Abstract: The preset invention is to mold a laminate at a high accuracy by appropriately generating slippage between fiber sheets of the laminate at bending. A method for molding a laminate includes a step in which a plurality of gripping parts, which are arranged apart from each other, grip an area, wherein slippage between fiber sheets is prevented, in a plate-shaped laminate including a plurality of fiber sheets laminated each other; a step in which the plurality of gripping parts grip the area wherein slippage between the fiber sheets is prevented, while maintaining the state wherein relative moving of the area of the laminate and the gripping parts is prevented; and a step in which the gripping parts move so as to subject the laminate to bending.

Abstract: Damping stopper for a mechanism in which a housing and shaft are not only displaced axially relative to each other but but also rotated relative to each other. The damping stopper is attached to a space portion between an end surface portion on housing side and an end surface portion on shaft side which is displaced axially relative to the housing and is rotated relative to the housing and has a metal fitting on one of the end surface portions, an elastic body connected to the metal fitting, and a sliding member connected to the elastic body. The sliding member contacts the other end surface portion to contact/separate from the other end surface portion and the sliding member is slidable and rotatable relative to the other end surface portion when the shaft is rotated while the sliding member, containing resin component, contacts the other end surface portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hat-shaped cross-section component includes a gripping process, a bending and stretching process, and a bend back process. In the gripping process, a pair of vertical walls of an elongated preliminarily formed component are disposed outside of a punch, and a top plate is gripped using the punch and a pad. In the bending and stretching process, die moves toward the punch side relative to the preliminarily formed component, and the die bends and stretches the vertical walls toward the opposite side to the top plate at one side in the length direction of the preliminarily formed component. In the bend back process, a holder moves toward the pad side relative to the preliminarily formed component, and the holder bends back the vertical walls toward the top plate side at another side in the length direction of the preliminarily formed component.

Abstract: A can end blank is initially cupped and a central portion of the cup is rolled up with an annular portion of the cup being free formed with limited contact with any tooling except to prevent wrinkling, to prevent overextension of the free formed material and to define a final geometry of the free formed material as the forming press reaches a bottom of its forming stroke. The free forming is performed by controlling the motion of a pre-panel punch using a double action piston so that the pre-panel punch is selectively moved between an extended position for formation of a cup of a cupped can end blank and a retracted position for free forming material between a central portion of the cup and a clamped portion of the cupped can end blank.

Abstract: A mask tensioning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the mask tensioning apparatus includes: i) a clamp supporting a mask sheet disposed on the mask frame to couple the mask sheet to the mask frame and ii) a tensioner connected to the clamp and applying a tensioning force to the clamp to fix the mask sheet fixed by the clamp to the mask. The clamp may be arranged in a substantially vertical or oblique direction with regard to the elongation direction of the mask sheet, thereby supporting the mask sheet.

Abstract: The invention resides in a hydraulic cylinder (23) for a hydraulic drawing cushion (20) of a drawing press (10). The hydraulic cylinder (23) includes a first operating chamber (47), a second operating chamber (48), and a third operating chamber (53). An annular piston (45) with a first piston surface area (49) and a second piston surface area (50) separates the first operating chamber (47) from the second operating chamber (48). The first and the second piston surfaces (49, 50) have the same size. A front surface of the piston rod (33) forms a third piston surface (54) which is larger than the first and second piston surfaces. The third piston surface (54) delimits the third operating chamber (53) of the hydraulic cylinder (23). The first and the second operating chambers (47, 48) are provided for controlling the position and/or the movement of the piston rod (33). The third operating chamber (53) serves to control the metal sheet clamping force of the drawing press via the piston rod (33).

Abstract: A die cushion device includes a cushion pad, a support section, a servomotor, and a shock absorber device. The support section supports the cushion pad. The servomotor raises and lowers the support section for raising and lowering the cushion pad. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and relieves shock between the cushion pad and the support section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section.

Abstract: A method of forming a blank into a part shape is provided in which the blank is drawn into one or more channels sequentially to form at least one pocket of material that is available to be drawn into the die cavity. Each pocket is formed by applying liquid pressure or mechanical pressure to form the blank into the channels. The channels may be filled with a liquid to reduce friction. Alternatively, portions of the blank may be drawn into a channel to form a first stage preform that includes a pocket. The pocket of the first stage preform is then drawn into the die cavity in a first partial drawing stage. The steps of drawing material into the channel and then into the die cavity may be repeated one or more times until the part is fully drawn into the desired shape.

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 formation tool is used for deforming sheet metal on punching machines. The formation tool has an upper or top die tool and a lower or bottom die tool. Toward the top die, there is an upper mold insert movable relative to a holding-down device, and toward the bottom die, a lower mold insert movable relative to a stripper plate. The deformation of the metal sheet is effected upward with respect to a punching stroke plane. The formation tool has a lifting device for aiding in lifting the lower mold insert from an initial position which is at or below the punch stroke plane before a deforming operation, to a level above the punching stroke plane.

Abstract: In the die cushion device, a shock absorber device relieves shock between a cushion pad and a support section. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and an elastic section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The elastic section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative displacement of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The controller section controls a servomotor so that a speed difference between the speed of the slide member and the speed of the support section is set to be a predetermined target speed difference value that changes over time.

Abstract: A press-working apparatus capable of forming a clear character line. The press-working apparatus forms a product having a character line. The press-working apparatus comprises an upper die and a lower die arranged across a steel sheet, an upper die mechanism for moving the upper die toward and away from the lower die, a first holder and a second holder for clamping the steel sheet and applying an unwrinkling force to the same, and a control unit for controlling the upper die mechanism and the first holder. The upper die is divided on the character line of the product into a first upper die and a second upper die. The control unit makes the unwrinkling force by the first holder stronger than that by the second holder, so that the steel sheet is press-worked by the second upper die and then by the first upper die.

Abstract: A device for forming a tailored blank plate 12 having a thick plate 14 connected to a thin plate 16 to a desired configuration is provided with a press device 10 and a re-strike device 100. The press device 10 is provided with a first punch part 18, a first die part 20 and holder parts 22 and 22. Between the first punch part 18 and the first die part 20, the tailored blank plate 12 is mounted and positioned so that a stepped part 12b intersects orthogonally to punch protruding parts 50a and 50b of the first punch part 18 and punch recessed parts 72a and 72b of the first die part 20 to press-form the tailored blank plate 12. Then, the press-formed tailored blank plate 212 is moved to the re-strike device 100 to carry out a re-striking process by a second punch part 102 and a second die part 104, so as obtain the tailored blank plate 300 of a final shape.

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: A method of forming a blank into a part shape is provided in which the blank is drawn into one or more channels sequentially to form at least one pocket of material that is available to be drawn into the die cavity. Each pocket is formed by applying liquid pressure or mechanical pressure to form the blank into the channels. The channels may be filled with a liquid to reduce friction. Alternatively, portions of the blank may be drawn into a channel to form a first stage preform that includes a pocket. The pocket of the first stage preform is then drawn into the die cavity in a first partial drawing stage. The steps of drawing material into the channel and then into the die cavity may be repeated one or more times until the part is fully drawn into the desired shape.

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: Can shells are produced with tooling installed on a mechanical press, and the tooling includes an upper retainer supporting a blank and draw die enclosing an outer pressure sleeve and an inner pressure sleeve surrounding a die center punch, all having pistons. An air chamber is connected by air spring passages to the inner pressure sleeve piston, and the outer pressure sleeve receives the same air as the air chamber or lower pressure air. The die center punch has an insert which initiates the drawing of a cup, and the inner pressure sleeve and die center punch have contoured surfaces which mate with opposing surfaces on a die core ring to form and clamp the chuckwall of the shell during downstroke of the press. A panel punch has peripheral surfaces which form the panel wall and countersink of the shell during upstroke of the press.

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 press molding device, which has a die 2, a punch 3 and a cushion ring constituted by a first cushion ring 5 and a second cushion ring 6, is characterized in that the first cushion ring 5 is disposed around the punch 3, the punch 3 has a void 3c which houses the second cushion ring 6, and the second cushion ring 6 is housed in the void 3c of the punch 3 and has a reinforcing structure 50 maintaining posture of the second cushion ring 6.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement (20) and a method for the manufacture of can bodies from pot-shaped blanks (37). To this end, the blank (37) is inserted into a bottom tool part (45). The blank (37) is clamped between a downholder (23) and a counter support surface (47) of the lower tool part (45). For controlling a position value ? determining the position and/or position change of the downholder (23), a drive arrangement (22) is provided. The drive arrangement controls the position value in accordance with a predetermined course, so as to move the downholder (23) into the clamping position or out of the clamping position EP. As soon as the downholder (23) reaches its clamping position EP, the drive unit (22) controls a force value in accordance with a predetermined course which determines the clamping force F(t) which is applied by the downholder (23) to the blank (37). This occurs preferably by an adjustment of the motor current I to a predetermined course of the desired value IE(t).

Abstract: The invention resides in a hydraulic cylinder (23) for a hydraulic drawing cushion (20) of a drawing press (10). The hydraulic cylinder (23) includes a first operating chamber (47), a second operating chamber (48), and a third operating chamber (53). An annular piston (45) with a first piston surface area (49) and a second piston surface area (50) separates the first operating chamber (47) from the second operating chamber (48). The first and the second piston surfaces (49, 50) have the same size. A front surface of the piston rod (33) forms a third piston surface (54) which is larger than the first and second piston surfaces. The third piston surface (54) delimits the third operating chamber (53) of the hydraulic cylinder (23). The first and the second operating chambers (47, 48) are provided for controlling the position and/or the movement of the piston rod (33). The third operating chamber (53) serves to control the metal sheet clamping force of the drawing press via the piston rod (33).

Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes: a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting means for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between the target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal from the position controlling section; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an output switching section that, based on a press signal output when a slide has reached a bottom dead center, switches the position detection signal from the position detection means

Abstract: A die cushion apparatus of a press machine in which a discharge opening of a fluid hydraulic pump/motor is directly connected to a pressure chamber on a cushion pressure production side of a fluid hydraulic cylinder and the torque of a rotating shaft of the fluid hydraulic pump/motor is controlled by an electric motor to control a pressure (die cushion pressure) of the pressure chamber on the cushion pressure production side. It is therefore possible to control the die cushion pressure with excellent responsiveness with respect to a die cushion pressure command and prevent occurrence of a surge pressure. The die cushion apparatus also has excellent energy efficiency since energy required for a die cushioning action that a cushion pad receives when effecting die cushioning of a press machine is regenerated as electrical energy through the fluid hydraulic cylinder, fluid hydraulic pump/motor, and electric motor.

Abstract: A known tool for forming a container bottom, in particular the bottom of a beverage can is provided with an ejector 23 which is of sleeve-like shape and arranged between a downholder 14 and a dome 12. The ejector 23 is biased by a spring means 26 against the activating direction of a punch 3 with a pre-tensioning force which is substantially lower than the counter force of the downholder. The spring means 26 can be formed by compression springs 27, 28 which are arranged in axial cavities formed in the front face of the ejector 23. The ejector force can be changed by changing the compression springs or the number of compression springs.

Abstract: A die cushion device includes: a cushion pad which is located below a blank holder and is movable up and down while being synchronized with the blank holder; a linear driving device which drives a brake member along a predetermined line and regenerates energy from the linear movement of the brake member by combination of a servo motor and a conversion mechanism; and a hydraulic speed change device which transfers the speed of the cushion pad to the brake member via the pressure of hydraulic fluid while increasing the speed and transfers the speed of the brake member to the cushion pad via the pressure of the enclosed hydraulic fluid while decreasing the speed.

Abstract: A die cushion device includes a cushion pad, a support section, a servomotor, and a shock absorber device. The support section supports the cushion pad. The servomotor raises and lowers the support section for raising and lowering the cushion pad. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and relieves shock between the cushion pad and the support section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section.

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 reaction device for forming equipment includes a base, a reaction member movably spaced therefrom by guides, and a return gas spring carried by the base and operatively engaged to the reaction member for yieldably biasing the reaction member away from the base. The base has a return gas spring passage and guide shaft passages spaced apart therefrom. A return gas spring is received in the return gas spring passage of the base, and has a piston rod with an end arranged for contact with the reaction member. The guides include guide shafts arranged for engagement with the reaction member and disposed in guide bushings, which are received in the guide shaft passages of the base and preferably project below the base for use in locating the reaction device on the forming equipment.

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 device for controlling the drawing process in a transfer press has two tool parts which act in opposition to one another and between which the workpiece to be deformed is held. One tool part is moved between two reversal points by a mechanical crank mechanism driven at a constant rotational speed. The second tool part is connected to the piston of a hydraulic differential cylinder via a piston rod. The movement of the piston is controlled by the supply of pressure medium into a first chamber and by the discharge of pressure medium out of the second chamber of the differential cylinder. During a first time segment within a range delimited by the first and the second reversal point, the rod-side face of the piston is acted upon by a pressure which is sufficiently high to accelerate the second tool part as that, when the two tool parts impinge one onto the other, both tool parts move virtually at the same speed.

Abstract: A striker plate for a sheet-metal forming tool designed to be arranged between a gas-filled spring having a striking surface on a piston rod stop and a surface situated on the sheet-metal forming tool and thereby to receive force from the gas-filled spring in sheet metal forming. The striker plate includes a spring part arranged between a striker part and a bottom part, and is designed to be arranged at one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A method for changing a force control gain expressed as a ratio of force error to velocity command value in a control circuit performing a force control of a servo motor driving a die cushion disposed opposite to a slide in a press machine. The method includes: obtaining a difference between a displacement of the slide and a displacement of the die cushion in a state in which the slide and the die cushion collide with and are exerting force on each other; detecting the force when the difference of the displacements is obtained; calculating a spring constant of a structural portion based on a proportionality between the difference of the displacements and the force, when regarding the structural portion including the slide and the die cushion as an elastic structure; and changing the force control gain based on the spring constant using a fixed proportionality that exists between the force control gain and a reciprocal of the spring constant.

Abstract: A die separator cylinder for use in separating first and second portions of a metal forming die set comprises a housing including a bore. A piston is adapted to reciprocate in the bore between an extended position and a depressed position. The die separator cylinder further includes gas flow paths leading to and from the bore that define asymmetrical gas flow rates relative to each other so that said when the bore is charged with an inert gas, the inert gas biases the piston to the extended position with a force that varies depending upon a time interval elapsed since the piston moved from the depressed position to the extended position.

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 control device, for a servo die cushion, by which the speed of a die cushion is prevented from largely deviating from the speed of a slide, whereby the press force between the slide and the die cushion is not significantly reduced. The control device includes a slide speed detector for detecting the speed of the slide, a die cushion speed detector for detecting the speed of the die cushion, and a die cushion speed commanding part for controlling the speed of the die cushion. When a tentative speed command of the die cushion is largely deviated from the detected slide speed, the command of the die cushion is corrected such that the absolute value thereof does not exceed the value calculated by adding the absolute value of the detected slide speed to a positive constant.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided, which is structured to be affixed to a shell press. The die assembly includes at least one die shoe having first and second opposing ends, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end. The divisions are structured to divide the at least one die shoe into a plurality of pieces to accommodate thermal expansion. Each of the divisions between the pieces of the at least one die shoe has a profile. Preferably, the profile is not straight. Each of the divisions of the at least one die shoe form a gap between the pieces of the die shoe, thereby spacing the pieces apart from one another. The pieces are independently coupled to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press. A shell press and a method for employing the die assembly in a shell press are also disclosed.

Abstract: A die cushion apparatus of a press machine in which a discharge opening of a fluid hydraulic pump/motor is directly connected to a pressure chamber on a cushion pressure production side of a fluid hydraulic cylinder and the torque of a rotating shaft of the fluid hydraulic pump/motor is controlled by an electric motor to control a pressure (die cushion pressure) of the pressure chamber on the cushion pressure production side. It is therefore possible to control the die cushion pressure with excellent responsiveness with respect to a die cushion pressure command and prevent occurrence of a surge pressure. The die cushion apparatus also has excellent energy efficiency since energy required for a die cushioning action that a cushion pad receives when effecting die cushioning of a press machine is regenerated as electrical energy through the fluid hydraulic cylinder, fluid hydraulic pump/motor, and electric motor.

Abstract: A cushion load control device for a press machine includes a hydraulic cylinder 2 forming a die cushion, a hydraulic control valve 4 connected to the hydraulic cylinder 2, a hydraulic source 6 connected to the hydraulic cylinder 2 via the hydraulic control valve 4, an opening degree controlling part 11 for outputting a control signal for controlling an opening degree of the hydraulic control valve 4 on the basis of the set pressure value of the hydraulic cylinder, a speed detection unit 15 for detecting the lowering speed of the die cushion, and a signal correction part 18 for correcting the value of the control signal in accordance with the set pressure value and the lowering speed value detected by the speed detection unit 15.

Abstract: A die cushion controlling apparatus for controlling an operation of a cushion pad, which comprises a pad drive mechanism for driving to raise or lower the cushion pad while applying an upward energizing force, a load measuring unit for measuring a load generated in the cushion pad, a time detecting unit for detecting a generating time and a vanishing time of the load, and a control unit for controlling the pad drive mechanism so that a load measured value measured by the load measuring unit follows a preset load pattern during a period from when the time detecting unit detects the generating time of the load until when the time detecting unit detects the vanishing time of the load.

Abstract: A cylinder is formed in the lower portion of a cushion pad, and a piston coupled to an upper end of a rod is slidably contained in the cylinder. The rod is coupled to a rotary shaft of a servomotor. An oil pressure chamber is formed of an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a wall surface of the piston. The axial center of the oil pressure chamber is identical with the axial center of the rod. The pressure oil for alleviating an impact is filled in the oil pressure chamber. The pressure oil filled in the oil pressure chamber absorbs a force operating instantaneously at the cushion pad. According to this structure, the impact generated in a press machine can be alleviated.

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 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 machine is disclosed for producing a deep drawn part and a shallow drawn part from sheet metal blanks in a single action draw press. A floating draw punch and a fixed draw punch are provided. The first draw die forms a part that is drawn over the fixed draw punch while the second blank does not begin forming the second part until the floating draw punch bottoms out on the bed of the press. The floating draw punch moves with the binder ring until the additional draw depth required to form the deep drawn part is essentially equal to the draw depth of a shallow drawn part. A process for producing multiple unattached sheet metal parts in a single action draw press is also disclosed wherein a first sheet metal part has a draw depth D1 and a second sheet metal part has a draw depth D2.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel and a chuck wall is provided. The apparatus and method employ the use of a biasing member to selectively bias and control movement of the inner pressure sleeve and a die core having an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the punch core. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article (420) having a peripheral portion (422) may include reverse squeezing an initial peripheral portion (22) of an initial article (20) to form a first intermediate article (12) having a first intermediate peripheral portion (122) that is partly thinned, and squeezing the first intermediate peripheral portion (122) of the first intermediate article (120) to form a second intermediate article (220) having a second intermediate peripheral portion (222) that is thickened throughout.

Abstract: A die cushion device is comprised of die cushion modules which are independently movable and unitized. The individual die cushion modules are provided with a cushion pad, a servomotor, a power transmission mechanism, a power conversion mechanism and a guide member. By configuring in this way, the design of the die cushion is facilitated, a drive mechanism of the die cushion becomes compact, and the number of types of parts used is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a sheet of metal to be shaped in a press, comprising at least one fluid-operated actuator for translational motion of a first sheet presser, adapted to support, in an initial operation step a sheet of metal to be shaped, arranged above a first lower die part, coupled to the base of the press. The first presser cooperates with a second presser, coupled to the second die part associated with the upper ram of the press, in locking a perimetric portion of the sheet of metal during shaping. The actuators are part of a circuit for regenerating and supplying the working fluid, provided with devices for the delayed return of the actuators, upon opening the press, for shaped sheet protection.

Abstract: A reconfigurable variable blank-holder force system (and method) for producing sheet metal stampings comprises a portable hydraulic unit, controlled by a digital control system and a knowledge-based expert system to enable reconfigurability and an easy transition from the try-out stage to production. The knowledge-base has a hierarchical structure and includes stored information about part geometry, material properties and press parameters. The expert system enables an operator to determine optimal blank-holder forces, and to fine-tune through a graphical interface unit. The optimal blank-holder forces are generated by hydraulic force actuators, using a controller running a nonlinear algorithm that accounts for valve nonlinearities, variable flow-rate and numbers of operational cylinders. The portable hydraulic unit preferably comprises hydraulic cylinders with quick disconnect hoses, a manifold, servo-valves and a pump unit.

Abstract: An elastic member is disposed on a load supporting device such as cushion pins and wear plates, which are placed between at least a workpiece and a die cushion pad and transfer a load applied to the work to the die cushion pad, to support the load. The load supporting device is disposed in two or more on the die cushion pad to realize equalization of the load applied to a die cushion. Thus, use of a conventional large-scale hydraulic circuit is eliminated, and the device can be simplified. Also, the press machine can be produced at a low cost.

Abstract: A blank is stretch formed into a formed piece by bending the blank over a stationary punch. A draw ring has a step that cooperates with a pad ledge to create a step-ledge. The blank is bent with a reverse bend at the step-ledge. Subsequently, the step-ledge travels a short distance relative to the punch to stretch the blank material. Step-ledge travel is achieved by pre-charged cylinders that travel slightly in response to a force exerted on the draw ring and step-ledge by the press ram after the blank is bent into the reverse bend. The formed piece is cut along a plane through a wall thereof to make a finished piece. The finished piece free edge remains stable and in the same position as when in the press. Consequently, the free edge can be readily aligned with and welded to the free edge of a second finished piece.