In-Place Heat Treating for Robotic Sheet Metal Forming System

Metal is typically formed in a soft state. After forming, the part is typically heat treated to make it harder and applicable for use on an aircraft. The process of heat treating tends to warp the part, requiring the part to be placed back in/on the forming machine (called re-striking). In this Direct to Phase II work Machina Labs will demonstrate the ability to directly heat treat the metal in-place directly after the forming process. This eliminates requiring the part to travel to another shop and another piece of equipment and greatly simplifies the re-striking process.  Additionally, sourcing certain sheet metal stock with the appropriate starting heat-treated state can be challenging, increasing the associated lead times to form parts and have them installed on aircrafts. In-place heat treat capability, given that it allows for the heat treat state of the sheet stock to also be manipulated prior to forming, can mitigate this issue.  Comprehensively considered, an in-place heat treat capability would make operations more efficient, effective, and safe.  These attributes would be realized through a much-lessened logistical footprint, on-time attention per part, and utility input per part.  The additional process would also greatly enhance net capacity to produce in surge production and other potential scenarios.