The development of Hot Stretch Forming (HSF) by Cyril Bath was in response to airframe designers needing to use Titanium airframe components in new commercial aircraft. New aircraft currently under build by Boeing and Airbus will utilize the benefits of carbon fiber, reinforced plastic (CFRP) fuselage skins. Many of the airframe component structures are designed to fit against the inside radius of the fuselage curvature. By combining traditional stretch forming technology with hot titanium forming techniques, the new HSF technology was developed over a three year research and development project by the Cyril Bath Company. This new forming technology allows design engineers to develop a variety of titanium airframe components using titanium profiles that will be curved to a specific and precise radius, prior to final machining.
HSF technology is cost effective, repeatable, and available to be used for immediate production in volumes to meet aircraft build rates; now and in the future. The HSF process saves material and machining time, which are two serious cost issues for today’s aircraft manufacturers. In addition, the process allows for consistent quality in a productively efficient manner, assuring the sustainable attainment of delivery and build schedules.

A general description of the HSF process will be discussed with interested customers after executing a standard and mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement. The discussion will include stretch press designs, press control and heating systems, metallurgical issues, and tooling issues. The benefits of this process include controlling and minimizing residual stress. This allows for consistent machining of the parts without unpredictable movement during and after machining or shot peening.