Abstract: Apparatus for forming a flanged end on a tubular workpiece comprising a die having a throat therethrough connected at one end to an abutment surface of the die extending transversely on each side of the throat, a main frame connected to the die, a sub-frame mounted reciprocably on the frame longitudinally relative to the die, a pair of cheek pieces connected on the sub-frame and movable apart, and a wedge member mounted reciprocably on the sub-frame between the cheek pieces. The sub-frame is driven longitudinally relative to the main frame and the wedge member is driven longitudinally between the cheek pieces, whereby the cheek pieces can be separated by extending the wedge member longitudinally relative to the cheek pieces. The separated cheek pieces are then driven longitudinally towards the abutment surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming hollow, box-section, frame members which include localized reinforcement. The frame members are produced by fitting a sleeve about a tube, deforming the tube and sleeve to avoid the occurrence of frictional drag in a final die, and then expanding the tube and sleeve in a final die to form the hollow, box-section, frame member. The expansion is achieved by application of an internal pressure within the tube.

Abstract: A box-like frame member is formed by compressing an internally-pressurized tubular blank within a die having a cavity conforming to the final box-like cross section desired for the product, and increasing the pressure to exceed the yield limit of the wall of the blank to expand the blank into conformity with the die cavity. The blank is selected so that the final product and the die cavity have a circumference preferably no more than about 5% larger than the circumference of the blank, to avoid weakening or cracking of the blank through excessive circumferential expansion. The internal pressure forces the blank evenly into the corners of the die on closing and allows the blank to be confined within the die without sections of the die pinching the blank on closing of the die.