MACHINE FOR FORMING T-SHAPED TUBULAR COMPONENTS USING A FORMING MATERIAL INSERT

摘要

A machine (10) for forming T-shaped tubular components (5) comprises a plurality of successive stations. A tubular blank (38) having a forming material insert (40) therein is positioned within a T-shaped die (24) in a first station (12). A bulge (38A) is formed in the blank (38) as force is applied to the ends or runs of the blank and the insert from opposing punches (26, 28). Once the bulge (38A) or outlet of the T-shaped component (5) is formed, a hollow pointed punch (30) is driven through the outlet (9) to open it. All of the punches (26, 28, 30) are removed, the die (24) is opened and the partially formed T-shaped component (5) is transferred to a second station (14) for cleaning. A broach (58) is driven into one of the runs (6, 8) of the component (5) while a punch (56) is driven into the outlet (9). The forming material (40) in the outlet (9) is driven towards the runs (6, 8) of the component (5) by the punch (56) so that it is carried out the other one of the runs (6, 8) by the broach (58) together with the forming material (40) in the runs (6, 8). The punch (56) and broach (58) are removed and the component (5) is transferred to a third station (16) for sizing one or more of the ends of the component (5). The component (5) is then transferred to a fourth station (18) for further sizing of one or more of the ends of the component (5). The T-shaped component (5) is thus formed and removed from the machine (10). The machine (10) is configured so that each station (12, 14, 16, 18) performs its respective forming operation on different components (5) substantially at the same time so that components (5) pass through the stations in succession.