Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a peripherally closed hollow profile having a secondary feature and/or a branch, the hollow profile is shaped from a hollow profile blank by an internal high pressure. The cap of the secondary feature and/or of the branch is severed by a counterholding punch that supports the secondary feature or the branch during the shaping process. In order to permit the production of a hollow profile having secondary features and/or branches, during which the cap of the secondary feature or of the branch is severed in a simple and reliable manner in terms of the process, the cap of the secondary feature and/or of the branch is severed at an internal high pressure which corresponds at most to the forming pressure for forming the hollow profile from the blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for reinforcing a hollow section (1, 24) having a closed periphery, an opening (2) being produced at its periphery, after which a reinforcing component introduced into the hollow section interior (8, 25) is joined to the hollow section wall (11, 27) opposite the opening (2). In order to reinforce the hollow section (1, 24) as easily as possible, it is proposed that, at the location of the opening (2) to be produced, a wall piece (7, 23), forming the reinforcing component, of the hollow section (1, 24) be cut out except for a peripheral region, that the wall piece (7, 32) hanging in one piece on the opening edge (9) be bent into the hollow section (1, 24), with the opening (2) being formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the hydroforming of a blank with the aid of a high-pressure fluid, having a die which has a receiving space for a blank, wherein the die has at least one passage which opens out in the receiving space and through which residual fluid located in the receiving space can be transported out of the receiving space. The invention also relates to methods for operating an apparatus for the hydroforming of a blank.