via the tool heater 42, the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 create a barrier between the heated blank 16 and the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature during stamping in the press 26. After the pressing process is completed, the press 26 is opened, and thus it moves back to the open position and the composite part 14 is removed from the tool 29 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 the arrow C in points to the composite part 14 after being removed from the press 26). Then, the composite part 14 can be moved to the trimming process or the assembly process as needed.

[0053] It should be understood that the order or sequence of performing the method as described above is for illustrative purposes, and other orders or sequences are within the scope of this teaching. It should also be understood that the method may include other features not specifically described above.

[0054] In addition, these teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or different processing steps. Accordingly, a controller may control the stamping process described herein. For example, the controller may communicate with heaters 22, 40, 42, press 26, any sensors, movable platform 24, etc. In this way, the controller may determine / monitor the temperatures of heaters 22, 40, 42, blank 16, pads 34, 36, etc., and use this information to determine when to move the heated blank 16, open / close the press 26, when to apply pressure to the heated blank 16 and for how long to apply pressure to the heated blank 16, when to move pads 34, 36, etc. Accordingly, the controller may include a processor and a memory configured to execute instructions from the memory via the processor to control the stamping system 12 and the associated method. It should be appreciated that such block components may include any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0055] For example, the controller may be a host or a distributed system, such as, for example, a computer (such as a digital computer or a microcomputer), and as the memory, a tangible non-transitory computer-readable memory (such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a flash memory). The controller may also have a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) circuitry and any required input / output circuitry and associated devices, and any required signal conditioning and / or signal buffering circuitry. Accordingly, the controller may include all of the software, hardware, memory, algorithms, connection structures, sensors, etc. required to control, for example, the stamping system 12. In this way, the control method operative to control the stamping system 12 may be implemented using the software or firmware associated with the controller. It should be understood that the controller may also include any means capable of analyzing data from different sensors, comparing data, making the necessary decisions required to control and / or monitor the stamping system 12. Optionally, more than one controller may be used and these controllers may communicate with each other.

[0056] Although the best mode and other configurations for carrying out the present disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which the present disclosure pertains will recognize that various alternative designs and configurations for implementing the present disclosure are included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, the features of the configurations shown in the drawings or mentioned in this specification need not be understood as configurations independent of each other. Instead, each feature described in an embodiment of a configuration may be combined with one or more other desired features from other configurations, resulting in other configurations not described in the specification or described by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, these other configurations fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or piece of hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is capable of performing the specified function without any change, rather than merely having the possibility of performing the specified function after further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or piece of hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" represents an existing characteristic of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or piece of hardware that enables the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or piece of hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For the purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or piece of hardware described as "configured to" perform a particular function may alternatively or additionally be described as "adapted to" and / or "operable to" perform that function.

[0058] The illustrations of the configurations described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the different configurations. These illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. After reviewing this disclosure, many other configurations may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other configurations may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0059] The following clauses provide some exemplary configurations of the stamping system 12 and method as disclosed herein.

[0060] Clause 1: A stamping system for forming a composite part for a structure, the stamping system comprising: a blank formed of a composite material, wherein the composite material has a crystallization temperature; a blank heater configured to heat the blank to a melting temperature to define a heated blank, wherein the melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material; a press movable to an open position to present an opening for receiving the heated blank, and the press movable to a closed position to stamp the heated blank, wherein the press includes a tool having a predetermined configuration, the tool configured to cause the heated blank to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool when the press is in the closed position to stamp the heated blank; and a heat transfer member cooperating with the heated blank and the tool to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank when the heated blank is disposed in the opening of the press.

[0061] Clause 2: The stamping system according to Clause 1, wherein the heat transfer member includes a first gasket and a second gasket, wherein each of the first gasket and the second gasket creates a barrier configured to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0062] Clause 3: A stamping system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein: the tool includes a first face and a second face facing each other; when the press is in the open position, an opening is located between the first face and the second face; a first gasket covers the first face of the tool and a second gasket covers the second face of the tool; and when pressure is applied to the heated blank via the tool by the press, the first gasket abuts a first side of the heated blank and the second gasket abuts a second side of the heated blank, which slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0063] Clause 4: A stamping system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein: the tool includes a first face and a second face facing each other; when the press is in the open position, an opening is located between the first face and the second face; the blank includes a first side and a second side, wherein a first gasket covers the first side and a second gasket covers the second side; and when pressure is applied to the heated blank via the tool by the press, the first gasket abuts the first face of the tool and the second gasket abuts the second face of the tool, which slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0064] Clause 5: A stamping system according to any one of Clauses 1, 2, and 4, wherein the press is movable to a closed position to apply pressure to the heated blank via the tool to form a composite component, and wherein the heat transfer component slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank when the press is closed to delay the appearance of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0065] Clause 6: A stamping system according to any one of Clauses 1, 2, 4, and 5, further comprising an end effector configured to remove the first gasket and the second gasket from the composite component when the press is opened again after the composite component is formed.

[0066] Clause 7: A stamping system according to Clause 1 or 2: further comprising gasket heaters configured to heat the first gasket and the second gasket to a predetermined temperature to define a heated first gasket and a heated second gasket; and wherein the heated blank, the heated first gasket, and the heated second gasket are disposed in the opening of the press such that the heated first gasket is disposed between the first side of the heated blank and the tool, and the heated second gasket is disposed between the second side of the heated blank and the tool.

[0067] Clause 8: A stamping system according to Clause 1, wherein the heat transfer component includes a tool heater configured to heat the first face and the second face of the tool within the opening of the press.

[0068] Clause 9: A stamping system according to Clause 1 or 8, wherein the tool heater includes a movable platform configured to move the tool heater into the opening of the press in an initial heating state to heat the first surface and the second surface to a predetermined temperature, and move out of the opening of the press in a final heating state after reaching the predetermined temperature.

[0069] Clause 10: A stamping system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the press is movable to a closed position to apply pressure to the heated blank through the tool to form a composite component, and wherein the heat transfer component slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank when the press is closed to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0070] Clause 11: A method of stamping to form a composite component for a structure, the method comprising: heating a blank formed of a composite material to a melting temperature via a blank heater to define a heated blank, wherein the melting temperature is higher than the crystallization temperature of the composite material; inserting the heated blank into the opening of the press; closing the press towards the heated blank; applying pressure to the heated blank when the press is closed to stamp the heated blank, wherein the press includes a tool having a predetermined configuration configured to cause the heated blank to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool when the press applies pressure to the heated blank; and controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool via a heat transfer component to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0071] Clause 12: The method according to Clause 11, wherein: the heat transfer component includes a first gasket and a second gasket, each of the first gasket and the second gasket creates a barrier to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature; and controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool via the heat transfer component further includes controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool via the first gasket and the second gasket to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank.

[0072] Clause 13: The method according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein: the tool includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other; when the press is in an open position, the opening is between the first surface and the second surface; the first gasket covers the first surface of the tool and the second gasket covers the second surface of the tool; and controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool via the first gasket and the second gasket further includes: when pressure is applied to the heated blank via the press, bringing the first gasket into contact with the first side of the heated blank and bringing the second gasket into contact with the second side of the heated blank.

[0073] Clause 14: A method according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein: the tool includes a first face and a second face facing each other; when the press is in the open position, the opening is located between the first face and the second face; the blank includes a first side and a second side, the first gasket covers the first side and the second gasket covers the second side; and controlling the heat transfer between the heated blank and the tool via the first gasket and the second gasket further includes: when applying pressure to the heated blank via the press, bringing the first face of the tool into contact with the first gasket and bringing the second face of the tool into contact with the second gasket.

[0074] Clause 15: A method according to any one of Clauses 11, 12, and 14, further including: forming a composite component by pressing the heated blank in a press; removing the composite component from the press after forming the composite component; removing the first gasket from the first side of the composite component after removing the composite component from the tool; and removing the second gasket from the second side of the composite component after removing the composite component from the tool.

[0075] Clause 16: A method according to Clause 11 or 12: further including heating the first gasket and the second gasket via a gasket heater to define a heated first gasket and a heated second gasket; and wherein inserting the heated blank into the opening of the press further includes inserting the heated first gasket, the heated second gasket, and the heated blank into the opening of the press such that the heated first gasket is located between the first side of the heated blank and the die, and the heated second gasket is located between the second side of the heated blank and the tool.

[0076] Clause 17: A method according to any one of Clauses 11, 12, and 16, wherein, before inserting the blank into the opening of the press, the blank is heated by a blank heater and the first gasket and the second gasket are heated by a gasket heater.

[0077] Clause 18: A method according to any one of Clauses 11, 12, 16, and 17, wherein heating the blank via the blank heater and heating the first inner gasket and the second inner gasket via the gasket heater are carried out simultaneously.

[0078] Clause 19: A method according to Clause 11: wherein the heat transfer component includes a tool heater; and the method further includes heating the first face of the tool via the tool heater and heating the second face of the tool via the tool heater before inserting the heated blank into the opening of the press.

[0079] Clause 20: A method according to Clause 11 or 19: further including removing the tool heater from the opening of the press; and wherein the tool heater is removed before inserting the heated blank into the opening of the press.

Claims

1. A stamping system (12) for forming a composite component (14) for a structure (10), the stamping system (12) comprising: A blank (16) made of a composite material; a blank heater (22) configured to heat the blank (16) to a melting temperature above a crystallization temperature of the composite material to define a heated blank (16); A press (26) movable to an open position to expose an opening (27) for receiving the heated blank (16), and movable to a closed position to stamp the heated blank (16), wherein the press (26) comprises a tool (29) having a predetermined configuration, the tool being configured to cause the heated blank (16) to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool (29) when the press (26) is in the closed position to stamp the heated blank (16); and A heat transfer member (32) cooperates with the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) to delay the onset of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16) when the heated blank (16) is disposed in the opening (27) of the press (26).

2. The punching system (12) according to claim 1, wherein: The heat transfer component (32) includes a first liner (34) and a second liner (36), wherein each of the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) creates a barrier configured to delay the occurrence of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

3. The punching system (12) according to claim 2, wherein: The tool (29) comprises a first face (28) and a second face (30) facing each other, and when the press (26) is in the open position, the opening (27) is located between the first face (28) and the second face (30); The first liner (34) covers the first surface (28) of the tool (29), and the second liner (36) covers the second surface (30) of the tool (29); and When pressure is applied to the heated blank (16) by the press (26) via the tool (29), the first liner (34) abuts the first side (18) of the heated blank (16) and the second liner (36) abuts the second side (20) of the heated blank (16), thereby slowing down heat transfer from the heated blank (16) to delay the occurrence of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

4. The punching system (12) according to claim 2, wherein: The tool (29) comprises a first face (28) and a second face (30) facing each other, and when the press (26) is in the open position, the opening (27) is located between the first face (28) and the second face (30); The blank (16) includes a first side (18) and a second side (20), the first liner (34) covering the first side (18), the second liner (36) covering the second side (20); and When pressure is applied to the heated blank (16) via the tool (29) by the press (26), the first pad (34) abuts the first surface (28) of the tool (29), and the second pad (36) abuts the second surface (30) of the tool (29), thereby slowing down heat transfer from the heated blank (16) to delay the occurrence of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

5. The punching system (12) according to claim 4, wherein: The press (26) is movable to the closed position to apply pressure to the heated blank (16) through the tool (29) to form the composite component (14), wherein the heat transfer component (32) slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank (16) when the press (26) is closed to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

6. The stamping system (12) of claim 5, further comprising an end effector (38) configured to remove the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) from the composite component (14) when the press (26) is reopened after forming the composite component (14).

7. The stamping system (12) of claim 2, further comprising a liner heater (40) configured to heat the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) to a predetermined temperature to define a heated first liner (34) and a heated second liner (36); and in, The heated blank (16), the heated first liner (34) and the heated second liner (36) are arranged in the opening (27) of the press (26) so that the heated first liner (34) is arranged between the first side (18) of the heated blank (16) and the tool (29), and the heated second liner (36) is arranged between the second side (20) of the heated blank (16) and the tool (29).

8. The punching system (12) according to claim 1, wherein: The heat transfer component (32) includes a tool heater (42) configured to heat a first side (28) of the tool (29) and a second side (30) of the tool (29) within the opening (27) of the press (26).

9. The punching system (12) according to claim 8, wherein: The tool heater (42) includes a movable platform (24), which is configured to move the tool heater (42) into the opening (27) of the press (26) in an initial heating state to heat the first surface (28) and the second surface (30) to a predetermined temperature, and to move out of the opening (27) of the press (26) in a final heating state after reaching the predetermined temperature.

10. The punching system (12) according to claim 1, wherein: The press (26) is movable to the closed position to apply pressure to the heated blank (16) through the tool (29) to form the composite component (14), wherein when the press (26) is closed, the heat transfer component (32) slows down the heat transfer from the heated blank (16) to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

11. A method of stamping and forming a composite component (14) for a structure (10), the method comprising: heating the blank (16) to a melting temperature above a crystallization temperature via a blank heater (22) to define a heated blank (16), wherein the blank (16) is composed of a composite material; inserting the heated blank (16) into an opening (27) of a press (26); closing the press (26) toward the heated blank (16); applying pressure to the heated blank (16) to stamp the heated blank (16) when the press (26) is closed, wherein the press (26) includes a tool (29) having a predetermined configuration, the tool being configured to cause the heated blank (16) to change according to the predetermined configuration of the tool (29) when the press (26) applies pressure to the heated blank (16); and Heat transfer between the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) is controlled via a heat transfer component (32) to delay the onset of a crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The heat transfer component (32) includes a first liner (34) and a second liner (36), each of the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) creating a barrier to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature; as well as Controlling heat transfer between the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) via the heat transfer component (32) also includes controlling heat transfer between the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) via the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) to delay the occurrence of the crystallization temperature of the heated blank (16).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The tool (29) comprises a first face (28) and a second face (30) facing each other, and when the press (26) is in the open position, the opening (27) is located between the first face (28) and the second face (30); The first liner (34) covers the first surface (28) of the tool (29), and the second liner (36) covers the second surface (30) of the tool (29); and Controlling heat transfer between the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) via the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) also includes causing the first liner (34) to abut a first side (18) of the heated blank (16) and causing the second liner (36) to abut a second side (20) of the heated blank (16) when pressure is applied to the heated blank (16) via the press (26).

14. The method of claim 12, wherein: The tool (29) comprises a first face (28) and a second face (30) facing each other, and when the press (26) is in the open position, the opening (27) is located between the first face (28) and the second face (30); The blank (16) includes a first side (18) and a second side (20), the first liner (34) covering the first side (18), and the second liner (36) covering the second side (20); and Controlling heat transfer between the heated blank (16) and the tool (29) via the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) also includes causing the first surface (28) of the tool (29) to abut the first liner (34) and causing the second surface (30) of the tool (29) to abut the second liner (36) when pressure is applied to the heated blank (16) via the press (26).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: forming the composite component (14) by pressing the heated blank (16) in the press (26); removing the composite component (14) from the press (26) after forming the composite component (14); After removing the composite component (14) from the tool (29), removing the first liner (34) from the first side (18) of the composite component (14); and After the composite component (14) is removed from the tool (29), the second liner (36) is removed from the second side (20) of the composite component (14).

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising heating the first gasket (34) and the second gasket (36) via a gasket heater (40) to define a heated first gasket (34) and a heated second gasket (36); and in, Inserting the heated blank (16) into the opening (27) of the press (26) also includes inserting the heated first liner (34), the heated second liner (36) and the heated blank (16) into the opening (27) of the press (26) such that the heated first liner (34) is located between the first side (18) of the heated blank (16) and the tool (29), and the heated second liner (36) is located between the second side (20) of the heated blank (16) and the tool (29).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: Before the blank (16) is inserted into the opening (27) of the press (26), the blank (16) is heated via the blank heater (22) and the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) are heated via the liner heater (40).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Heating the blank (16) via the blank heater (22) and heating the first liner (34) and the second liner (36) via the liner heater (40) are performed simultaneously.

19. The method according to claim 11: in, The heat transfer component (32) includes a tool heater (42); and The method further comprises heating a first side (28) of the tool (29) via the tool heater (42) and heating a second side (30) of the tool (29) via the tool heater (42) before inserting the heated blank (16) into the opening (27) of the press (26).

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing the tool heater (42) from the opening (27) of the press (26); and in, The tool heater (42) is removed prior to inserting the heated blank (16) into the opening (27) of the press (26).

Images