Abstract: A heated aluminum log which is to be sheared is inserted through a stationary die and a movable die. A clamp of the stationary die is then moved towards an axis of that die to clamp the log against a diametrically opposite portion of the internal surface of the stationary die. Opposite members of the stationary die are then moved towards each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamp, to limit expansion of the sheared log. The movable die is then moved to shear the log.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dividing metal logs into billets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a furnace, a shear spaced from the furnace, and a guide-pusher system for moving the logs relative to the furnace and shear. Using this apparatus, a first log is cut into a plurality of billets each having a predetermined length. As a result, the remaining end of the first log will be unacceptably short. Instead of discarding this portion, it is selectively divided to form the first part of a combination, two-part billet. The second part of the two-part billet is severed from the end of a second log to be processed in the apparatus. As a result, a two-part billet is produced from materials which would normally be discarded, thereby resulting in considerable cost savings.