Graphite forging die

Claim 2

In an apparatus for forging a high strength alloy, which is in a temporary condition of low strength and high ductility, in hot die means at an elevated temperature, the improvement which comprises: die means comprising graphite having a compressive strength at room temperature of at least 10,000 psi.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 in which the die means comprises graphite having a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi at room temperature.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 in which the graphite is in molded form.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 in which the graphite is in woven and sintered form.

Claim 6

In a forging process wherein a high strength alloy in a temporary condition of low strength and high ductility is deformed in hot die means at a temperature which will maintain the alloy in said condition until the desired shape is produced, the improvement which comprises: deforming said alloy in hot die means comprising graphite having a compressive strength at room temperature of at least 10,000 psi.

Claim 7

In a forging process wherein a high strength alloy in a temporary condition of low strength and high ductility is deformed in hot die means at a temperature which will maintain the alloy in said condition until the desired shape is produced, the improvement which comprises: deforming said alloy in hot die means comprising graphite having a compressive strength at room temperature of at least 10,000 psi.

Claim 8

The method of claim 5 wherein said die means comprise graphite having a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi at room temperature.

Claim 9

The method of claim 5 wherein the graphite is in molded form.

Claim 10

The method of claim 5 wherein the graphite is in woven and sintered form.

Claim 11

The method of claim 5 wherein a nonoxidizing atmosphere is maintained around the die means during heating and forging.

Claim 12

The method of claim 5 wherein the alloy is deformed at a strain rate of 0.1 in/in/min or less.

Claim 13

The method of claim 5 wherein said alloy is adapted to gas turbine engine use.

Claim 14

The method of claim 11 wherein said alloy is a nickel-base superalloy.

Claim 15

In a method of fabricating an article from a high strength alloy billet wherein the billet is worked compressively to place the alloy in a temporary condition of low strength and high ductility, forged in hot die means at a temperature which will maintain the alloy in said condition and heat treated to restore the alloy to its normal condition of high strength and hardness, the improvement which comprises: forging the billet in hot die means comprising graphite having a compressive strength at room temperature of at least 10,000 psi.

Claim 16

In a method of fabricating an article from a high strength alloy billet wherein the billet is worked compressively to place the alloy in a temporary condition of low strength and high ductility, forged in hot die means at a temperature which will maintain the alloy in said condition and heat treated to restore the alloy to its normal condition of high strength and hardness, the improvement which comprises: forging the billet in hot die means comprising graphite having a compressive strength at room temperature of at least 10,000 psi.

Claim 17

The method of claim 13 wherein said die means comprise graphite having a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi at room temperature.

Claim 18

The method of claim 13 wherein the article is a gas turbine engine part.

Claim 19

The method of claim 13 wherein the alloy is adapted to gas turbine engine use.