Powder-forming press

Claim 1

In a powder-forming press of the type having a stationary lower punch, an upper punch driven by a cross bar to move vertically in synchronism therewith, a die disposed floatingly and slidably around said upper and lower punches and driven by a cross shaft to move vertically in synchronism therewith, said die and punches defining a space of variable volume for accomodating and compressing a powder material therein, the cross bar and cross shaft being guided to move along substantially the same vertical line of action, a wedge structure interposed between the cross bar and and cross shaft and being movable in a horizontal direction of insertion and retraction thereof, and means for controlling the horizontal movement of said wedge structure relative to said cross bar and cross shaft, the improvement wherein said control means comprises means for effecting a gradual retraction of said wedge structure during descent thereof in interposed contact with both said cross bars and cross shaft, thereby to cause both the upper and lower punches to undergo simultaneous powder-compressing action relative to said die.