Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a perforated metal cover (1) includes steps of: step (60), successively punching holes in a piece of metal sheet at a plurality of workstations and cutting the metal sheet into a plurality of metal bases; step (62), stamping the metal bases into three dimensions; step (64), grinding the metal bases; and step (66), anodizing the metal bases to produce the finished covers. Each workstation includes at least one punch, and each punch includes a die having a plurality of punch heads, which number and arrangement are predetermined according to the holes (3) to be formed in the perforated cover. Different arrays of holes are punched in the metal sheet in different punches.

Abstract: A load applied to a slider by a suspension is adjusted as follows. First, the suspension is held while no external force to bend the suspension is applied to the suspension. Then, in this state, a position of a load beam is measured with a position measuring instrument. From the information on the position, a pitch angle of the load beam is determined, and conditions for laser light irradiation are determined from the pitch angle. Under the conditions thus determined, laser light is projected onto the front face or the rear face of a bent section of the load beam of the suspension.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tube made of a non-ferrous material, particularly a tube made of mainly copper, by rolling, in which method, in the first working step the tube billet is worked by rolling with conical rolls, so that mainly owing to the deformation resistance, the temperature of the billet under operation rises up to the recrystallization range, at least on the spot that is being worked. Essentially immediately after the first working step, the tube billet is subjected to at least one second working step with a second set of conical rolls, in which case the tube billet is maintained, at least during the first working step and at least a second working step in non-oxidizing conditions. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tube made of a non-ferrous material, particularly a tube made of mainly copper, in which method, in the first working step the tube billet (1) is worked so that mainly owing to the deformation resistance, the temperature of the tube billet under operation rises up to the recrystallization range, at least on the spot that is being worked. Essentially immediately after the first working step (F1), the tube billet is subjected to at least a second working step (F2), and the tube billet (1) is maintained, at least during the first and second working step in non-oxidizing conditions. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A process is set forth for cold rolling of a metal strip, wherein the metal strip passes through a nip between two counter-rotating rolls, driven in counter-rotation substantially at room temperature, wherein a cold and/or liquefied gas, preferably an inert gas, is blown into the area of the nip or roll gap. A roll stand according to the present invention comprises two counter-rotating rolls forming a nip or rolling gap and nozzle means for blowing a cold and/or liquefied gas, preferably an inert gas, through at least one orifice of said nozzle means into the area of the roll nip. Preferably, the temperature of the cold and/or liquefied gas is appreciably lower than room temperature.

Abstract: A work piece can be bent in opposite directions by irradiating a laser beam onto one side of the work piece. A tension anneal is applied to a metal plate. The metal plate is bent by irradiating a defocused laser beam onto a front surface of the tension-annealed metal plate so that the metal plate is bent in a state in which the front surface of the metal plate is convex at a position where the laser beam is scanned.

Abstract: A die and a stationary member of resilient gas permeable composition are adapted to receive between them a three-dimensional honeycomb core article. The die includes an array of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions. The stationary member includes a receiving surface facing and laterally coextensive with the tip ends of the translating pins. The tip ends are engageable with first end surface of the article, the receiveing surface of the stationary member being engageable with a second end surface of the article.

Abstract: While one preform (A) is being shaped between two dies (4, 11), another preform (B) is being prepared by heating in a compartment (14) on a lower die (5) similar to the preceding one (4). When the preform (A) has been shaped, a mobile section (3) of the furnace is lifted to release the upper die (11) and make it possible to place the new preform (B) and its lower die (5) beneath it. Thus, when one preform has been shaped, the following one is already prepared by heating.

Abstract: A flaw detecting method and apparatus for continuously testing a strip that is continuously carried through a liquid includes features for reducing air bubble generation in a liquid. The apparatus includes a liquid, carrying rolls for passage of the strip through the liquid, and ultrasonic testing probes arranged in the liquid for testing the strip. A carrying roll in contact with the liquid is fully immersed. Air bubble generation is inhibited to improve the testing reliability by at least one of (a) shielding the liquid dropping from the portion of the strip leaving the liquid, (b) reducing the dropping force of the liquid onto the liquid surface by inclining the strip, (c) installing the fully immersed carrying roll at a depth of at least 5 mm in the liquid, and (d) using a carrying speed of less than about 200 m/min. Upon manufacturing steel strips, testing is carried out in the stage of hot-rolled steel sheet, or, preferably, in pickling equipment.

Abstract: A shroud canister for reducing the oxidation of extruded metal in an extrusion press. The shroud canister introduces a relatively inert substance which is gaseous at standard temperatures and pressures into the bore of the platen of an extrusion press, confines the relatively inert substance with the bore of the platen, and precludes any of the relatively inert substance which is in liquid form from coming into contact with the extruded metal. In one embodiment, the shroud canister consists of a faceplate to be attached to the platen of the extrusion press, a fluid supply tube to inject the relatively inert substance into the bore of the platen, and a shield to preclude any of the relatively inert substance which is in liquid form upon leaving the fluid supply tube from coming into contact with the extruded metal.

Abstract: To suppress generation of scales on surfaces of a strip and to reduce the amount of non-oxidizing gas consumed in the casting of strip in a twin roll caster there is provided downstream apparatus comprising pinch rolls 17a and 17b for pinching a strip 4 continuously cast by a pair of casting rolls 1a and 1b, a coiler 8 for coiling the strip 4 delivered from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b, an upstream chamber 19 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the casting rolls 1a and 1b to the pinch rolls 17a and 17b,a downstream chamber 24 for enclosing a travelling path of the strip 4 from the pinch rolls 17a and 17b to a position before the coiler, a shutter on an end of the downstream chamber closer to the coiler and a gas supply source for supplying non-oxidizing and reducing gases to the upstream and downstream chambers 19 and 24 and quenching means within the downstream chamber to cool the strip so that it leaves the chamber at a temperature of 300.degree. C. or below.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion machine has a rotatable wheel with a continuous groove in a wall. A fixed shoe structure associated with the wheel provides a passageway and an abutment on the shoe structure closes off one end of the passageway. An extrusion die leads from the passageway at or adjacent the abutment. The entire wheel is located within a hood which is sealed except for apertures for the feedstock, the extruded product and the flash which is removed from the groove. A gaseous, non-oxidizing atmosphere is provided in the hood at a pressure greater than the atmosphere outside the hood. This prevents oxide and other contaminants from entering into the extruded product.

Abstract: An apparatus for deforming the end of a tube structure includes a closing tool moving in an orbital motion about the end of the tube while the tube is being advanced. The closing tool in combination with the force applied to advance the tube form the tube into the shape of the closing tool and over the internal components of the tube. The closing tool and one end of the tube can be combined in a chamber of the closing tool so that the tube end can be closed while the internal volume of the tube is pressurized. The closing tool is particularly adapted to deform the end of a tube structure of a shock absorber type device.

Abstract: Cooling of metal strip in a single or multistand cold rolling line by applying coolant liquid only to the lower surface of the strip, and removing the liquid therefrom, after each, or between successive roll stands. The liquid is delivered, at each cooling locality, at low pressure through a plurality of slots each extending transversely beneath and across the full width of the strip, the slots being spaced apart along the path of the strip and generally being oriented to discharge the coolant liquid toward the strip lower surface at an angle of greater than 90.degree. to the direction of strip advance. Coolant removal is effected by directing one or more liquid knives against the strip lower surface between the plurality of slots and the next downstream roll stand in the line, at a location at which the strip is trained around a hold-down roll.

Abstract: A process for forming a corrugated metal sheet (1) which includes perforations (2) over its entire surface, in which process the metal sheet (1) is laid on a die (11) provided with corrugations (11b), the space (13) delimited beween the metal sheet (1) and the die (11) is sealed by blocking off the perforations (2) in the metal sheet (1), an explosive charge (16) with remote-controlled firing is placed on top of the upper face of the metal sheet (1), a vacuum is created in the space (13) delimited between the metal sheet (1) and the die (11), the entire assembly is immersed in a firing tank filled with water, and firing of the explosive charge is initiated, so that the energy release presses the metal sheet (1) against the die (11). The invention also includes a device for forming a corrugated metal sheet and a corrugated metal sheet formed by the process.

Abstract: A pressure medium composed of plural kinds of fluids each of which have a different density is charged in a pressure chamber forming, for example, fluid layers. A material is suspended by way of buoyancy brought by this pressure medium. By properly controlling the density of the pressure medium of plural kinds of fluids, various kinds of materials having different densities can be supported in a suspending state at an almost constant pressure. The apparatus and the method processes the material under a state of compensated-gravitation, and is capable of forming an easy-handling weightless state for a long period of time at low cost in a simple manner for ease of handling of the material being processed and can contribute to developing useful materials and novel materials and to the supplying of them in bulk.

Abstract: An extrusion press has a sealing and suction device (30; 230; 330) mounted around a plunger (18; 118) with the possibility of sliding axially along the same; the device creates an airtight seal against a back face (25) of a container (20) for a billet (B) when the plunger is working within an inner chamber (24) of the container. A vacuum is created inside the chamber as soon as the plunger enters the chamber before extrusion of the billet begins.

Abstract: A process for forming a color selection mask for a CRT, in a press containing a punch and a counter-punch, after a temperature build-up stage in a shaping chamber, through the circulation of pressurized hot gas injected by inlets placed on the walls of the counter-punch, includes the step of distributing the hot gas through a distribution device to uniformly heat the mask's surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extruding molybdenum-rhenium alloys into tubes or pipes. The invention is capable of high temperature extrusion of MoRe alloys, which comprise about 10 to 50 wt. % rhenium, into a seamless piper or tube. The steps of the process generally comprise fabricating a MoRe billet or blank which includes a pilot hole that extends along the longitudinal axis of the billet, heating the billet to a temperature of at least about 1300.degree. C., and extruding the heated billet by operation of an extrusion press.

Abstract: A procedure for producing coil-forming tubes, in which the tubes are heated to a temperature of 1,000.degree.-1,100.degree. C., particularly to 1,050.degree. C. and then bent at temperatures of more than 850.degree. C. The method proceeds in such a way that the tubes are flushed with N.sub.2 or an N.sub.2 atmosphere is maintained during the heating and during the bending process, in order to increase the service life of such tubes.

Abstract: In an extrusion press the void space between a pressure pad (4), a billet container (5), an extrusion die (6) and the billet (12) to be extruded is evacuated by suction through the pressure pad (4) and a hollow extrusion stem (3) before the commencement of extrusion. The extrusion ram (2) is hollow and contains a vacuum reservoir (7) connected to the hollow stem by a vacuum line (8) and valve (9). The vacuum line may have a compressed air line (10) and valve (11) connected to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element to be applied when feeding at least one elongated object through a vacuum apparatus, the sealing element comprising a casing with a first detachable part having a projection on its underside that tapers from a first end of the casing to a second end of the casing and a second detachable part having a hollow portion that tapers from the first end of the casing to the second end. The projection fits in and partially fills the hollow portion creating a gap between the projection and the hollow portion. The second detachable part has a groove around a portion of its perimeter on an upper surface which contains a resilient sealing means that allows the first and second detachable parts to be sealed when abutted against one another.

Abstract: A method of finishing two opposite edges (5, 6) of a single workpiece (1) by machining, the machining giving each edge a desired final shape by pressing the workpiece between a pair of tools (7, 8) having shapes (9, 10) complementary to the desired finished shapes for the two edges. According to the invention the complementary shapes (9, 10) of the tools (7, 8) are limited by causing them to correspond solely to the finishing zones (5a, 6a) of the two edges (5, 6), and during the finishing operation per se, the two tools are controlled to move simultaneously in translation (18-20, 19-21). The method is applicable to finishing holes through a high precision workpiece such as used in some jet engines.

Abstract: Hollow billet (13) in a first operation of a piercing mill (1, 2) is advanced over a piercer (10) placed on front end (5) of a piercer rod (6) and is retracted after removal of the piercer. During the advance of hollow billet (13) a lubricant is applied to the hollow billet inside wall processed immediately before by piercer (10) with the help of an inert carrier gas current through outlet openings (16, 17) on front part (14) of piercer rod (6). In this way the lubricant is distributed uniformly on the hollow billet wall in the first operation for processing in the second operation of the piercing mill and in the latter for processing in a third operation (in a reeling mill). Thus, no delay whatsoever occurs in the processing, i.e., the operations can be performed without interruption successively, and no environmental pollution by the agent occurs.

Abstract: An improved method and means for sizing metal configuration through the application of thermal expansion and contraction of a shaping mandrel. The thermally induced changes in the shaping mandrel are produced from within the body at the mandrel.

Abstract: A discontinuous system applies chemical solutions, dispersions, slurries and pastes to fibrous materials, paper, plastic and metal sheeting, or their composites, confined in one station and capable to wind, rewind and position rolls in sequence and to process sheeting with the ability to interrupt, inspect sections, and add additional windings of the same roll under varied conditions.

Abstract: An improved method of superplastic forming comprises the steps of selecting a relatively larger driver sheet and a relatively smaller part blank, both being made of Titanium, Titanium alloy or other metal capable of exhibiting superplasticity. A ceramic die is placed on a bottom wall of an upwardly opening ceramic forming chamber having sidewalls with upper edges. The ceramic chamber has an outer supporting steel jacket. The part blank is positioned over the die. The driver sheet is positioned over the part blank so that the peripheral edges of the driver sheet rest on the upper edges of the sidewalls of the forming chamber. A cover is provided for closing the chamber. It has a peripheral seal extending from an underside thereof. The cover and the chamber are clamped together in order to impinge the seal into a periphery of the driver sheet. The driver sheet and part blank are then heated to a predetermined temperature at which they exhibit superplasticity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the superplastic forming of a workpiece are disclosed. The invention comprises securing the workpiece within a die assembly located within an autoclave. The die assembly is of a type suitable for use in the superplastic fabrication of workpieces. The die assembly includes a lid, a die and first and second sealing mechanisms. The first sealing mechanism seals a first volume formed between the lid and the workpiece from a main volume of the autoclave. The second sealing mechanism is for sealing a second volume formed between the workpiece and the die from the main volume of the autoclave. The second volume has a backpressure, P.sub.b. The first volume has a pressure P.sub.f +P.sub.b where P.sub.f is the forming pressure for achieving superplastic forming of the workpiece. The main volume of the autoclave has a pressure, P.sub.m. The back pressure, P.sub.b is established so as to minimize grain boundary cavitation. A minimal pressure differential .DELTA.P=P.sub.m -P.sub.

Abstract: Ingots hot from rolling are pierced to form a hollow ingot by means of an internal tool of a press or skew-rolling line, and are subsequently elongated to form a tubular bloom by a stretching unit provided with a mandrel rod, and are finally finish-rolled. When inserting or withdrawing the internal tool into or out of the hollow ingot or the mandrel rod into or out of the tubular bloom, inert gas is introduced into the freed interior space in order to prevent scaling of the interior wall of the tubular bloom.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an extra fine wire, a blank wire cooled to a low temperature is caused to pass through a high humidity atmosphere and, immediately thereafter, is drawn to a diameter such that wire breakage due to the drawing does not occur. Alternatively, a blank wire is caused to pass through a die assembly so arranged as to be immersed in refrigerant, and is drawn within the refrigerant of low temperature, to a diameter with which wire breakage due to the drawing does not occur. The drawn wire material is heated rapidly and is annealed and, thereafter, is cooled rapidly to form an intermediate blank wire. Subsequently, the intermediate wire is drawn at the ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A structure comprised of a plurality of material cylinders, a ram head or heads for extrusion, and a mechanism for transferring the material cylinders into alignment with a ram head. The plural cylinders allow an operator to manually load one cylinder of a pair with extrusion material in preparation for an extrusion phase on that cylinder, while the other cylinder of the pair is being discharged by a suitable ram piston in the extrusion phase. A special de-airing mechanism is provided and a lateral shift system to align the respective cylinder selectively with a power extrusion ram. More than one pair of cylinders can be utilized.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hollow aluminum extrudate for use in a vacuum characterized in that dry air or pure oxygen is supplied to the hollow portion of the shaped material being extruded. During the extrusion, the inner surface of the extrudate defining the hollow portion is held out of contact with the atmospheric air containing water to form a compact oxide coating on the inner surface without permitting formation of any hydrated oxide coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed-through element for application in a vacuum apparatus for the continuous feeding through of material with wire character to be treated at least comprising a tubular casing with an inside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the material to be fed through, whereby the free surface which is left between the material to be fed through and the inner side of the tubular casing (21) does not exceed 30% of the total surface availabe inside the tubular casing (21), and whereby the value of the quotient of L/S-free being more than or equal to 500 mm.sup.-1, where L represents the length of the tubular casing (21) in mm and S-free the free surface in mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A tapered rod producing process by which a tapered rod having a profile very near to an aimed profile can be produced with high accuracy. According to the process, during working of a wire diameter gradually decreasing portion of a tapered rod in which the diameter of a stock gradually decreases in a feeding direction of the stock, the drawing length of the stock from starting to ending of acceleration of variable speed feeding mechanism is made greater than predetermined length of the wire diameter gradually decreasing portion, and during working of a wire diameter gradually increasing portion in which the diameter of the stock gradually increases, the drawing length of the stock from starting to completion of deceleration of the variable speed feeding mechanism is made smaller than an a desired length of the wire diameter gradually increasing portion of the tapered rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed-through element for application in a vacuum apparatus for the continuous feeding through of wire-shaped material to be treated at least made up of a casing and a sealing element set up therein that is in contact with the surface of the wire-shaped material during feeding through, whereby the sealing element is formed by a drawing die (20) and where y the casing is formed by a holder (21 ; 22) for the drawing die (20), at least a part of the holder (21 ; 22) being connected in a gastight way to a partition wall of the vacuum apparatus (1) and whereby the drawing die (20) and the holder (21 ; 22) act together in sealing relation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed-through element for application in a vacuum apparatus for the continuous feeding through of material with wire character to be treated at least made up of a casing and a sealing element set up therein that is in contact with the surface of the material with wire character during feeding through, whereby the sealing element is formed by a split drawing die (20), whereby the casing is formed by a holder (21;22) for the split drawing die (20), whereby the split drawing die (20) being set up with play inside the holder (21;22) and at least a resilient means (28) being inserted in the space between the drawing die (20) and the holder (21;22) and whereby a part of the holder (21;22) being connected in a gastight way to a partition wall of the vacuum apparatus (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for continuously slitting amorphous ribbon into a strip without adversely affecting the unique electrical, mechanical and magnetic properties of the material. The method includes the steps of heating a localized zone to approximately the glass transformation temperature and substantially simultaneously indenting the ribbon. The combined heating and indenting force produces a clean, high quality cut edge along the strip. Preferably, the positive engaging force causing indentation is effective to plow softened material to form a crystallized ridge adjacent the cut edge. The ridge is easily removed by a rotating brush. The indenter roller preferably includes a substantially V-shaped peripheral edge to concentrate the heat and force against the ribbon. A control unit is employed to provide the optimum heat, force and speed of relative movement between the indenter and the ribbon.

Abstract: A hot rolling method, wherein portions of a hot-rolled steel material having suffered a temperature fall below Ar.sub.3 transformation temperature thereof during hot rolling are subjected to an intermediate heating to have a temperature not less than Ac.sub.3 transformation temperature before the steel material is finally finish-hot-rolled, whereby a resultant hot-rolled product can have a superior uniform structure without duplex structure, and apparatus for effecting the method.

Abstract: A plurality of separate blanks or punchings can be continually processed by first cutting the strips into the dimensions needed for core punchings prior to thermal and magnetic annealing. Thereafter the cut punchings can be fed into the annealing line a conveyor in the sequence of one after another in series, alternatively side-by-side in parallel. The punchings will be flattened with rollers or a press during the stage of heating from room temperature to approximately 300.degree. C. The molten metals adhering to the laser-cut edges or burrs from the mechanical shear can be mechanically removed at this point by brushing. The strips may then be thermally and magnetically annealed in the soaking area. In one embodiment, the temperature may be 400.degree. C. .+-.20.degree. C. for 2605-S2 Metglas material and 360.degree. C. .+-.10.degree. C. for 2605S-C Metglas material with a field of 10 Oe in a non-oxidizing environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in cooling and/or drying or cleaning elongate material, such as drawn wire, tube or strip material, the apparatus comprising a chamber, which may be formed at least in part by a flexible tube, having an inlet and an outlet through which the material enters and leaves the chamber, and the chamber is connected via an outlet passage to a device which creates a sub-atmospheric pressure within the chamber. The sub-atmospheric pressure lowers the evaporation temperature of the cooling liquid which is on the surface of the material which evaporates and cools the material and the sub-atmospheric pressure causes air to flow into the chamber around the material in the region of the outlet and this airflow is at high velocity and wipes the material. The apparatus is preferably located on the end of a structure in which a drawing die is housed.

Abstract: A process and an installation for protecting a solid metal against oxidation during a rolling operation. This installation comprises inert atmosphere enclosures supplied with an inert gas and enclosing the waiting table, in the case where the rolling is carried out by means of a strip train, or located on each side of pressure rolls around blanks to be rolled, when the rolling is carried out by means of a planetary rolling mill.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for consolidating and sintering a tube preform (12) previously fabricated by powder metallurgical techniques. A plurality of forming dies (22, 24) and movable mandrels (30, 32) cooperate to form tube consolidation zone (58,60). One-way tube gripping means (42) permit the tube (12) to progress through the apparatus (10) by the retraction of the mandrels (30, 32) while preventing the tube (12) from retreating back into the zone (58) when the mandrel (30, 32) is advanced. Heating coils (18A, 18B and 18C) heat the tube (12) to sinter it and cause it to expand clear of the mandrels (30, 32). The tube (12) is reduced in diameter and consolidated to greater than 90% theoretical density.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the superplastic forming process by measuring and controlling the volume displaced by the blank being formed so as to measure total strain or surface area increase of the blank.

Abstract: A substantial amount of liquid lubricant used in a cold strip rolling mill is prevented from passing between the area of the work roll necks and work roll bodies not in contact with a strip by locating in a strip guiding means on the entry side adjacent both edges of the strip, several zoned air nozzles which delivery a positive pressure to force the liquid away from this area, in a direction toward the center of the strip and rolls, and which nozzles are controlled according to the width of strip being rolled. The relatively small amount of liquid finding its way onto the delivery side is removed from the strip by providing in the strip guiding means both positive and negative air pressure means located above and below the strip, and negatively pressurized longitudinal enclosures located adjacent both edges of the strip and the said area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of hot-forging in a forging press a cylindrical powdered metal preform to substantially full theoretical density to thereby produce a powdered metal part having a small inner bore wherein the core rod defining such bore is constructed so as to allow a continuous flow of a highly vaporizable liquid coolant such as nitrogen to the metal forming portion of the core rod and to thermally insulate the incoming coolant to assure its being maintained substantially unvaporized until being expelled to the core rod cooling chamber.

Abstract: An improved lubricant and coolant removal system for a roll stand includes suction boxes surrounding the sheet formed by the roll stand and a series of pipes connecting the suction boxes to various coolant traps. Special doctor blades and air knives remove coolant from the rolls. An enclosing shroud prevents coolant overspray and mist from escaping.

Abstract: A continuous process for high speed fabrication of wire comprises the steps of directing wire through a first set of drawing dies to reduce the wire diameter to an intermediate diameter, applying a lubricant to the wire during the drawing process, annealing the intermediate diameter wire while it is still coated with some of the lubricant, controlling the tensile forces and elongation of the wire during the anneal, and drawing the annealed intermediate diameter wire to a desired final diameter in a second set of dies. The process is particularly well suited for fabricating fine copper wire having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming and welding blanks in a material able to become superplastic, of the type comprising cooperating dies between which such blanks are placed, which dies are respectively mounted on a lower frame and on an upper frame of the device.The device according to the invention is remarkable in that the lower frame is constituted of a base and of a vertically movable part carrying a die, in that an inflatable bladder is interposed between the base and the movable part of the lower frame, in that a mechanical a lock is provided for connecting together the the base and the upper frame, when the latter is in low position, and in that, in the low and locked position of the upper frame with respect to the base of the lower frame, cooperation of the dies is achieved by controlling the bladder.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow aluminum extrudate for use in a vacuum comprising the steps of hermetically closing the forward open end of a hollow shaped material immediately after extrusion, subsequently extruding a predetermined length of shaped material, cutting off the predetermined length of extruded material and hermetically closing the cut end thereof at the same time, and cutting off the closed ends. During extrusion, the inner surface of the hollow portion of the shaped material is substantially held out of contact with the atmosphere to inhibit a hydrous oxide on the inner surface while permitting formation of a compact oxide film thereon.