Patent ID: 6912885
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: B21C,B21K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extruding a workpiece to form a blank having a refined grain structure, the apparatus comprising: first and second rollers configured to form a nip therebetween; an actuator far rotating at least one of said first and second rollers and advancing the workpiece through the nip between said rollers; and a die configured to receive the workpiece from the nip, said die defining an extrusion passage having first and second portions, the first portion at least partially defining a first cross-sectional shape corresponding in shape to the workpiece, and at least one of the first and second portions defining a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape for imparting the second cross-sectional shape to the workpiece to form the blank, wherein the second portion defines an extrusion angle relative to the first portion such that the workpiece is angularly extruded through the passage, the first portion of the extrusion passage defining a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the workpiece and at least a part of the second portion of the extrusion passage defining a substantially circular cross-sectional shape that is imparted to the workpiece to form the blank.