Abstract: The present invention provides a Hydroforming apparatus comprising of a cylindrical shaped upper and lower die holders and a cylindrical shaped outer ring with upper and lower cam segments and tapered wedges that is powered by hydraulic cylinders or any other means such that the tapered wedges are used to exert force on the lower cam segments such that the upper and lower cam holders are kept closed during the hydroforming operation. And because the cylindrical shape is efficient in carrying loads, the size of the new hydroforming apparatus is smaller than conventional hydroforming apparatus. The cylindrical shaped outer ring is made of two or more rings inserted inside each other such that the outer ring is exerting pressure on the inner ring such that no deformation occurs in the outer ring during the hydroforming operation such that the energy used to keep the hydroforming die closed during the hydroforming operation is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming thin wall sheet into a mechanically locked shell by providing a Mandrel that is shaped the same as the required shell and a set of forming rollers that forms the said sheet around the said mandrel. And providing gathering and forming and center bares that are parallel to the horizontal axis of the said mandrel and are moved to form the two edges of the said sheet over the said center bar. And wherein the said gathering and forming and center bars are moved to open or up position. And providing Lockseaming rollers that are moved along the axis of the said mandrel such that the said Lockseaming rollers will progressively form the said two edges into the said mechanical lock commonly known to those who are skilled in the art as a Lockseam.