Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an extrusion device with a dummy block having a curved surface configured to change the shape and length of charge welds between extrudates originating from different billets in order to reduce the amount of scrap and waste material. In an embodiment, the dummy block, which forces the billet of material through the die, can have a concave front surface such that the material, as it is extruded through the die, forms a solid-state weld that is shorter than a flat faced dummy block. In another embodiment, the dummy block can have a convex front surface such that the material, as it is extruded through the die, forms a solid-state weld that is longer than a weld due to a flat faced dummy block. In other embodiments, billets with non-flat ends can also be used.