General description: Hot forming allows the near-net forming of shaped or contoured parts from exotic, unforgiving metals and alloys that do not exhibit superplastic characteristics. Hot Forming is typically used for shaping complex parts with simple bends or gentle contours like aerospace stiffeners, automotive brackets, angles, shrouds and ducts. The finished parts are produced from a single sheet or piece of material and are effectively stress relieved during the process, thus eliminating post-formed spring-back. - Down-Acting construction, the press frame working area is fully enclosed by retractable, insulated heat shields providing full access both front and rear. - Operating temperatures up to 1800°F. - Heated platen material options include metallic (RA330/333, Supertherm) or ceramic (fused silica), both with multi-zone temperature profiling for optimum uniformity and control. - Precise control of closing speeds, position setpoints, forming rates and forming tonnage.