HYDROFORMING FLUSH SYSTEM

摘要

A hydroforming assembly (10) has a plurality of die structures (20, 21) that are mounted on a press for reciprocating movement between open and closed conditions. The die structures have cooperating die surfaces (22) defining a die cavity (23) when in the closed condition and receive a metallic tube bla nk (24) when in the open conditions. A hydroforming fluid supply system has tub e- end engaging structures (25) that are movable to selectively and sealingly engage opposite ends of the tube blank. The hydroforming fluid supply system provides pressurized fluid into an interior of the tube blank (24) in order to expand the tube blank outwardly into conformity with the die cavity (23). A punch (52) extends within a passage (51) of at least one of the die structures. The punch (52) is movable between retracted and extended positions. A punch driving assembly (54) drives the punch between the retracted and extended positions to punch a hole into the expanded tube blan k. A flushing system (30) communicates with the die cavity (23) providing a flushing fluid flow through the interior of the expanded tube blank.