OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000000728

Method for forming and heat treating near net shape complex structures from sheet metal

Published: 2026-09-15T19:03:18.612847Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000728
Categories: Manufacturing & Assembly Equipment > Machining Systems

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ABSTRACT

A method of manufacturing a complex-shaped metal part, including the steps of
applying a metallic sheath around a sheet metal workpiece and applying an
electric current through the workpiece in the metallic sheath to heat the
workpiece. The method also includes shaping the workpiece in the metallic
sheath into a complex-shaped metal part while it is being heated. The shaping
can be performed between two ceramic dies or using other techniques for
forming complex shapes and curvatures into the workpiece. The method then may
include cooling the complex-shaped metal part and removing the metallic sheath
from the complex-shaped metal part. This method can allow reactive and
refractory material to be safely heated without oxidation when heating/forming
in air when the workpiece is sealed within a sacrificial stainless steel or
nickel alloy envelope to protect the enclosed workpiece.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000000728
Published 2026-09-15T19:03:18.612847Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000728