Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a steering rack forged in a forging die, comprising a gripper to grip the shank of the rack, a lost-motion mechanism supporting the gripper and permitting limited movement in the direction of closing of the forging die, and a side-shift mechanism to move the gripper sideways. The lost-motion mechanism abuts the die assembly as the forging die closes thereby positioning the gripper to grip the shank of the steering rack during the final closing travel of the forging die. The gripper then lifts the steering rack as the forging die opens. The side-shift mechanism then moves the gripped steering rack sideways.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a steering rack forged in a forging die, comprising a gripper to grip the shank of the rack, a lost-motion mechanism supporting the gripper and permitting limited movement in the direction of closing of the forging die, and a side-shift mechanism to move the gripper sideways. The lost-motion mechanism abuts the die assembly as the forging die closes thereby positioning the gripper to grip the shank of the steering rack during the final closing travel of the forging die. The gripper then lifts the steering rack as the forging die opens. The side-shift mechanism then moves the gripped steering rack sideways.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forging a steering rack having a toothed portion and an array of gear teeth. The die apparatus comprising first and second assemblies movable towards each other. The first assembly comprising a first bolster and a tooth die. The second assembly comprising a second bolster, first and second side dies, a center punch, and a third bolster. The third bolster being disposed between the first and second bolsters and being movable relative to the second bolster. The first and second side dies being supported by the third bolster, and the center punch being supported by the second bolster. As the die apparatus closes, the third bolster abuts the first assembly to form a closed forging cavity and then, as the die apparatus continues to close, the center punch penetrates the closed forging cavity to complete the forging of the steering rack.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forging a steering rack having a toothed portion and an array of gear teeth. The die apparatus comprising first and second assemblies movable towards each other. The first assembly comprising a first bolster and a tooth die. The second assembly comprising a second bolster, first and second side dies, a centre punch, and a third bolster. The third bolster being disposed between the first and second bolsters and being movable relative to the second bolster. The first and second side dies being supported by the third bolster, and the centre punch being supported by the second bolster. As the die apparatus closes, the third bolster abuts the first assembly to form a closed forging cavity and then, as the die apparatus continues to close, the centre punch penetrates the closed forging cavity to complete the forging of the steering rack.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forging a steering rack from a bar. The die apparatus comprises a first and a second bolster movable towards each other, and at least one gripper adapted to grip the bar as the rack is forged. The gripper comprises first and second gripper halves carried by, and movable relative to, the first and second bolsters respectively. A gripper bias means biases the gripper halves towards each other. As the bolsters move towards each other to forge the rack, the first gripper half abuts against the first bolster, and the second gripper half abuts the second bolster.