Importance

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Abstract

To form a pipe fitting (90) having a body (92) formed with at least one outer bulge (93) defining an inner circumferential groove (93a), in which a sealing ring (93b) can be located, so that the fitting, upon circumferential compression, can sealingly engage a pipe (91) inserted therein, a blank (11) is inserted into a two-part die, joined together at a severing plane. The die is formed with an annular recess or groove (7, 8). A mandrel is inserted in the pipe to maintain its inner diameter, and an upset member is forcibly moved against the end portions of the blank. The material of the blank (11) will flow into the annular groove (7, 8), thus forming the circumferential bulge (93). To accurately dimension and shape the resulting inner groove (93a), a roller element is inserted into the pipe, and rotated about itself, and additionally moved in an orbital or spiral path against the inner wall of the initially formed groove, to define its shape and size. The die may be formed with a part-annular groove at the end and the upset member may carry an outer matrix portion formed with the remaining part of the annular groove at the end portion, and further carrying at least part of the mandrel, so that, in one operation, the mandrel enters the pipe, and completes the die into which the material can flow upon upsetting. This permits rapid, inexpensive mass production of flowable material for the fitting, such as copper, brass, bronze, or the like.

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First Claim