Patent ID: 6739166
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: B21D,B60G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a tubular member with at least one flange comprising the steps of:providing a tubular member; pre-expanding at least one portion of the tubular member; positioning the tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a tubular cavity portion and a flange cavity portion; applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member; progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the tubular member within the tubular cavity portion and progressively expel the at least one portion of the tubular member into the flange cavity portion to define a flange comprised of wall portions of the tubular member engaging one another; increasing the hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the tubular member to the tubular cavity portion; separating the die halves; and removing the tubular member having at least one flange from the die.