Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a powder metal forging (B) includes a die set (A1D) for forming the powder metal forging (B) having a first die (A) complementary with a second die (D) in a longitudinal direction (ZC). The die set (A,D) has at least two features (10) of dimensions with a longitudinal component (10) and a lateral component (18), and at least the lateral component (18) varies along the longitudinal direction (ZC), at least one such feature (10) in each die (A,D). Each of the first die (A) and the second die (D) includes a castellated parting interface (12,13) dissecting the laterally varying internal longitudinal feature (10, 18) in the first die from the laterally varying feature (10, 18) in the second die (D). The castellation (12,13) in the dies (A,D) provides forged powder metal parts (B) with features of opposite drafts without trapping the part (B) in the dies (A,D).

Abstract: A magnetic encoder scale having a series of periodically spaced magnetic marks. A reference mark is applied to the scale using an applicator or template, which has a feature for locating the reference mark. The applicator or template has one or more magnetic marks corresponding to the periodic scale marks, whereby the applicator or template automatically assumes a defined phase relationship relative to the periodic scale marks when placed on the scale. The reference mark may be attached to the scale self-adhesively, or it may be formed by removal of material from the scale, guided by the applicator or template. The applicator may alternatively have a strong permanent magnet which applies further magnetization to a region of the scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a powder metal forging (B) includes a die set (A1D) for forming the powder metal forging (B) having a first die (A) complementary with a second die (D) in a longitudinal direction (ZC). The die set (A,D) has at least two features (10) of dimensions with a longitudinal component (10) and a lateral component (18), and at least the lateral component (18) varies along the longitudinal direction (ZC), at least one such feature (10) in each die (A,D). Each of the first die (A) and the second die (D) includes a castellated parting interface (12,13) dissecting the laterally varying internal longitudinal feature (10, 18) in the first die from the laterally varying feature (10, 18) in the second die (D). The castellation (12,13) in the dies (A,D) provides forged powder metal parts (B) with features of opposite drafts without trapping the part (B) in the dies (A,D).

Abstract: A magnetic encoder scale comprises a series of periodically spaced magnetic marks. A reference mark is applied to the scale using an applicator or template, which has a feature for locating the reference mark. The applicator or template comprises one or more magnetic marks corresponding to the periodic scale marks, whereby the applicator or template automatically assumes a defined phase relationship relative to the periodic scale marks when placed on the scale. The reference mark may be attached to the scale self-adhesively. Or it may be formed by removal of material from the scale, guided by the applicator or template. Or the applicator may comprise a strong permanent magnet which applies further magnetisation to a region of the scale.