Abstract: A method to manufacture a steel die having a Physical Vapor Deposition wear resistant coating on a profile surface and a steel die formed thereby is disclosed. The steel die is subjected to quenching and tempering to achieve a Rockwell hardness in the range of about 40-45 Rc and then subjected to machining to form a profile surface. The surface is then subjected to Physical Vapor Deposition of a wear resistant coating that may be multiple layers of CrN, AlCrN, TiCrN, TiN, TiCN or TiAlN, and preferably is alternating layers of TiN—TiCN—TiN. The coating is applied at a sufficient thickness to impart wear resistance to the steel die. The steel dies are useful in sheet metal stamping operations.

Abstract: A fin for use in a heat exchanger of the type comprising a plurality of fluid carrying tubes for transporting heat exchange fluid is disclosed. The fin includes a generally planar base 24 having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of air flowing entering the heat exchanger 10 and a transverse axis generally parallel to the direction of air flow. The axes define a main plane disposed at a predetermined angle (.theta.) relative to the direction of air flow entering the heat exchanger. The fin 22 further includes a plurality of apertures 30 for receiving tubes 20 therethrough and a plurality of louvres 32 disposed on the base 24 extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base. The angle .theta. can be between 140 and 175 degrees to the direction of air flow entering the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A manifold assembly 14 is disclosed which includes a tank member 26 and a header plate 28. Each of the tank member 26 and header plate 28 includes a flange portion 38, 50, respectively which when in a mating engagement, form at least one brazing contact surface between the two components.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of manifolds (12, 14) each including a header portion (24) and a tank portion (26). The tank portion (26) includes a predetermined number of generally horizontal rib portions (30) formed therein at predetermined positions. The heat exchanger (10) further includes a plurality of tubular elements (16) disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation and which define flow paths for the coolant between the manifolds (12, 14). At least one of the tubular elements (32) has a length greater than an adjacent tubular element (16) and extends through the header portion into mating engagement with the rib portion (30) of the tank (26) of one of the manifolds to form baffle means (36) for preventing the flow of coolant therepast.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle includes a frame having a pair of headers and a pair of side supports disposed between the headers at opposite ends thereof. Each of the side supports includes a generally planar base and a pair of flanges extending from the based portion. The side supports include a thermal stress relieving zone defined by an elliptical aperture disposed in the based portion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle is disclosed including a frame having a pair of headers and a pair of side supports disposed between the headers at opposite ends thereof. Each of the side supports includes a generally planar base and a pair of flanges extending from the based portion. The side supports including a thermal stress relieving zone defined by an elliptical aperture disposed in the based portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thermal stress-relieving zone in an automotive heat exchanger having a frame including a pair of channel-shaped side supports is disclosed, the apparatus including a support mechanism for receiving and supporting the heat exchanger and a zone-producing mechanism for producing a stress-relieving zone in one of the side supports. The zone-producing mechanism includes a side support engaging device for engaging the side support at a predetermined location and a shearing mechanism which reciprocates between a first and second position to shear the side support.