Abstract: A tool is provided for notching an end of a pipe. A punch is provided with a first cutting edge opposite a second cutting edge. The punch is coupled to a punch holder which is configured to move vertically relative to a collar supported upon a base. A pipe support provides a preferred form of die to hold the pipe adjacent the punch. The pipe support includes a first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge which can be selectively presented for supporting the end of the pipe adjacent the punch. The first cutting edge and second cutting edge of the punch can be selectively provided for cutting the notch in the pipe. The punch and pipe support are preferably both re-orientable to select various different edges for supporting and cutting the pipe.

Abstract: A tool assembly which is adapted to perform a cutting operation and also a beveling operation on a pipe. There is a rotary power saw which has rotary drive member to which a saw blade can be mounted. There is a bevel section having a mounting member that connects to the rotary drive member, and a bevel member. There is a locating surface portion around the axis of rotation of the bevel member, and an end lateral locating section and an apex end of the bevel member. The bevel section can be removably connected to the drive member of the power saw.

Abstract: A tool for beveling the end of a pipe is comprised of a hollow, tubular body having a central, longitudinal axis of rotation, an inboard coupling end, and an opposite outboard working end. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely directed latching pin bores of equal size are defined through the wall of the tubular body. A core member is disposed coaxially within the tubular body. The core member includes a beveling cutter head and a longitudinal stem having a radially inwardly directed, circumferential latch position groove. A transversely oriented latching pin is engaged in a selected one of the latching pin bores in the body and with the latch position groove of the core stem. This allows alternative selection of each of the latch position bores for insertion of the latching pin. The particular bore selected determines the longitudinal position of the core stem latch position groove within the body that will be aligned with the latching pin.

Abstract: The triple action cam die set has an upper die, lower die and a cam system that works on multiple axes. A feeder delivers tubes sequentially to a loading station from where the tube is moved to a work station where the ends of the tube are cut and then the cut tube is moved to an exit station. The upper die has pairs of first, second and third drivers, each driver having a caming surface thereon. The lower die has a pair of cutter holders with cutters located opposite the ends of the tube when located at the work station. The cutter holders have first, second and third cam surfaces thereon which are sequentially engageable by the cam surfaces provide on the first, second and third drivers when the upper die is cycled.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and a device for creating a hole on the outer circumference of a hollow profile which is circumferentially closed and under an internal high pressure, before hole-punching, a punch which is integrated in the internal high pressure forming mold such that it can be guided butts against the location of the hole to be created. When it leaves its position of abutment, the punch creates a punched slug there alongside the hole. To make it possible for holes to be punched at virtually any desired location in hollow profiles in the internal high-pressure forming mold in a simple way, it is proposed that the hole-punching takes place by the punch being moved in the guiding bore of the forming mold by the internal high pressure acting together with a driving element, the body axis of which lies approximately at 90° in relation to the hole punch axis and which for its part is driven in a rotary manner and/or translatory manner in the axial direction.

Abstract: A blow molded container (10) having a trimmed nonround opening (12) is blow molded from a preform (36) and then positioned by a positioner (50) of a nonround trimmer (16) that includes a rotary driven arm assembly (56) having a knife holder (60). A guide (66) guides the knife holder (60) in a nonround path to perform the trimming.

Abstract: A drain line re-perforator device for punching holes in clogged drain pipe sections in a sewage disposal system is provided. The re-perforator device includes an outer cylindrically-shaped housing member and a dual-actuating ram assembly disposed concentrically within the outer housing member. Three equally spaced-apart angled bracket members are mounted hingedly on the peripheral surface of the outer housing member and includes a punch bit positioned for outward radial movement. The ram assembly is formed of a cylinder and a piston rod. The piston rod is moved in a reciprocal motion from a retracted position to a an extended position so as to cause the angled bracket members to pivot outwardly and the punch bits to move outward radially for punching holes in the clogged drain pipe sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to pipe preparing tools, and more particularly to a novel pipe preparing tool suitable for cutting, scoring or penetrating a surface of a plastics pipes.

Abstract: A device for punching work pieces in an internal high-pressure forming tool includes a punching die guided displaceably in a bore of the forming tool. The device also contains a drive with which the punching die is moved back and forth between the in-use position and the non-use position. In order to facilitate, in a simple and space-saving manner, the punching of work pieces in the internal high-pressure forming tool, the drive contains a pressure fluid and a pressure transfer device that can be elastically expanded via the pressure fluid between a base firmly attached to the tool and a punch head of the punching die. The pressure transfer device abuts a partition at least indirectly at the punch head.

Abstract: A pipe-cutting device comprising a portable support; a device for rotating said pipe relative the support; a cutter associated with said support for cutting the pipe during rotation of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a required threaded hole is formed in a hydroformed part with a single tool while the part remains in a hydroforming die cavity. In forming the threaded hole, a hole is first pierced in the wall of the part and then an annular region of the part extending about the hole is extruded inwardly to form an integral tubular neck defining a hole of predetermined depth. The hole is then expanded in a sizing operation to a diameter determined by the required thread to be formed therein by material displacement and the required thread is then formed in the wall of the hole in a material displacing manner.

Abstract: In a method for separating a flat pipe section of aluminum or an aluminum alloy from a solder-coated, thin-walled flat pipe section member for producing a clean, bur-free separating cut, the solder coating is first mechanically removed from the flat pipe section member at a predetermined separating location and, subsequently, the flat pipe section member is cut with at least one sharp cutting blade at the predetermined separating location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing a nanotube, comprising the steps of: causing a selective solid state reaction between a selected part of a nanotube and a reactive substance to have the selected part only become a reaction product; and separating the nanotube from the reaction product to define an end of the nanotube.

Abstract: In a cabinet having vertically extending side members (5) forming part of a chassis of the cabinet, panel mounts (1), also to extend vertically in the cabinet and to have panels mounted thereupon, are mountable to the side members (5) by integral members (3) which extend parallel to the outer face of the panel mount (1) at a spacing from the outer face and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the panel mount (1), i.e., horizontally. The integral members (3) are engaged in respective apertures in the side members (5) or in braces (7) extending between the side members (5) followed by forward or rearward movement to effect securement, retaining means such as pins or studs then being inserted in aligned bores (8, 9) in the panel mounts (1) and side members (5) to prevent return movement.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an endovascular support device comprises positioning a generally tubular member made of an implantable metal and having a generally cylindrical wall in a working relationship with a laser beam. A desired pattern is cut in the generally cylindrical wall in order to produce a stent having a plurality of openings and a plurality of edges. The stent is tumbled in a medium to round its edges and, in turn, to produce more rounded cross-sections of stent elements.

Abstract: A hydrotapping power unit is disclosed that is operable to position and hold a hydrotapping tool in a home position adjacent a part while the part is being hydroformed in a die cavity, to then advance the tool to pierce a hole in the hydroformed part while the part remains in the die cavity and under pressure and then continue to advance the tool to inwardly extrude the part about the hole, to then further advance while also rotating the tool so that the tool is fed at a feed rate equal to the thread pitch of the tool to thereby form a thread in the pierced hole, and finally to retract while also rotating the tool but in the reverse direction and at the same feed rate to release the tool from the threaded hole.

Abstract: An automated tube trimming system accurately trims tubes to the correct height and angle. The tube trimming system is a combination of an automated trimming saw and a unique spherical tube clamping system. A spherical clamp having a fixed clamp section and an internal swivel portion is used to clamp a tube at an appropriate angle for cutting in an automated tube trimming saw. The spherical clamp may be tightened onto the tube at an angle appropriate to provide the correct mating cut to easily weld to a second mating tube section or fitting. Conventional methods cut perpendicular to the direction of the tube, thereby requiring time consuming and labor intensive grinding and deburring. The ability to provide accurate and simple formation of trimmed tubes may be useful in a wide variety of industries where the movement of air and fluid through tubes is performed.

Abstract: A duplex pipe (10) is cut with a cutting tool (30), for cutting connecting ribs (13) from the end face of the duplex pipe (10) which is held with an outer pipe (11) chucked (rib cutting step). The duplex pipe (10) is cut from the end face of the duplex pipe (10) up to the portion thereof corresponding to the exposed length of the inner pipe (12) to thereby form a slit (21) in the outer pipe (11) and connecting ribs (13) (slit forming step). The cutting tool (30) has a guide hole (31) into which the inner pipe (12) can be inserted while guiding the inner pipe outer peripheral surface (12a), a cutting device (32) for cutting the connecting ribs (13), and a guide pin (33) which can be inserted into the inner pipe (12) while guiding the inner pipe inner peripheral surface (12b).

Abstract: The machine comprises: a conveyor system for continuous supply of a tube at a constant velocity and in a longitudinal direction of the tube; a cutting slide which bears a shearing device predisposed to section the tube transversally and in successive tracts thereof; elements for activating which impose a linear alternating motion on the cutting slide without stopping, between an initial position and a final position along a parallel direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. The motion comprises an outward run, at least a tract of which occurs in synchrony with an advancement of the tube and during which the tube is sectioned, and a return run, following which the cutting slide is brought back to the initial position. Both the outward return runs comprise an acceleration tract, a constant velocity tract and a deceleration tract.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for producing paper roll products with spaced core sections. A core substrate is arranged on a mandrel, and then divided into a plurality of core sections. The core sections are then separated from each other on the mandrel to form gaps between the core sections. Paper web material can then be wound onto the separated core sections to form a log of rolls. The log is then cut into final paper roll products.

Abstract: When a tube is to be cut into a plurality of sections, a tube feed assembly is operated to rotate the tube and to move the tube along its longitudinal central axis into a work station. The tube and a mandrel move into a telescopic relationship at the work station. The tube feed assembly presses an end of the tube against a stop surface on a stripper at the work station. A plurality of knives are moved into engagement with the tube to cut the tube. Relative movement between the stripper and mandrel separates the sections of the tube from the mandrel. A scrap end section of the tube is directed to a scrap receiving location. Other sections of the tube are directed to a product receiving location.

Abstract: A reversible linear hydraulic drive system for a bidirectional supported shear having an adjustable stroke length. A method for improving the quality of the tube ends after shearing using a reversible partial orbital path is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turret assembly for receiving and holding lengths of re-cut tubing cut or sheared from a longer-length workpiece by a re-cut device. The turret assembly includes a motor, a plate and a plurality of accumulator members. The accumulator members are supported by the plate in essentially parallel, spaced-apart relationship to receive a predetermined quantity of lengths of re-cut tubing from the re-cut device. The plate is rotated by the motor. A stripping device having a stripping collar and a linear actuator can strip tubing from the accumulator members. A stacking element can collect stripped tubing from the accumulator members and stack tubing in a container.

Abstract: A machine with a cutting device includes a stationary bar-cutter blade and a slicing blade which cooperates with and is displaceable in relation to the bar-cutter blade. The slicing blade is a closed circular blade. The bar-cutter blade is a half blade and cooperates with a centering and clamping piece, which is displaceable in relation to the bar-cutter blade, to form together a slotted round blade. The centering and clamping piece can be controllably displaced between a centering position, in which, during operation, the bar to be cut is centered without clamping of the bar; a released position, in which the centering and clamping piece is completely removed from the bar, and a clamping position, in which the centering and clamping piece clamps the bar.

Abstract: An automatic tube shearing system of the type requiring no shearing blades comprising an automatic two-stage tube feed mechanism and a bladeless shear. The feed mechanism comprises a tube loader, a pinch roller type initial drive, a selectively engageable main roller drive and an intermittent drive including a gripper which operates in a precision fashion to feed tube through the shear apparatus. The shear apparatus is of the type requiring tooling, both externally and internally of the tubing to prevent deformation during the bladeless shear operation. The internal tooling comprises a mandrel having a position stabilization rod extending along the tube end feed path and equipped with a pair of spaced apart latches which operate in a complemental fashion to permit tube lengths to be fed onto the mandrel rod and later fed through the shear without ever unlocking the stabilization rod and losing the proper positioning of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of forming expandable downhole tubing (10) comprises the steps of: providing a tubing section (12) of a first diameter; forming apertures in the tubing section (12); and then reducing the diameter of the apertured tubing section.

Abstract: A method for cutting a honeycomb core which has a plurality of hollow tubular cells, wherein the method includes the steps of: filling or coating a hollow tubular cell of the honeycomb core with a resin composition that is in a gel state at an ordinary temperature; cooling the resin composition to a solid state; cutting the hollow tubular cell together with the resin composition in the solid state; allowing to stand or heating the resin composition to a gel state; and removing the resin composition in the gel state from the hollow tubular cell.

Abstract: A method of saw cutting relatively thin walled metal tubing in a relatively burr free fashion by causing the cutter blade to move through a path of travel which maintains an essentially tangential relative motion vector between the saw teeth and the tube wall at the place of engagement during some or all of the movement of the blade center around the tube center. Both ring blade and disc-type saws are disclosed and a two axis displacement system using digitally controlled ball screw actuators is provided.

Abstract: An improved centrifugally-cast tube is provided, along with a related method and apparatus of making the tube. The tube includes a plurality of grooves and bosses that are mechanically machined into an interior surface of the tube, such as by a broaching process. The profile of grooves and bosses may be defined by a plurality of intersecting concave and convex radii. The tube is resistant to creep, carburization and metal dusting. The tube also has an enhanced heat transfer rate, and a desirable surface roughness. A method of making the tube is also provided. The method essentially consists of mechanically deforming the interior surface of the tube by passing a series of cutting inserts on support rings having incrementally-differing dimensions over the interior surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of slits in a tube includes first, forming a plurality of grooves in the pipe by operating a grooving punch along the length of each of the slits to be made. Then, each slit is formed in the pipe by operating a hole-making punch. The punch has ends at an acute angle and the punch is recessed from the ends toward the center thereof. In view of the fact that each groove is formed beforehand in the surface of the pipe and that the corresponding slit is made while moving the hole-making punch slowly from the ends, a large load is not exerted on the pipe and therefore the pipe is not crushed, burrs are not generated and the cutting chip is removed.

Abstract: A reversible linear hydraulic drive system for a bidirectional supported shear having an adjustable stroke length. A method for improving the quality of the tube ends after shearing using a reversible partial orbital path is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing holes on the circumference of a hollow section situated in an internal high pressure forming tool uses the action of a punch integrated in the forming tool. A desired breaking point is formed on the hollow section, which follows the edge contour of the operating face of the punch; and after the withdrawal of the punch, the hollow section material surrounded by the desired breaking area, acted upon by internal high pressure, is extracted from the hollow section from the inside to the outside, forming a hole. In order to produce holes on the circumference of hollow sections, in which the shape of the outer circumference of the hollow section is maintained, the wall of the hollow section is weakened to form an unstable thin area. The punch penetrates into the wall of the hollow section at an internal high pressure which corresponds to the forming pressure for forming a hollow blank inserted in the forming tool.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for perforating multiwall polymeric cylindrical tubing, a drill head is slidably mounted for reciprocating movement on a support frame between inlet and outlet stations, the drill head having at least one drill for forming an opening in the wall of a length of unperforated tubing. The unperforated tubing is advanced along an axial path and a length thereof positioned in the drill head. The drill head and unperforated tubing are advanced simultaneously from the inlet to the outlet station, in unison and at the same speed, and without clamping the tubing. During this movement, the drill is actuated whereby to form an opening in the tubing material. At the outlet station, the perforated tube material is discharged from the drill head and the drill head is returned to the inlet station receive the next succeeding section of unperforated tubing and repeat the process.

Abstract: A hydroforming assembly has a plurality of die structures that are mounted on a press for reciprocating movement between open and closed conditions. The die structures have cooperating die surfaces defining a die cavity when in the closed condition and receive a metallic tube blank when in the open conditions. A hydroforming fluid supply system has tube-end engaging structures that are movable to selectively and sealingly engage opposite ends of the tube blank. The hydroforming fluid supply system provides pressurized fluid into an interior of the tube blank in order to expand the tube blank outwardly into conformity with the die cavity. A punch extends within a passage of at least one of the die structures. The punch is movable between retracted and extended positions. A punch driving assembly drives the punch between the retracted and extended positions to punch a hole into the expanded tube blank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and cutting pipes to extract and install piping in industrial plants is characterized by the use of lasers on a ring for aligning the cutting tool. By adjusting the ring so that beams from the lasers strike specified targets at a remote location corresponding with a pipe end, a cutting location is defined so that the trimmed end of a first pipe will properly align with a remote pipe. When the pipes welded together, their ends will match, thereby minimizing stress in the pipe. A cutting tool can be provided directly on the ring so that the pipe can be cut without removing the ring.

Abstract: Firstly, using a cutting tool 30, connecting ribs 13 are cut off from the end face of a duplex pipe 10 which is held with an outer pipe 11 chucked (rib cutting step). Next, the duplex pipe 10 is cut at and from the end face of the duplex pipe 10 up to the portion thereof corresponding to the exposed length of the inner pipe 12 to thereby form a slit 21 in the outer pipe 11 and connecting ribs 13 (slit forming step) The cutting tool 30 comprises a guide hole 31 into which the inner pipe 12 can be inserted while guiding the inner pipe outer peripheral surface 12a, a cutting device 32 for cutting the connecting ribs 13, and a guide pin 33 which is disposed in the guide hole 31 and can be inserted into the inner pipe 12 while guiding the inner pipe inner peripheral surface 12b.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously forming multiple notches in opposing surfaces of a hollow workpiece in a single action. The device includes a first die and a first punch that is fixed relative to the first die. A second die and a second punch are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the first punch and first die. In response to movement of the second die and second punch, the first die cooperates with the second punch to form a first notch in the first surface and the first punch cooperates with the second die to form a second notch in the second surface.

Abstract: In a method for separating a flat pipe section of aluminum or an aluminum alloy from a solder-coated, thin-walled flat pipe section member for producing a clean, bur-free separating cut, the solder coating is first mechanically removed from the flat pipe section member at a predetermined separating location and, subsequently, the flat pipe section member is cut with at least one sharp cutting blade at the predetermined separating location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for cutting label sleeves off from a flat tubular label belt, unfolding and attaching the tubular label sleeves to objects, whereby a flat label sleeve is, no later than immediately after the cutting off of the tubular label belt, grasped on one side, transported continuously away, in a regular manner, by a cutting device while likewise grasped on the opposite side for a short time, in a non-uniform manner relative to the other side, transported in the same direction, and is, after that, opened by means of a lateral expansion of distance of both of the flat sides.

Abstract: A method and devices are disclosed for punching one or more holes in extruded hollow profiled bars (50; 70; 270) where a back-up matrix (42; 150-550) must be inserted and located in precise alignment with the punching male punch (66; 90) die. Accordingly, the matrixes are mounted to portable mandrel rods (40; 140) provided with settable stop brackets (44; 146). The rods are placed in their exact operative punching position, and removed therefter for processing the next bar. The method further provides for simultaniously punching holes in more than one wall of the profiled bars.

Abstract: A method for piercing a tube during liquid impact forming or hydroforming to form a hole with minimal deformation in the material surrounding the hole. The method includes the steps of: (1) filling the tube with liquid; (2) stamping the tube thereby increasing the pressure of the liquid within the tube; (3) piercing the tube while the pressure is elevated with a tapered punch whereby the material around the pierced hole is pushed back toward the die wall due to the elevated internal pressure of the tube; and (4) retracting the tapered punch from the tube with the face of the punch catching on the tube wall to pull the material back toward the die wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube (10) fabricated from at least one tubular element (12, 14) and at least two annular elements (11, 13, 15) connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by way of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements (11, 13, 15) in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots (27, 28, 29, 46, 37, 38, 39) in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements (11, 13, 15) and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots (30, 45, 47, 40) that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A punching unit for punching holes of a selected geometry in a wall of a component. The punching unit has a frame for supporting the component and the tool and die assembly releaseably securable to the frame. Tool and die assembly has a punch operatively coupled to a mandrel and a male die member and a female die member cooperating to form the hole in the wall. A portion of the tool and die assembly is interchangeable to provide a selected one of a plurality of predetermined hole geometries for the component.

Abstract: A method and a device for the continuous production of tubular bodies with an internal longitudinal separating wall for the production of tubes having two chambers which are separated from each other. An endless extruded tube having an internal longitudinal separating wall is produced and individual tubular bodies of a defined length are cut off by means of a cutting device and subjected to further processing. The tubular body is made from a film having a central, semicircular part and two angled lateral wings. The semicircular part is covered by a second film serving as separating wall. A transverse cutter having two rotating blades is used as cutting device.

Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for punching holes at any location along the length of an elongate hollow body comprising an expandable die which is insertable into the elongate hollow body. The elongate hollow body may have any shape and be of any length. In operation, the expandable die cooperates with the punch or punches of an external, conventional punch press. The expandable die self-aligns its die cavity or cavities with the punch or punches of the external punch press. The expandable die can expand to support the elongate hollow body during the punching operation to avoid denting or other damage to the elongate hollow body.