Minimising density distribution in die-pressed, cylindrical compacts

Abstract

There is significant interest in potential new ‘net shape’ or ‘near-net shape’ forming processes for ceramic materials, to cut production costs through eliminating finishing operations. However, the new processes presented generally require a complete change from conventional industrial processing, which may well lead to problems with broad acceptance. Die-pressing is a widely used, cost effective industrial process. However, green compacts are produced with a density distribution which leads to shape distortions in fired components, precluding ‘net shape’ forming. This paper shows that, through optimising process variables, to minimise density distribution, the ‘net shape’ forming of simple, cylindrical components is achievable, by die-pressing i.e. without large departures from the standard processing technique. For more complex shapes further factors become significant, however, this work should be an important step towards also achieving the ‘net shape’ forming of more complex shapes, by die-pressing.