DIE ASSEMBLY OF THE CONFORM UNIT FOR CONTINUOUS NON-FERROUS METAL FORMING

Abstract

The study covers technology features of making pressed items of non-ferrous metals by Conform continuous forming. The analysis of pressing equipment designs identified a disadvantage typical for many Conform units – the lack of connection between the system for securing the fixed part of the split container (shoe) and the impeller shaft. Therefore, it is impossible to ensure a controlled gap between the shoe and the groove bottom during the operation, which results in unstable bar stock feeding to the die. The paper aimed at the development of a new shoe attachment system to ensure a steady flow of continuous metal extrusion process. This provides for forming a rigid and strong connection between the shoe and the impeller shaft using the system of levers and rods. An upgraded die assembly was proposed to solve this problem. The drive components and working parts of the pilot Conform unit were designed based on power calculations made for extrusion of aluminum and copper alloys using the formulas provided in the technical literature. The obtained results were used for strength calculations of die assembly parts following the known methods. The practical use of the design proposed in the paper will provide new opportunities to make pressed steel items of non-ferrous metals with a consistently high level of properties.