Patent ID: 6112409
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B21B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of roll-forming an I-beam structure having a web and a pair of opposing flanges at each end of the web, the method including the sequential steps of:providing a flat blank having a thickness generally equal to a thickness of the web of the I-beam to be formed, said blank having said thickness thereof defined by opposite surfaces and terminating in opposite longitudinal ends, said blank having a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally through the thickness of said blank,splitting the thickness of said blank at each of said opposite longitudinal ends of said blank to form first and second flange portions at each of said longitudinal blank ends, such that the flange portions comprise sufficient material to produce flanges having a thickness generally equal to the thickness of the blank and of the web upon compacting, said first and second flange portions having respective edges disposed on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis,first moving said flange portions while in their split thickness into respective arcuate configurations so that said opposite surfaces at said first and second flange portions have concave configurations,after said first moving step in which said opposite surfaces at said first and second flange portions are provided with said concave configurations, then moving said first and second flange portions so that they are doubled over themselves and bent back so as to extend back towards said web; andcompacting each of said bent back flange portions of said split thickness to form respective flanges on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis having a generally constant thickness, which thickness is generally equal to the thickness of the blank and of the web, said flanges disposed generally transverse with respect to said longitudinal axis.