Method for forming, by means of a hydroforming process, a tubular element as well as a device suitable for carrying out such a method, and a tubular element

A method for forming, by means of a hydroforming process, a tubular element extending along a central axis, which element comprises at least one locally deformed part having at least one dimension in radial direction that is different from a dimension in radial direction of the tubular element, wherein a tube is positioned in a die comprising at least two die parts and subsequently a hydraulic pressure is applied to the inside of the tube, as a result of which at least a part of the tube present in a cavity defined by the die parts is locally deformed, wherein the die parts defining the cavity are axially moved toward each other upon formation of the locally deformed parts so as to make the cavity smaller, characterized in that in said cavity the part to be deformed is deformed along a relatively small length in axial direction over a relatively large distance in radial direction on a first side of the central axis, whilst the part to be deformed is deformed along a relatively great length in axial direction over a relatively small distance in radial direction at least on a second side opposite said first side.