The Group Rhodes factory in WakefieldWakefield-based
Group Rhodes, one of the UK’s largest OEMs, has been granted patents in Europe and China for its industry-leading Superplastic Forming (SPF) and Diffusion Bonding (DB) technology, which is used in the production of large, complex components. It involves the diffusion bonding of multiple layers of titanium sheet at selected points, which can then be superplastically formed using inert (argon) gas to inflate the sheets into the shape of a hollow die.
This process is extremely temperature- and pressure-sensitive and allows for the creation of more complex shapes, no spring back and significantly higher elongation, when compared other traditional metal-forming methods.
At the point the ambient temperature argon-forming gas is admitted into the heated component, the gas expands, increasing its volume and hence its pressure if not adequately controlled. The new Group Rhodes patent enhances the control of this process by compensating for atmospheric pressure.
Applied extensively to the lightweighting of components within the aerospace and automotive industries, Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding play an integral part in performance improvement, carbon reduction and effective implementation of low-emission technologies.
Peter Anderton, technical director of Group Rhodes, said: “This new innovation serves to enhance Superplastic Forming accuracy, reduce scrappage and improve productivity. The recent grant of patents in Europe and China reinforces Group Rhodes’ position as a leading global provider of this technology.”
Group Rhodes, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024, has been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing the SPF/DB process for over 40 years and actively manufactures and markets its ‘state of the art’ machinery to both domestic and global markets. The company has extensive capabilities in the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and can provide turnkey solutions.