Patent ID: 8020419
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: B21D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A hydroforming apparatus for forming a length of tube, comprising: a press having an upper platen and lower platen; a first die set for forming a first lengthwise portion of the tube and including a first upper die attached to the upper platen and a first lower die attached to the lower platen, said first die set defining a first cavity portion for receiving the first lengthwise portion of the tube; a second die set for forming a second lengthwise portion of the tube and including a second upper die adjustably attached to the upper platen and a second lower die adjustably attached to the lower platen, said second die set defining a second cavity portion for receiving the second lengthwise portion of the tube; a first pivot acting between the first upper die and the second upper die so that the second upper die can be pivotally adjusted on the upper platen relative to the first upper die; a second pivot acting between the first lower die and the second lower die so that the second lower die can be pivotally adjusted on the lower platen relative to the first lower die; and a die insert having an upper die insert and a lower die insert defining relatively upper and lower insert cavities that connect together the first and second cavity portions of the upper die set and the lower set, said die insert being removable and replaceable with an alternative die insert as needed to accommodate the pivotal adjustment between the first die set and the second die set.