US3727489A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Die-making process
Assignee: Japan Kinoko Research Center Foundation
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Filing: 1971-03-17
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Granted: 1973-04-17
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Expires: 1991-03-17
Abstract
Abstract A die-making process using electrical-machining techniques, i.e., EDM and/or ECM, whereby a die master is first prepared having a surface configuration closely complementary to that of a desired die-surface pattern and a contour corresponding to that of the article to be produced. Upon the die-master surface and in intimate contact therewith, an electrically conductive die-facing layer is formed by electrodeposition or by a high-energy-rateforming (shockwave-forming) system. This layer is then used as an electrical-machining electrode for machining a conductive block of backing material to impart thereto a configuration complementary to the surface of the machining electrode or the layer thereby preparing a backing body for the latter. The machined body and the layer are matingly engaged and bonded together, the surface of the layer originally in contact with the die master surface forming a desired die surface for use. The layer is, preferably, two laminated layers, formed of materials adapted for die use and for use as an electrode in the electrical-machining step.
Inventors
- 👤 K Inoue
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:55
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21D; B21D26/00; B21D26/02; B21D26/06; B21D26/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A process of making a die comprising the steps of preparing a die master having a contoured surface complementary to that of the die to be produced, applying upon said contoured surface a layer with a forming surface in intimate contact with said contoured surface, said layer at least along the region of said forming surface consisting of a material selected to constitute the exposed surface of the die to be produced, thereafter electrically machining a conductive block with the opposite surface of said layer as a machining electrode to impart to said block a machined surface of a configuration complementary to that of said opposite surface to form a backing member, and bonding said machined surface and said opposite surface together in mating engagement thereby forming a unitary die with said exposed surface of said layer constituting the surface region of the die and said layer being supported by said backing member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A process of making a die comprising the steps of preparing a die master having a contoured surface complementary to that of the die to be produced, applying upon said contoured surface a layer with a forming surface in intimate contact with said contoured surface, said layer at least along the region of said forming surface consisting of a material selected to constitute the exposed surface of the die to be produced, thereafter electrically machining a conductive block with the opposite surface of said layer as a machining electrode to impart to said block a machined surface of a configuration complementary to that of said opposite surface to form a backing member, and bonding said machined surface and said opposite surface together in mating engagement thereby forming a unitary die with said exposed surface of said layer constituting the surface region of the die and said layer being supported by said backing member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said layer is applied upon said contoured surface by electrodeposition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
The process defined in claim 2 wherein said die master is composed of an electrically conductive material and said layer is electrodeposited upon said contoured surface by juxtaposing the latter as one electrode and a counterelectrode in the presence of an electrolyte therebetween adapted to form said layer and passing an electrodeposition current between said electrodes through said electrolyte to cathodically build up said layer upon said contoured surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
The process defined in claim 2 wherein said die master is composed of electrically nonconductive material, said layer being electrodeposited upon said contoured surface by initially forming a thin film of electrically conductive material thereon adapted to constitute a cathode of an electrolytic deposition system, juxtaposing said film and a counterelectrode as anode in the presence of an electrolyte therebetween adapted to form said layer and passing an electrolytic deposition current between said film and said counterelectrode to cathodically build up said layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process defined in claim 3 wherein said die master is composed of a material selected from the group which consists of graphite and a metal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process defined in claim 4 wherein said die master is composed of a material selected from the group which consists of a wood, gypsum and plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The process defined in claim 1, wherein said layer applied upon said contoured surface comprises two sublayers, of which one adjacent to said contoured surface consists of a material selected to constitute the forming surface and the other consists of an electrode material adapted for use as said machining electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process defined in claim 7 wherein said electrode material is selected to undergo a minimum amount of electrical erosion during electrical machining of said block.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said layer is applied upon said contoured surface by impact-forming a plastically deformable sheet material against said contoured surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The process defined in claim 9 wherein said layer applied upon said contoured surface comprises two sublayers, of which one adjacent to said contoured surface consists of a material selected to constitute the forming surface and the other consists of an electrode material adapted for use as said machining electrode surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical machining is electrical-discharge machining.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical machining is electrochemical machining.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said die master forms a part of an electrode holder for the formed layer as the latter is used as said machining electrode, and said die master is removed from the formed layer after preparation of said backing member by electrical machining.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein said die master is removed from said formed layer before the electrical machining therewith.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process defined in claim 1 wherein a fluid coolant is held in contact with said formed layer along the surface opposite to that used as said machining electrode surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3445617A
Cited
US3584179A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |