Patent ID: 6237382
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for hydroforming a metallic tube so as to expand the metallic tube partially, in a primary hydroforming step, and to form a cross-sectional profile of the metallic tube expanded in the primary hydroforming step into a cross-sectional profile of a product in a secondary hydroforming step by applying a fluid pressure into the interior of the metallic tube contained between an upper die and a lower die, comprising: said lower die attached to a bolster located at a lower portion of the apparatus; said upper die attached to a ram head located at an upper portion of the apparatus; means for moving the ram head relative to the bolster to close and open said upper and lower dies; a forming plate capable of moving toward the metallic tube expanded in the primary hydroforming step, and at least one pressure unit contained in the bolster for pressing the forming plate in the secondary hydroforming step, wherein said forming plate is incorporated within the lower die to carry out the secondary hydroforming step and a surface of the forming plate is disposed for pressing the primary expanded portion and having a profile to form an exterior profile of the product.