Patent ID: 7503116
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: C21D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A continuous process for producing a shaped, steel member, said process comprising the steps of: providing a coiled, substantially flat web of steel; providing a roll-forming station, said roll-forming station including a plurality of roller dies operable in combination to progressively shape said web of steel passing therethrough; feeding said web of steel into said roll-forming station so that the roller dies therein shape said web of steel into a continuous, elongated body of steel having a preselected cross-sectional profile; cutting said continuous, elongated body of steel into a plurality of members, each member having said preselected cross-sectional profile; providing a heating station; feeding said members into said heating station; heating said members in said heating station so as to alter a physical characteristic of said members; shaping said members after they have been heated; and providing a controlled atmosphere around said members from the time said members are removed from the heating station until they are shaped.