Abstract: On a body structure (2) for an automobile (1) having a structural component (3) made of at least high-strength steel sheet, the structural component (3) is provided with a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool. In the method for producing the structural component (3), a steel sheet is formed and subjected to heat treatment for forming regions with high strength and reduced strength. At least one region of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) with reduced strength is formed as a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool during a hot-forming process of a steel sheet in a tool or during heat treatment of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) following a forming process in a tool by changing the mechanical properties.

Abstract: In a method of producing a hardened formed part, in particular for a structure or body part of a motor vehicle, a metal blank is heated and then hot formed in a cavity of a thermoforming mold to produce a formed part. The formed part is hardened in the cavity of the thermoforming mold through contact with a coolant fed into the cavity via feed channels, whereby a state of aggregation of the coolant is adjusted or the coolant is maintained at a pressure above the steam pressure.

Abstract: A semifinished hardenable-steel workpiece is introduced into a gap between a punch tool and a complementary die tool while the workpiece is heated above the AC3 point. Then one of the tools is vertically shifted toward the other tool so as to deform the workpiece to a predetermined shape. Subsequently the workpiece is gripped between the punch and the die tools while cooling at least one of the tools to press-quench the workpiece. Finally, but before the press-quenching is completed, an edge is cut off the still hot workpiece by relatively shifting an upper die and a lower die vertically past each other.

Abstract: In a method of making a hybrid structure, at least one support body is fixed in a tube component which is then placed in an injection molding tool. An injection-molded part is injection-molded to an outer surface of the tube component in an area of the support body. As a result, the tube component is inwardly deformed, when regions adjacent to the support body are exposed to an injection pressure, and forms indentations for engagement of the injection-molded part.

Abstract: A method of hot-shaping and hardening a hot steel workpiece that is at or above its AC3 temperature.

Abstract: A power cutter for cutting a hardened steel workpiece has upper and lower press plates shiftable vertically relative to each other, a lower blade on the lower plate adapted to support the workpiece and having a lower cutting edge upwardly engaging the workpiece, and an upper blade on the upper plate having an upper cutting edge substantially parallel to and movable vertically past the lower cutting edge. An actuator connected to one of the plates vertically shifts the one plate toward and away from the other plate. An abutment on at least one of the plates bearing on the other of the plates and blocks vertical shifting of the plates toward each other in a position with the upper cutting edge slightly above the lower cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of hot-shaping and hardening a hot steel workpiece that is at or above its AC3 temperature.