US Patent 7287406 Transition forming machine

An apparatus and method including a die assembly and tooling, which includes a draw bolt and coaxially disposed expandable element. When control of the apparatus is initiated the die assembly and draw bolt retract or move down over the work piece until the die assembly is seated in the die holder. The draw bolt continues to move down which causes the elastomer insert to expand and push the work piece outwardly forcing the work piece to conform to the contour of the die assembly creating the desired transition diameter.