Abstract: The sheet metal blank to be press molded comprises a product section (W1) and a grip section (W2) disposed on the periphery of the product section (W1). The press molding device performs press molding on the product section (W1) while gripping the grip section (W2) with the upper die (11) and the lower die (12). A bead (W3) comprising alternately disposed indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D) is press molded beforehand on the grip section (W2) by meshing the indented corners (6, 8) and protruding corners (3, 5) formed on the lower die (12) with corresponding indented corners (7, 9) and protruding corners (2, 4) formed on the upper die (11). Consequently a preferable constraining force without reducing the radius of the indented sections (A, C) and protruding sections (B, D), thereby protecting the galvanized surface of the sheet blank from chipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming blanks having two thicknesses separated by a blank step includes a forming tool defining a binder surface that is characterized by a tool step, a first region on a first side of the tool step, a second region on a second side of the tool step, and a bead segment having a surface contiguous with the second region. The bead segment is configured to pinch material from a blank into any gap created between the tool step and the blank step caused by misalignment of the blank in the tool, thereby ensuring an effective seal to form the blank against a forming surface.

Abstract: An accelerator cam set is provided that initiates movement of a binder ring against the force of spring elements, such as nitrogen cylinders. The accelerator cam set is engaged by a ram cam block that engages a transverse cam block that is moved transversely, or horizontally, into engagement with a binder cam block. The accelerator cam set may be used with a stretch draw die, double pad stretch draw die, or inverted toggle die.

Abstract: A hydroforming machine characterized by a die 2 having an opening on the upper surface and a fluid tank 2a filled with fluid, a holder 3 being able to hold a periphery part between the die 2 and itself, a punch 4 being movable in a direction into or out for the fluid tank 2a, and a pressure controller 5 controlling the fluid pressure in the fluid tank 2a according to the position of the punch 4.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display with a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a layer that is different from a gate electrode so that the capacitor wiring is arranged in parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of adjacent pixels can be avoided, thereby obtaining satisfactory display images.

Abstract: A blank is stretch formed into a formed piece by bending the blank over a stationary punch. A draw ring has a step that cooperates with a pad ledge to create a step-ledge. The blank is bent with a reverse bend at the step-ledge. Subsequently, the step-ledge travels a short distance relative to the punch to stretch the blank material. Step-ledge travel is achieved by pre-charged cylinders that travel slightly in response to a force exerted on the draw ring and step-ledge by the press ram after the blank is bent into the reverse bend. The formed piece is cut along a plane through a wall thereof to make a finished piece. The finished piece free edge remains stable and in the same position as when in the press. Consequently, the free edge can be readily aligned with and welded to the free edge of a second finished piece.

Abstract: A forming apparatus and method for minimizing wrinkling in the forming of a three-dimensional component from a two-dimensional blank. The forming apparatus includes vertically opposed sets of tools or binders. A first tool or binder apparatus has first and second sets of opposed sides having contoured binder surfaces. A second tool or binder apparatus is mounted in vertically opposed relation to the first binder apparatus, and includes first and second sets of opposed tool or binder segments that have contoured binder surfaces thereon that are complementary in shape to the respective binder surfaces of the first and second sets of opposed sides of the first binder apparatus. One of the first and second sets of opposed binder segments of the second binder apparatus have substantially similar contours and the other have different contours. One of the first and second sets of opposed binder segments of the second binder apparatus is elevated and movable with respect to the other.

Abstract: A press and tooling apparatus for forming a preheated blank includes a heated upper tool and an opposing heated lower tool mounted within the press for relative closing movement to press the preheated blank there between. A binder ring assembly surrounds the lower tool and is mounted on the press for movement relative to the lower tool so at to bind the preheated blank to the upper tool in air tight sealing relationship in readiness for closure of the tools and application of pressurized gas to force the blank into contact with the upper tools. The binder ring assembly includes an upper ring that is heated so as to prevent the cooling of the preheated blank, and a lower ring that supports the upper ring and is fixedly connected to the upper ring by spaced apart connectors so as to minimize the heat transfer path from the heated upper ring to the lower ring.

Abstract: In a die cushion apparatus, a pressurizing force acting on a die cushion pad is applied to a first piston of a hydraulic cylinder unit by the operation of a slide, the first piston slides inside a first cylinder and pressure oil in a first hydraulic chamber is pressurized. The first hydraulic chamber is linked to a second hydraulic chamber of a booster cylinder unit via a second check valve, so that the pressure oil of the first hydraulic chamber is pushed out into the second hydraulic chamber. When the pressure of the first hydraulic chamber is applied to a second piston, the second piston slides inside the second cylinder and gas of a gas pressure chamber is compressed, whereby a surge pressure is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a press tool for reducing the relative speed at which a moveable sheet metal holder impacts against a press upper part for transmitting a working force or is separated therefrom on completion of pressing. The invention is characterised in that the force for acceleration of the sheet metal holder is transmitted from the press upper part by way of a mechanical transmission device fitted to the sheet metal holder in such a way that an initial movement is imparted to the holder before the press upper part comes to bear against the sheet metal fabrication and sheet metal holder, and that only then does the press upper part impact against sheet metal fabrication and sheet metal holder and for depression of gas-filled springs arranged adjacent to and supporting the sheet metal holder.

Abstract: A die set for press forming a metal sheet is provided, which comprises: at least a punch; and a die, wherein a punch-die clearance CL2 corresponding to a site to be formed immediately after the initial stage of press forming and a punch-die clearance CL1 corresponding to a site to be formed in the initial stage of press forming are set so as to satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2), respectively: 0.8×t?CL1?1.2×t ??(1) CL2?CL1+t ??(2) where t denotes the thickness of the metal sheet to be formed. This configuration implements a die set for press forming capable of stably generating the reverse bending deformed portion due to overrun even when the die radius is large, minimizing the phenomenon such as wall warp, and enhancing the dimensional accuracy in press forming of a metal sheet, and a press forming method using the die set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning opposed telescopically engageable cut ring and blank and draw die when mounted in a can body forming press to form non-round disc-shaped blanks which are subsequently formed into container bodies. A pair of opposed precision formed notches are formed in the peripheries of the spaced press components and a precision formed key is inserted into the notches. The key is then slidably removed from the notches. The notches are precisely located with respect to each other and to major and minor axes of the press components so that said major and minor axes align with each other when the key is seated in the notches.

Abstract: A forming tool (1) for hydromechanically deep-drawing workpieces from sheet metal blanks (2), the tool comprising a water tank (3), which acts as a lower tool and can be filled with a liquid active medium (8), thus forming the drawing die. The tool is also provided with a drawing ring (10), which is located in the upper section of the water tank (3) and is sealed against a volume of the active medium lying below. The boundary of the ring aperture (11) of the drawing ring (10) forms a drawing edge for the workpiece (2). The forming tool also comprises a drawing punch (9), which can be displaced with the sheet metal blank (2) interposed, through the ring aperture (11) of the drawing ring (10) into the section containing the active medium (8), whereby the sheet metal blank is pressed onto the drawing punch (9) using a reaction pressure as the application pressure, by means of a targeted displacement of the active medium (8).

Abstract: A self-contained die cushion assembly for use in a stretch-forming process involving heated tooling. A lower plate is mounted below an upper plate that undergoes different thermal expansion than the lower plate. Guidance devices are mounted between the upper and lower plates and include a guide post, a bearing sleeve circumscribing the guide post, and a cylinder circumscribing the bearing sleeve. The guide post is mounted in fixed relation to the upper plate, and the cylinder is mounted in laterally translatable relation to the lower plate to accommodate lateral relative displacement between the upper and lower plates due to different thermal expansion thereof, thereby preventing binding of the guidance devices.

Abstract: Sheet material is stamped between an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly. The lower die assembly includes a lower ring supported on a lower die for vertical movement. The ring cooperates with the upper die assembly in the shaping of the sheet material. Air cushion pins project through holes in the lower die and exert upward pressure on the ring. Guide pins guide the relative vertical movement of the ring. Each guide pin is secured in one of the holes in the lower die. Each guide pin has a tubular lower end portion adapted to receive one of the air cushion pins. A retainer and lockdown block is secured to each guide pin in either a ring retainer position or a ring lockdown position. The block is engageable with a retainer abutment on the ring when the block is in the ring retainer position to prevent the ring from separating from the lower die without interfering with the relative vertical movement of the ring during a stamping generation.

Abstract: A super-plastic forming tool for forming aluminum sheets is provided that includes a seal bead that is configured to facilitate removal of the aluminum sheet from the seal bead after a super-plastic forming operation. Contraction of the aluminum sheet at a faster rate than the super-plastic forming tool facilitates removal of the aluminum sheet due to the specific geometry of the seal bead. The seal bead has a more shallowly sloped outer surface than its inner surface and may be provided in different configurations including flat, convex, concave shapes.

Abstract: In a forming press, a blank is pressed formed into a press-formed workpiece by means of an upper die and a lower die, while a peripheral edge portion of the blank is clamped by means of a die and a blank holder insert of the forming press. Subsequently, a central portion of the press-formed workpiece is partially held by means of the upper die and the lower die so as to draw a peripheral portion of the press-formed workpiece away from the central portion thereof, thereby removing strain from the press-formed workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a press tool for reducing the relative speed at which a moveable sheet metal holder impacts against a press upper part for transmitting a working force or is separated therefrom on completion of pressing. The invention is characterised in that the force for acceleration of the sheet metal holder is transmitted from the press upper part by way of a mechanical transmission device fitted to the sheet metal holder in such a way that an initial movement is imparted to the holder before the press upper part comes to bear against the sheet metal fabrication and sheet metal holder, and that only then does the press uper part impact against sheet metal fabrication and sheet metal holder and for depression of gas-filled springs arranged adjacent to and supporting the sheet metal holder.

Abstract: A die set for press forming a metal sheet is provided, which comprises: at least a punch; and a die, wherein a punch-die clearance CL2 corresponding to a site to be formed immediately after the initial stage of press forming and a punch-die clearance CL1 corresponding to a site to be formed in the initial stage of press forming are set so as to satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2), respectively:

Abstract: A press die composed of an upper die having a concave part (with the peripheral surface of the opening of said concave part functioning as a first blank pressing face), a lower die having a convex part (to form the blank into a desired form in cooperation with said concave part), and a blank holder (which has a second blank pressing face), said press die working in such a way that said first blank pressing face and said second blank pressing face hold a blank between them while permitting it to flow into said concave part during pressing, characterized in that at least either of said first blank pressing face and said second blank pressing face has a roughened surface with a plurality of striated projections which are formed in the direction inclined in a range of −25° to +25° (preferably approximately parallel) toward the circumferential direction of the edge of the opening of said concave part.

Abstract: A gas cushion apparatus with a support member to hold a blank, gas pressure cylinders that push the support member upwards, a hydraulic cylinder whose upper rod is connected to the support member, a pneumo-hydraulic converter for secondary lifting with a piston that partitions the interior into an oil chamber communicating with the oil chamber on the side of the rod of the hydraulic cylinder and a gas chamber, a check valve that allows oil to flow from the oil chamber on the side opposite to the above-mentioned rod to the oil chamber on the side of the aforementioned rod, and a drain port communicating with the oil chamber on the side of the above-mentioned rod of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A press molding die capable of preventing a workpiece from moving is provided. The press molding die includes a punch for pressing a workpiece; a molding die having a molding surface on which the workpiece is placed and a concave portion which is formed on the molding surface and which has a shape corresponding to the punch; a pad for pressing a part of the workpiece placed on the molding surface and which is on the periphery of the concave portion; and a micro-rough layer which is formed by performing a particulate coating process on at least one of a portion of the pad, for pressing the workpiece, and a portion of the molding surface, corresponding to the portion of the pad. Preferably, the height of roughness of the micro-rough layer is 0.01 to 0.06 mm, and the particulate coating process is performed using a silicofluoric chrome plating solution.

Abstract: In a die cushion apparatus, a pressurizing force acting on a die cushion pad is applied to a first piston of a hydraulic cylinder unit by the operation of a slide, the first piston slides inside a first cylinder and pressure oil in a first hydraulic chamber is pressurized. The first hydraulic chamber is linked to a second hydraulic chamber of a booster cylinder unit via a second check valve, so that the pressure oil of the first hydraulic chamber is pushed out into the second hydraulic chamber. When the pressure of the first hydraulic chamber is applied to a second piston, the second piston slides inside the second cylinder and gas of a gas pressure chamber is compressed, whereby a surge pressure is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for providing real time measurements of draw-in for closed loop control of a metal forming process including an elongated sensor on one of the tools positioned in the proximity of the deformation zone and adjacent to an edge of a sheet metal blank being formed. The sensor includes coils disposed in a signal coupling relationship and during the forming process, a signal applied to one of the coils induces a signal in the coil, producing a response signal that varies linearly as a function of the amount of overlap between the sensor and the sheet metal blank as the sheet metal blank is drawn into the deformation zone. A feedback signal produced from the response signal is used to control a parameter of the forming process as a function of retreat of the edge of the sheet metal blank into the deformation zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal piece at an elevated temperature comprises a part having a binding surface configured to hold the metal during forming, wherein the binding surface comprises a porcelain enamel coating. The apparatus may be a superplastic forming process, and the binding surface may have an enamel coated seal bead that cooperates with a second binding surface of a second binding surface to form a seal about a perimeter of a metal sheet that is formed into a desired shape.

Abstract: An improved stamping die assembly is provided for controlling the flow of sheet metal during the draw forming process. The die assembly includes a textured die surface on the one or both sides of the binder mating surfaces that replaces conventional draw and lock beads. The textured die surface can be formed using direct metal deposition of a hard material, harder than the existing die surfaces, on the existing die base material to achieve an engineered textured surface. The textured die surface optimizes the performance of the die by enabling longer die life, higher coefficients of friction between the mating binder surfaces and reduction of wrinkles and stringers typically caused by draw and lock beads in the draw forming process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tool for regulating the surface pressure on a blank constituting a metal plate which forms the starting item for shaping a finished item in a press. The blank is placed between a draw ring (23) and a blank holder ring (24). Besides, the tool comprises a shimming plate (1, 5, 10) provided with chambers (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) which are delimited by the shimming plate itself and by a flexible membrane (27). The shimming plate is placed between a tool bottom part (17), alternatively a tool top part (16), and the blank holder ring, alternatively the draw ring. A pressure medium like hydraulic oil may be led to the chambers. Thereby it is possible locally and individually to increase the surface pressure on the blank depending on the number of chambers, the design of chambers and the location of the chambers in the shimming plate. Furthermore, it is possible to regulate the pressure during the shaping process itself.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a guide mechanism used to position and securely hold a sheet metal blank in a sheet metal forming press that is operated at high temperatures. A sheet metal blank is initially positioned in the forming press by resting the sheet metal blank on the highest portion of the convex surface of the lower tool member and counter balancing it with a blank loading device that includes a support hand to initially hold the blank. The guide apparatus comprises an engagement tool mounted to a beam that is slidably attached to guide supports. As the upper tool member drops, the engagement tool pinches and securely holds the sheet metal blank as the guide supports slide along the beam in sync with the downward movement of the upper tool member.

Abstract: An apparatus for stamping sheet metal is disclosed. The apparatus has a lower bolster having a number of air pins disposed at predetermined locations. A first die set having first and second die shoes and a stamping ring and cap are disposed on the lower bolster. The first and second die shoes are matable to form a stamped component. The second die shoe is coupled to the lower bolster so that at least one air pin is operable to apply force to the ring. The system further has third and fourth die shoes which are used to form a second stamped component. The third and fourth die shoes further have a second stamping ring and second cap. The system is such that the third and fourth die shoes can be inserted into the press after the first and second die shoes have been removed. It is not necessary to remove the air pins disposed in the lower bolster to change the die shoes.

Abstract: A process for hydroforming sheet metal, in which a blank (1) is secured with the help of a blank holder (2′, 2″, 2′″) on a matrix (4′) provided with a cavity (3′) for stamping the blank (1) with the help of a die (5′, 5″, 5′″) entering the matrix, characterized in that during the stamping phase, the play between the die (5′, 5″, 5′″) and the blank holder (2′, 2″, 2′″) is confined within a range of values preventing, between the die and matrix, the formation of a fold, as a function of one and/or the other of the following parameters: pressure of fluid in the cavity (3′) of the matrix (4′), and position of the die (5′, 5″, 5′″) relative to the matrix.

Abstract: A high precision, all-purpose, double action hydraulic press, which can control the speed, position, and parallelism of each slide, can conduct mold exchanges easily, and prevent the breakthrough phenomenon is provided with an outer slide 4, an inner slide 6, drive cylinders 8 and 9 which drive each of the slides, position detection devices 14 and 15 which detect the position of each of the slides, push pins 13, a damper cylinder 10 which prevents breakthrough phenomenon, and a die plate 5 which is equipped with push pins 13. By controlling the flow in the hydraulic pressure circuit which is connected to each of the drive cylinders, the speed, position, and parallelism of each of the slides are controlled.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to deep draw a blank into a manufactured article. The apparatus includes a die having a cavity to receive the blank being drawn into the product, a clamp adapted to apply an adjustable force against the blank during the drawing operation, and a mandrel comprising a plurality of nested tool segments, the tool segments independently extendable to engage and draw different portions of the blank into the desired product within the cavity.

Abstract: A forming press for external high-pressure forming is proposed, in which the fluid box (10) is arranged stationarily. Working cylinders (6) are integrated in the ram (2) so as to achieve a compact design, and the sheetholding and closing force is applied by short-stroke cylinders (7).

Abstract: A process and relevant tools for hot forming of high strength metal workpieces by means of applicating high density current to the workpiece directly and generating heat inside it by using its own electrical resistance in order to obtain desired temperature and formability at the desired moment of the forming process without requiring any external heat source or previous heating process. Temperature of the blank is measured by measuring its electrical resistance and by using linear correlation between temperature and resistance. This heating process can be applicated in several metal forming types such as high strength sheet stamping (FIG. 2, FIG. 3), bending (FIG. 3), blow forming (FIG. 4, FIG. 5) in accordance with mechanical operations of the relevant processes. High temperature rates can easily be reached and kept at the desired moment of the forming process without being effected by rapid cooling phenomena resulted by too much heat loss area/mass and heat storage capasitance of thin sheets.

Abstract: A press die comprises an upper die and a lower die each including a die main body; at least one first guide post projected on one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die; and a first product pressing member mounted on the one of the die main bodies so as to be slidable along a middle portion of the first guide post, at least one guide through hole through which a middle portion of the first guide post penetrates being formed in the first product pressing member. The die main bodies of both the upper die and the lower die and the first product pressing member undergo an alignment for each other through the first guide post by inserting a tip portion of the first guide post into a first guide hole formed on the other one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die.

Abstract: A press die comprises an upper die and a lower die each including a molding surface and a die main body; at least one first guide post attached to at least one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die from its molding surface side; and at least one product pressing member mounted to the die main body to which the first guide post is attached so as to be slidable along the first guide post, at least one first guide hole into which the first guide post is to be inserted being formed in the product pressing member from its molding surface side. The die main body and the product pressing member mounted to the die main body undergo an alignment for each other through the first guide post.

Abstract: In the present tool (2) for machining metallic, sheet-type molded parts (4), the tool (2) including at least one component (10-14) for exerting a force, at least one of the components (10-14) of the tool (2) is provided virtually parallel to the force-exertion direction of the component (10-14) with channel-like recesses (20) in a predetermined pattern, the recesses extending at least over a large portion of the length of the component (10-14) and having a predetermined cross section (38). These measures assure a uniform vertical pressure resistance that is attained with a low financial outlay. Consequently, the cost of machining the tool is reduced. The construction outlay can be reduced with simple, derivable construction rules.

Abstract: A color cathode ray tube comprises (i) a glass bulb comprising a substantially rectangular panel, on which phosphors of a plurality of colors are arranged, a funnel that is connected to a rear side of the panel, and a neck portion formed at a rear side of the funnel, in which an in-line electron gun for emitting an electron beam is arranged; (ii) a substantially rectangular shadow mask having a plurality of apertures that are arranged in correspondence with the phosphors on the panel; and (iii) a substantially rectangular mask frame having a wall portion that supports opposing skirt portions of the shadow mask. The surface of the shadow mask with the apertures is convex towards the panel. A central portion of the opposing skirt portion is convex in a direction of the tube axis on the side of the electron gun. Processing warps such as wrinkles in the skirt portions of the shadow mask are avoided, and a color cathode ray tube with good color rendition is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a method of deep drawing magnesium material, which material is superior in environmental compatibility and energy saving properties. The deep drawing method of the invention uses a die having a male mold 1 with a convex portion, and a female mold having a concave surface. In the method of the invention, a mounting table is placed between the male mold and the female mold for supporting a magnesium plate, and a layer of a plurality of thin resin films is placed on the magnesium plate. Further, a central portion of the magnesium plate is kept in contact with the convex portion 12 of the male mold, and the concave surface of the female mold is moved to cooperate with the convex portion of the male mold so that deep draw forming of the magnesium plate is achieved.

Abstract: Forming apparatus includes a binder with novel flow lock beads that engage edge portions of a sheet metal blank during metal drawing. In an initial step, the beads draw inner portions of the edge portions into a die cavity to partially form a component. In a second step, the beads are inserted into bead recesses in an opposing die, locking the edge portions in place and causing stretching of the metal in a final portion of the drawing stroke. Stresses in the resulting component are relieved by the stretching process which may be selectively used in forming a component with varying draw depths across its length.

Abstract: A method in which engineers having no experience and technical storage can preliminarily easily and accurately predict an amount of dimensional accuracy defect which occurs at the time of press-forming a metal sheet before press-forming without having expertise such numerical value simulations and mathematics. In predicting an amount of dimensional accuracy defect at the time of press-forming a metal sheet, as a stress-strain relationship, an elastic-perfectly plastic solid model having a fixed stress value after being yielded is adopted and a value which is equal to or less than a tensile strength and exceeds a yield strength is used as an apparent yield strength.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing cold formed shaped packaging having at least one recess made from a metal-plastic laminate 20. Examples of such shaped forms of packaging are the base parts of push-through packs or blister packs. The process is such that the laminate 20 is held between a retaining tool 5 and a die 1. The die 1 exhibits at least one opening 8 and a stamping tool 6 is driven into the die opening 8 causing the laminate to be shape-formed into the said packaging and, correspondingly, exhibiting one or more recesses. The die 1 and the retaining tool 5 exhibit facing edge regions 11,12, and within the edge region 11 the die 1 exhibits a shoulder region 13 that surrounds the die opening 8 or openings 8. The surface of the shoulder region 13 lies 0.01 to 10 mm lower than the surface of the edge region 11 of the die 1.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular tapered relief area extending from its clamping surface to an annular wall of a central opening formed in the draw pad for reducing the clamping force which is exerted on a peripheral edge of the disk blank as the draw horn advances into the die opening of the blank and draw die to form the cup-shaped member. The angle of taper of the relief area is generally in the range of 4° and 10°. This tapered area reduces excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: To hold the edges of a sheet metal blank during stamping or forming, such as stretch forming, a flange of the blank is clamped between faces of one of the dies and a binder which form a lockbead in the flange that restrains movement of the flange during the subsequent forming operation. A double V lockbead having three alternately angled sharp bends of near 90 degrees and one or two connecting bends totaling near 90 degrees provides improved locking performance, especially where the clamping surfaces of the die are sloped from horizontal. The legs or sides of the beads may have unequal lengths. The bend angles may be varied, in appropriate cases, within a reasonable range of from 75 to 120 degrees more or less as desired. Also, an additional angle or two, forming a third V could be used. The lockbead forming shapes are machined into the mating die and binder to form and retain the lockbead during the metal forming process.

Abstract: A noise-reducing structure of a processing machine reduces the noise generated when a movable member of the processing machine abuts against a workpiece located on a workpiece holder of the processing machine. The processing machine may be a drawing die including a punch, a blank holder fitted around the punch and vertically movably supported by a cushion pin, and a vertically movable die disposed to face the punch. The workpiece may be a thin plate which is placed on the blank holder. As the die is lowered, the thin plate is sandwiched between the blank holder and the die for drawing the thin plate by the punch. A lower die base plate is provided with a pivotable lever member for pushing the blank holder so that the blank holder begins movement before the die collides against the thin plate. An operation cam for driving the lever member is disposed at a position on the die facing the lever member, and the die collides against the thin plate on the blank holder after the blank holder is in motion.

Abstract: A cusp-shaped binder surface seal bead for a superplastic forming die or tool engages a sheet workpiece, especially an aluminum sheet, in a gas tight seal but displaces so little workpiece material that the formed sheet does not bond to the tool and is easily removed at the completion of the forming operation. The cusp shape may be truncated and the seal shape may incorporate adjacent valleys recessed in the otherwise flat binder surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an exterior body panel for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A silent structure for a drawing die, includes: a punch, a blank holder vertically movably supported by a cushion pin fitted over the punch, and a die disposed such as to oppose to the punch for moving the die up and down, in which a thin plate lifted by the cushion pin is placed on the blank holder, and the die is lowered to clamp the thin plate by the blank holder and the die, thereby drawing the thin plate, wherein a sub-blank holder is disposed between the cushion pin and the blank holder, a resilient material is interposed between the sub-blank holder and the blank holder, a run-up clearance is provided between the sub-blank holder and the blank holder, a run-up lever is rotatably mounted to the sub-blank holder for pressing the blank holder to allow the blank holder to run up before the die collides against the thin plate on the blank holder, an operation cam for driving the run-up lever is disposed on the die at a location thereof opposed to the run-up lever, and the die collides against the thin plate

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular outer rib which engages an opposed clamping surface of the die upon the peripheral edge of a disc blank moving around an inner radius of the die and into a cup forming cavity to maintain a space between the clamping surfaces of the draw pad and die of between 50% and 95% the thickness of the metal sheet to reduce excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: A drawing device for a press is provided with a drawing slide, with a sheet holder having a sheet held therein, and with a pressure cheek which is arranged under the sheet holder and is connected with a piston rod which can be displaced in parallel to the drawing direction. The piston rod is operatively connected with a preacceleration piston of a preacceleration cylinder. The drawing cylinders are applied to the pressure cheek by way of drawing rods, in which case the drawing cylinders have drawing pistons with first and second piston spaces. The first piston space directed to the drawing rod is pressure controlled during the drawing operation for the sheet forming. In the event of a press stoppage during a sheet forming, a control valve device can be activated so that, for maintaining the pressure existing in the first piston space at the start of the press stoppage during the time of the press stoppage, pressure medium can be charged into the first piston space by way of a pressure medium generator.