Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing the stress state of compressed ends of compressed tubes are disclosed. The methods and systems may provide a reduced tensile residual stress state, or even a compressive residual stress state. Tube products produced from the same are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming splines on a metallic tube by providing a metallic tube having a known hardness corresponding to T4 temper (10); heating the metallic tube to a temperature sufficient to remove the T4 temper (14); quenching the metallic tube (20); forming splines on the metallic tube (30); and artificially aging the metallic tube, (32) where preferably the metallic tube is a 6000 series aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A method for forming splines on a metallic tube by providing a metallic tube having a known hardness corresponding to T4 temper (10); heating the metallic tube to a temperature sufficient to remove the T4 temper (14); quenching the metallic tube (20); forming splines on the metallic tube (30); and artificially aging the metallic tube, (32) where preferably the metallic tube is a 6000 series aluminum alloy; alternately, (a) forming a metallic tube; (b) solution heat treating said metallic tube (c) controlled time and/or temperature exposure conditions of said metallic tube (d) forming splines on said metallic tube before said metallic tube has aged sufficiently to develop properties corresponding to a T4 temper; where preferably, the splines are created within 16 hours of forming said metallic tubes, and (e) artificially aging said metallic tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic tube is a 6000 series aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A process for joining high strength metal components by electromagnetic forming techniques. One of the metal components carries high loads or is subjected to combined stresses and strains, thus requiring that it be relatively strong and ductile. EMF or MPW processes are used to join the components, the strength of which is temporarily diminished prior to the joining step. The high strength material is subjected to a retrogressive heating and quenching process along a joined boundary thereof; then electromagnetically joined; and thereafter, the strength of the diminished material is restored to its higher temper and strength.