Stamping and Forming

Creare innovates in precision stamping and forming processes, simultaneously applying both creativity and fundamental engineering principles to develop rapid and cost effective production techniques.

For fabrication of our high-performance heat exchanger designs, we have developed precision stamping processes and equipment, including a compact 1700-ton stamping press. Using dies prepared in our machine shop, we have fabricated intricate heat exchanger plates of stainless steel, Hastelloy, titanium, and aluminum for a range of geometries and applications. These plates have included a host of features for achieving such goals as very high thermal effectiveness, minimum weight, high power density, and fault tolerance. Our die designs also incorporate features to promote effective bonding of the plates during fabrication of the complete heat exchanger.

Creare has also developed superplastic compression forming processes for the low-cost production of precision microwave and munitions components. The processes involve the use of hydraulic pressure to force a blank of material on to a die at superplastic temperatures and strain rates. Using this net-shape process, we have achieved levels of precision normally achieved only with machining, including feature sizes down to 25 micrometers (0.001 inches), and the resulting parts are free of residual stresses. Materials have included aluminum and discontinuously-reinforced metal matrix composites.