Longitudinal component with mass accumulations

Abstract

A method for forming a longitudinal component ( 1 ) with mass accumulation at each end thereof from an elongate blank. The method comprising, placing the blank in a cavity of a die means ( 20 ) having a longitudinal axis about which is disposed a plurality of movable forming elements ( 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 etc), and at least first and second movable abutment elements spaced apart and disposed on the longitudinal axis at opposite ends of the cavity. Moving the forming elements into engagement with a central portion ( 2 ) of the blank thereby squeezing and narrowing the blank in the central portion, and urging resultant mass accumulations towards each end of the blank. Also relatively moving the first and second abutment elements ( 16, 17 ) towards each other along the longitudinal axis to engage with mass-accumulations at respective opposite ends of the cavity. This in combination with the forming elements determines the final form of the component.

1 . A method for forming a longitudinal component with mass accumulations at each end thereof from an elongate blank, said method comprising 
 (i) placing said blank in a cavity of a die means having a longitudinal axis about which is disposed a plurality of movable forming elements, said die means also having at least first and second movable abutment elements spaced apart and disposed on said longitudinal axis at opposite ends of said cavity;    (ii) moving said forming elements into engagement with a central portion of said blank thereby squeezing and narrowing said blank in said central portion, and urging resultant mass accumulations towards each end of said blank; and    (iii) relatively moving said first and second abutment elements towards each other along said longitudinal axis to engage with mass-accumulations at respective opposite ends of said cavity, which in combination with said forming elements determine the final form of said component.    
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least four of said forming elements are primary forming elements pivotally movable inwardly about respective axes which are at right angles to said longitudinal axis during step (ii) of the method.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least four of said forming elements are secondary forming elements each of which engage said blank in a region adjacent to the central portion of said blank between two primary forming elements.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least four of said forming elements are tertiary forming elements each of which are movable to a respective primary forming element and engage with the blank at or near said first abutment element.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate blank is of substantially constant cross section.