Abstract: An apparatus and method for the forming of a shaped article includes a means for plasticizing a feed material; a die chamber; a means for delivering a plasticized feed material from the plasticizing means and into the die chamber, the delivery means in flow communication with the plasticizing means and the die chamber; and means for applying a pressure to a material in the die chamber. In operation, a feed material is introduced into a plasticizing source; the plasticized feed material is delivered to a die chamber connectable in flow communication with the plasticizing source; and supplemental pressure is applied to the plasticized feed material within the die chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously extruding shaped articles includes providing a frictional extrusion source for extruding a feed material, a chamber for holding frictionally extruded material received from the extrusion source, a plurality of die chambers, each of the die chambers receiving extruded material from the holding chamber, means for directing extruded material from the holding chamber to each die chamber for selectively filling each die chamber with extruded feed material and means for monitoring filling of each die chamber of said plurality of die chambers with extruded feed material. The directing means is responsive to the monitoring means so that extruded material can be directed from a filled die to chamber to an empty die chamber for subsequent filling, thereby permitting continuous extrusion.

Abstract: The method for preparing a coating with a continuous compositional gradient includes introducing at least first and second powders into a plasma torch at separately controllable variable feed rates for each powder and co-depositing the at least first and second powders on the substrate and adjusting the relative feed rates of the first and second powders such that a smooth continuous compositional grading is achieved in the coating. The compositional gradient can follow a linear, exponential or variable function. A sublayer may be deposited onto the substrate prior to deposition of the compositionally graded layer. Additional materials that impart other desirable properties to the layer can be added with the layer or applied after deposition of the layer. Choice of atmosphere during deposition include vacuum, inert atmosphere, and oxidizing, carburizing and boriding atmospheres.