SUPERPLASTIC ALUMINIUM FORMING.

Superform Metals Ltd, a subsidiary of British Alcan Aluminium, has pioneered the commercial development and application of superplastic aluminum alloys. Whereas sheet metal parts offer various advantages to the constructor, the investment in tooling is expensive and sheet metal forming is mainly used for mass production where the tool costs can be amortized over large quantities. Superplastic parts are competitive for small series when tool costs play an important role. This is particularly true when large, complex components are required. Mention is also made of a lay-up of sheets of fiber-reinforced plastic placed between superplastic aluminum diaphragms.