Flow-forming method and apparatus

Abstract

In a flow-forming method, an axially symmetrical first workpiece is fixed on a spinning mandrel, which together with the workpiece is rotated. At least one spinning roll is infed. The workpiece is formed and shaped while on an axially extending external profile of the spinning mandrel. A spacer is mounted on this spinning mandrel. A marginal area of the workpiece is shaped on an area of the spacer, the latter being plastically deformed during the shaping of the marginal area of the workpiece. Also, a flow-forming apparatus has a spinning mandrel on which a workpiece can be fixed, a drive by which the spinning mandrel and workpiece can be rotated together, and at least one spinning roll for shaping the workpiece in a forming area. The deformable spacer has an overlap area. During workpiece shaping, the overlap area at least partly overlaps with the forming area of the workpiece.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.