Abstract: A device and a method for widening elongated metal elements which move in the longitudinal direction and are planar at least in certain regions are described. The device comprises at least two clamping sections which are opposite one another and of which one is arranged and designed for clamping a first longitudinal side of the metal element in place and the other is arranged and designed for clamping a second longitudinal side of the metal element in place, said second longitudinal side being opposite the first longitudinal side of the metal element. The clamping sections are each provided on a support unit by means of which the clamping sections, during the forward movement of the metal element, are automatically moved apart essentially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the metal element.

Abstract: An areal metal element is described having a surface which extends from a first outside edge to a second outside edge lying opposite the first out-side edge. The region of the metal element adjoining the first outside edge forms a first edge region and the region of the metal element adjoining the second outside edge forms a second side region. Both side regions are connected to one another by a central region lying therebetween, with at least one completely bordered aperture being formed at least in one of the side regions, with its border being formed in one part by this side region and in another part by the central region. The central region includes at least two sections which each consist of two outwardly disposed part sections and a central part section lying therebetween. The outwardly disposed part sections are folded over with respect to the central section to produce the aperture.

Abstract: A device and a method for widening elongated metal elements which move in the longitudinal direction and are planar at least in certain regions are described. The device comprises at least two clamping sections which are opposite one another and of which one is arranged and designed for clamping a first longitudinal side of the metal element in place and the other is arranged and designed for clamping a second longitudinal side of the metal element in place, said second longitudinal side being opposite the first longitudinal side of the metal element. The clamping sections are each provided on a support unit by means of which the clamping sections, during the forward move-ment of the metal element, are automatically moved apart essentially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the metal element.

Abstract: An areal metal element is described having a surface which extends from a first outside edge to a second outside edge lying opposite the first out-side edge. The region of the metal element adjoining the first outside edge forms a first edge region and the region of the metal element adjoining the second outside edge forms a second side region. Both side regions are connected to one another by a central region lying therebetween, with at least one completely bordered aperture being formed at least in one of the side regions, with its border being formed in one part by this side region and in another part by the central region. The central region includes at least two sections which each consist of two outwardly disposed part sections and a central part section lying therebetween. The outwardly disposed part sections are folded over with respect to the central section to produce the aperture.