SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FORMING HOLE IN BLANK DURING HYDROFORMING PROCESS

摘要

A method of forming a hole in a hollow blank during a hydroforming process is provided. The method includes placing a blank in a cavity of a hydroforming die, the hydroforming die being configured to permit a punch to engage the blank. An interior of the blank is pressurized with a fluid. Further, a cutting end of a punch is applied through a wall portion of the blank and into the interior of the blank to form a hole. Furthermore, the cutting end of the punch is removed from the interior of the blank such that the cutting end of the punch is configured to allow material of the blank surrounding the formed hole to move away from the interior of the blank.

主权项

1. A method of forming holes in a hollow blank during a hydroforming process, the method comprising:
placing a blank in a cavity of a hydroforming die, the hydroforming die being configured to permit a punch to engage the blank; maintaining a gap between the blank and a portion of the hydroforming die including the cavity; pressurizing an interior of the blank with fluid; deforming a portion of the blank into the gap and towards the cavity prior to an engagement of the punch with the blank, the portion of the blank corresponding to a path of the punch; applying a cutting end of the punch through a wall portion of the blank and into the interior of the blank to form a hole; and removing the cutting end of the punch from the interior of the blank, wherein the cutting end of the punch is configured to allow material of the blank surrounding the hole to move away from the interior of the blank.