Metal forming method and apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for the formation of a plurality of generally regularly spaced-apart upstanding fins along a web of metallic material, said apparatus comprising: (a) frame means, first and second endless chains operatively coupled to said frame means with each of said endless chains including operative flights arranged in generally opposed disposition and creating a metallic material work zone along a plane arranged midway between said operative flights, means for continuously driving said endless chains each along a predetermined path; (b) said first endless chain having a plurality of generally equally spaced-apart work supporting anvil links arranged in operative relationship with said second endless chain; (c) said second endless chain having a plurality of generally spaced-apart links having work-engaging fin-forming lugs extending outwardly therefrom and arranged to enter spaces between adjacent anvil links to create fin pre-forms along said metallic web while passing through said work zone; (d) a path-defining chain-deflecting idler roll operatively coupled to said frame means and arranged to deflect said first endless chain arcuately away from the plane of said work zone to effectively reduce the spacing between adjacent anvil links and to create a web back-breaking zone along said first endless chain; and (e) said first and second endless chains being arranged to maintain said pre-forms within the spaces between adjacent anvil links until said first endless chain passes through said back-breaking zone for firmly crimping said fin pre-forms.