At least one caulking group (13) that includes a plurality of caulking parts (14, 15) with different directions is formed on a plurality of thin plates (10) placed in a stacked state to fix the position of the stacked thin plates (10), and then a preset punching process is performed with respect to the thin plates (10) that have been positioned with pilot holes (12). This makes it possible to perform a high-accuracy punching process when punching the plurality of thin plates (10) placed in a stacked state, since positional deviations between the thin plates (10) are avoided and pilot pins (11) are prevented from deforming the periphery of the pilot holes (12).

A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the outer body end, and an inner end attached to the inner body end in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.

A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the outer body end, and an inner end attached to the inner body end in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.

A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.

A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.

An apparatus for forming and sealing a duct member for use in an air handling system. At least one work station accommodates a work piece, which is generally a cylindrical tube.

A pilot assembly having a shaped portion and a shaped fastener relief for attachment to a die. The pilot assembly includes a fastener with a shaped washer that engages the shaped fastener relief to permit installation and removal of the pilot from the die. The shaped portion of the pilot assembly helps to locate and center the stock down the pilot assembly toward the die.

A pilot assembly having a shaped portion and a shaped fastener relief for attachment to a die. The pilot assembly includes a fastener with a shaped washer that engages the shaped fastener relief to permit installation and removal of the pilot from the die. The shaped portion of the pilot assembly helps to locate and center the stock down the pilot assembly toward the die.

A stretch forming device includes a die and gripping portions gripping both end portions of an elongate material. The cross-sectional shape of the die has a curved shape bulging a central side of a forming surface; the length in a longitudinal direction of the elongate material is less than that of the forming surface; a second die having a second forming surface along the forming surface is installed removably on a central portion of the forming surface; and the stretch forming device has a first mode wherein, when the second die is installed on the forming surface, only the second die is pressed against the elongate material while a tensile force is applied to the elongate material, and a second mode wherein, when the second die is removed from the forming surface, the die is pressed against the elongate material while a tensile force is applied to the elongate material.

To reduce warping of vertical wall portions without causing buckling occurring in a component shape not having a flange portion. A punch and a pad sandwiching a top sheet portion therebetween in the sheet thickness direction, bending blades for bend-forming the vertical wall portions, and stoppers facing the bending blades in the press direction and constraining end portions of a material to be machined are provided. The punch is supported by a first cushion component elastically expandable and contractible in the press direction. The bending blades each have an upper die component and a lower die component disposed facing each other in the press direction with an interval (D) equal to or larger than a set compression amount and a second cushion component interposed between the upper die component and the lower die component, maintaining the interval (D), and contractible in the press direction at a predetermined pressure or more. The cushion pressure of the second cushion component is lower than the cushion pressure of the first cushion component and has such cushion pressure that the second cushion component does not contract during the bend-forming of the vertical wall portions.