Stamping and Forming

Creare has developed innovative precision stamping and forming processes, simultaneously applying both creativity and fundamental engineering principles to develop rapid and cost-effective production techniques.

To fabricate high-performance, microchannel heat exchangers, we developed precision forming and blanking 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 are produced at low cost and include features that enable our heat exchangers to achieve 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. This net-shape process achieved levels of precision normally achieved only with machining, including feature sizes down to 25 micrometers (0.001 inches), and the resulting parts were free of residual stresses. Materials included aluminum and discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites.