Abstract: Installation for preparing metal billets for extrusion, comprising a furnace (1) heating a metal bloom (4), having an elongate receptacle (10), means of heating the bloom and means (3) of pushing the bloom out of the receptacle along a longitudinal axis of movement, and a shear (2) cutting the bloom into billets of a length suitable for extrusion, comprising a pair of rear jaws (5) mounted in a fixed frame (21) and at least one front jaw (65) mounted so as to slide, transversely relative to the axis of movement of the bloom, along the rear jaws (5) and on the opposite site to the furnace (1) and associated with means (66) of controlling, as a result of sliding, the shearing of a specific length of the bloom (4).

Abstract: This marking press for sheet metal articles and stock comprises a frame structure having a vertically adjustable cross member supporting an oscillatable embosser carrying the marking punch and, underneath, a roller for driving the sheets to be marked. Springs compensate the weight of the oscillatable embosser, cross member and fly bearings. A fluid-actuated cylinder and piston unit is provided for maintaining the oscillatable embosser in its downstream end position after the marking step proper and returning said oscillatable embosser to its upstream end position before the next marking step, without interfering with the driving of said oscillatable embosser by the passing sheet. Worms and nuts are provided for adjusting the position of said cross member as a function of the sheet thickness.