Unova IP Corp.

Western Atlas Inc.

Timothy A VerVaecke

Gerald A Brown

William R Hartley

Gerrit W Sloat

A die post assembly that supports a metal panel in a position to allow an implement such as a roller or die steel to flange, pre-hem or hem an edge of the panel. A die post support surface is disposed on a panel support element and an edge member of the assembly. The die post support surface is shaped to support the panel and includes a bearing surface that supports an overlying portion of the panel against deformation as the marginal edge portion of the panel is bent in a flanging or hemming operation. The edge member includes the bearing surface and is supported on the panel support element. The edge member comprises a material more durable than the material of the panel support element. This material is sufficiently durable to allow the edge member to support a series of metal panels over a large number of hemming or flanging cycles without flowing or otherwise deforming due to heat and pressures typically generated in such operations.

Die post assembly

Apparatus for forming a panel to a predetermined cross dimension by flangers which form flanges on the opposite side edges of the panel. The flangers are movable toward and away from advanced positions in which to form the flanges. The advanced positions can be adjusted depending on the cross dimension desired. The flangers can be retracted to permit loading and unloading of panels. Forming units are also provided to form tabs on an end of the panel.

Growing community of inventors

New Baltimore, MI, United States of America

Timothy A VerVaecke