Patent ID: 9206843
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: B21D,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for producing bushings using the progressive die stamping technology, the method comprising the steps of: (a) using a long strip of metal guided over a series of stations where different steps are performed and first punching alignment guides on both lateral edges of a carrying web having an external side to carry the strip through the operations; (b) punching a mating opening with top and bottom ends adjacent to both lateral edges, and a front end with at least a regular shaped dovetail and a back end with a mating irregular shaped opening, the front end and the back end between the top and bottom ends on both sides of the mating opening; (c) punching a longitudinal slit across the top and bottom ends of the mating opening to allow for the back end and the front end to be curved away from the carrying web at a subsequent step; (d) curving the carrying web between two adjacent mating openings along the carrying web to form a bushing in at least two successive steps until the regular shaped dovetail created in a first mating opening mates with the irregular shaped openings of the back end of a second mating opening to form the bushing; and (e) cutting tabs along both lateral edges between two successive longitudinal slits to remove the bushing from the carrying web.