Superplastic Forming, Analyses and Industrial Applications

Forming operations can be grouped into two broad categories, namely, (i)Techniques derived from thermoplastics forming processes, and(ii)Techniques adapted from conventional metal working procedures. The processes and procedures may also be classified as (a) macro-forming (bulk changes in shape) and micro-forming, or (b) bulk and sheet metal forming. Detailed descriptions of each of the processes, and their analyses based on mechanics, are presented first. This is followed by a summary of the industrial applications.