Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method of making a turbine blade may include providing a preform having a hollow cross-section, hydroforming the preform to form a turbine blade body comprising a shell that includes a continuous hollow portion along its interior, and providing a mounting portion attached to the body to mount the turbine blade to a hub. In one or more implementations of the method, the mounting portion may be provided during the step of hydroforming the preform and the mounting portion may be formed from the same preform as the turbine blade body.

Abstract: A vehicle roof support pillar assembly may include a first support pillar and a second support pillar. The first support pillar may have a first hollow body with a first side surface. The second support pillar may have a second hollow body with a second side surface, the second support pillar may be positioned next to the first hollow body when assembled and in use. The first and second side surfaces may contact each other along at least a portion of their vertical extent.

Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method of making a turbine blade may include providing a preform having a hollow cross-section, hydroforming the preform to form a turbine blade body comprising a shell that includes a continuous hollow portion along its interior, and providing a mounting portion attached to the body to mount the turbine blade to a hub. In one or more implementations of the method, the mounting portion may be provided during the step of hydroforming the preform and the mounting portion may be formed from the same preform as the turbine blade body.

Abstract: A vehicle roof support pillar assembly may include a first support pillar and a second support pillar. The first support pillar may have a first hollow body with a first side surface. The second support pillar may have a second hollow body with a second side surface, the second support pillar may be positioned next to the first hollow body when assembled and in use. The first and second side surfaces may contact each other along at least a portion of their vertical extent.

Abstract: A punch, apparatus and method for forming opposing holes in a hollow part, and a part formed therefrom. The punch includes an end portion adapted to pierce an entry hole and bend material around the entry hole to form a retained slug along an inner edge of the entry hole. The punch also includes an enlarging portion adapted to enter the entry hole after the end portion to enlarge the entry hole by bending the slug and additional material towards the interior of the part. The punch has a length greater than a cross-section of the part such that further advancement of the punch through the part punches an exit hole in the part opposite the entry hole.

Abstract: A punch, apparatus and method for forming opposing holes in a hollow part, and a part formed therefrom. The punch includes an end portion adapted to pierce an entry hole and bend material around the entry hole to form a retained slug along an inner edge of the entry hole. The punch also includes an enlarging portion adapted to enter the entry hole after the end portion to enlarge the entry hole by bending the slug and additional material towards the interior? of the part. The punch has a length greater than a cross-section of the part such that further advancement of the punch through the part punches an exit hole in the part opposite the entry hole.