Abstract: In a method of making a hardened sheet metal part, a blank is cut to form a region defined by at least one cutting edge having a cutting depth which is smaller than a material thickness of the blank. The blank is subjected to a hot forming step and at least in one area is allowed to harden. After the hot forming step, the region is pushed along the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for hot-forming and hardening a sheet-metal component with flanges in a cooled forming tool and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed. A heated sheet-metal blank is inserted in a forming tool having a hollow form, with the sheet-metal blank projecting over the hollow form in marginal regions. The sheet-metal component formed from the sheet-metal blank is hardening of in the hollow form. A first flange having an X-bending axis is formed in a first marginal region with an auxiliary tool, and a second flange having a Y-bending axis is formed in a second marginal region with the auxiliary tool. The auxiliary tool has a plurality of dies, and the X- and Y-bending axes are not collinear and may be orthogonal to each other. Bending axes with a substantially perpendicular mutual orientation can be produced simultaneously in a single forming step.

Abstract: A method for hot-forming and hardening a sheet-metal component with flanges in a cooled forming tool and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed. A heated sheet-metal blank is inserted in a forming tool having a hollow form, with the sheet-metal blank projecting over the hollow form in marginal regions. The sheet-metal component formed from the sheet-metal blank is hardening of in the hollow form. A first flange having an X-bending axis is formed in a first marginal region with an auxiliary tool, and a second flange having a Y-bending axis is formed in a second marginal region with the auxiliary tool. The auxiliary tool has a plurality of dies, and the X- and Y-bending axes are not collinear and may be orthogonal to each other. Bending axes with a substantially perpendicular mutual orientation can be produced simultaneously in a single forming step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making sheet metal components includes heating a sheet of hardenable steel to its austenitizing temperature and hot forming the same in a hot forming tool to define a formed workpiece. The formed workpiece is held in the hot forming tool for a first holding time. The formed workpiece is then removed from the hot forming tool and immediately placed in a cooled, form holding tool and is held therein in a closed condition for a second holding time. The form holding tool may be constructed from a material that has greater heat conductivity than that of the hot forming tool.

Abstract: In a method of making a hardened sheet metal part, a blank is cut to form a region defined by at least one cutting edge having a cutting depth which is smaller than a material thickness of the blank. The blank is subjected to a hot forming step and at least in one area is allowed to harden. After the hot forming step, the region is pushed along the cutting edge.

Abstract: A hardenable steel workpiece having two regions is first hardened so that both regions are of generally the same low ductility. Then only one of the regions is hot coated so as to increase the ductility of the one region while not heating and changing the ductility of the other region. The workpiece can be hardened by hot working or tempering. The hot coating can be done by dipping the one region in molten zinc.

Abstract: A hardenable steel workpiece having two regions is first hardened so that both regions are of generally the same low ductility. Then only one of the regions is hot coated so as to increase the ductility of the one region while not heating and changing the ductility of the other region. The workpiece can be hardened by hot working or tempering. The hot coating can be done by dipping the one region in molten zinc.

Abstract: In a method of making a structural member for the automobile industry, a blank of boron steel is pre-formed at ambient temperature into an intermediary part of a configuration which substantially corresponds to an end shape of a finished structural member. The intermediary part is then coated with aluminum or an aluminum alloy and exposed to a temperature above the upper transformation line in the TTT curve. Subsequently, the intermediary part is formed in a mold into the finished structural member while being hardened at the same time.

Abstract: In a method of making a sheet metal article with varying thickness for fabricating a structural part for a motor vehicle, a blank of sheet metal is machined at least on one side along predetermined zones with a geometrically defined cutting tool to provide indentations of reduced thickness. Subsequently, the machined blank is subjected to a cold forming process or hot forming process.

Abstract: The invention refers to a side impact support for incorporation into the door of a motor vehicle, wherein the side impact support has a longitudinal profile with end portion towards the door column, and which is configured asymmetrical with respect to the its center transverse plane MQ and which has a reinforcement in the portion adjacent and corresponding to the sitting position of a passenger, and wherein the cross section of the first portion is increased as compared to a second portion which is adjacent, and wherein the cross section of the profile along most of the length is preferably configured hat shaped.