Abstract: The embodiment of the present disclosure provides fluid bulging equipment for thin plate parts, which includes a main mechanism, a left mold opening mechanism and a right mold opening mechanism located on both sides of the main mechanism, a left mobile working platform, and a right mobile working platform. The main mechanism includes a main frame and a main oil cylinder located under the main frame. The main oil cylinder is connected to a master cylinder mold-locked booster cylinder through an oil circuit block. A hydraulic control system is arranged above the main mechanism. An ultra-high pressure generating device is arranged in the hydraulic control system. The ultra-high pressure generating device is connected to the master cylinder mold-locked booster cylinder through a pipeline. The hydraulic control system is also connected to the left mold opening mechanism and the right mold opening mechanism.

Abstract: A forming device includes a fluid supply unit that is disposed at an end portion of a metal pipe material and supplies a first fluid to an inside of the metal pipe material via an opening of the end portion, in which the fluid supply unit includes a surrounding portion that surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the end portion and at which an annular groove portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface facing the outer peripheral surface, an annular sealing member disposed in the groove portion, and an operating portion at which a pressurizing force that pressurizes the sealing member toward the outer peripheral surface is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pressure expanding a tube to fit a heat exchanger fin are disclosed. The systems can include one or more pressure relief devices, and each pressure relief device can be configured to release at least some pressurized fluid via a respective auxiliary flow path in response to a pressure of the pressurized fluid being greater than a predetermined pressure relief threshold.

Abstract: A forming device that forms a metal pipe by blow forming includes: a gas supply part that supplies a gas to a metal pipe material to expand the metal pipe material; a die attachment part to which a die that is brought into contact with the expanded metal pipe material to form the metal pipe is attached; a gas discharge part that discharges the gas from the metal pipe material; and a pressure detector that detects a pressure of the gas, the gas supply part includes a gas compression part that compresses the gas, and a supply line that transfers the gas compressed by the gas compression part to the metal pipe material, the gas discharge part includes a discharge line that transfers the discharged gas, and the pressure detector is provided in each of the supply line and the discharge line.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include providing a preform being formed of a work hardened metal. The preform may have an open portion, a closed end portion, and body portion. A multiple segment mold may be closed around the preform. The preform may be blow molded by causing a step-like change in pressure within the preform to cause the preform to take a shape defined by the mold. The molded preform may be removed from the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed are a double water pipe manufactured via hydroforming and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: inserting an inner pipe into an outer pipe made of steel, the inner pipe being made of a corrosion resistant material selected from among stainless steel, titanium and aluminum, and having a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the outer pipe; placing the outer pipe on a die unit and sealing opposite ends of the die unit with sealing members each having a through-hole connected to a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the inner pipe; supplying the fluid to the inner pipe to perform plastic expansion of the inner pipe and elastic expansion of the outer pipe; and discharging the fluid from the inner pipe to allow frictional coupling between the inner pipe and the outer pipe through elastic restoration of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include providing a preform being formed of a work hardened metal. The preform may have an open portion, a closed end portion, and body portion. A multiple segment mold may be closed around the preform. The preform may be blow molded by causing a step-like change in pressure within the preform to cause the preform to take a shape defined by the mold. The molded preform may be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method for hydroforming a tubular blank comprising the steps of at least partially closing the die portions of a die about a tubular blank, introducing a hydraulic fluid into the tubular blank at a first pressure, substantially closing the die portions about the tubular blank, partially opening the die while at least initially maintaining the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and substantially closing the die portions at least a second time.

Abstract: A pipe diameter expansion apparatus includes: a hollow cylindrical member that can be placed in a pipe filled with water, and through which a coolant medium having a lower temperature than a freezing point of the water flows from one end to the other end; at least two plate-like fins provided to protrude outward from the cylindrical member; and a cold-heat insulator that is provided between the two fins, and reduces cold-heat transmission between inside and outside the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An end plunger for end feeding during a hydroforming process (such as tube hydroforming) has at least one releasable seal. The effect of the releasable seal is that it avoids pressurizing the blank in a nip area, thereby reducing friction and wear, and allowing increased end feeding with a given end feeding force. The releasable seal may be actuable, for sealing or releasing. The plunger may be modular or monolithic. A kit and method may incorporate the end plunger.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a metal vessel may include providing a preform formed of a work hardened metal that includes an open portion, a closed end portion, and body portion. The body portion of the preform may be preheated in a manner that limits heat being applied to the open portion and closed end portion of the preform. The preheated preform may be blow molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for explosive forming of workpieces, comprising an ignition chamber and an ignition mechanism, wherein an explosive agent can be ignited at an ignition location in the ignition chamber using the ignition mechanism, and an ignition chamber outlet is provided, to be improved such that the ignition mechanism has a longer service life. The aim is achieved by a device wherein an impact breaker is provided in the propagation path (37) of the detonation wave.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic forming tool having one or more electrodes for forming parts with sharp corners. The electrodes may be moved and sequentially discharged several times to form various areas of the tube. Alternatively, a plurality of electrodes may be provided that are provided within an insulating tube that defines a charge area opening. The insulating tube is moved to locate the charge area opening adjacent one of the electrodes to form spaced locations on a preform. In other embodiments, a filament wire is provided in a cartridge or supported by an insulative support.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a part from a workpiece including a hollow portion, using a mandrel and a conventional press such as a stamping press includes filling the hollow portion of the workpiece with a mandrel material and transforming the mandrel material to form a mandrel. The mandrel material is removable from the formed part and may be recycled to form a mandrel for another workpiece.

Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a control circuit in a power plant is provided. The quality of the control circuit is continuously assessed by determining characteristic quantities describing the quality by applying a plurality of testing methods suitable for describing dynamic properties of the control circuit to current operating data originating from the instrumentation and control equipment of the power plant, and by evaluating the characteristic quantities.

Abstract: A method of forming a product via induction heating and forming of the product includes providing an induction heating coil for induction heating of a component and providing a die forming shell for supporting the component and for defining the final shape of a formed product formed from the component. The die forming shell includes a metallic material. A support structure is provided for supporting the die forming shell during the induction heating of the component. The support structure includes a metallic material. The support structure includes insulating portions to limit or substantially preclude inducement of electrical current through the support structure during the induction heating process. The component is inductively heated along its length while the component is in the die forming shell. The component is at least one of (a) heated before the formed product is formed and (b) heated while the formed product is formed.

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: A method of hydro-forming an elongated tubular member that has areas of predicted high strain and areas of predicted low strain. The tubular member is initially deformed into a preliminary preform shape by compression in a preform die. Metal in the areas of predicted low strain is stretched during the preforming process by radially deforming the tube between two halves of the preform die. The preliminary preform is then expanded with internal hydro-forming pressure to form a preformed tube. The preformed tube is then hydro-formed into a final die to form the final shape for the part. The extra metal in the areas of low strain is stretched into the areas of high strain in the final hydro-forming operation.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular member with portions having finished corners formed in a hydroforming operation by initially forming a pre-form that includes sharp corners. The pre-form includes bulges of the tube material between the sharp corners that flow toward the intended corner locations as the tubular member is hydroformed. The bulges may be external ribs or internal recesses.

Abstract: A hot bulge forming die apparatus forms a preheated tubular material 10a into a tubular material 10d. The hot bulge forming die apparatus includes a lower die 21B having a cavity surface 211B and an upper die 31B having a cavity surface 311B. An elongated hole 215 is formed in a circumferential edge portion 215 of the lower die 21B so as to extend outwards, and a projection 315 is formed on a circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B so as to fit in the elongated hole 215. When the dies are clamped together, the projection 315 formed on the circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B fits in the elongated hole 215 formed in the circumferential edge portion 214 of the lower die 21B.

Abstract: The object is to raise the yield by greatly eliminating the disposed amounts of the tube ends, prevent wrinkles due to closing the mold while applying internal pressure, cutting the plurality of steps of hydroforming and pre-processing of the tube ends, cutting the mold costs by simplifying the mold mechanism, and obtaining a hydroformed product formed with a flange along its entire length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayered tube, including: preparing an outer tube, an inner tube having an outer diameter of 95˜98% of an inner diameter of the outer tube, and dies with a shaping void having a diameter of 100.20˜100.

Abstract: The object is to raise the yield by greatly eliminating the disposed amounts of the tube ends, prevent wrinkles due to closing the mold while applying internal pressure, cutting the plurality of steps of hydroforming and pre-processing of the tube ends, cutting the mold costs by simplifying the mold mechanism, and obtaining a hydroformed product formed with a flange along its entire length.

Abstract: Disclosed are a double water pipe manufactured via hydroforming and a method of manufacturing the same via hydroforming The method includes (a) inserting an inner pipe into an outer pipe made of steel, the inner pipe being made of a corrosion resistant material selected from among stainless steel, titanium and aluminum, and having a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the outer pipe; (b) placing the outer pipe on a die unit and sealing opposite ends of the die unit with sealing members each having a through-hole connected to a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the inner pipe; (c) supplying the fluid to the inner pipe to perform plastic expansion of the inner pipe and elastic expansion of the outer pipe; and (d) discharging the fluid from the inner pipe to allow frictional coupling between the inner pipe and the outer pipe through elastic restoration of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A hydroformed product obtained by integrally working a metal pipe material by cold plastic working, which product (x) has a bent part at least at one location, (y1) has, at least at one location of the bent part, an expanded part of dimensions of a direction toward the outer side (or inner side) of the bend in a cross-section vertical to a pipe axis and a direction vertical to that direction of at least 1.35× of a circle equivalent diameter of an end of the metal pipe, and (z1) has an inner side (outer side) of the bent part of substantially the same radius of curvature.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic forming tool for forming a sheet metal blank in a one-sided die has first and second rigid rings that engage opposite sides of a sheet metal blank. The rigid rings are contained within slots on a die portion and a hydraulic force applicator portion of the forming tool. The seals are either resiliently biased by an elastomeric member or inherently resiliently biased into contact with the blank.

Abstract: Articles are often formed from a tubular workpiece in a process which does not usefully shape the ends of the tube. In an embodiment of the invention, tube ends may be mechanically reduced in cross section and then expanded against a secondary forming surface(s) using an electromagnetic force to obtain desired shapes for the tube ends and minimize scrapping of workpiece material.

Abstract: Method for bending tubular articles with a relative ratio of the bending radius (R) and the outer diameter (D) of the finished pipe which is less than 3, comprising the following steps: forging an article made of material with a predefined composition depending on the final use and with a predefined length (L) in the longitudinal direction and an outer diameter (D); providing a die having an asymmetrical bottom die half with seat for the pipe; and a top die half with punch asymmetrically arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-X) with respect to the vertical center axis of the die; heating the article in an oven to the required temperature for forging depending on the specific composition of the material; positioning the article inside the bottom die half in the longitudinal direction; closing of the two die halves so as to start bending of the article; opening the die; and extracting the bent article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the internal high-pressure forming of components from tubular workpieces, in particular microcomponents, comprising an at least two-part mould, in which a workpiece can be placed, and means for sealing and/or applying pressure to the workpiece at the ends of the workpiece, in which device at least one guide (11) is arranged on the mould (2a, 2b), on which guide a carriage (12) is displaceable, which carriage carries means (4, 5) for sealing and/or filling/applying pressure to a workpiece end (1a), wherein a carriage (12) is displaceable by means of a drive (13, 15) which is arranged separately from the at least one guide (11) and is coupled to the carriage (12) at least essentially such that it is free from transverse forces.

Abstract: A hydroform die includes a plurality of seal units to provide fluid to die cavities. The plurality of seal units each define a piston cylinder. A piston is located within the cylinder and is selectively moveable between an open and a closed position. Additionally, the piston at least partially defines a valve chamber located on a first side of the piston and a piston chamber located on a second side of the piston. A piston fluid passage is defined by the piston to fluidly connect the valve chamber and the piston chamber.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic forming tool having one or more electrodes for forming parts with sharp corners. The electrodes may be moved and sequentially discharged several times to form various areas of the tube. Alternatively, a plurality of electrodes may be provided that are provided within an insulating tube that defines a charge area opening. The insulating tube is moved to locate the charge area opening adjacent one of the electrodes to form spaced locations on a preform. In other embodiments, a filament wire is provided in a cartridge or supported by an insulative support.

Abstract: A tubular preform is contracted in an electro-hydraulic forming operation. The tubular preform is wrapped with one or more coils of wire and placed in a chamber of an electro-hydraulic forming tool. The electro-hydraulic forming tool is discharged to form a compressed area on a portion of the tube. The tube is then placed in a hydroforming tool that expands the tubular preform to form a part.

Abstract: According to a bulging device and a bulging method using a profile element pipe, for example, even when a profile steel pipe having a cross sectional shape varying in the axial direction as in a tapered pipe is hydraulically bulged, a bulging in which an internal pressure loading and an axial pressing are combined with each other can be performed to provide a larger expansion ratio than a conventional case and a joining and socket connection thereof to the other part can also be easily performed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of shaping a metallic hollow member in a shaping tool (1, 20, 50) at increased temperature and under internal pressure, said hollow member (5) protruding at one end at least from said shaping tool (1), the configuration of the tool mold and/or the shaping parameters acting onto said hollow member being selected in such a manner that said hollow member (5, 59) substantially keeps its original shape outside said tool (1, 20, 50), with said tool being heated in the region of the cavity and a tool, said tool being completely made from a homogeneous ceramic material with the component part being heated inductively, the cavity having a tribological additional coating in order to minimize friction of the component part against the wall and/or the affinity of the component part with the material of the cavity wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a can body (2) which is characterized in that a film piece (3c) is cut from a film web (3b), said film piece (3c) is wound up on a winding spindle (7) from its front edge to its rear edge and is maintained on the winding spindle (7) so that it somewhat overlaps. The film piece (3c) is transferred from the winding spindle (7) to a concave inner surface (11a) and the film areas of the front edge and the rear edge resting against each other are sealed with each other on the concave inner surface (11a) in the area of overlapping (14). According to the invention, a closed film piece (3d) can be transferred without complication onto a can body (2), thereby conferring on the can body (2) the function of the stable structure and on the film piece (3d) the function of the décor or the inner barrier in such a manner that both functions can be optimized in a substantially independent manner.

Abstract: A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a preform is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). A molding unit (20) includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, with inner surfaces (56) of the respective mold halves shaped to produce a desired container profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform. The air pressure forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the shape of the container to a desired profile. After the shaping operation is complete, the pressurized air is withdrawn from the container, the mold halves are moved apart from each other, opening the mold.

Abstract: Method wherein a) a container (1, 6) is placed in a two halves mould (2) having an internal shaped wall (21), b) an internal pressure P of a fluid is build up so as to shape the skirt (12), is characterized in that an external pressure P?of a fluid is applied in an upper space (101) contiguous to an external or upper surface (100) of the open top end (10) and/or in a lower space (141) contiguous to an external or lower surface (140) of the shaped bottom end (14), so as to have, during the span of time ?t, a pressure difference ?P|P?P?1 low enough to prevent any distortion of the shaped open top end (10) and/or the shaped bottom end (14), so as to form a shaped metallic container (1?, 6?). An apparatus for carring out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydroforming seal and method includes a nozzle having both a radially expandable O-ring seal and a conical tapered surface for separately sealing with the bore of the tube. The O-ring seal is expanded to seal the tube and pressurized fluid is added sufficient to support the interior of the tube while the dies are closed so that the tube is thereby bent and forced into the die cavity without collapse or injury to the tube. The O-ring seal is then contracted to a non-sealing position and the conical tapered surface provides metal-to-metal sealing while the higher hydroforming pressure is applied to expand the tube. The nozzle also has a radial shoulder that engages the end face of the tube so that advance of the nozzle feeds the tube into the die.

Abstract: A bulging apparatus has a heating station, a tube expanding station, a preforming station, and a main forming station. A straight tube as a workpiece is gripped by first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms, and delivered between the stations as the first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms are displaced. During a preforming process and a main holding process, both the first holding mechanisms and second holding mechanisms can be lifted and lowered vertically and can be moved horizontally.

Abstract: A method for producing low-springback half shells made of a metal, in particular steel or a steel alloy, includes drawing in at least one drawing die a blank, such that the blanks have flange regions on the deep drawn body after the deep drawing. The flange regions are shaped by upsetting a corner substantially perpendicularly to a wall of the deep drawn region of the blank and the flange regions are subsequently trimmed in a shearing die, such that half shells without margins are produced.

Abstract: A bulge forming method includes arranging a raw material tube inside a die having an inner surface shape, in which plural crest portions and root portions are alternately formed, and providing a rod inside the raw material tube in the axial direction of the raw material tube, and the rod has a pressurized liquid supply opening. The bulge forming method further includes providing a pair of sealing portions so as to have the pressurized liquid supply opening therebetween, and the sealing portions seal a space between the raw material tube and the rod. The bulge forming method further includes moving the rod in the axial direction while applying compressive stress to the raw material tube in the axial direction and supplying a pressurized liquid from the pressurized liquid supply opening into the raw material tube, whereby the raw material tube is formed into the shape of the inner surface of the die.

Abstract: A hydro forming apparatus comprises a lower base; a lower mold mounted on the lower base and provided with an U-shaped lower cavity; an upper mold provided with a U-shaped upper cavity corresponding to the lower cavity and configured to be coupled with the lower mold; an upper base mounted on the upper mold and configured to be coupled with the lower base; and an adjusting unit for adjusting the shape of the U-shaped lower and upper cavities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby components are arranged in a mounting device, outside an internal high-pressure forming press, in accordance with their position and their function, such that they are linked to one another. The mounting device comprises an upper part and a lower part including cavities identical to the cavities of the internal high pressure tool. Once the components have been installed, the mounting device is introduced in the internal high-pressure press, then the upper part or the lower part of the mounting device is withdrawn, the part of the mounting device remaining in the internal high-pressure press being displaced against the upper tool or the lower tool. For the forming process, the components are maintained in a part of the tool by depression or by clamping, then the part of the mounting device is removed from the internal high-pressure press, thereby ensuring high precision positioning of components. Additionally, the production rate is substantially increased.

Abstract: A molding unit (20) for use in a can shaping process. Container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a blank is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). The molding unit includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, and an inner surface (56) of each mold half is shaped to produce a desired can profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform and forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the preform into a desired container profile. The height of the preform tries to contract as its sidewall expands, but a force imparted to the preform by the pressurization unit controls the direction of any contraction so to prevent distortion of the container.

Abstract: A method allowing for the fabrication of tubular structures, such as structural members used in vehicle bodies, from two or more metals or other materials using a hydroforming process. Being able to use two or more metals or other materials, such as, for example, high-strength steel and low-weight aluminum alloy, in body structure design allows for achieving an optimum material solution which combines the desirable attributes of the different materials.

Abstract: A closing machine includes left and right chuck spindles (20) for driving a work piece (9) to rotate, a chuck spindle moving device (30) which moves the respective chuck spindles (20) in a horizontal direction orthogonal to a rotary axis O20 thereof, and left and right slide stoppers (34) for restricting the movement of the chuck spindles (20). The work piece (9) is introduced into each chuck spindle (20), and the chuck spindle moving device (30) moves the respective chuck spindles (20) until the movement of the respective chuck spindles (20) is stopped by the respective slide stoppers (34). During a closing operation, the rotary axis O20 of the chuck spindle (20) and a rotary axis O4 of a die (4) are offset in the horizontal direction by an offset S.

Abstract: A method for the production of a hollow section from a blank, wherein the blank is introduced between two coreless halves of a die which have a desired section shape and can be displaced relative to one another and the blank is formed into a slotted hollow section by a closing movement of the halves of the die, includes preventing edges of the blank from sliding ahead during the closing movement of the die. A device for the production of hollow sections, which device has two coreless halves of a die which are positioned displaceably relative to one another and optionally a base plate, the halves of the die having the desired section shape of the hollow section which is to be formed includes means which, when the coreless halves are closing, prevent edges of a blank from sliding ahead to produce a slotted hollow section.

Abstract: A profile mother pipe for hydraulic bulging of the present invention has a peripheral length whose outer diameter is gradually increased or decreased from one end to the other end in an axial direction. In the profile mother pipe, a holding portion whose peripheral length is increased toward a pipe end face on one end side can be formed on at least one end side and a parallel portion can be formed on the other end side where the holding portion is not formed. In a working apparatus and method in which the profile mother pipe is used, pressing working can be performed from the pipe end toward the axial direction, even in use of the profile mother pipe whose sectional shape is largely varied in the axial direction. Therefore, an expansion ratio larger than ever before can be obtained in a hydraulic bulged product to which hydraulic bulging is performed.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Abstract: A process for forming a tubular member is provided which includes a pre-forming process for tube-expanding (bulge) forming and bending forming a tubular material using first and second molds and a final forming process for crush forming a preformed tube using a third mold so as to give its cross section a desired shape, the pre-forming step being carried out using the first and second molds heated at temperatures equal to or higher than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material and the final forming step being carried out using the third mold heated at temperatures equal to or lower than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material. The process enables a tubular material of aluminum alloy to be formed into a tubular member of high precision and high quality which has expanded portions as well as bent portions and whose cross section varies across its length.