Importance

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Abstract

A modular endforming mechanism for modifying an end of a thin-walled malleable tube is herein disclosed. The modular endformer comprises a gripping module having a collet means for grasping a tube inserted into the gripping module. The gripping module may be coupled to one of an expansion module and a reducing/flaring modular. The expansion module is constructed and arranged to actuate a sizing mandrel, which is inserted into the interior of the end of a tube to expand the diameter of the end of that tube. A forming insert works in conjunction with the sizing mandrel to limit the expansion of the tube diameter under the influence of the sizing mandrel. The reducing/flaring modular is similarly constructed and arranged to actuate a forming die having a tapered inner surface that engages the exterior of a tube clamped in the collet means of the griping modular so as to reduce the outer diameter of the tube and a flaring tube having a frustoconical surface that engages the interior of the tube at a predetermined angle to flare the end of that tube.

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First Claim