Metal forming apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for forming one end portion of a rod-like metallic work comprising: a holding member for holding the work along its axis; a pressure die movably mounted along said axis towards and away from said holding members and adapted for relative movement with respect to one end of the work along the axis thereof to shape the axial end portion of the work, said pressure die comprising: a die body engageable with the end portion of the work; a split die comprising at least two movable die members for gripping and covering the outer peripheral surface of the work; and a holder for the split die movable axially relative thereto and therewith, said die body being mounted within said holder and said split die being carried by said holder, said split die having a first engaging portion and said holder having a second engaging portion which engages said first engaging portion to move said split die members in directions perpendicular to the axis of the work on said relative movement of said pressure die axially toward said holding member and toward the work so that said split die is clamped to and covers the peripheral surface of the end portion of the work and then the end portion is plastically formed into shape by said die body when held by said split die.