Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for assembling an exhaust system which includes a stamp formed muffler and pipes connected thereto. The muffler is assembled on an indexable fixturing apparatus having a plurality of stations for receiving the formed components of the muffler. Robotic gripping apparatus are provided in proximity to the indexable fixturing apparatus for moving aligned components of the muffler to welders for securely connecting the aligned components to one another. Simultaneously the pipes for the exhaust system are bent into their required configuration by programmable pipe benders. The assembled muffler and the bent pipes are then delivered to a second indexable fixturing apparatus. The loosely assembled components of the exhaust system are indexed into proximity to programmable welders which securely connect the exhaust system components together. The completed exhaust system is indexed into a position for unloading and subsequent shipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for assembling an exhaust system which includes a stamp formed muffler and pipes connected thereto. The muffler is assembled on an indexable fixturing apparatus having a plurality of stations for receiving the formed components of the muffler. Robotic gripping apparatus are provided in proximity to the indexable fixturing apparatus for moving aligned components of the muffler to welders for securely connecting the aligned components to one another. Simultaneously the pipes for the exhaust system are bent into their required configuration by programmable pipe benders. The assembled muffler and the bent pipes are then delivered to a second indexable fixturing apparatus. The loosely assembled components of the exhaust system are indexed into proximity to programmable welders which securely connect the exhaust system components together. The completed exhaust system is indexed into a position for unloading and subsequent shipment.

Abstract: A system of stamp formed mufflers is provided. Each muffler in the system includes a pair of plates formed to define an array of tubes therebetween. At least one external shell is securely affixed to at least one of the plates to surround the tube. The mufflers in the system have generally the same pattern of tubes therein. However selected mufflers in the system have portions which are different from other mufflers in the system depending upon the acoustical requirements of the particular muffler in the system.

Abstract: Stamped formed mufflers and a process for forming stamped formed mufflers is provided. The mufflers are stamp formed from master dies having a plurality of die subsets removably mounted therein. At least one subset may include several die inserts removably mounted therein. The subset and insert dies are selected to effect the acoustical performance of the resulting muffler. Thus, a system of mufflers may be formed having generally the same pattern of tubes therein. However, selected mufflers in the system will have portions thereof which are different from other mufflers in the system, depending upon the particular die subsets selected for mounting in the master die, and the particular die inserts selected for mounting in the subsets.