Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Wei Ji

Mike M Ghiran

David R Jensen

Paul D Larsen

Terry Andrew Kent

Mark P Donoghue

The invention provides a hydroforming apparatus for forming a length of tube. A hydroforming press includes an upper platen and a lower plate. A first die set is provided for forming a first lengthwise portion of the tube and a second die set provided adjacent the first die set which forms a second lengthwise portion of the tube. A first pivot acts between a first and second upper die so that the second upper die can be pivotally adjusted on the upper platen relative to the first upper die. A second pivot acts between a first and second lower die so that the second lower die can be pivotally adjusted on the lower platen relative to the first lower die. A die insert is provided having an upper die insert and a lower die insert that define upper and lower insert cavities that connect together the first and second cavity portions of the upper die set and the lower die set. This die insert is removably mounted as needed to accommodate the pivotal adjustment between the first and second die sets.

Hydroforming die adjustable for springback correction

A mandrel assembly is provided for insertion into a hollow tube to support the interior walls of the tube during bending of the tube in a tube bending apparatus. The mandrel assembly includes at least one mandrel segment that is adapted for positioning within the tube and has an exterior support surface for supporting the interior walls of the tube during bending. The mandrel segment is anchored at a fixed axial location within the tube by an anchoring device that is radially expandable and retractable between an expanded condition in which an anchor shoe is engaged with the interior wall of the tube and a retracted condition in which the anchor shoe is loose within the tube. A mandrel support rod is attached to the anchoring device for inserting and withdrawing the anchoring device into the tube when the anchor shoe is retracted.

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Troy, MI, United States of America

Wei Ji