Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Chrysler Group LLC

William A Marttila

Dennis D Davidson

David M Biernat

Mark D Garnett

Paul J Belanger

Zhicong Yao

An improved stamping die assembly is provided for controlling the flow of sheet metal during the draw forming process. The die assembly includes a textured die surface on the one or both sides of the binder mating surfaces that replaces conventional draw and lock beads. The textured die surface can be formed using direct metal deposition of a hard material, harder than the existing die surfaces, on the existing die base material to achieve an engineered textured surface. The textured die surface optimizes the performance of the die by enabling longer die life, higher coefficients of friction between the mating binder surfaces and reduction of wrinkles and stringers typically caused by draw and lock beads in the draw forming process.

Sheet metal forming die assembly with textured die surfaces

A vehicle closure panel assembly having an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has a flange along one edge which is folded over a flange of the inner panel. A metal coating provides a seal between the edge of the flange of the outer panel and the flange of the inner panel. The coating is made of metal and is sprayed on. The metal coating provides a mechanical and metallurgical bond and may offer sacrificial protection against corrosion and instantaneous or immediate bonding.

Sealed edge joint between two metal panels

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Rochester, MI, United States of America

William A Marttila