Conform—A New Concept for the Continuous Extrusion Forming of Metals

Abstract

The paper describes a new continuous extrusion forming process, for metals, which is particularly applicable in the wire, section, and tube manufacturing fields. The principle of the process is based on the mechanical friction which exists between a billet and its container in conventional extrusion. If the container is rectangular in cross section and three sides are formed as a groove in a rotating wheel, with the fourth side forming a stationary shoe fitting against the outside of the wheel, then rotation of the wheel will carry the billet along with it. If a stop with die orifice is sized to fit the groove and is fixed to the shoe, then as the billet is forced against the die, extrusion can occur. The development of the process from a laboratory bench top model for lead wire, to a powered experimental machine capable of continuously extruding aluminium wire through ratios of 40:1 is described in the paper. The possibilities for future development are discussed and some guide is given to the possible size and capacities of projected machines.