A method of manufacturing a stacked core includes forming a first pilot hole in a strip-like metal plate by a first punch, and working a predetermined portion of the metal plate by a second punch, in a state in which a first pilot pin is inserted into the first pilot hole. A worked portion of the metal plate that is worked by the second punch is press-fitted into the metal plate, in a state in which a first pilot pin is inserted into the first pilot hole, and a second pilot hole is formed in the metal plate by a third punch, after press-fitting the worked portion into the metal plate and before performing another work on the metal plate. Additionally, the method includes forming a blanked member by blanking a region including the worked portion by a fourth punch, in a state in which a second pilot pin is inserted into the second pilot hole.

An apparatus for conveying a molded body for heat exchanger fins is capable of realizing high-speed conveying of the molded body for heat exchanger fins, of preventing the generation of noise during conveying, and of miniaturization. As a solution, an apparatus for conveying a molded body for heat exchanger fins has a plurality of conveying units, which each include a rotating conveyor driving unit and a rotating conveyor with a rotating shaft and rotating discs on which a plurality of protrusions that advance into the tube insertion portions of a heat exchanger fin are formed, disposed along a conveying direction of the metal strip, has a drive belt suspended between the rotating shafts of adjacent conveying units, and has an operation control unit that synchronizes rotational driving operations of the rotating shafts of the respective rotating conveyor driving units.

An apparatus for conveying a molded body for heat exchanger fins is capable of realizing high-speed conveying of the molded body for heat exchanger fins, of preventing the generation of noise during conveying, and of miniaturization. As a solution, an apparatus for conveying a molded body for heat exchanger fins has a plurality of conveying units, which each include a rotating conveyor driving unit and a rotating conveyor with a rotating shaft and rotating discs on which a plurality of protrusions that advance into the tube insertion portions of a heat exchanger fin are formed, disposed along a conveying direction of the metal strip, has a drive belt suspended between the rotating shafts of adjacent conveying units, and has an operation control unit that synchronizes rotational driving operations of the rotating shafts of the respective rotating conveyor driving units.

A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating an idle station for a transfer press assembly. The split idle station includes numerous workpiece mounting brackets that are insertable into corresponding parts of a multi-component movable base assembly such that upon moving from a split configuration into a support configuration, a locking mechanism cooperates with base assembly parts and mounting brackets to form a locking interference fit or engagement for each mounting bracket in order to securely support a workpiece on the brackets. Likewise, the cooperative movement of the first and second base assembly sections away from one another causes a release the interference fit from the notch to effect disengagement of the locking mechanism. The construction of the locking mechanism is such that both the engagement and disengagement may be performed as part of a one-handed operation.

A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating an idle station for a transfer press assembly. The split idle station includes numerous workpiece mounting brackets that are insertable into corresponding parts of a multi-component movable base assembly such that upon moving from a split configuration into a support configuration, a locking mechanism cooperates with base assembly parts and mounting brackets to form a locking interference fit or engagement for each mounting bracket in order to securely support a workpiece on the brackets. Likewise, the cooperative movement of the first and second base assembly sections away from one another causes a release the interference fit from the notch to effect disengagement of the locking mechanism. The construction of the locking mechanism is such that both the engagement and disengagement may be performed as part of a one-handed operation.

A stock ejector assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock ejector with a large spring and a ring-style stripper. The ring-style stripper provides a larger surface area for contacting the stock. The large compression spring is preloaded and when a load is applied, the stripper retracts and the spring pressure increases. When the dies separate, the stock ejector pushes the part off flat surfaces, separating surfaces sealed by adhesion, including but not limited to oil or lubricant adhesion.

A stock ejector assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock ejector with a large spring and a ring-style stripper. The ring-style stripper provides a larger surface area for contacting the stock. The large compression spring is preloaded and when a load is applied, the stripper retracts and the spring pressure increases. When the dies separate, the stock ejector pushes the part off flat surfaces, separating surfaces sealed by adhesion, including but not limited to oil or lubricant adhesion.

A transfer press includes a press machine that moves a slide up and down in accordance with pressing motion, and a transport device that moves a retainer in accordance with transfer motion to transport a workpiece. The transfer press includes a creation unit, a determination unit, and a phase adjustment unit. The creation unit creates a three-dimensional operating curved surface based on the provisionally set pressing motion and the provisionally set transfer motion. The determination unit compares a standard upper die interference curved surface with the operating curved surface in the same three-dimensional coordinate system to determine whether the operating curved surface is present within an interference region of the standard upper die interference curved surface. The phase adjustment unit changes a relative phase of the transfer motion relative to the pressing motion when the operating curved surface is present within the interference region.

A transfer press includes a press machine that moves a slide up and down in accordance with pressing motion, and a transport device that moves a retainer in accordance with transfer motion to transport a workpiece. The transfer press includes a creation unit, a determination unit, and a phase adjustment unit. The creation unit creates a three-dimensional operating curved surface based on the provisionally set pressing motion and the provisionally set transfer motion. The determination unit compares a standard upper die interference curved surface with the operating curved surface in the same three-dimensional coordinate system to determine whether the operating curved surface is present within an interference region of the standard upper die interference curved surface. The phase adjustment unit changes a relative phase of the transfer motion relative to the pressing motion when the operating curved surface is present within the interference region.

A method of forming a component includes providing a work-piece blank from a formable material. The method also includes engaging the work-piece blank with a transfer device. The method additionally includes austenitizing the work-piece blank in the transfer device via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein. The method also includes transferring the austenitized blank to a forming press using the transfer device. The method additionally includes forming the component via the forming press from the austenitized blank and quenching the formed component. A work-piece blank transfer system includes a transfer device having clamping arm(s) for engaging, holding, transferring, and releasing the work-piece blank. The transfer device also includes a heating element configured to austenitize the work-piece blank via heating the blank to achieve austenite microstructure therein. The transfer system additionally includes an electronic controller programmed to regulate the heating element and the clamping arm(s).