Abstract: A billet is provided for subsequent heating and working into a finished product in, for example, a rolling mill. The billet comprises a mass of swarf jacketed in a tubular jacket. At least one end of the jacket is joined to an end piece which surrounds the end of the mass of swarf. The end piece and the jacket are materials of different composition. In particular, a jacket of stainless steel with mild steel end pieces at each end is envisaged. The end pieces may be open ended sleeves or caps. Where an open ended sleeve is used it may be closed by crimping its end or by the provision of an insert which is welded or crimped into the sleeve. The end of the swarf exposed in the sleeve may also be sealed by application of a graphite paste.

Abstract: Pressing apparatus comprising a die made up of a number of segments defining a cavity in which metal swarf is compacted to form a billet. The die segments are held together by one or more sleeves housed in a housing which is mounted on a pedestal which pivots between a first position in which the cavity is aligned with one or more rams which are advanced into the cavity to compact the swarf, and a second position in which the cavity is aligned with gripping devices which grip the ends of the die segments and separate them radially to release the billet after a jacking device mounted on the housing is actuated to move the sleeves in the axial direction and release the die segments. One of the gripping devices may comprise a cylindrical bore through which an empty tube can be fed into the cavity and the other gripping device may similarly comprise a cylindrical bore through which the billet can be fed after it has been ejected from the die cavity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a billet comprising a mass of compressed swarf jacketed in a tubular jacket. A number of similar indentations are formed in the ends of the jacket. The indentations are symmetrically disposed about the axis of the billet. The indentations terminate at terminal positions spaced from the ends of the billet and increase in depth from the terminal positions to the ends of the billet. Jackets of various materials are envisaged, in particular of stainless steel and mild steel. Where the jacket is of stainless steel tubular end pieces of mild steel in which the indentations are formed may be welded thereon.