Patent ID: 8826712
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: B21C,B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a part comprising: extruding an aluminum alloy to form an extruded structural tube by extruding heated aluminum through an extrusion die including a mandrel plate that separates the heated aluminum and a cap section that re-converges the heated aluminum to form the extruded structural tube with a plurality of weld lines being formed where the heated aluminum re-converges; bending the tube longitudinally in a bending operation; pre-forming the tube laterally in a pre-form die; loading the tube into a hydro-forming die; partially closing the hydro-forming die to radially compress the tube; filling the tube with a liquid at a first level of pressure; closing the hydro-forming die to radially compress the tube; and increasing the level of pressure applied to the liquid to a second level of pressure to shape the tube to form the part.