MULTICELL Heaters Power Hot Expander Forms For Titanium Parts Problem: Forming titanium aircraft parts required a two-step process: mechanical forming at room temperature and thermal-conditioning in a furnace. The recent increase in demand for titanium parts has created a demand for faster cycle times. Solution: A new hot forming hydraulic expander permits simultaneous forming and thermal conditioning of titanium aircraft engine casings. By using Watlow ® multicell heaters and ceramic insulation to keep temperature profiles uniform along the part, the expander can maintain tighter control of the part's physical dimensions. Three MULTICELL heaters, operating at 1350°F (730°C), slip-fit into holes bored into each of the hot expander's dies. A closed loop electronic control system monitors si

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