HYDROFORMING OF A TUBULAR BLANK HAVING AN OVAL CROSS SECTION AND HYDROFORMING APPARATUS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor forming an elongated tubular metal member froma tubular metal blank. The method comprises: i) placinga tubular metal blank having a generally oval crosssection into a die cavity and orienting the tubular metalblank such that a relatively larger cross-sectional dimensionof the generally oval cross section extends generallyin a direction of the relatively larger cross-sectionaldimension of the die cavity and such that a relatively smallcross-sectional dimension of the generally oval cross sectionextends generally in a direction of the relatively smallcross-sectional dimension of the die cavity; ii) engagingand sealing opposite ends of the tubular metal blank; andiii) injecting fluid under pressure into the tubular metalblank so as to expand the tubular metal blank into conformitywith the surfaces defining the die cavity and therebytransform the tubular metal blank into the elongatedtubular metal member.