A forming machine that produces formed parts of a complex design from straight workpieces from wire or tube includes a computerized numerical control unit; a plurality of workstations including a loading station, a first machining station downstream of the loading station, and at least one second machining station downstream of the first machining station, wherein at least two of the machining stations are forming stations; and a transport system that transports successive workpieces from the loading station to downstream workstations while under control by the control unit.

A method for forming a stop flange on a self-tapping screw includes locating a shank of a self-tapping screw between two threading dies, fixing one of the two threading dies and moving the other one of the two threading dies to work the shank, the external thread forming section of each of the threading dies performing threading to form an external thread on the shank, inserting the insert and the recessed corner of each of the threading dies into a top of the external thread to form a groove in the shank, and the insert of each of the threading dies gradually squeezing downward an extruded portion that is formed during formation of the groove to form a stop flange on the shank. Thus, the shank is integrally formed with the stop flange, to stop an excessive movement of the external thread.

The invention relates to a method for producing a connecting element comprising at least two ball-like sections, wherein two ball-like sections are directly adjacent to each other, or wherein two ball-like sections are connected to each other by means of a connecting section, wherein the rolling of a single-piece blank, which is cylindrical at least in sections, between at least two rolling tools and the shaping of the at least two ball-like sections and optionally of the connecting section during the rolling are provided.

The invention relates to a method for producing a connecting element comprising at least two ball-like sections, wherein two ball-like sections are directly adjacent to each other, or wherein two ball-like sections are connected to each other by means of a connecting section, wherein the rolling of a single-piece blank, which is cylindrical at least in sections, between at least two rolling tools and the shaping of the at least two ball-like sections and optionally of the connecting section during the rolling are provided.

A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

A reciprocating die roll forming machine for forming a pattern such as a thread form on the outer surface of a cylindrical blank includes at least one set of reciprocating dies operating upon the blank which rotates in place. The machine includes a slide and bearing combination to support the dies belt driven by a servo-motor controlled by a central processing unit. Mechanism is provided to deliver and position a blank for engagement by the dies. In one form, the machine includes multiple die sets to produce multiple parts during one die reciprocation cycle. In another form, the machine employs separate drive mechanisms to independently drive each die of a set.

The present invention is a die positioning system for use in positioning mobile or fixed dies. The system includes a pair of key bars, a pair of key disc inserts, a set of key discs, and a set of disc backers. The key bars and key discs serve to offset manufacturing dies or die holders. Using key bars and/or key discs from different pairs of key bars and/or sets of key discs also allows for precise angulation of the dies or die holders. The key discs are held in place between the die and die holder, or between the die holder and key base, by the key disc inserts and angled (if feasible) by the disc backers. The key bars, located between the key disc inserts and the die or die holder allow additional offset of the die or die holder. The solid, stacked configuration of the key bars and key discs prevents the die or die holder from gradually or suddenly losing its positioning.

A method and system for increasing damping capacity in a mechanical fastener by utilizing dry friction between individual wires of a sheathed rope is disclosed. For metal fasteners, the sheathed rope is inserted loosely into a thick-walled metal tube. The tube is then rolled to reduce the tube diameter, thereby uniformly embedding the rope into the tube material. The tube is then subjected to either cold or hot forming. After forming, the fastener blank may be threaded. For composite or plastic fasteners, the sheathed rope includes insert locators attached to the sheathing. The sheathed rope having the insert locators is placed in the mold cavity prior to the polymerizable material being injected into the mold. Regardless of the embodiment, the resulting fastener has increased damping due to the dry inter-wire friction within the embedded rope which develops between the surfaces of individual wires upon dynamic loading of a fastened joint.

Cold-forming equipment configured as a high precision thread rolling assembly utilizing racks, guide rails, a bearing assembly including rolling element linear motion bearings and a gear reduction assembly.

The present invention is a die positioning system for use in positioning mobile or fixed dies. The system includes a pair of key bars, a pair of key disc inserts, a set of key discs, and a set of disc backers. The key bars and key discs serve to offset manufacturing dies or die holders. Using key bars and/or key discs from different pairs of key bars and/or sets of key discs also allows for precise angulation of the dies or die holders. The key discs are held in place between the die and die holder, or between the die holder and key base, by the key disc inserts and angled (if feasible) by the disc backers. The key bars, located between the key disc inserts and the die or die holder allow additional offset of the die or die holder. The solid, stacked configuration of the key bars and key discs prevents the die or die holder from gradually or suddenly losing its positioning.