Cracked barrel detection system

Abstract

A crack test includes flowing pressurized fluid to a generally tubular part in a flare stamping process. As the flare is completed the part is sealed on opposite ends and pressurization of the inside of the part is used to determine integrity of the part.

1 . A process to identify cracks in a hollow part during a stamping procedure, said process comprising steps of: 
 loading a pre-form of the part into a press;    pressing the pre-form of the part to form the part;    sealing openings in the part;    pressurizing the part in the press; and    evaluating the pressure retained in the part.    
   
   
       2 . The process of  claim 1 , including performing said sealing step in conjunction with said pressing step.  
   
   
       3 . The process of  claim 2 , including supplying pressurized air for said pressurizing step.  
   
   
       4 . The process of  claim 1 , including supplying pressurized air for said pressurizing step.  
   
   
       5 . The process of  claim 1 , said step of pressing including forming a flared end on the pre-form part.  
   
   
       6 . The process of  claim 5 , including sealing ends of the pre-form between a flare pin and die on one end and a quill and a punch on an opposite end while pressing the pre-form part.  
   
   
       7 . The process of  claim 1 , including sealing ends of the pre-form between a flare pin and a die on one end and a quill and a punch on an opposite end while pressing the pre-form part.  
   
   
       8 . The process of  claim 1 , including supplying a substantially continuous flow of pressurizing fluid through the perform part during said steps of pressing, sealing and pressurizing.  
   
   
       9 . A stamping press comprising: 
 a flare pin and a die configured for receiving a first tube end and modifying a shape of the first tube end;    a punch chuck assembly configured for engaging an opposite tube end and urging the tube first end over said pin and into said die; and    a fluid pressure system including a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid path through said punch chuck assembly and into a tube held by and between said pin and said die on one end and said chuck assembly on an opposite end.    
   
   
       10 . The stamping press of  claim 9 , said punch chuck assembly including a probe configured to enter a tube processed on said press, said probe including a longitudinal opening therethrough, said opening being in flow communication with said fluid pressure system.  
   
   
       11 . The stamping press of  claim 10 , said fluid pressure system having a source of pressurized air.  
   
   
       12 . The stamping press of  claim 10 , said probe being held in a quill, and said quill configured to form a seal with a tube held between said flare pin and said die on one end and said quill on an opposite end.  
   
   
       13 . The stamping press of  claim 12 , said fluid pressure system having a source of pressurized air.  
   
   
       14 . The stamping press of  claim 9 , said fluid pressure system having a substantially continuous source of pressurized fluid.  
   
   
       15 . A stamping process for forming a flared end on a tube and for checking for cracks in the tube, said process comprising steps of: 
 providing a punch chuck assembly having a probe;    providing a die block assembly with a flare pin and a die;    positioning one end of a generally tubular part over the flare pin and into the die;    positioning an opposite end of the generally tubular part over the probe;    urging the part into the die block assembly to conform a profile of the tube to the flare die and pin and thereby forming a flared end;    pressurizing the inside of the tube while retaining the tube between the die block assembly and the punch chuck assembly; and    rejecting the part if a pressure inside the part is below a pre-established minimum pressure.    
   
   
       16 . The stamping process of  claim 15 , including forming a seal between the tube and the die and flare pin.  
   
   
       17 . The stamping process of  claim 15 , including forming a seal of the generally tubular part against the punch chuck assembly.  
   
   
       18 . The stamping process of  claim 17 , including forming a seal between the tube and the die and flare pin.  
   
   
       19 . The stamping process of  claim 18 , including performing said step of pressurizing after completing said step of urging.  
   
   
       20 . The stamping process of  claim 15 , including flowing pressurized fluid through the part while performing said step of urging the part into the die block assembly to conform a profile of the tube to the die and flare pin.