Abstract: A ram operated tube cutoff apparatus of the type employed for severing successive lengths of tubing emanating from a source such as a mill includes a transversely reciprocating notching blade for producing a stress relieving notch in the periphery of the tubing, and a severing blade having a thickness less than that of the notching blade for severing the tubing through the notch. The tubing is clamped during the notching and severing operation by reciprocably mounted die jaws each of which comprises a pair of spaced apart, parallel clamping members between which the notching and severing blades may travel. The clamping members are provided with blade supporting parallel surfaces in the opposing spaces thereof for closely receiving the severing blade therebetween to prevent deflection of the severing blade during the cutting process.

Abstract: A flying cutoff comprising a severing mechanism which is capable of displacement with the stock to be severed under the control of a linear motive power source such as fluid accelerator. A ramp-like cam member is disposed above the mechanism and, in combination with a follower roller which is connected to the upper shoe of the mechanism, drives the severing blade through the stock as the mechanism carriage travels along with the stock. At the fully extended position, means are provided to lift the cam member so as to raise the blade out of contact with the stock. CAm surfaces for linear and non-linear power transfer relationships are disclosed. The effective angle of the cam member may be adjusted to vary the power factor. A mechanism is disclosed which allows a cut to be made without linear movement of the die carriage or stock.

Abstract: A swinging ram type cutoff press for severing lengths of elongated stock such as tubing is provided of the type in which a ram is supported for swinging movement to operate a cutoff die set. The cutoff press includes a power cylinder combined with a toggle link arrangement to produce the swinging movement of the ram. The relative geometry of the ram link support and the toggle mechanism coupled with the arrangement of the cylinder is such that a complete ram motion cycle is carried out during a single forward or return stroke of the cylinder. The force exerted by the cylinder and toggle mechanism is not resisted either by return springs or the weight of the ram, thereby further maximizing the usable power of the power cylinder. Accordingly, one may reduce the cylinder size requirements for a given application. In addition, the mechanical advantage afforded by the toggle mechanism provides for a maximum force at the ram full down position to maximize the force available for the blade stroke.

Abstract: A ram driven tube cutting apparatus of the double cut type in which sections of tubing are successively severed from a continuous length thereof by a notching cut followed by a severing cut, includes improved mechanism for clamping the tubing during the cutting process. A pair of opposed, complemental die jaws are mounted on slides controlled by spaced cam followers carried by the slides. A reciprocating wedge cam engages and forces the cam followers apart to move the slides thereby closing the jaws on the tubing. One of the cam followers comprises a roller mounted on an eccentric shaft which may be selectively rotated to adjust the clearance between the die jaws. The other cam follower is spring loaded toward the cam within a slide mounting provided in its slide and automatically shifts to an overload position to avoid damage to the mechanism when foreign objects become lodged between the die jaws.

Abstract: An improved flying cut-off machine is disclosed of the type in which a ram is supported for swinging movement induced by a ram actuating mechanism so as to operate a cut-off die set to cut off lengths from an elongated workpiece continuously emanating from a tubing mill. The improvement comprises the provision of an adjustment member included in the ram actuating mechanism which is interposed between connecting rod end members, one of which is pivotally connected to a motor driven crank and the other pivotally connected to the swinging ram. The adjustment member comprises a shaft having oppositely threaded ends threaded into the connecting rod ends so that a length adjustment can be made to the connecting rod, which in turn provides a simultaneous adjustability feature to both the vertical stroke and shut height of the ram produced by the crank rotation so as to adapt the apparatus to variously configured die sets having differing shut heights and strokes.

Abstract: A runout table for receiving severed lengths of tubing or other workpieces emanating from cutoff presses and discharging the severed lengths laterally on either side of the table. The runout table features pivoted Vee sides which are independently dropped to discharge the severed lengths on either side of the runout table. The pivoting movement is carried out by means of rocker shafts extending down the length of the runout table on either side, equipped with linkages spaced along the length thereof and connected to the respective Vee sides. The rocker shafts serve to provide support of the table Vee sides to prevent sagging of the Vee sides. A pair of power cylinder assemblies operate the rocker shafts acting against adjustable fixed stops which enable quick adjustment of the Vee angle to accommodate tubing of various diameters. An auxiliary cylinder is provided for either side, overcoming dead center conditions in the linkages upon initiation of a pivoting cycle.

Abstract: A press adapted to operate dies such as tubing cutoff dies through a lightweight ram mounted on a parallelogram linkage for oscillating motion rather than for the usual reciprocating motion on a slide. The ram linkage is operated through a crankshaft and connecting rod by a motor, clutch, brake and flywheel. The machine is compact and uses radial bearings rather than slide bearings to guide the ram. The crankshaft and drive mechanism for the ram linkage is conveniently and accessibly located.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing die jaw inserts for tube cutoff apparatus. The method comprises the steps of fabricating a pair of die jaw blanks; finish processing the blanks; and subsequently forming the clamping aperture by means of electrical discharge machining of the die jaw insert. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.