Patent ID: 6615488
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: B21C,B23K,B23P,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a heat exchanger tube (26), comprising the steps of;progressively forming a strip (10) of metal stock having an outer surface (O) and inner surface (I) at a series of stations (A-J) so as to initially form a pair of substantially flat, substantially perpendicular integral flanges (18) with edges (12) on opposite sides of said strip (10), continually dispensing a bead (24) of flux material directly along the center of the strip inner surface (I), said bead (24) having a predetermined thicknesses, progressively forming said flanges (18) downwardly and toward each other as the edges outer surfaces (O) of said flanges (18) move into a substantially abutting interface and the lower edges (12) of said flanges(18) move down into said bead (24) and into contact with the strip interior surface (I), said bead (24) thickness being sufficient to allow material therefrom to be forced up and into the interface between said flanges (18) as the flanges (18) move into abutment and brazing said strip (10) so as to complete said heat exchanger tube (26).