Forming technique using discrete heating zones
AssigneeThe Budd Company
InventorsRichard B. Freeman, Mark C. Handley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A forming device including discreet heating zones along the axial length and circumferential portion of a mold cavity. One zone can be heated to cause the heated tube portion to become more elastic than the non-heated tube portions. As a result, less axial force and radial pressures are required in order to provide the necessary metal deformation against the mold halves. Preferably, the heating zones are provided by way of a series of induction coils disposed along the axial length and circumferential portion of the tube. Each induction coil can be individually energized so that select portions of the tube are heated in a controlled manner.
Claims17
An apparatus for forming hollow members comprising:
- a first mold portion;
- a second mold portion movable relative to said first mold portion, said first and second mold portions defining a mold cavity;
- a plurality of heating members disposed in said first and second mold portions;
- and
- a control device operatively connected to said plurality of heating members for selectively activating said plurality of heating members to provide a plurality of discrete heating zones within said mold cavity.
A method of forming a hollow member comprising the steps of:
- supporting said hollow member in a mold cavity;
- supplying a pressurized medium inside of said hollow member;
- heating a first discrete portion of said mold cavity beginning at a first time;
- and
- heating a second discrete portion of said mold cavity beginning at a second time after said first time.
A method of forming a hollow member comprising the steps of:
- supporting said hollow member in a mold cavity;
- supplying a pressurized medium inside of said hollow member;
- heating a discrete portion of said mold cavity during said step of supplying a pressurized medium;
- and
- applying an axial force to at least one end of said hollow member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.