Abstract: A process for forming a hydroformed automotive component with an integrally formed attachment bracket or weld flange begins with a tubular blank manufactured through a roll-forming process to convert sheet metal into a tubular body portion having excess parent sheet metal material extending past the tube weld joint to define an integrated flange. This integrated flange tubular blank is then placed into a forming die and subjected to a conventional hydroforming manufacturing process to form the automotive component into the desired shape and configuration. One side of the forming die is formed with a slot defining a gap in which the integrated flange material is received to create the weld flange or attachment bracket when the die is closed against the integrated flange material while the hydroforming process is undertaken. Alternatively, the integrated flange material could be welded onto the tubular blank during the formation of the tubular blank.

Abstract: A warm hydro-forming device comprises: an upper mold and a lower mold respectively mounted to an upper mold die and a lower mold die; a lifting die installed to the lower mold die through a guide unit, an upper portion of the lifting die being connected to the upper mold die through a lifting unit to cooperatively operate in an upward and downward direction with the upper mold die; a pair of hydraulic pressure cylinders for providing an axial compression force to the tube component and supplying a forming hydraulic fluid into the tube component; an ascending and descending unit for ascending or descending the upper mold die; and a heating unit associated with the lifting die such that the heating unit can move toward or away from the tube component. The heating unit heats the tube component and a forming hydraulic fluid through a high frequency induction heating.

Abstract: A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.

Abstract: A method of progressive hydro-forming of a tubular member includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a first tubular cavity portion in a first stage. The method also includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves and applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the tubular member to the first tubular cavity portion in the first stage. The method includes the steps of positioning the expanded tubular member in a second tubular cavity portion in a second stage and progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the expanded tubular member within the second tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the expanded tubular member to the second tubular cavity portion in the second stage.

Abstract: The hydroforming tool of the present invention comprises a pair of upper and lower tool inserts having open axial ends and defining an elongated cavity there between when the tool inserts are forced together. The upper and/or lower tool inserts are composed of segments that are attached to the upper and a lower base plates, by bolts. Retaining elements, such as pins, are introduced into holes in the base plates and continues into cavities formed in the segmented inserts. This prevents the insert segments from moving during the forming operation. In this way the use of base blocks may be omitted. Sometimes the friction force acting between the base plate and segmented inserts, caused by the high pressure applied to the tool surfaces, is sufficient to prevent the separation of the segments, whereby the segments are kept in place without the use of retaining elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding a bicycle tube and the method comprises the following steps: first, providing a tube and then controlling thickness of the tube by a drawing and extruding process for forming a molding portion. Second, plasticize other portions of the tube into particular diameters and shapes by plasticizing processes. Third, hydroform the molding portion of the tube by a mold and a hydroforming device for forming particular three-dimensional shapes. By applying to the above-mentioned method, the tube could be molded into a three-dimensional, unique and delicate shape.

Abstract: An off-road motorcycle incorporates a swingarm assembly for pivotally supporting a rear wheel relative to a frame of the motorcycle. Preferably, the swingarm includes right and left arms extending rearwardly from a forward connecting portion. Right and left rear wheel mount members are secured to the right and left arms, respectively, to rotatably support the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Preferably, the arms of the swingarm assembly are formed at least partially by a hydroforming process and the center of each of the arms has a width that is greater than the width of either a forward or rearward end of the arm. In addition, the forward end of each of the right end left arms preferably is bent inward such that the forward portion of the swingarm assembly is narrower than the rear portion of the swingarm assembly. The hydroforming process permits the inner wall of the arms to be vertical and substantially planar along the region where the arms are bent about a generally vertically extending axis.

Abstract: A press of pressure cell type includes a press body part. The press body part comprises a number of plates with the planes of the plates oriented parallel to the planes of the adjacent plates. Each plate has a through hole which has the same center axis as the hole of the adjacent plates. Prestressing bands which induce a compressing prestress acting in the planes of the plates are arranged on an external edge surface of each of the plates.

Abstract: A pressure damper for use with a fluid conduit, such a fuel rail in a vehicular fuel delivery system, is manufactured by deforming a workpiece, such as by stamping, hydroforming, or magnetic pulse forming, to have an enlarged portion of predetermined size and reduced wall thickness. The predetermined size and reduced wall thickness of the enlarged portion correspond to a magnitude of fluid pressure at which the enlarged portion will flex or otherwise behave elastically, allowing the enlarged portion to function as a pressure damper. The workpiece can be secured to a fuel rail, such as by brazing, quick-connects, O-ring joints, welding, gluing, or magnetic pulse forming or welding techniques. Alternatively, the workpiece is embodied as the fuel rail itself, and the pressure damper is formed integrally with the fuel rail, thereby eliminating the need to secure a separate damper to a fuel rail.

Abstract: A method of making a pre-formed tubular member includes the steps of providing a tubular member extending longitudinally and providing a bending assembly having a mandrel with at least one ball and a bending die. The method also includes the steps of positioning the at least one ball inside of the tubular member. The method further includes the steps of bending the tubular member about the bend die to form a bent pre-formed tubular member having at least one curved portion having a recess therein.

Abstract: A hydroform die tube holding assembly and method of using same includes at least one seal unit for sealing an end of a tube. The hydroformed die tube holding assembly also includes a seal unit elevator for attachment to a lower die half to operatively support the at least one seal unit. The hydroformed die tube holding assembly further includes at least one upper gas spring for attachment to an upper die half to engage, the seal unit elevator to drive the seal unit elevator downward prior to the upper die half engaging the tube.

Abstract: A method of forming a bottle-shaped or other contoured metal container by subjecting a hollow metal preform having a closed end to internal fluid pressure to cause the preform to expand against the wall of a die cavity defining the desired shape, and advancing a punch by means of a backing ram into the die cavity to displace and deform the closed end of the preform either before or after expansion begins but before it is complete. The pressure-subjecting step is performed by simultaneously subjecting the preform in the die cavity to independently controllable internal and external positive fluid pressures and varying the difference between them to control strain rate. Apparatus for performing the method includes a split die with plural split inserts disposed in tandem to define the die cavity wall and heaters respectively inserted within the preform and arranged to heat the backing ram.

Abstract: A method for performing a hydroforming operation on a hollow workpiece includes the initial step of filling the interior of the workpiece with a hydroforming fluid. The pressure exerted by the hydroforming fluid against the interior of the workpiece is below the yield strength of the workpiece so as to not change the shape of the workpiece. Then, first and second die sections of the hydroforming apparatus are closed about the workpiece. The movement of the two die sections causes some mechanical deformation of the workpiece, but the presence of the hydroforming fluid within the workpiece prevents the amount of this mechanical deformation of the hollow workpiece from being undesirably large. Thereafter, the pressure exerted by the hydroforming fluid against the interior of the workpiece is increased to above the yield strength of the workpiece. As a result, the workpiece is deformed into engagement with the first and second die sections of the hydroforming die.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular member with thickened ends includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves and sealing ends of the tubular member. The method also includes the steps of applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member and progressively closing the die halves. The method includes the steps of raising the hydraulic pressure substantially within the tubular member to expand and conform the tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method further includes the steps of thickening a wall thickness of the axial ends of the tubular member, separating the die halves, and removing the tubular member having thickened axial ends from the die.

Abstract: A method for making a bicycle frame part includes the steps of preparing a malleable tubular blank that has an outer surface and that is made from an alloy selected from the group consisting of Al—Mg—Sc alloy, Al—Mg—Zr alloy, and Al—Mg—Li—Zr alloy; placing the tubular blank in a mold such that the tubular blank is surrounded by an inner surface of the mold; heating the tubular blank to a working temperature ranging from 200 to 500° C; and injecting a high-pressure fluid into the tubular blank so as to permit expansion and permanent deformation of the tubular blank in the mold to an extent that the outer surface of the expanded tube abuts against and conforms to the inner surface of the mold.

Abstract: When hydroforming a steel pipe, a tubular deformation assisting member made of an incompressible material softer than the steel pipe is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the steel pipe. The deformation assisting member is attached at least to an area corresponding to a projection provided at the inner surface of the die assembly, the projection being earliest brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the steel pipe during hydroforming. When hydroforming the steel pipe, the material of the deformation assisting member plastically flows near corner portions at which the deformation assisting member is brought into contact with the projection.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes upper and lower platens that are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. An upper die section is carried on the upper platen by a generally C-shaped suspension arm, while a lower die section is carried on the lower platen. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. Lift assemblies are provided on the lateral ends of the hydroforming apparatus for selectively elevating the lower die section upwardly into engagement with the upper die section. When the lower die section is elevated by the lift assemblies, a workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity. A bolster is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen.

Abstract: A method using high interior pressure to reshape structural section of continuously bounded overall cross-section, whereby the overall cross-section can be provided with extra walls or chambers and a stopper is forced radially against each end of the piece. The object is to reduce wear on the stopper while ensuring that any walls or chambers in addition to its overall crosssection will buckle or bulge only at their ends.

Abstract: A process as claimed for the invention for internal high-pressure reshaping of a hollow section (12) in a reshaping tool, a fluid being introduced under high pressure P1 into a hollow section and this section having a transitional area with different wall thicknesses in the area of an edge (18 to 21) to be blocked, is characterized in that the shape selected for the hollow section (12) in the initial state is such that a thickened area (22 to 25) extends a certain distance from the edge (18 to 21) into the wall section (14, 16) with smaller wall thickness. As a result, constrictions can be avoided during reshaping and favorable edge geometries can be achieved (FIG. 2).

Abstract: In the present invention, at least one tubular blank and at least one article such as a metal stamping, to be attached to a hydroformed part, are loaded into a die. The tube is hydroformed using typical methods. The article is positioned in the die such that, when the tube is hydroformed, the final hydroformed tube contacts the article at least at a point. Attachment means, such as a laser welder, are provided with access to the contact point between the article and the hydroformed tube so that a tack weld or other attachment can be made between the article and the hydroformed tube while still in the closed die. The hydroformed tube and attached article are then removed as a joint assembly from the die.

Abstract: A method for expanding tubular blanks includes pre-expanding or initially expanding a section of the tube by forcing a punch into an open end of the tube. The punching process may be repeated to achieve up to approximately 50% expansion from the original configuration of the blank. Then, the same pre-expanded section can be further expanded by hydroforming such that the blank is filled with pressurized fluid to achieve further expansion of the initially expanded section up to approximately 100% expansion from the original configuration of the blank. As a final step, the open end of the expanded tube may be cut to its ultimate shape.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus for concurrently performing two or more hydroforming operations includes a frame that is sized to support hydroforming dies in a stacked relationship. Each of the dies includes a pair of cooperating die sections having respective recesses that define a die cavity. Guide pins and actuating cylinders, attached to platens on which the die section are supported, move in coordination with a ram and assist in moving die sections that are distant from the ram. When the die cavities are opened, hollow tubular blanks are inserted between the spaced apart die sections of the first and second die. Next, the ram and the support mechanism move such that the pairs of cooperating die sections of the first and second dies engage one another. End feed cylinders are then moved laterally into engagement with the end the tubular blanks to facilitate the filling thereof with a hydroforming fluid.

Abstract: In an apparatus for quenching thin walled metal hollow casings (6) manufactured by blow molding, the apparatus has a molding tool (1) defining a slot or aperture (21) and a delivery system for applying a coolant to the slot or aperture (21) of the molding tool (1). In a method of applying a coolant to the external surface of a blow molded casing (6), the coolant is applied onto an external surface of the casing (6) after the casing (6) has been formed against a tool (1) which includes at least one slot or aperture (21).

Abstract: An internal high-pressure deformation method for the production of in particular bulging out closed hollow bodies and a corresponding device are disclosed. At least two workpiece parts (1,2) are employed, wherein at least one of the two workpiece parts (1,2) preformed of cup shape and exhibits a flange, and are pressure agent sealingly pressed in the region of the flanges (1.1,1.2) in the deformation tool according to the invention such that the two work tool pieces (1,2) are together deformed by the internal high-pressure deformation method and are further processed separately or jointly after the internal high-pressure deformation. The apparatus is subdivided in tool regions (E1, E2, E3, E4) corresponding to the work piece forms to be generated and corresponding to the number of the workpiece parts (1,2), wherein the tool regions (E1, E2, E3, E4) are disposed in different planes (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A hydroforming system includes a dual conical tube formed from a blank. The dual conical tube has a first end, a second end and a central portion positioned between the first and the second ends. The central portion has a smaller cross sectional area than the first and the second ends. A shaping die is adapted to receive the dual conical tube, and the shaping die is subject to pressurize such that the tube substantially approximates the shape of the shaping die.

Abstract: An apparatus for the section-wise autofrettage of gun barrels (22) by a hydraulic pressure generated inside the barrel. The apparatus (1, 1?, 1?) comprises a mandrel-shaped insert (2, 2?, 2?) inserted into the barrel (22) from the breech opening. A first sealing device (3) is disposed at one end of the insert (2, 2?, 2?), and has a seal packet (5) disposed on a seal seat (4) of the insert (2, 2?, 2?). The seal seat (4) is limited at the front by a threaded sleeve (7) screwed onto the insert (2, 2?, 2?), and an annular intermediate part (8) adjoining the threaded sleeve (7) at the rear. The seal packet (5) includes at least one O-ring (10) held by a shoulder (9) of the mandrel-shaped insert (2, 2?, 2?), and a high-pressure seal (15) formed by two partial rings (13, 14) that are connected to one another by a conical contact surface (16).

Abstract: A method of joining tubular members together includes the steps of providing an internal tubular member, providing an external tubular member, and heating the external tubular member and/or cooling the internal tubular member. The method also includes the steps of joining the internal tubular member and second tubular member together to form an overlap region of a joined tubular member, and positioning the joined tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the joined tubular member within the tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the joined tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method also includes the steps of separating the die halves and removing the expanded joined tubular member from the die.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forming a high strength metal article under elevated temperature and pressure has at least two opposing die segments together forming a hollow mold chamber for receiving a mold blank between the die segments, the mold chamber having a radial central plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each die segment has a plurality of ribs or indents, each rib or indent having a first side facing the central plane and a second side facing away from the central plane. At least the majority of the ribs or indents are of non-uniform shape and have a first and second side at a different angle relative to the central plane, the angle of the second side being greater than the angle of the first side such that the second side is directed generally towards the center of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatus includes a frame including a holding portion for holding a mold and an open portion allowing the mold to be inserted into/taken out from the holding portion in a direction of the longer side of the mold, a mold moving device for moving the mold to insert/take out the mold into/from the holding portion through the open portion in the frame, and a mold opening/closing device for opening/closing the mold located outside the frame. This mold clamping apparatus is capable of holding the mold securely in a closed state resisting a pressure acting to open the mold and allows reduction of energy consumption, equipment maintenance cost, production cost, and the size thereof.

Abstract: A tool assembly (1) in which a tool closing force (CF) is applied to a forming tool (2) by means of closing force actuators (40). In a tool closing position each closing force actuator engages a lower tool section (4) and an upper tool section (3) through tool clamps (31A, 31B). The clamps take up the major portion of the tool separating force generated by the internal pressure of the forming tool. Only a small portion of the tool separating force has to be counteracted by the closing force actuators, the size of which can be substantially reduced. The elasticity of the clamp material results in a widening of the clamp under the influence of the tool separating force, and this clamp widening is compensated by the readjustment of the clamp through the application of the closing force.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method of manufacturing, in a tool mold provided with a final contour as desired, a hollow metal body the cross-sectional shape of which varies in the longitudinal direction, an internal pressure being applied to a tubular hollow body with approximately uniform initial wall thickness, the tubular hollow body having the highest temperature in the zones of greatest deformation, the temperature in these zones being reduced once the hollow body fits against the wall of the tool mold, the temperature being subsequently increased in zones with lower degrees of deformation.

Abstract: Method for preparing a golf club shaft, set of shafts, or golf clubs having shafts which have been produced by a process that includes a hydroforming step. By utilizing a hydroforming prosses step, a metal or metal matrix composite golf club shaft can be formed into a variety of configurations or shapes heretofore not possible and can include hydroformed ornamental design features.

Abstract: Process for producing a tubular component which comprises sections which are intentionally different from one another with regard to one or more aspects selected from the group consisting of aspects including material, thickness, size, more specifically circumference or diameter, and the like, and hydroforming of the component, in which process the component is produced by rolling up a substantially flat sheet, which flat sheet substantially corresponds to a flat blank of the tubular component.

Abstract: A device for forming a single or mutli-chamber workpiece by high internal pressure created by a medium capable of flow in the hollow interior of the workpiece. The device contains a forming tool with a cavity accommodating the workpiece and pressure generating equipment for generating the high internal pressure. The pressure generating equipment contains a displacement pump with a pressure converter having a longitudinally coupled displacement body with different working surface areas A1, A2, which operates with a stroke frequency f, whereby strokes of the pressure converter cause a pressure p1 created on the primary side to be raised until a higher secondary pressure p2 is reached on the secondary side.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus for concurrently performing two or more hydroforming operations includes a frame that is sized to support hydroforming dies in a stacked relationship. Each of the dies includes a pair of cooperating die sections having respective recesses that define a die cavity. Guide pins and actuating cylinders, attached to platens on which the die section are supported, move in coordination with a ram and assist in moving die sections that are distant from the ram. When the die cavities are opened, hollow tubular blanks are inserted between the spaced apart die sections of the first and second die. Next, the ram and the support mechanism move such that the pairs of cooperating die sections of the first and second dies engage one another. End feed cylinders are then moved laterally into engagement with the end the tubular blanks to facilitate the filling thereof with a hydroforming fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing unit for tools to be pressed together against opening forces having two tool carriers which can be displaced towards one another. In accordance with the invention, there are two jaws engaging over the tool carrier plates at the side in each case in a closed position while building up a bias. The closing unit is advantageously designed in the form of bias modules for tools.

Abstract: A method of joining tubular members together includes the steps of providing an internal tubular member, providing an external tubular member, and heating the external tubular member and/or cooling the internal tubular member. The method also includes the steps of joining the internal tubular member and second tubular member together to form an overlap region of a joined tubular member, and positioning the joined tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the joined tubular member within the tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the joined tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method also includes the steps of separating the die halves and removing the expanded joined tubular member from the die.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a bellows by bulge forming, an annealing step is carried out during the bulge forming process of the bellows so that the capability of the material to elongate is recovered, and the workability of the bellows is improved in effect. In particular, the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter can be made greater than a value that can be achieved by a single forming step. Therefore, the deflection (stroke) of each annular bulge or pleat can be increased for a given stress or the number of annular bulges and the length of the bellows can be decreased for a given stroke of the bellows.

Abstract: A process for forming a starting profile with a profile cavity by a bending forming process and an internal high pressure produced in a sealed profiled cavity by way of a fluid, including the steps of initially, before forming by internal high pressure, forming a starting profile at a distance from free ends of the starting profile and across a longitudinal axis of the starting profile into a cross-section with favorable bending properties, by one of transversely inwardly bent side walls of the starting profile, folding during bending, flat pressing or a flat high-sided profile produced in an extrusion process.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an end portion of a tubular workpiece in a mold for internal high-pressure forming of the workpiece, includes a housing having a pressure compartment in fluid communication with an interior space of the workpiece. Hydraulic high-pressure fluid is supplied from a pressure source to the pressure compartment by a pressure application unit which further includes a pressure piston received in the pressure compartment and defined in the pressure compartment by an effective piston area which is greater than a cross sectional area in the interior space of an end portion of the workpiece. At least indirectly connected to the pressure piston is a sealing mandrel which interacts with the end portion of the tubular workpiece. A check valve is disposed in a passageway between the pressure compartment and the interior space of the workpiece for blocking in a direction to the pressure compartment.

Abstract: A method of forming a bottle-shaped or other contoured metal container by subjecting a hollow metal preform having a closed end to internal fluid pressure to cause the preform to expand against the wall of a die cavity defining the desired shape, and advancing a punch by means of a backing ram into the die cavity to displace and deform the closed end of the preform either before or after expansion begins but before it is complete. The pressure-subjecting step is performed by simultaneously subjecting the preform in the die cavity to independently controllable internal and external positive fluid pressures and varying the difference between them to control strain rate. Apparatus for performing the method includes a split die with plural split inserts disposed in tandem to define the die cavity wall and heaters respectively inserted within the preform and arranged to heat the backing ram.

Abstract: A method using high interior pressure to reshape structural section of continuously bounded overall cross-section, whereby the overall cross-section can be provided with extra walls or chambers and a stopper is forced radially against each end of the piece.

Abstract: An apparatus of superplastic forming for massive production is able to install a plurality of forming sheets and plates in one apparatus using dies of multi-layer structure and to form the sheets and plates with compressed gas, and therefore, a plurality of products can be fabricated rapidly and massively with a cheap facility investment. If preforms are used instead of flat blank sheets, the productivity can be improved greatly and the products of uniform thickness can be formed massively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing secondary form features on a circumferentially closed hollow profile. The device comprises an internal high pressure forming tool, into the impression of which a hollow profile blank can be inserted, a branch branching off radially from the impression, into which branch the hollow profile blank can be expanded by means of a fluidic internal high pressure, with the secondary form feature being formed. So that secondary form features configured in virtually any desired manner from the point of view of the form profile can be formed on the hollow profile in a simple manner and in a reliable manner in terms of the process, it is proposed that the device, furthermore, comprises a diaphragm and a pressure generator, by means of which pressure can be applied to the diaphragm via a pressure medium in such a way that the diaphragm, during the expansion, bears in a supporting manner against the forming secondary form feature against the expansion direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the forming of a hollow body. The process includes providing a forming mold comprising an upper mold and a lower mold which form a mold cavity having a cross-sectional contour in a closed state of the forming mold. The upper mold includes a roller. The hollow body is placed between the upper mold and the lower mold in an area of the mold cavity. The hollow body is preprofiled by moving at least one of the upper mold and the lower mold into the closed state at which time the roller comes into frictional contact with a surface of the hollow body running at an acute angle with respect to a direction of the movement of the at least one upper mold and lower mold. The preprofiled hollow body is then formed into a final shape corresponding to the cross-sectional contour of the forming mold by applying a hydraulic internal pressure into the preprofiled hollow body and expanding the hollow body while the upper mild and the lower mold are in the closed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping an initial profile (16a) or a similar workpiece, which comprises a profile space, into a final profile by using an internal high pressure that is generated in the sealed profile space by a flowable active medium. In order to shape the initial profile (16a) comprising at least one corner area (28n), preferably at least two corner area (28n), wall sections (34) which connect in the corner area (28n) are preshaped such that their cross-sections are curved counter to the direction of pressure, and are subsequently straightened by the internal high pressure of the flowable active medium while displacing the corner area (28n) in a direction of pressure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight strengthening member for an automobile, excellent in crush resistance in the axial direction and having high flexural strength. Further, another object thereof is to provide a strengthening member which does not generating cracks even when a high-strength steel sheet is used.

Abstract: A structure (10) in the shape of an aerodynamic panel in which adjacent cells (20a, 20b) are formed by placing a stack of three metal plates in a mold. After diffusion welding of the plates at the required locations, a first variable pressure is applied in a first series of cells (20a) formed between the outer plate and the intermediate plate and a second independent pressure approximately constant and lower than the first is applied in the other cells (20b) and on the inner face of the stack. Thus, this partially forms the cells and shapes the structure in contact with a complementary surface of the mold. The final conformation of the cells and the structure is obtained by applying a second pressure cycle in the cells and on the inner face of the stack.

Abstract: Hydroforming apparatus is provided with retractable part locators that are adapted when extended to receive and hold end portions of a tubular part to be hydroformed and thereby support and hold the part between the hydroforming dies when the dies are open. Seal units mounted on separate elevators have a retractable seal carrier and the seal carriers are adapted when the seal units are elevated to advance and initially engage the respective tubular part end portions while the part is being so held. The part locators are adapted to release the end portions of the part and retract out of the way of the seal carriers to permit the seal carriers to then further advance on the respective end potions of the part to a position closely adjacent the end faces of the dies while also centering the part lengthwise with respective to the dies prior to die closure.

Abstract: A method of making a gas tank includes hydroforming two halves and welding the halves together. Two types of welds are used in welding the two halves together, tack welds for holding the two halves together, and stitch welds to complete the welding of the two halves. Additional steps are taken prior to the finishing stitch welds. Reinforcement is added where necessary. Double tanks, for both gasoline and oil, are also fabricated by essentially the same method steps.