HYDROFORMING DIE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PINCH-FREE TUBE FORMING

摘要

The hydroforming die assembly comprises a first movable die structure and a second moveable die structure together with a fixed die structure. The first and second movable die structures and the fixed die structure are co-operable to define a die cavity into which a metallic tube can be disposed. Relative movement is permitted between the first and second movable die structures sealing the die cavity. After the die cavity is sealed, movement of the first movable die structure with respect to the fixed die structure progressively reduces the cross-sectional area of the die cavity to deform the metallic tube within the die cavity.