Method of forming a laminated structural member and member formed thereby

摘要

A method of forming a laminated structural member and the structural member formed thereby. The method includes the steps of securing a first sheet of metal and a superimposed second sheet of metal to each other along areas on opposite edges of the sheets while leaving an area in between the secured areas unfastened. At least one bend is formed in the unfastened area of the sheets along an axis parallel to the secured edges. The concave side of the bend is located on the second sheet side of the laminate in order to stretch the first sheet through a greater distance than the second sheet is stretched by the formation of the bend. The first sheet of metal is selected for appearance characteristics and/or finish accepting characteristics which are more desirable in the completed laminate than those of the second sheet of metal. The first sheet of metal is secured to the second sheet of metal either by forming superimposed loops or curls in the edges of the first and the second sheets of metal or by lancing the first sheet of metal to the second sheet of metal along opposite edges of the sheets. Mounting elements or other structural elements may be formed in the second sheet of metal or it may be structurally deformed before it is secured to the first sheet of metal.