ELECTROMAGNETIC (EM) METAL FORMING TECHNIQUES FOR HYDROFORMING PIERCE PUNCHES DRIVE VIA EM ENERGY, FOR FORMING TUBULAR METAL WORKPIECES OVER A MANDREL, AND FOR MAKING CAMSHAFT ASSEMBLIES

摘要

An apparatus for forming a metal blank into a structural member of a predetermined shape includes a hydroforming mold having an electromagnetic trimming/piercing assembly. The metal blank is hydroformed into a hydroformed member, and then an electric discharge circuit is energized to create an electromagnetic force sufficient to drive an electromagnetic driver. The electric discharge circuit is discharged to drive the electromagnetic driver toward the hydroformed member. The electromagnetic driver comprises a trimming/piercing tool for trimming/piercing the hydroformed member at a predetermined location to yield the predetermined shape. Structural members formed by the apparatus and method of the instant invention can be used, for example, in automotive applications.