Patent ID: 6314836
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: B21C

Abstract:
In a process for forming a wire drawing die blank formed by a high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) process, the improvement which comprises:(a) providing a reaction cell assembly comprising:(i) an annular cemented metal carbide support component having a lengthwise extent from an entrance end to an exit end and extending radially about a central longitudinal axis to define a cylindrical internal bore through said lengthwise extent; and(ii) a compact component comprising a sinterable mass of crystalline particles received within said bore of said support component; and(b) subjecting said reaction cell assembly to HP/ HT conditions selected as being effective(i) to sinter said mass of crystalline particles into a polycrystalline compact which compact is adapted to have an aperture extending through its lengthwise extent about said central longitudinal axis and configured with an entrance zone at said entrance end which tapers inwardly therefrom to a reduction zone whereat a wire to be drawn through said bore makes initial contact with said compact component and thence to a bearing zone and an exit zone, and(ii) to bond said compact to said support component at an interface surface extending along said longitudinal axis wherein the radial distance from said central longitudinal axis to said interface surface tapers inwardly from the entrance end to a minimum prior to the bearing zone after which said radial distance remains substantially constant to said exit end.