Abstract: An end winding support of a rotor of an electric machine is provided. The end winding support includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes an elongate body about which a conductive winding is wound. The elongate body has a surface defining a first groove. The second part is attached to the first part. The second part includes a body which extends outwardly from the elongate body and which has a surface defining a second groove corresponding to the first groove.

Abstract: A device for strengthening a straight pipe, including a first positioning mold, a second positioning mold, a split mold, a rounding mold, a first cavity and a second cavity. A method for strengthening a straight pipe is further provided. The split mold is adjusted to position the pipe. The pipe is inserted into the first and second positioning molds. First and second sealing rings are arranged in an inner cavity of the pipe. Hydraulic oil is injected into the first cavity to expand the pipe to perform an expanding deformation. When the hydraulic oil is unloaded, the split mold moves towards an axis of the first positioning mold to perform a reducing deformation. After the expanding and reducing deformations, the pipe is transported into the rounding mold, and hydraulic oil is injected into the second cavity to expand the pipe to perform the rounding.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tube includes continuously moving a tubular hollow blank through an expansion tool, and supplying fluid to a space delimited by the expansion tool and the tubular hollow blank the such that a hydraulic pressure is applied inside the tubular hollow blank. The magnitude of the hydraulic pressure is selected such that the tubular hollow blank is deformed plastically. The disclosure also relates to an arrangement for manufacturing a tube.

Abstract: A vehicle front end load bearing bolster is provided with improved structural performance and a lower component weight, while also minimizing material, tooling, and production costs. The front end assembly is formed with a hydro-formed cross car reinforcement tube secured or bonded with mechanical fasteners and room temperature adhesive to a bolster, thereby improving stress distribution and increasing cross car system stiffness. The bonded hydro-form tube/bolster assembly provides increased torsion stiffness and dimensional stability to the vehicle frame. The hydro-formed cross car reinforcement tube have flattened terminal ends with apertures for integrated attachment to a bolster. The hydro-formed cross car reinforcement tube is formed of aluminum, brass, carbon, steel, stainless steel, copper and high strength alloys.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow body having a hollow flange may include performing a hydroforming process to a tubular blank. The tubular blank may be deformed and shaped to form the hollow body and the hollow flange. Subsequent processes may be performed to the hollow flange such as a flattening process whereby confronting internal surfaces of the hollow flange are brought together to abut each other and form a flat flange.

Abstract: A trim tool for trimming a part having a complex shape. The trim tool defines a plurality of electro-hydraulic cavities that are separated by walls in a lower die of the trim tool. Electrodes are discharged in the electro-hydraulic cavities to drive the panel into engagement with a trim steel edge. The discharge of the electrode severs the panel above the cavity and also across a portion of a wall separating adjacent cavities. Discharging an electrode in an adjacent cavity completes the trim operation above the wall.

Abstract: A method of forming a hole in a hollow blank during a hydroforming process is provided. The method includes placing a blank in a cavity of a hydroforming die, the hydroforming die being configured to permit a punch to engage the blank. An interior of the blank is pressurized with a fluid. Further, a cutting end of a punch is applied through a wall portion of the blank and into the interior of the blank to form a hole. Furthermore, the cutting end of the punch is removed from the interior of the blank such that the cutting end of the punch is configured to allow material of the blank surrounding the formed hole to move away from the interior of the blank.

Abstract: Cookware formed from a metal tread plate wherein the metal tread plate is one of carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. The cookware is in the form of a fry pan, roaster pan, saucepan and the like, particularly for outdoor cooking.

Abstract: A punch including a shearing edge formed on an outer periphery of the punch, a cutting edge formed on the distal end of the punch and at least two ramp surfaces provided between the shearing and cutting edges. Each of the ramp surfaces extend at an angle from the distal end to a recessed portion of the shearing edge. The shearing edge, cutting edge and ramp surfaces cooperate to partially form a hole in a part and retain a slug in the hole. A method of forming a hole and a slug control system for a hydro-piercing operation is disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes: determining a design for a longitudinal piece of a particular length, wherein first and second ends of the longitudinal piece have dissimilar shapes; extruding a piece that is at least twice the particular length, wherein a profile throughout the extruded piece has the first end shape; hydroforming the extruded piece to generate an expanded portion between ends of the extruded piece, wherein the ends retain essentially the first end shape; and cutting through the expanded portion to obtain a piece wherein one end has the first end shape and another end has the second end shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a branched pipe includes: a first swelling step of swelling a swelled part from a main body of a pipe blank by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by an elastic body, and simultaneously, forming an opening in the tip portion of the swelled part along a circumferential direction; and a second swelling step of swelling the swelled part from the main body by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by the elastic body.

Abstract: A method of flange trimming a sheet metal panel to form a part including flanges for subsequent hemming or weld operation is disclosed. The method utilizes an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) tool to form a channel within which a flange is cut out in a trimming operation. A combined flange/trim die may be provided in which both a channel forming operation and a flange trimming operation may be performed. A manufacturing system for fabricating a part by forming a channel in a peripheral portion and cutting the channel area to form a flange. The method also relates to a die for an EHF tool that defines a channel-shaped recess and has a trim edge for cutting a flange into the channel.

Abstract: A method for producing a tube with a bent progression or with a bend embodied as a transverse progression. For bending the tube or for each fold of the transverse progression, two miter cuts are made into an essentially straight tube, thus creating two tube sections with miter cut surfaces extending along the cutting planes and a cutting wedge. The miter cuts are placed such that the cutting planes intersect at a point located inside the tube wall, and at this point a bendable bar is left intact connecting the two tube sections. The miter cuts are made such that the cutting wedge first remains in the tube via not-severed or incompletely severed holding points for tube transport. The cutting wedge is then removed and the miter cut surfaces of the two tube sections are folded onto each other around the bar which acts as a hinge and then allows both tube sections to be welded together all around their miter cut surfaces.

Abstract: A method of flange trimming a sheet metal panel to form a part including flanges for subsequent hemming or weld operation is disclosed. The method utilizes an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) tool to form a channel within which a flange is cut out in a trimming operation. A combined flange/trim die may be provided in which both a channel forming operation and a flange trimming operation may be performed. A manufacturing system for fabricating a part by forming a channel in a peripheral portion and cutting the channel area to form a flange. The method also relates to a die for an EHF tool that defines a channel-shaped recess and has a trim edge for cutting a flange into the channel.

Abstract: A tool for modifying a workpiece by either trimming or joining the workpiece. The tool is an electro-hydraulic tool that uses a pulse transmitted through a liquid to trim a workpiece or to join two thicknesses of metal together. A method of trimming the workpiece includes the steps of providing a high voltage discharge in a liquid that drives a workpiece into engagement with a cutting edge of a tool steel insert. A method of joining two or more thicknesses of metal together includes the step of creating a high voltage discharge through an electrode that accelerates one panel or thickness of metal into a second panel that is held stationary by a backing plate while the first thickness of metal is accelerated into the second thickness of metal.

Abstract: One or more electro-hydraulic forming tools are operated by a press and provide formed parts to a trimming operation. A locking mechanism holds the die against the chamber during the electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) discharge. The lock may be a pin or clamp. One method of manufacturing an article includes providing three EHF tools that feed a single trimming press on a line. An alternative embodiment discloses a single EHF tool that supplies parts on a production line to an electro-hydraulic (EH) trimming tool. An electro-hydraulic pulse generator may be used to provide a stored charge to the EHF tool and the EH trimming tool.

Abstract: An end band and method of forming an end band for a rotor. The end band includes a hollow cylindrical band, wherein at least a portion of the band has a grain flow in a direction parallel to the hoop stress of the band. The end band also includes at least a portion having a grain flow in a direction perpendicular to the hoop stress of the band.

Abstract: To form a through hole at one portion of a side wall, of an expanded portion made by plastically deforming one part of a metal tube radially outward, in a portion where the plate thickness gradually changes, a slide tool is withdrawn from inside a punch hole while applying hydraulic pressure to the inside of the side wall. At the instant of commencing withdrawal of the slide tool, the degree of progress in the shearing for the portions of the side wall matching with the two side edges of the punch hole is made different. Then, the timing for moving from shearing to rupture is made to coincide, so that of the side wall, the portions matching with the punch hole, are made reliably into a blank, and are extracted from the side wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a branched pipe includes: a first swelling step of swelling a swelled part from a main body of a pipe blank by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by an elastic body, and simultaneously, forming an opening in the tip portion of the swelled part along a circumferential direction; and a second swelling step of swelling the swelled part from the main body by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by the elastic body.

Abstract: A tool adapted to form and method of forming a tapped hole within a workpiece in a single pass, includes a piercing section operable to punch a pilot hole in and produce a slug attached to the workpiece, and a tapping section operable to form a female thread along the periphery of the hole, and more preferably, an extruding section operable to push workpiece material away from the exterior surface defined thereby, an expanding section operable to expand the diameter of the hole, a sealing section operable to seal the hole during a hydroforming process, and a burnishing section operable to further expand and treat the periphery of the hole prior to tapping.

Abstract: A blow mold is disclosed. The mold comprises a pair of mold halves having an operative configuration wherein said mold halves together define a cavity for a container. The container has a main body and a characteristic selected from the group of characteristics consisting of: a push-up base; an integral finish; and an embossed or a debossed feature. Each of the pair of mold halves has a first portion and a second portion formed integrally with the first portion. When the pair of mold halves is in the operative configuration, the first portions collectively define the main body and the second portions collectively define the characteristic. The blow mold can be used for prototyping, and can also be used for production.

Abstract: A novel multipart punch and system allows apertures to be formed in hydroformed members with the slug which would otherwise result being divided into two or more smaller slugs. These smaller slugs can be folded back into the hydroformed member and held captive therein or removed if desired. The multipart punch and system provides a flush surface in the hydroforming mold when the punch is in its initial position to allow easy loading and unloading of the mold and to allow additional blank to be fed into the mold during the hydroforming operation, if desired. Also, the hydraulic ram used with the multipart punch need develop less force than an equivalent prior art stepped punch.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for obtaining an opening (8) in a hollow-body member (3) having a longitudinal extension and a cavity (6), and to a hollow-body member (3) provided with one or more openings (8, 9) obtained with the above-mentioned method, which includes the following phases: a. predisposing a holding die (12) including a seat (17) countershaped with respect with said hollow-body member (3) and an ejection channel (13) having a first end (18) communicating with said seat (17) and a second ejection end (19); b. inserting and positioning the hollow-body member (3) in the seat (17) so that said first end (18) is arranged in correspondence with a wall portion of said hollow-body member (3) on which to obtain an opening (8); c. generating a progressively increasing pressure inside said cavity (6) sufficient to deform said wall portion (16) to a point of detaching it from the hollow-body member (3) to form said opening (8), and expelling the wail portion (16) along the ejection channel (13).

Abstract: A piercing device for hydro-formed members comprises a punch having a cutting surface and a guide bore, a support member having a guide post complementary in shape to the guide bore and drive passages, and a drive member having two arms forming U-shaped members. The arms of the drive member extend through the drive passages of the support member to transfer a force between a ram and the punch.

Abstract: A device for explosive forming of a tubular work piece includes a multipart explosive forming die, which defines a forming area having an inner surface corresponding to a final shape of the tubular work piece and a nozzle arrangement disposed adjacent to the forming area. The device also includes a plug for forming a seal by simultaneously deforming an end of the work piece and clamping the deformed end between the plug and a facing surface of the nozzle arrangement. In this way, the work piece itself contributes to the sealing of an internal explosion space. With insertion of new work piece blanks, and introduction of the plug during each individual forming process, new seals are produced in a convenient manner during subsequent forming processes. The device supports a simplified handling approach and integrates several functions into one working step, resulting in a shorter cycle times and cost-effective industrial production.

Abstract: The present invention was made with the object of eliminating the short pipe member when attaching a bolting nut to a hydroformed part, preventing an increase in the difficulty of hydroforming for attaching the nut, extending the nut length so as to enable sufficient strength at the time of bolting, and enabling application even to thin wall hydroformed parts and comprises inserting a metal pipe into a split mold having a pierce punch able to be moved perpendicular to an axis of the inserted metal pipe or in a slanted direction, having a front part narrower than a center part, and having around the front part a nut having an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the front part and smaller than an outside diameter of the center part; hydroforming it; then making the pierce punch advance to pierce part of the hydroformed part and pushing the nut by a center part arranged behind the nut and embedding the nut in the metal pipe.

Abstract: A method for forming an U-shaped metal frame includes a preparing means: bend forming a straight tube in a continuous curve shape to be a billet including a spaced section and a first and a second side segments twisted toward opposite directions individually; a forming means: placing the billet into a cavity of a forming mold, closing two ends of the billet, and feeding a high-pressure fluid into the billet; a cutting means: cutting the billet into the first and the second pipes, the first pipe including a first connecting portion formed in a first cut position thereof, the second pipe including a second connecting portion formed in a second cut position thereof; a connecting means: twisting the first side segment and the second side segment toward the same direction, and connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion together to obtain the U-shaped metal frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a fuel filler tube that significantly reduces the number of manufacturing steps. In the preferred embodiment, a tubular blank is pre-formed to an intermediate configuration approximating the form of the final fuel filler tube, and then through hydroforming the intermediate tubular preform is formed to final form. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses axial compression for controlling the axial length of the tube and its wall thickness. The method of the invention uses less material than conventional processes, and provides greater control over the parameters of the final product while eliminating many steps of the conventional process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an axle component having the following steps: arranging a hollow semi-finished product such as a tube in a die for forming the axle component; introduction of fluid into the interior of the hollow semi-finished product; and loading of the fluid with high pressure, in order to deform the hollow semi-finished product in accordance with the die as a result.

Abstract: A method of electrohydraulically trimming a blank involving positioning a blank on a trimming member having a cutting edge such that a portion to be trimmed extends over the cutting edge and is in fluid communication with a chamber. Immobilize the blank with respect to the trimming member. Position a pair of electrodes in the chamber proximate the portion of the blank to be trimmed such that the electrodes and the trimming member are on opposite sides of the blank. Electrically connect the electrodes to a capacitor. Charge the capacitor. Fill the chamber with fluid to submerge the electrodes and to contact the portion of the blank to be trimmed. Discharge the capacitor across the electrodes to generate a pressure pulse that pushes the portion of the blank to be trimmed against the cutting edge thus trimming it off the blank.

Abstract: A method of flange trimming a sheet metal panel to form a part including flanges for subsequent hemming or weld operation is disclosed. The method utilizes an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) tool to form a channel within which a flange is cut out in a trimming operation. A combined flange/trim die may be provided in which both a channel forming operation and a flange trimming operation may be performed. A manufacturing system for fabricating a part by forming a channel in a peripheral portion and cutting the channel area to form a flange. The method also relates to a die for an EHF tool that defines a channel-shaped recess and has a trim edge for cutting a flange into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention was made with the object of eliminating the short pipe member when attaching a bolting nut to a hydroformed part, preventing an increase in the difficulty of hydroforming for attaching the nut, extending the nut length so as to enable sufficient strength at the time of bolting, and enabling application even to thin wall hydroformed parts and comprises inserting a metal pipe into a split mold having a pierce punch able to be moved perpendicular to an axis of the inserted metal pipe or in a slanted direction, having a front part narrower than a center part, and having around the front part a nut having an in side diameter larger than an outside diameter of the front part and smaller than an outside diameter of the center part; hydroforming it; then making the pierce punch advance to pierce part of the hydroformed part and pushing the nut by a center part arranged behind the nut and embedding the nut in the metal pipe.

Abstract: The invention involves an anti-vibration die holder for a press, such as a metal-fabricating press. The anti-vibration die holder preferably includes at least one resilient surface adapted to contact a die when the die is mounted operatively on the die holder.

Abstract: A method of electrohydraulically trimming a blank involving positioning a blank on a trimming member having a cutting edge such that a portion to be trimmed extends over the cutting edge and is in fluid communication with a chamber. Immobilize the blank with respect to the trimming member. Position a pair of electrodes in the chamber proximate the portion of the blank to be trimmed such that the electrodes and the trimming member are on opposite sides of the blank. Electrically connect the electrodes to a capacitor. Charge the capacitor. Fill the chamber with fluid to submerge the electrodes and to contact the portion of the blank to be trimmed. Discharge the capacitor across the electrodes to generate a pressure pulse that pushes the portion of the blank to be trimmed against the cutting edge thus trimming it off the blank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat shield for a manifold ring of a gas turbine engine, comprising forming a tubular portion of heat shield material with an arcuate longitudinal axis, deforming the tubular portion such that a cross-section thereof defines a profile corresponding to at least two complementary heat shield portions configured to cooperate to significantly surround at least a circumferential portion of the manifold ring, and cutting the tubular portion to divide the tubular portion into each of the heat shield portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piercing device of a hydroforming mold with a lower steel having a cavity therein, which can make the replacement of the pierce punch easier. The piercing device comprises: a pierce punch, the front edge portion of which is inserted into the cavity, for punching a hole through a molding material; a pierce cylinder for providing hydraulic pressure; a rod connected to the pierce cylinder, which is to be operated by the hydraulic pressure; and a pierce block connecting the rod and the pierce punch, wherein the length between the front edge portion of the rod and the pierce punch is greater than the length of the pierce punch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydroforming member includes the step of providing a blank (10). The blank (10) is defined by blank wall (16). The blank (10) is placed in a die assembly (14) having a die cavity (12) defined by a die surface (24). The blank (10) is expanded so that the blank wall (16) is forced against the die surface (24) to form the hydroformed member. A portion of the blank wall conforms against a wall-thinning element (26, 28) positioned along the die surface (24) to form a removable wall section (46, 50) in a portion of the blank wall (24). The removable wall section (46, 50) is then removed from the blank wall (16) to form an opening in the hydroformed member.

Abstract: According to the hydroforming method by the invention, when slots with the aspect ratio of 3 or more are pierced onto the bulge-formed portion made by the hydroforming, even the piercing can be carried out within a series of processing steps in the hydroforming, thereby eliminating the piercing operation by means of the cumbersome machining process such as milling and ensuring an excellent slot configuration. Thus, the hydroformed parts by the invention are best suited for the automobile parts etc. where various piercing operations are required, and the mold used for the hydroforming method by the invention can be widely employed for processing the automobile parts etc., whereby the invention can be applied for processing the parts in automobiles and industrial machineries as well.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for punching holes through the opposed first and second tube walls of a hydroformed tube while the tube is within the die cavity formed by a pair of hydroforming dies. A punch is mounted within a punch bore that intersects with the die cavity. A punch advances the punch to punch a first hole in the first tube wall and then travel across the die cavity and make a second hole in the second tube wall. A support mechanism for supporting the second wall of the tube against rupture by the hydroforming pressure includes spring biasing a support face of a support rod into engagement with the second wall and yielding during the punching of the second hole. A support rod actuator withdraws the support rod to carry the support face away from the second wall after the second hole is punched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a hole in a work piece suitable for hydroforming applications is provided. The apparatus includes first and second die portions forming a die cavity for the work piece. Each die includes a punch cavity generally perpendicular to the work piece. One of the punch cavities has a slug capturing area. A punch with an angular cutting face can be moved within a cross passage created by the punch cavities to impact the work piece. The angular cutting face of the punch has a larger surface area than the punch body, which results in expanding slugs pierced from the work piece. The slug capturing area is configured with a cross-sectional area smaller than the surface area of the angular cutting face.

Abstract: A novel multipart punch and system allows apertures to be formed in hydroformed members with the slug which would otherwise result being divided into two or more smaller slugs. These smaller slugs can be folded back into the hydroformed member and held captive therein or removed if desired. The multipart punch and system provides a flush surface in the hydroforming mold when the punch is in its initial position to allow easy loading and unloading of the mold and to allow additional blank to be fed into the mold during the hydroforming operation, if desired. Also, the hydraulic ram used with the multipart punch need develop less force than an equivalent prior art stepped punch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piercing device of a hydroforming mold with a lower steel having a cavity therein, which can make the replacement of the pierce punch easier. The piercing device comprises: a pierce punch, the front edge portion of which is inserted into the cavity, for punching a hole through a molding material; a pierce cylinder for providing hydraulic pressure; a rod connected to the pierce cylinder, which is to be operated by the hydraulic pressure; and a pierce block connecting the rod and the pierce punch, wherein the length between the front edge portion of the rod and the pierce punch is greater than the length of the pierce punch.

Abstract: A structure and method are provided for forming a through hole at one portion of a side wall of an expanded portion made by plastically deforming one part of a metal tube radially outward, in a portion where the plate thickness gradually changes. A slide tool is withdrawn from inside a punch hole while applying hydraulic pressure to the inside of the side wall. Regarding a tip end face of the slide tool, a portion facing the portion of the side wall where the plate thickness is relatively thick is recessed. At the instant of commencing withdrawal of the slide tool, the degree of progress in the shearing for the portions of the side wall matching with the two side edges of the punch hole is made different. Then, the timing for moving from shearing to rupture is made to coincide, so that of the side wall, the portions matching with the punch hole, are made reliably into a blank, and are extracted from the side wall.

Abstract: A punch, apparatus and method for forming opposing holes in a hollow part, and a part formed therefrom. The punch includes an end portion adapted to pierce an entry hole and bend material around the entry hole to form a retained slug along an inner edge of the entry hole. The punch also includes an enlarging portion adapted to enter the entry hole after the end portion to enlarge the entry hole by bending the slug and additional material towards the interior of the part. The punch has a length greater than a cross-section of the part such that further advancement of the punch through the part punches an exit hole in the part opposite the entry hole.

Abstract: According to the hydroforming method by the invention, when slots with the aspect ratio of 3 or more are pierced onto the bulge-formed portion made by the hydroforming, even the piercing can be carried out within a series of processing steps in the hydroforming, thereby eliminating the piercing operation by means of the cumbersome machining process such as milling and ensuring an excellent slot configuration. Thus, the hydroformed parts by the invention are best suited for the automobile parts etc. where various piercing operations are required, and the mold used for the hydroforming method by the invention can be widely employed for processing the automobile parts etc., whereby the invention can be applied for processing the parts in automobiles and industrial machineries as well.

Abstract: A tool forms a threaded hole in a hydroformed part while the part remains in a hydroforming die cavity and under pressure. The tool has a hole-piercing end portion adapted on advancement of the tool to pierce and form a hole in the part and an extruding portion adapted on continued tool advancement to extrude an annular extrusion that extends into the tube interior. An adjacent sealing portion of the tool seals the hole during the ongoing advancement and extrusion of the annular extrusion so that hydroforming fluid remains under pressure. A thread-forming portion of the tool forms an internal thread within the annular extrusion upon the continued advancement and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for punching holes through the opposed first and second tube walls of a hydroformed tube while the tube is within the die cavity formed by a pair of hydroforming dies. A punch is mounted within a punch bore that intersects with the die cavity. A punch advances the punch to punch a first hole in the first tube wall and then travel across the die cavity and make a second hole in the second tube wall. A support mechanism for supporting the second wall of the tube against rupture by the hydroforming pressure includes spring biasing a support face of a support rod into engagement with the second wall and yielding during the punching of the second hole. A support rod actuator withdraws the support rod to carry the support face away from the second wall after the second hole is punched.

Abstract: A tool forms a threaded hole in a hydroformed part while the part remains in a hydroforming die cavity and under pressure. The tool has a hole-piercing end portion adapted on advancement of the tool to pierce and form a hole in the part and an extruding portion adapted on continued tool advancement to extrude an annular extrusion that extends into the tube interior. An adjacent sealing portion of the tool seals the hole during the ongoing advancement and extrusion of the annular extrusion so that hydroforming fluid remains under pressure. A thread-forming portion of the tool forms an internal thread within the annular extrusion upon the continued advancement and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A method and a preprocessed tube for producing a tube with a bent progression or with a bend embodied as a transverse progression. For the bent position of the tube or for each fold of the transverse progression, two miter cuts are made into an essentially straight tube, thus creating two tube sections with miter cut surfaces extending along the cutting planes and a cutting wedge. The miter cuts are placed according to the invention such that the cutting planes intersect at a point located inside the tube wall, and at this point a bendable bar is left intact connecting the two tube sections. A folding of the miter cut surfaces of the two tube sections onto each other around the bar acting as a hinge then allows both tube sections to be welded together all around their miter cut surfaces. Preferably an additional centering aid in form of a protrusion and a form-fitting recess is provided in the two opposite miter cut surfaces.

Abstract: A production line for the manufacture of a product through hydroforming, comprising a decoiler (11) for unrolling a steel strip (12) from a coil (13), a roll-forming unit (14) for folding the steel strip into a tube (16), a welding unit (17) for welding together the edges of the steel strip, a hydroforming unit (18) comprising a mould (19, 20) that ca be opened to receive the completed tube as the tube is being formed and welded, a cutting arrangement (24, 25) for cutting off the completed product (23) that has been removed from the hydroforming unit, arrangements (30-33; 35-39) at the two ends of the mould for sealing the tube, and a line (38) for the supply of pressure medium through one of the sealing arrangements for placing the tube under pressure. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a product in such a line.