Abstract: A heat transfer plate comprises upper, center and lower end portions, the latter adjoining the center portion along an upper borderline and comprising first and second portholes and a distribution area having a distribution pattern. The distribution pattern comprises distribution ridges, a respective top portion of which extends in a plane and has rounded first, second, third and fourth corners. The distribution ridges extend along plural separated imaginary ridge lines from the upper borderline towards the first porthole. For each of a number of the distribution ridges extending along a top ridge line closest to the second porthole, the first corner's curvature radius is larger than the second corner's curvature radius, the first/second corners are on opposite sides of the top ridge line, the second corner is closer to the second porthole than the first corner, and the first/third corners are on the same side of the top ridge line.

Abstract: A tube straightening tool includes a tool housing having an exterior defining a tube entrance opening that opens into a first end of an internal cavity, and has an interior end wall at a second end of the internal cavity. The tool housing has an interior side wall extending from the tube entrance opening toward the interior end wall. A press block is in the internal cavity and a knob is external to the tool housing. A threaded shaft extends from the knob through the shaft opening into the internal cavity. The press block is coupled to the threaded shaft. Turning the knob moves the press block toward the interior side wall, and an exterior of a tube resting in the internal cavity is confronted by the press block and moved against the interior side wall. A method of straightening a tube using the tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A press die includes: a die base; a plurality of die members arranged on the die base so as to produce a forming surface; a plurality of shims each of which is interposed between the die base and each of the plurality of die members; and a frame that surrounds the die base, the plurality of die members, and the plurality of shims. Each of the plurality of shims has a hardness higher than the plurality of die members. A regulating means that carries out a regulation so that an amount of displacement of each of the plurality of die members caused by pressure applied during press forming becomes smaller in proportion to proximity of the die member to the frame is provided between the die base and the plurality of die members or provided on the die base.

Abstract: A die having adequate flexibility at an entirety thereof while maintaining rigidity of a design surface is presented. A die is a die for a machine press. The die is a die for pressing a work plate together with a contraposed die and forming the work plate into a target shape. The die is provided with a design block, a positioning block, and a plurality of rods. The design block has a design surface for transferring the target shape to the work plate. The positioning block is used for positioning the die relative to the contraposed die. The design block and the positioning block are connected by the plurality of rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an adaptive protective textile (3) in sheet metalforming, comprising non-woven material which is draped over the active surfaces of the sheet metalforming tool (2), wherein the surfaces of the sheet metal (4) are protected from contact with the surfaces of the tool (2) and the need for lubricant is eliminated.

Abstract: According to an implementation a method for manufacturing a pedal for a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprising inserting into a hollow profile a flexible yet substantially incompressible retainer member and subsequently applying one or more forces to an external surface of the hollow profile to induce a change in shape of the hollow profile from a first shape to a second shape. The substantial incompressibility of the retainer member inhibiting deformations in the internal wall surface of the hollow profile as the one or more forces are applied to the external wall surface of the hollow profile so that the internal wall surface is substantially free of deformations upon the hollow profile assuming the second shape, the flexibility of the retainer member allowing it to bend in the direction of the applied one or more forces to accommodate a change in shape of the hollow profile from the first shape to the second shape.

Abstract: According to an implementation a method for manufacturing a pedal for a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprising inserting into a hollow profile a flexible yet substantially incompressible retainer member and subsequently applying one or more forces to an external surface of the hollow profile to induce a change in shape of the hollow profile from a first shape to a second shape. The substantial incompressibility of the retainer member inhibiting deformations in the internal wall surface of the hollow profile as the one or more forces are applied to the external wall surface of the hollow profile so that the internal wall surface is substantially free of deformations upon the hollow profile assuming the second shape, the flexibility of the retainer member allowing it to bend in the direction of the applied one or more forces to accommodate a change in shape of the hollow profile from the first shape to the second shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a style line with a sharp radius in a metal with lower formability than that of mild steel is disclosed. The apparatus and method use a die set with a means to back a portion of the metal having the style line formed with a material that moves with the surface of the style line as it is formed. In one embodiment an elastic member backs the metal panel, and in another embodiment a fluid medium backs the metal panel where the style line is formed. The apparatus and method achieve sharper radius style lines in metals like aluminum, advanced high strength steel, and ultra-high strength steel than a traditional hard surface die set can achieve.

Abstract: A method of forming a stent includes the steps of forming a composite member into a stent pattern, forming openings through an outer member of the composite member, processing the composite member to remove a portion of the composite member without adversely affecting the outer member, and swaging the outer member to create a plurality of lumens. The composite member may be formed of an outer member with an hourglass-shaped inner member, wherein the processing step removes the inner member and the swaging step forms two lumens from the hourglass shaped cavity. The composite member may be formed of an outer member, an inner member, and an intermediate member, wherein the processing step removes the intermediate member and the swaging step presses portions of the outer member into contact with the inner member to form two lumens separated by the inner member.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing an expandable stent can include a plurality of movable members braided together to form a tubular member or main body portion. The movable members can at least partially define a lumen in the main body portion. The main body portion can be adapted to circumferentially apply an inward force as the diameter of the main body portion is reduced. The diameter of the main body portion can be reduced by moving opposing ends of the main body portion away from each other. An expanded expandable stent can be collapsed by positioning the stent inside the lumen of the main body portion and pulling opposing ends of the main body portion apart. An intermediate layer can be provided between the stent and the main body portion to reduce shear stresses and point forces on the stent.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe expanding apparatus of a thin wall stainless steel pipe in which a strain is not generated in a flange and a yoke, even when a pipe expanding rubber swells. The invention includes a flange which forms one inclined surface of a chevron shaped projection portion by internally fitting a thin wall stainless steel pipe, a yoke which forms the other inclined surface of the chevron shaped projection portion by being coupled at its one end side to the flange, and is coupled to a cylinder at its other end side, a guide rod which is coupled to a piston of the cylinder, and a pipe expanding rubber which is pinched between a step portion of the guide rod and a backup ring and expands the thin wall stainless steel pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet-material forming device and method which can be easily changed in response to modifications and changes in a target shape and which can implement forming even curved surfaces with edges or localized small radiuses of curvature.

Abstract: A press die holder holds an upper die with its receiving structure above the die body. This configuration allows the die to be removed from the holder in the configuration in which it will be loaded into the press. The operator does not have to flip the die over before loading the die into the press. The holder may be configured to hold a lower die with its receiving structure disposed below the die body. This also prevents the lower die from being flipped over when it is removed from the holder and loaded into the press. One configuration of the invention provides a holder having a pair of fingers that engage the pair of continuous grooves defined by the receiving structure of the die so that the die hangs from the fingers.

Abstract: A press punch for pressing a powder includes a generally cylindrical metallic body and a polyurethane layer disposed around the metallic body. The metallic body has a nominal outside diameter and a generally flat bottom face. The polyurethane layer is disposed around the metallic body such that a bottom of the polyurethane layer is flush with the generally flat bottom face of the metallic body and an outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is substantially the same as the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is greater than the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body.

Abstract: A multi-layer driver plate is disclosed for use in electromagnetic sheet metal forming operations. In one embodiment, the driver plate comprises a first layer characterized by low electrical resistivity and thickness for inducement and application of a suitable electromagnetic forming force, a second layer comprising an elastomeric material for compressing a sheet metal workpiece against a die surface and then regaining its original pre-forming structure, and a third layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer to protect the EMF force providing layer and to provide overall strength and durability to the EMF driver plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding tubular elements includes a tool body, an axially compressible expansion body mounted on the tool body such that the outer surface of the expansion body is substantially the same outer diameter as that of the tool body, and means for axially compressing the expansion body such that its outer surface is expanded beyond the outer diameter of the tool body.

Abstract: Provided herein are pressure modules for use with die pressing operations for stripping work pieces from individual dies. The pressure modules include a top plate and a transfer plate that is separated by a resilient member that is compressed when a die set is closed and which provides a restoring force when the die set is opened. The pressure modules are formed independent of the dies and supported relative to the ram or press-bed of the press. In this regard, transfer pins may be utilized to transfer the restoring force from the resilient member to a stripper mechanism. In another arrangement, a press is provided that allows the pressure modules to be removed from or inserted into the press without removing a die attached to the press.

Abstract: A pipe bending shoe including a support frame, a pipe channel defined by a first bending frame connected with the support frame and by a second bending frame connected with the support frame, and a plurality of flexible straps spaced along the pipe channel and spanning the pipe channel transversely between the first bending frame and the second bending frame in order to provide a transversely segmented pipe sling, wherein the pipe sling maintains a constant convex longitudinal sling profile during bending of a pipe using the pipe bending shoe.

Abstract: A duct-forming apparatus includes an apparatus frame, a forming piston assembly having a cylinder carried by the apparatus frame and a forming piston extendable from the cylinder. A duct-shaping assembly includes a form die having a form die interior and a forming surface provided in the form die interior; a forming assembly having a plurality of expandable forming sections provided in the form die adjacent to the forming surface; and a plurality of piston openings provided in the expandable forming sections, respectively, and adapted to receive the forming piston of the forming piston assembly. A duct-forming method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roll-forming or bending machine is provided for forming an angled or rounded and simultaneously tapered hollow body or similar workpiece from a material blank. The machine has at least one tapered roll and at least one counter element, between which a forming pressure can be applied to the material blank. The one counter element has an elastic surface and is constructed as a bending table for supporting the material blanks, so that the one or more rolls apply forming pressure on the material blank on the bending table. The bending table is guided so that it can move in the longitudinal direction and can rotate about a rotational axis, and the rolls can move perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, allowing a change in the relative position of the roll and rotational axis of the bending table caused by a rotational movement of the bending table to be compensated.

Abstract: A multi-layer driver plate is disclosed for use in electromagnetic sheet metal forming operations. In one embodiment, the driver plate comprises a first layer characterized by low electrical resistivity and thickness for inducement and application of a suitable electromagnetic forming force, a second layer comprising an elastomeric material for compressing a sheet metal workpiece against a die surface and then regaining its original pre-forming structure, and a third layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer to protect the EMF force providing layer and to provide overall strength and durability to the EMF driver plate.

Abstract: In a bending method of bending a pipe material of metal in pipe working, at first particles are fed into a flow passage of the pipe material, the particles being removable in a liquid phase. The pipe material with the particles is bent. The particles in an at least partially liquid phase are removed from the pipe material, to clean the flow passage. The particles are meltable, or soluble in dissolving liquid. Specifically, in the removing step, the dissolving liquid is supplied into the flow passage, the particles are dissolved in the dissolving liquid, and compressed air is blown in the flow passage to eject the fluid obtained by dissolving the particles in the dissolving liquid. The particles are granulated sugar, and the dissolving liquid is warmed water.

Abstract: A curved surface forming apparatus includes a first member to be curved; a second member which is placed with a distance from the first member and holds the first member; and a pressurizing mechanism which pressurizes the first member and the second member to curve at least a part of the first member toward at least the second member.

Abstract: A method for the production of a packaging for a CD-like storage medium, by means of a lower die, with a recess and an upper die with a working stamp corresponding to the recess. A card of deep-drawable material is placed between the upper and lower die and an elastic body is placed between the card and the lower die or between the card and the upper die.

Abstract: A system for pushing or punching out deformations in automotive components. The system consists of a support frame, a top rail on a support frame, a hydraulic press that may be suspended at any point along the top rail of a support frame, a mounting surface and a tool head assembly for attaching to the hydraulic press. The system provides a press assembly that is portable and allows quick and easy repair of a damaged automotive component. The system provides the user with increased flexibility to modify the position and alignment of the tool assembly for positioning at the center of the deformation and thereby increasing the accuracy with which a user may restore the original shape of the automotive component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a die assembly and tooling, which includes a draw bolt and coaxially disposed expandable element. When control of the apparatus is initiated the die assembly and draw bolt retract or move down over the work piece until the die assembly is seated in the die holder. The draw bolt continues to move down which causes the elastomer insert to expand and push the work piece outwardly forcing the work piece to conform to the contour of the die assembly creating the desired transition diameter.

Abstract: A sheet metal bending brake having a frame with a sheet metal support surface. A clamping jaw is movable relative to the frame support surface to clamp the sheet metal between the clamping jaw and the frame. The clamping jaw has a linear front edge. An elongated bending arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by an elongated flexible strap having spaced apart edges. One edge of the strap is secured to the bending arm while the other edge of the strap is secured to the frame such that the bending arm extends parallel to and closely adjacent the clamping jaw front edge.

Abstract: A device for processing a thin metal foil and provided with a frame plate (7) for a die (16), a guide plate (10) for a punch (11), and a guide arranging for the die (16) and the punch to cooperate in the desired manner for the purpose of processing a thin metal foil by the die and the punch. The guide consists of at least two hinge elements (8, 9), each connected by means of an elastic line hinge (4, 5) with both the frame plate and the guide plate, the line hinges allowing only a pivotal motion in substantially the rectilinear displacement. The frame plate, the guide plate and the guide are manufactured from a single block (1) of material, in which the frame plate, guide and guide plate connected by the elastic line hinges are formed by the provision of bores (3), slits (6) and/or recesses (2).

Abstract: A tool pack assembly for use in the manufacture of two piece metal can bodies. The tool pack assembly of the present invention is constructed and arranged for use in a body maker assembly to form parts of metal cans. The tool pack assembly of the invention includes an improved die module structure. The improved die module includes compressible dampening structures to thereby float a die element to center and align the metal body with the die element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a packaging for a CD-like storage medium, by means of a lower die, with a recess and an upper die with a working stamp corresponding to the recess. The invention further relates to the following method steps—a card of deep-drawable material is placed between the upper and lower die and an elastic body is placed between the card and the lower die or between the card and the upper die.

Abstract: A system for pushing or punching out deformations in automotive bumpers while removed from the vehicle body. The system consists of a support frame, a top rail on a support frame, a hydraulic press that may be suspended at any point along the top rail of a support frame, a mounting surface and a tool head assembly for attaching to the hydraulic press. The system provides a press assembly that is portable and allows quick and easy repair of a bumper. The system provides the user with increased flexibility to modify the position and alignment of the tool assembly for positioning at the center of the deformation and thereby increasing the accuracy with which a user may restore the original shape of the bumper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion tool for expanding tube ends. The expansion tool has an expansion mandrel and a counter-support, said expansion mandrel consisting of a tow-bar and an elastic rubber expansion element surrounding it. The counter-support supports the expansion element on the base extremity and radially surrounds it at a distance. In order to improve an expansion tool of the above-described kind, the tow-bar is anchored in a bolt fastening element and the counter-support can be impinged upon via a pressure bar element that projects beyond the bolt fastening element in the longitudinal direction of the tow-bar.

Abstract: A die roll 3 comprises a core part 3a which is formed of an elastic material and faces a punch part 2a of a punch roll 2. The core part 3a presses a bottom portion 4b of a drawn portion 4a of a metal material 4 and is separate from a surrounding die part 3b and is provided with a space 3c at the whole outer periphery of the core part 3a. In accordance with the above configuration, swelling is suppressed at the bottom portion 4b of the drawn portion 4a and production of large wrinkles, which is a reason for folds, can be prevented by increase of pressing areas for preventing wrinkles at both sides of the drawn portion.

Abstract: A bending press for bending metal plates for the production of large diameter pipe has an articulation for the upper die member which reduces bending moments as applied to the bending sword or ram. The articulation can be between the upper die and the foot of the bending sword and a second articulation can be provided between the bending sword and the head of it affixed to the head of the press.

Abstract: A flexible retainer for retaining die blades in a tool assembly. The retainer comprises inner and outer walls with the inner wall being generally concentric with and radially spaced inward from the outer wall. The inner wall defines a central opening in the retainer which is configured and adapted to extend radially around the die blades so that the retainer retains the die blades in the die assembly while allowing radial movement of the die blades. The retainer may have at least one channel that extends axially between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A roll-forming tool for deforming a flange cap from a splayed configuration to engage a vehicle flange, the tool includes a polymeric contact surface disposed about a rigid drum. The polymeric contact surface can be in the form of a sleeve and integrally formed to the metal drum, or alternatively, the sleeve can be removeably attached to the drum for allowing replacement. The drums can be metal and configured for eccentric rotation relative to a corresponding drive shaft, thereby accommodating further variations in flange thickness.

Abstract: A method and tool for forming a hem flange pre-hem and a final hem on a sheet metal panel wherein elastomeric tooling elements are used to apply radial compression during a forming operation. The elastomeric tooling elements are compressed and apply pressure to a side of the sheet metal panel, for example an aluminum panel, that is stretched during a forming process step. A foil layer may be placed between the sheet metal blank and the elastomeric tooling element to reduce friction and further improve forming performance.

Abstract: In press forming including ironing, an elastically deformable material is used for a part of ironing die contacting to the work material under a higher pressure than designed, for taking the formed product out from the die easily in a case that the ironing die and the formed product are very close in size to each other, and thereby improving the efficiency of production.

Abstract: A flexible retainer for retaining die blades in a tool assembly. The retainer comprises inner and outer walls with the inner wall being generally concentric with and radially spaced inward from the outer wall. The inner wall defines a central opening in the retainer which is configured and adapted to extend radially around the die blades so that the retainer retains the die blades in the die assembly while allowing radial movement of the die blades. The retainer may have at least one channel that extends axially between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: Vibration damping apparatus (40) includes a body in the form of backup roll balance piston (42) positionable for sliding movement in an enclosure in the form of cavity (44) in the lower backup roll chock (30) of the mill stack (10). The body of the piston is a casing which performs the role of a conventional postion. A damping means is integral with the piston (42) for providing vibration damping of opposing backup roll chocks (24, 30). The damping means is a specially designed absorption system to provide tuned stiffness and damping elements which act in parallel and are located in compartment (46) at an uppermost end or cap of the piston (42). A second vibration absorbent compartment portion (56) of the piston (42) also includes vibration absorbing components. Portion (56) is an integral cap located at the end of the piston (42) in contact with the fluid (52).

Abstract: A sheet metal forming tool is designed to remove raised eyebrows surrounding dents in the body of a vehicle before the dent itself is pulled back to a flush configuration. The tool comprises a pneumatic hammer driver provided with a special attachment having a body and a plastic head. The head is formed of plastic and is configured to define a ring-shaped support base that surrounds a dome-shaped hammer pad. A hammer within the tool impacts the back of the hammer pad at a frequency of between 2000 and 5000 impacts per minute, each impact moving the hammer pad slightly outwardly with respect to the plane of the support base. In use, the head is placed over an eyebrow to be treated with the support base resting on the surface surrounding the eyebrow and the hammer pad overlying the eyebrow. The tool is then actuated and moved along the eyebrow until it is bent back down flush with the surrounding surface.

Abstract: A swaging die assembly includes a plurality of die segments and a plurality of compressible spacing elements. Each die segment has a work surface for contacting a workpiece and is movable in a first direction. Each compressible spacing element is interposed between an adjacent pair of compressible spacing elements. Each compressible spacing element is configured to exert a separation force between the adjacent pair of compressible spacing elements. At least one of the compressible spacing elements constructed of polymeric material.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a large area sheet metal part, in particular a body component for a vehicle, from a flat blank, provides that one sided pressurization with an active medium in a forming tool gives the flat blank a prestretched preform, and that then the preform, removed from the forming tool, is formed into the final shape in a separate deep drawing tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing a galvanized tube, in which two sizing stations are used. A first sizing station having at least one sizing roll is used for sizing the tube prior to the galvanizing process. A second sizing station is then used, the station having at least one resilient sizing roll which is used for sizing the tube after the galvanizing process. By using a first sizing stand, which does most of the sizing work, the rolls in the second sizing stand need not pull the galvanized tubes with as much force. The advantage of the present invention is that cooler temperatures, faster mill speeds, and less cosmetic flaws in the finished galvanized product are seen, due to the lower force applied by the second sizing stand rolls to the galvanized product.

Abstract: A press brake die holder for holding a press brake die having an upper, work-contacting surface and a lower, elongated tang. The die holder has an elongated body having a slot defined by opposing walls, the slot being configured to receive the tang of the press brake die. One of slot walls has a cavity opening into the slot toward the other slot wall, and a resilient plug is received in the cavity and protrudes into the slot toward the other wall. As the tang is received in the slot, the resilient plug contacts and urges the tang resiliently into contact with the other slot wall to restrain the tang from wobbling in the slot.

Abstract: An economical method of producing a press-forming die is disclosed wherein a master die and a master punch are relatively reciprocated with a full stroke and a shorter stroke to produce a press-formed panel and a half-pressed panel. After an elastic material is applied to one surface of the half-pressed panel, the press-formed panel is fitted over the master punch, and the half-pressed panel is forced against the press-formed panel with the elastic material facing away from the press-formed panel, whereby the half-pressed panel is shaped into a die panel complementary in contour to the shape of the press-formed panel. A back-up material such as high-strength cement is then applied to the rear surface of the die panel whereby a press-forming die is produced.

Abstract: An economical method of producing a press-forming die is disclosed wherein a master die and a master punch are relatively reciprocated to produce a press-formed panel. A working surface of the master die is cut down by a predetermined cutting depth, and the press-formed panel is fitted over the master punch. While a second blank sheet having a thickness equal to the cutting depth of the master die working surface is placed between the master die and the press-formed panel fitted over the master punch, the master die and punch are relatively reciprocated whereby the second blank sheet is press-formed into a die panel. A back-up material such as high-strength cement is then applied to the rear surface of the die panel whereby a press-forming die is produced. A method of producing a press-forming punch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet metal dent removing device for combining a drill and a slide hammer used for removing dents. The sheet metal dent removing device includes an electric drill. The electric drill includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a peripheral wall extending between. A handle extends from the peripheral wall and is positioned generally adjacent to the proximal end. An actuating means turns the electric drill on and off. A shaft is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaft extends into the distal end of the body. The electric drill is adapted to rotate the shaft. A drill bit has a first end and a second end. The first end tapers to a point and the length of the drill bit is threaded. A coupling means removably couples the drill bit to the second end of the shaft. A slide hammer comprises a tubular member having an aperture extending therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring (20) is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling. A compact biasing arrangement is used to simplify maintenance of the tooling and reduce the need for accurate alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling.