Patent ID: 6151937
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: B21C,B21D

Abstract:
An apparatus for making metallic T-shaped tubular components, said apparatus comprising:a forming station comprising a first die having a T-shaped cavity, first and second extrusion punches positioned at opposing ends of said T-shaped cavity, and a de-capping punch positioned at an outlet portion of said T-shaped cavity, wherein a tubular blank having a forming material insert provided therein is received within said T-shaped cavity of said first die, said first and second extrusion punches engaging opposing ends of said tubular blank and upon application of force compressing said tubular blank and said insert such that a bulge is formed in said tubular blank as a portion of said tubular blank is extruded through said outlet portion of said first die, said de-capping punch being driven through said outlet portion of said first die and into said bulge forming a hole in said bulge thereby producing a partially formed T-shaped component having runs and an outlet terminating at said hole in said bulge; anda cleaning station including a first securement device, a punch and a broach, wherein said partially formed T-shaped component is transferred from said forming station to said first securement device of said cleaning station, said broach being driven into one of said runs in said partially formed T-shaped component while said punch is driven into said outlet in said partially formed T-shaped component, said broach forcing forming material from said runs while said punch forces forming material from said outlet toward said runs such that with said punch and said broach fully extended, said forming material is removed from said partially formed T-shaped component.