Patent ID: 8573025
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. A hot stretch wrap forming die comprising: a support structure having a front and back defining therebetween an axial direction, left and right ends defining therebetween a longitudinal direction, and a forward-facing surface which is convex as viewed from above; a forward-facing die face which is directly forward of the forward-facing surface, which is convex as viewed from above and against which a heated metal bar may be forced so that the metal bar assumes a mating configuration with the die face; and a series of contour plates having respective front faces which form respective portions of the die face; wherein each of the contour plates has a first secured position secured to the support structure and an alternate second secured position secured to the support structure forward of the first secured position; and each adjacent pair of contour plates defines therebetween an expansion gap to allow for longitudinal thermal expansion of each contour plate during the wrapping of the heated metal bar around the die face.