Abstract: A tool and process utilizing the tool for forming a compressed-radius hem on a sheet metal assembly is provided. A concave portion on the tool is formed by at least two surfaces that together define a cavity. A flange on the perimeter of an outer panel is initially formed to an approximate perpendicular angle and is then formed to about 45°. In a final forming step, an intermediate portion of the flange is engaged by the cavity and is formed into a compressed-radius hem.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 2002
Date of Patent:
November 2, 2004
Assignees:
Ford Motor Company, Unova Industrial Automation Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Peter A. Friedman, William Faitel, Jaideep Samant, Patrick Coughlin, Phil Wiens, Doug Schrandt, Craig Eugene Miller, Zhiyong Cedric Xia
Abstract: A tool and process utilizing the tool for forming a compressed-radius hem on a sheet metal assembly is provided. A concave portion on the tool is formed by at least two surfaces that together define a cavity. A flange on the perimeter of an outer panel is initially formed to an approximate perpendicular angle and is then formed to about 45°. In a final forming step, an intermediate portion of the flange is engaged by the cavity and is formed into a compressed-radius hem.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 10, 2002
Publication date:
November 13, 2003
Applicants:
Ford Motor Company, UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Peter A. Friedman, William Faitel, Jaideep Samant, Patrick Coughlin, Phil Wiens, Doug Schrandt, Craig Eugene Miller, Zhiyong Cedric Xia