Importance

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Abstract

A method of manufacturing a node and of securing a plurality of structural components to the node to form an article, such as a vehicle frame assembly, includes the initial step of extruding a workpiece having a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways formed therethrough. A plurality of interim workpieces can be formed by separating portions of the extruded workpiece into a plurality of discrete sections. If necessary, the interim workpieces can be machined to provide a plurality of nodes. The nodes can be formed or machined to have one or more bores formed therethrough that extend from a first outer surface to a second outer surface. A portion of the structural member is inserted into the bore from the first outer surface of the node, while a magnetic pulse forming/welding inductor is inserted into the bore from the second outer surface of the node. The magnetic pulse forming/welding inductor is then operated to secure the portion of the structural member to the node to form an assembly.

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First Claim