SEALING METHOD AND PRESS APPARATUS

摘要

A method and apparatus for sealing the net shape of the end of a final product tube (30) to eliminate or minimize scrap for a wide range of shapes of the end of the product. A sealing tool (18) has a neck (64), and a coining portion (60) comprising a shoulder extending outwardly from the neck (64). The sealing tool (18) is inserted into the deformed end of the tube (30) while the end is being laterally engaged by a clamp (16) pressing inwardly against the outer surface of the tube (30). The end is then sealed by coining a surface of the tube (30) by axially pressing the sealing tool (18) into the end while laterally inwardly pressing the end with the clamp (16).