Hydro compression tube forming die apparatus and method for making the same

摘要

An apparatus is provided for forming a tubular fitting from a blank tube having an interior. The apparatus includes a right die plate, a left die plate, a lower die plate and an upper die plate. The right die plate has a first cavity capable of receiving the blank tube. The left die plate has a second cavity aligned with the first cavity. The right die plate has a first guide post and the left die plate has a second guide post. The first cavity is joined to the second cavity to form a forming cavity. The lower die plate is capable of supporting the right die plate and the left die plate. The lower die plate includes a port capable of receiving a fluid line. The upper die plate is capable of moving between a first position and a second position. The upper die plate has guide holes for receiving the first and second guide posts and aligning the upper die plate with the right die plate and the left die plate. The apparatus further includes a fluid delivery means for communicating a fluid via the fluid line to the interior of the blank tube. A plunger is used to pressurize the fluid in the blank tube to expand the tube so that the shape of the tube conforms to the forming cavity.