Abstract:
A motor-vehicle lattice frame (T) is described here that includes a plurality of structural nodes (N1, N2) each having a central body (1) and at least one hollow arm (2, 3, 4, 30) protruding from the central body (1). The lattice frame (T) also includes a plurality of beam elements (5, 6, 11, 27) connected to each other by means of the hollow protruding arms (2, 3, 4, 30). The structural nodes (N1, N2) are made by an additive manufacturing technique and at least one arm (2, 3, 4, 30) of one of the nodes (N1, N2 ) has an end portion opposite to said central body (1) having a channel shape (C) with an open cavity both at a front end (12) of the arm (2, 3, 4, 30) and along one side (13) of the arm (2, 3, 4, 30).
Abstract:
Described herein is a method for obtaining a camshaft for an internal-combustion engine having a structure made of a single piece. The camshaft is obtained starting from a metal tubular element (1). The cams (1a) of the camshaft are obtained by expanding the tubular element (1) within a die (S1, S2) using high- pressure fluid. The tubular element (1) can have an enlarged thickness in the portions (1a) that are to form the cams. Forming with high-pressure fluid can be obtained using gas or liquid (for example, water or oil) at high pressure, at room temperature or at a higher temperature. The piece obtained is subjected to thermal treatment and to a grinding operation. In the case of hot forming, the piece may be already case- hardened following upon the forming operation using high-pressure fluid. It may be envisaged that the forming die comprises localized heating means to obtain case-hardening of the portions of the piece that are to constitute the cams following upon the forming operation.