Abstract: A method and a deep-drawing apparatus for the deep drawing of a metal sheet by means of a press, a table, a drawing punch, and also a drawing die and a counterpressure plate interacting with the drawing die, which together form a flow path for the metal sheet, wherein at least one drawing strip movable relative to the counterpressure plate is pushed transversely through the flow path of the metal sheet in order to deflect the metal sheet during a drawing phase (first deflection phase) and the drawing strip, for a stop phase, is pushed by a further short distance transversely through the flow path (F) (second deflection stage), wherein a deflection increased once again inhibits the flow of the metal sheet during the second deflection stage, and wherein the metal sheet is essentially plastically formed at the end of the deep-drawing operation, wherein the degree of deflection required during the first deflection stage is set by means of an interchangeable distance piece which is arranged between the counterpres

Abstract: The present invention provides a forming method that forms a press component with an L shape from a blank metal sheet, the press component having a top sheet section and a vertical wall section which is connected to the top sheet section via a bent section having a part curved in an arc shape and which has a flange section on an opposite side to the bent section, the top sheet section being arranged on an outside of the arc of the vertical wall section, the method including: disposing the blank metal sheet between a die and both of a pad and a bending die; and forming the vertical wall section and the flange section while at least a part of the blank metal sheet is caused to slide on a part of the die corresponding to the top sheet section, the forming of the vertical wall section and the flange section being performed in a state where the pad is made close to or brought into contact with the blank metal sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides stamping apparatus for stamping a blank. The stamping apparatus includes a first die and a blank-holding ram. The first die includes a forming cavity and a depression positioned outboard of the forming cavity. The depression is defined by a first corner proximate the forming cavity and a second corner distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the first corner and the forming cavity. The blank-holding ram includes a bead configured to engage a portion of the blank into the depression when the blank is positioned between the first die and the blank-holding ram. The bead includes a third corner proximate the forming cavity and a fourth corner surface distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the third corner. The first corner of the depression includes a radii of curvature greater than a radii of curvature of the second corner of the depression and the radii of curvature of the third and fourth corners of the bead.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a metal member includes at least one die, a punch disposed on an opposite side of the die through the metal member for pressurizing the metal member by relatively moving with respect to the die to perform bending, and a knock out die for supporting the metal member when the bending is performed. Friction generated on a surface of the knock out die for receiving the metal member becomes smaller continuously or gradually from a center portion toward side portions thereof in a bending ridge line direction.

Abstract: A semifinished hardenable-steel workpiece is introduced into a gap between a punch tool and a complementary die tool while the workpiece is heated above the AC3 point. Then one of the tools is vertically shifted toward the other tool so as to deform the workpiece to a predetermined shape. Subsequently the workpiece is gripped between the punch and the die tools while cooling at least one of the tools to press-quench the workpiece. Finally, but before the press-quenching is completed, an edge is cut off the still hot workpiece by relatively shifting an upper die and a lower die vertically past each other.

Abstract: A movable die is provided to be displaceable in an upper die. When the upper die is moved downward to press a steel plate together with a lower die, only the movable die first abuts on the steel plate to carry out forming together with the lower die. Then, the upper die is further moved downward to form a part which has not been formed by the movable die.

Abstract: An elevated temperature forming die apparatus comprising a lower die part having a first upper surface positioned to engage a lower surface of a first region of such a workpiece, an upper die part supported for reciprocal motion relative to the lower die part, the upper die part having a lower surface that engages an upper surface of a second region of a sheet material workpiece, heaters in thermal communication with the die parts, and a third die part having an upper surface that engages a lower surface of the second region of a sheet material workpiece whose first portion is positioned between the upper and lower die parts, the third die part being supported for reciprocal motion relative to the upper die part such that closure of the upper die part along the first stroke portion against the third die part will clamp the first portion of the workpiece between the upper and third die parts, and the third die part being supported for reciprocal motion relative to the lower die part such that, once the first p

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming flanges on a panel. The flanges may be weld flanges or hem flanges. The flanges stretch to reduce spring back and may be trimmed. The trimming operation is performed after the flange area is formed on the panel.

Abstract: A die on which a fabricated body to be press-formed is mounted includes a mounting surface on which the fabricated body is mounted, a punch that forms a hole in the fabricated body, a first receiving portion that at least partially receives the punch, and a second receiving portion which is formed in the mounting surface and receives a deformed portion of the fabricated body that is formed by the pressure of the punch on the fabricated body.

Abstract: A die cushion pad 13 is divided into four small pads 15 and a large pad 16. With this arrangement, a load applied to an action point of each of the small pads 15 can be equalized by the large pad 16, and an overturning moment arising between the action point and a reaction force point that equates the center of the small pad 15 can be canceled, thereby preventing flexure of the small pad 15. Accordingly, since flexure of the cushion pin and the like can be prevented, there is no risk that the cushion pin is frictioned against the penetrating hole of a bolster, and the lifting operation can be smoothly performed, whereby a higher-accuracy pressing forming operation can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a two-piece can comprising: a cylindrical housing, the cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end; a first round bushing having a longitudinal rectangular bore and received in the first end; a second round bushing having a longitudinal rectangular bore and received in the second end; a substantially cornerless rectangular ram which slides in the longitudinal rectangular bore of the first round bushing and the longitudinal rectangular bore of the second round bushing; a spring interposed between the first round bushing and the second round bushing and surrounding the substantially rectangular ram.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, a connector portion and a central aperture. A guide pin has a cylindrical center portion closely received in the central aperture of the base for reciprocation, an enlarged first end with an alignment member, and an outwardly opening circumferential groove. A retainer ring is removably mounted in and protrudes radially outwardly of the groove to securely, yet detachably, retain the base on the guide pin between the enlarged head and the retainer ring in an assembled condition to facilitate transport and mounting of the guided keeper assembly.

Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank-holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A press forming die assembly for press forming a blank material includes a draw forming portion that the blank material flows and a draw bead for controlling the amount of the blank material flowing into the draw forming portion. A first draw bead is provided at a periphery of the draw forming portion in a direction substantially parallel to an outer peripheral shape of the draw forming portion. A second draw bead extends from the first draw bead toward the outside of the draw forming portion in a direction intersecting the first draw bead. The blank material includes a thick sheet portion having a greater thickness than the other portion or a high rigidity portion having a higher rigidity than that of the other portion. The second draw bead is provided at a portion corresponding to the thick sheet portion or the high rigidity portion of the blank material.

Abstract: The invention provides a press forming method of an aluminum alloy sheet and a press device capable of forming a large panel which is an automobile body outer panel such as a luggage outer panel and the like and is of a shape difficult in forming. In a method of press forming of the aluminum alloy sheet 30 into a formed product panel having non-contact outer peripheral parts 5, 6 not contacting the punch for forming the center part of the panel until the vicinity of the bottom dead point, the first punch forming the center part 2 of the panel and the second punch 15 capable of shifting independently with respect to the first punch are provided, and these punches are interlocked with each other so that the second punch 15 is made contact the non-contact outer peripheral parts 35, 36 of the sheet with the relative position of the second punch 15 with respect to the first punch 11 being shifted to the dice 22 side.

Abstract: A pressing machine 1 includes: a bed 6 on which a die-cushion device 10 is provided; and a bolster 51 provided on the bed 6. The bed 6 has an inner space 61 in which a die-cushion pad 13 of the die-cushion device 10 is lifted up and down. A supporting portion 63 penetrating the die-cushion pad 13 in a lifting direction and supporting a lower surface of the bolster 51 via a carrier 52 is provided in the inner space 61. With this arrangement, since the bolster 51 is supported by the supporting portion 63, the bolster 51 can be prevented from being flexed during a press forming operation, whereby a highly accurate press forming operation can be realized. In addition, since the supporting portion 63 penetrates the die-cushion pad 13, unlike conventional arrangements, the die-cushion pad 13 does not need to be divided, whereby a complication of the arrangement can be avoided.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: Provided are a press-molding mold, in which cracks and wrinkles to be formed at the corner portions of a press-molded article are reduced regardless of the depth of the drawing, and a press-molding method using that mold. The press-molding mold (1) comprises a die (2) having a recess (2b) and a wrinkle holding face (2a) formed around the recess (2b), a punch (3) having a protrusion (3a) matching the recess (2b), and a blank holder (4) having a cushion face (4a) matching the wrinkle holding face (2a). In the press-molding mold (1), the wrinkle holding face (2a) and the cushion face (4a) form a clamping portion (14), by which a material member (5) is clamped for the press-molding operation. The clamping portion (14) of the press-molding mold (1) is divided by an opening portion (15) communicating with a corner recess (2c) of the recess (2b), into a first clamping portion (14a) and a second clamping portion (14b), by which the material member (5) is clamped.

Abstract: A die cushion controller controls an ascending/descending speed of a die cushion pad based on a preset pressure pattern and positional pattern. A position/pressure control switching unit constantly monitors and compares a first speed command signal ?pc corresponding to a pressure deviation signal ep and a second speed command signal ?hc corresponding to a position deviation signal eh, and selects a smaller one of the speed command signals to be sent to a speed control unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an article from a blank of sheet metal including electromagnet field producing means disposed adjacent a die cavity for selectively energizing the field producing means for restraining movement of the blank during the forming thereof.

Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank -holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.

Abstract: A die set for press-forming a blank of thin metallic sheet. The die set has a punch and a blank holder. The blank holder has a first bead for restraining an edge of the blank with a constant force. The first bead is disposed further to an inside than a second bead for restraining the edge of the blank with a force that varies during pressing of the blank.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for press hardening of a metal or an alloy wherein said metal is heated in a controlled furnace atmosphere which is essentially hydrogen-free and which comprises nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A method for forming a high tensile strength metal sheet (HTSMS), which is performed in a power press machine composed of a die, a punch and a blank holder, is disclosed. The HTSMS is placed between the die and punch with blank holder. A step portion appears at both an outer side of the punch and a pressing portion of the blank holder. The step portion is corresponding to a predetermined bent portion of the HTSMS. A step will be formed at an edge of the HTSMS by progressively pressing of the step portion to avoid recoil of the HTSMS after forming process.

Abstract: A device for the production and/or machining of parts, in particular for the production of stampings, by at least one die which is capable of being put under pressure and/or force, and which has at least one plate and one die element, the die element being supported in the plate against pressure elements via a resilient element.

Abstract: A die assembly for forming a workpiece includes a support clamp, a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of the workpiece, and a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the workpiece. A forming punch is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of predicting sheet formability at a microscale level includes the steps of providing a grid pattern on a test sheet, bulging the test sheet to a hemispherical shape until a crack is initiated on the surface of the test sheet, detecting the initiation of the crack, acquiring two images of the surface adjacent to the crack and calculating surface strains on the test sheet.

Abstract: A method for forming a container half (10) from a coated steel sheet (21) is provided. Because a first planar part (27) at an outer peripheral part of a first formed body (26) provided through a first drawing step is held by a blank holder (33) during its bending to provide an L-shaped cross-section part (36) in a second drawing step, no wrinkles will develop at a vertical part (38). Because an unnecessary outer part (44) of a flange part (46) is cut off in a trimming step, the width of the flange part is narrowed. By virtue of the narrowed width, no wrinkles will develop during bending of the flange part.

Abstract: The embodiment relates generally to a stamping or draw die used for forming a workpiece into a part or component using a first die shoe, a second die shoe and a punch wherein the punch draws the material into a cavity located in the second die shoe. The force is generated during the forming operation are often unbalanced which generates an uneven stress distribution on the component of the die assembly. By varying the position and angle of the guide surfaces located on the punch, first die shoe and second die shoe the stress can be distributed across a greater area of the respective die assembly component to reduce stress concentrations in a localized area and correspondingly reduce the potential for die failure.

Abstract: A die on which a fabricated body to be press-formed is mounted includes a mounting surface on which the fabricated body is mounted, a punch that forms a hole in the fabricated body, a first receiving portion that at least partially receives the punch, and a second receiving portion which is formed in the mounting surface and receives a deformed portion of the fabricated body that is formed by the pressure of the punch on the fabricated body.

Abstract: In order to provide a method and apparatus for forming a sheet metal, in which a three-dimensional product such as a prototype for commercialized press-forming can be formed in short time without limitations as to the shape and with high accuracy, preventing body wrinkles or reduction of the sheet thickness, a process of: performing drawing-forming to a predetermine height by pushing the forming punch having a desired shape in the sheet thickness direction with the edges of the blank workpiece being clamped; performing shape-forming with the shaping tool in the opposite side to the forming punch by increasing a clamping pressure to lock movement of a material with the forming punch being pushed; performing drawing-forming again by decreasing the clamping pressure and raising the forming punch by a desired height; and performing shape-forming with the shaping tool by increasing the clamping pressure to lock movement of a material, is repeated at least once.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a thin-walled part (33), especially a pipe section. According to said method, the wall (11) of the part (33) is drawn out from a strip (1) of material, an inner contour (17) is cut out, the wall is stretched to size, and an outer contour is cut out of the strip (1) of material.

Abstract: A press-forming device has a punch (2), a die (7) which relatively moves with respect to the punch (2), a strain amount measuring means (8) which is provided inside a member to be controlled and measures a strain amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled which occurs in accordance with press-forming, when at least one of the punch (2) and the die (7) is made the aforesaid member to be controlled, and a strain amount control means (9) which is provided in the aforesaid member to be controlled and controls the strain amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled which occurs in accordance with press-forming. The strain amount control means (9) controls a drive amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled so that the strain amount measured by the strain amount measuring means (8) is in a predetermined range during forming. Thereby, reduction in a surface strain, improvement in shape fixability or the like of a press formed product can be achieved.

Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: In a deep drawing method, a sheet metal blank is positioned between two dies of a deep drawing machine and then shaped into a hollow article, whereby the dies, at least during a partial stroke phase, undergo a controlled non-rectilinear relative movement and one of the dies is shifted by a transverse displacement mechanism in a direction transversely to a stroke direction.

Abstract: A bead forming unit for a press is formed between a blank holder and an upper press portion and forms at least a dual circular bead for controlling a material flow along an edge portion of a material panel during a process for pressurizing the material panel placed between upper and lower press portions to form a product panel. The bead forming unit for a press includes: a bead projection formed to protrude out of the lower die face surface of the blank holder and having at least one dual circular bead groove integrally formed to form a waveform thereto; and a dual circular bead groove formed on the upper die face surface of the upper press portion and having at least one dual circular bead projection integrally formed to form a waveform complementary to the dual circular bead groove.

Abstract: A metal blank that includes a binder trim component having at least one cut edge with a non-linear section. The creation of the non-linear section simultaneously forms a corresponding section in a binder trim component of an adjacent metal blank so that binder material can be shared therebetween. This reduces the amount of scrap metal, as the binder trim component is subsequently cut off and discarded. Furthermore, the non-linear section can include one or more strategically placed formations, such as projections, recesses, flat sections, etc., that cause it to be non-uniform along its length and to be specifically tailored to the manufacturing requirements of the part being formed.

Abstract: A pressing device for forming steel sheet blanks into clips, which comprise curved planking elements and rectilinear stringer elements for connecting a fuselage cell skin to a stringer and to an annular rib in an aircraft fuselage, comprises at least one curved upper tool, at least one curved lower tool, at least one rectilinear upper tool, and at least one rectilinear lower tool. A steel sheet blank is receivable and formable between the at least one curved upper and lower tools and the at least one rectilinear upper and lower tools. The at least one curved upper and lower tool each comprises an upper and lower convexity surface designed to essentially correspond to each other in order to form the curved planking element in a single stroke surface model forming process by simultaneously bending and stamping.

Abstract: A die set for press-forming a blank of thin metallic sheet. The die set has a punch and a blank holder. The blank holder has a first bead for restraining an edge of the blank with a constant force. The first bead is disposed further to an inside than a second bead for restraining the edge of the blank with a force that varies during pressing of the blank.

Abstract: A sheet metal forming process and apparatus using both a mechanical forming step and a superplastic forming step. The mechanical forming step includes using a double-action draw die to create a preform. The preform is then transferred to a superplastic forming tool that uses a superplastic forming process to complete the forming process and create a finished workpiece. Using the mechanical forming step enables rapid creation of a preform having a geometry that reduces overall forming time and provides the ability to draw in additional material to reduce part thinning.

Abstract: In an electrohydraulic drawing press drive, particularly an electrohydraulic drawing cushion drive including a hydraulic circuit with at least one motor which is operable as a drive motor or as a pump and at least one hydraulic pump which is operable as a pump or as a drive motor, an electric drive motor which is also operable as generator is connected to the hydraulic motor in order to drive the hydraulic motor or to be driven thereby and a control unit is provided for controlling at least one of the electric motor and the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing the presence of a blank or part in the sheet metal forming tool. A blank holder assembly has a fixed bracket that is fixed to a lower die of the tool and a movable bracket that is moved with the upper die of the tool. A proximity sensor is attached to the movable bracket and senses the presence or absence of an edge of a blank or part during the course of a sheet metal forming operation.

Abstract: A draw forming method for drawing a blank material (15). In this method, a restraint region (98) that is an outer peripheral section (21) of the blank material is held by a first holder means (22), and then a tension region (97) inside the outer peripheral section is displaced upward by a second holder means (23) relative to the restraint region. The displacement applies tensile force to a drawing region (96) that is the central section of the blank material.

Abstract: A press molding die capable of preventing a workpiece from moving is provided. The press molding die includes a punch for pressing a workpiece; a molding die having a molding surface on which the workpiece is placed and a concave portion which is formed on the molding surface and which has a shape corresponding to the punch; a pad for pressing a part of the workpiece placed on the molding surface and which is on the periphery of the concave portion; and a micro-rough layer which is formed by performing a particulate coating process on at least one of a portion of the pad, for pressing the workpiece, and a portion of the molding surface, corresponding to the portion of the pad. Preferably, the height of roughness of the micro-rough layer is 0.01 to 0.06 mm, and the particulate coating process is performed using a silicofluoric chrome plating solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draw forming a flat sheet blank into a 3-dimensional-nacelle nose cap for an aircraft engine in two stages; the blank having an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion. Draw forming the inner annular portion into a shape of an arcuate circular inner wall and then draw forming the outer annular portion into an arcuate outer wall adjacent the inner wall with the combination of walls being U-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A drawing method for forming a reflective curved surface by pressing a metal plate fitted in a fixed die with a movable die. The fixed die is composed of a lower die and a core, and the movable die is composed of an upper die and a presser. During the drawing, the metal plate is pressed to have a compressed border portion between a non-pressed portion and a curved surface pressed portion. It is the most desirable to compress the border portion to have a thickness which is 70% of the thickness of the metal plate before drawing.