Production of Ihpf Components Having a Flange

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing a hollow profile which has at least one flange by internal high pressure forming. During the internal high pressure forming, the dimensions and the position of the flange are not changed relative to the finished hollow profile then formed.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method of producing a hollow profile having at least one flange extending along the hollow profile, comprising:
 folding or roll forming an initial hollow profile from a sheet, with at least one flange being formed so as to project from the initial hollow profile by doubling the material of the sheet;   welding a joint location of the initial hollow profile outside a region of the flange; and   internal high pressure forming the initial hollow profile into a finished hollow profile by applying an internal high pressure by means of a fluid into the interior of the initial hollow profile, with the at least one flange being clamped in place in an IHPF tool in such a way that its position and dimensions remain unchanged relative to the finished hollow profile.   
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the at least one flange, when the IHPF tool is closed, is acted upon by a holding-down force which prevents a subsequent flow of material from the flange into the finished hollow profile during internal high pressure forming. 
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the at least one flange, when the IHPF tool is closed, is acted upon by a holding-down force which allows a defined subsequent flow of material from the flange into the finished hollow profile during internal high pressure forming.