Method and apparatus for producing sheet metal components

Abstract

A method and apparatus for making sheet metal components includes heating a sheet of hardenable steel to its austenitizing temperature and hot forming the same in a hot forming tool to define a formed workpiece. The formed workpiece is held in the hot forming tool for a first holding time. The formed workpiece is then removed from the hot forming tool and immediately placed in a cooled, form holding tool and is held therein in a closed condition for a second holding time. The form holding tool may be constructed from a material that has greater heat conductivity than that of the hot forming tool.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A method for making sheet metal components, comprising:
 heating a sheet of hardenable steel to a temperature greater than the austenitizing temperature of the steel;   hot forming the heated steel sheet in a hot forming tool to define a formed workpiece;   holding the formed workpiece in the hot forming tool for a first holding time;   after said holding step, removing the formed workpiece from the hot forming tool, and immediately placing the formed workpiece into a cooled form holding tool; and   holding the formed workpiece in the closed form holding tool for a second holding time.   
     
     
         8 . The method as set forth in claim  1 , wherein:
 said holding steps include making the first and second holding times substantially equal.   
     
     
         9 . The method as set forth in claim  1 , wherein:
 said second named holding step includes sizing the formed workpiece in the form holding tool.   
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for making sheet metal components, comprising:
 a hot forming tool constructed from a first material and configured for press hardening a sheet of hardenable steel into a formed workpiece;   a form holding tool constructed from a second material and configured to closely receive therein the formed and hardened workpiece; and wherein   the second material of the form holding tool has greater heat conductivity than the first material of the hot forming tool.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein:
 the second material of the form holding tool is less strong and less hard than the first material of the hot forming tool.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein:
 the form holding tool has fewer cooling apertures than the hot forming tool.