Abstract Powdered metal is continuously introduced into a die cavity in discrete quantities and compacted into bar segments to form a bar. The cavity has a fixed cross-sectional area and is open at both ends, except during the initial compaction when one end is closed. After formation of a length of the bar, the frictional resistance between the bar and the cavity wall is relied on so that the bar remaining in the cavity serves as a stopper for subsequent compactions of the discrete quantities of powdered metal to form the continuous bar. The bar is forced out of the cavity and may be passed through an induction furnace for sintering, and through a swager, all preferably in a continuous operation. Also provided is means for varying the compaction so that the bar lengths formed from the discrete quantities of powdered metal are compacted and bonded into a bar of substantially uniform physical characteristics along its length.
A press for continuously forming continuous bar comprising a die having a cavity, means for introducing a selective amount of powdered metal into the die cavity, a ram and punch reciprocable toward and from the die, lengthwise spaced limit means engaged by the ram for controlling and reversing the movement of the ram in response to engagement by a respective one of the limit means, the ram being operative on advance stroke to move the punch into the die cavity, the engagement of the punch with the powdered metal in the die cavity developing reaction pressure, and means for relocating one of said limit means and thereby adjusting the length of each advance stroke of the ram aNd punch in direct proportion to said reaction pressure during that stroke.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A press for continuously forming continuous bar comprising a die having a cavity, means for introducing a selective amount of powdered metal into the die cavity, a ram and punch reciprocable toward and from the die, lengthwise spaced limit means engaged by the ram for controlling and reversing the movement of the ram in response to engagement by a respective one of the limit means, the ram being operative on advance stroke to move the punch into the die cavity, the engagement of the punch with the powdered metal in the die cavity developing reaction pressure, and means for relocating one of said limit means and thereby adjusting the length of each advance stroke of the ram aNd punch in direct proportion to said reaction pressure during that stroke.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A press according to claim 1 wherein the means for adjusting the length of the stroke is operative for increasing that length in response to higher reaction pressure than a predetermined value and reducing that length in response to a lower reaction pressure.