Hydroforming apparatus having in-die hole piercing capabilities and a slug ejection system using hydroforming fluid

摘要

A hydroforming apparatus having in-die hole piercing capabilities and a slug ejection system is disclosed. The slug ejection system uses the pressurized hydroforming fluid as the motive force to eject the slug of material created by the in-die hole piercing system. The in-die hole piercing system includes a movable punch disposed within a bore formed in one of the die blocks. The bore opens into the die cavity. The punch includes a cutting edge on a first end which is adjacent the cavity. The hole is formed when the punch is inserted against a hollow workpiece positioned in the apparatus, thereby creating a slug of material. The slug ejection system includes two passageways formed internally to the same die block having the in-die hole piercing system. Both passageways open into and extend in a generally transverse direction to the bore. A first passageway is in fluid communication with the source of the hydroforming fluid. A second passageway is located generally opposite the first passageway and functions as a chute to catch the slug of material ejected by the hydroforming fluid supplied to the first passageway. The hydroforming fluid is supplied to the first passageway only after the workpiece has been hydroformed and remains pressurized and the punch is retracted to a position where it is generally aligned with both passageways.