Patent ID: 6442820
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B21D,B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for hydroforming a tubular member comprising the steps of:(a) providing a die having a cavity therein, said cavity having an internal surface corresponding to a configuration of a desired final tubular member; (b) providing a tubular blank, said tubular blank having an internal chamber; (c) confining said tubular blank in said cavity; (d) sealing said internal chamber; (e) pressurizing said internal chamber to cause said blank to conform to said internal surface of said cavity to create said tubular member having a wall; (f) making a hole in said wall of said tubular member while said tubular member is in said die and while maintaining the wall under internal pressure; and (g) inserting an article into said hole while said tubular member is in said die and while maintaining the wall under internal pressure.