In-Place Heat Treat for Incrementally Formed Parts
ID: AF241-D021Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

In-Place Heat Treat for Incrementally Formed Parts

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479931

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "In-Place Heat Treat for Incrementally Formed Parts" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA solicitation. The Air Force branch is specifically interested in this research. The objective is to develop the ability to heat treat sheet metal parts directly on the forming equipment without removing the part. Currently, after forming, the part needs to be heat treated separately, which can cause warping and require re-striking.

    The goal of this research is to enable heat treating of metal in place immediately after the forming process, eliminating the need for the part to travel to another shop and simplifying the re-striking process. This capability would also allow for manipulation of the heat treat state of the sheet stock prior to forming, reducing lead times and increasing efficiency.

    The project will involve characterizing the temperature-time profile of the metal, testing the mechanical behavior of treated parts, and selecting a heating technology that meets the requirements. A working prototype will be developed to heat treat the part on existing robotic incremental forming equipment.

    The Phase III of the project will focus on refining hardware and software for increased accuracy and reliability, with the aim of achieving a production-ready state for marketing to the Air Force, other federal agencies, and private industry.

    The project duration and funding specifics are not provided in the document. For more information and to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/.

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