Abstract: Methods for extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die, methods for forming a green honeycomb extrudate from a ceramic-forming mixture, methods of preparation of a honeycomb extrusion die that extrudes a ceramic-forming mixture, and systems including a honeycomb extrusion die, ceramic-forming mixture, and abrasive flow media. The method of extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die includes conditioning the honeycomb extrusion die by extruding an abrasive flow media through the slots of the die prior to extruding the ceramic-forming mixture through the slots of the die. The abrasive flow media includes abrasive inorganic particles dispersed in a flowable carrier. The ceramic-forming mixture includes one or more types of inorganic ceramic-forming particles. The abrasive inorganic particles in the flowable carrier have a particle size distribution that corresponds to that of at least one type of the ceramic-forming particles in the ceramic-forming mixture.

Abstract: Methods for extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die (10), methods for forming a green honeycomb extrudate from a ceramic-forming mixture, methods of preparation of a honeycomb extrusion die (10) that extrudes a ceramic-forming mixture, and systems including a honeycomb extrusion die (10), ceramic-forming mixture, and abrasive flow media. The method of extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die (10) includes conditioning the honeycomb extrusion die (10) by extruding an abrasive flow media through the slots (20) of the die (10) prior to extruding the ceramic-forming mixture through the slots (20) of the die (10). The abrasive flow media includes abrasive inorganic particles dispersed in a flowable carrier. The ceramic-forming mixture includes one or more types of inorganic ceramic-forming particles.

Abstract: Methods for forming an electrode for use in forming a honeycomb extrusion die. The method includes forming, by means of an additive manufacturing process, an electrode includes a base having a web extending from the base. The web defines a matrix of cellular openings. The method further includes forming a secondary electrode having a plurality of pins. The plurality of pins are shaped and arranged so as to mate with the matrix of cellular openings defined by the web of the electrode. The method further includes machining the electrode using the secondary electrode to smooth surfaces of the electrode formed by the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods for forming an electrode for use in forming a honeycomb extrusion die. The method includes forming, by means of an additive manufacturing process, an electrode includes a base having a web extending from the base. The web defines a matrix of cellular openings. The method further includes forming a secondary electrode having a plurality of pins. The plurality of pins are shaped and arranged so as to mate with the matrix of cellular openings defined by the web of the electrode. The method further includes machining the electrode using the secondary electrode to smooth surfaces of the electrode formed by the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods for extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die (10), methods for forming a green honeycomb extrudate from a ceramic-forming mixture, methods of preparation of a honeycomb extrusion die (10) that extrudes a ceramic-forming mixture, and systems including a honeycomb extrusion die (10), ceramic-forming mixture, and abrasive flow media. The method of extruding a ceramic-forming mixture through a honeycomb extrusion die (10) includes conditioning the honeycomb extrusion die (10) by extruding an abrasive flow media through the slots (20) of the die (10) prior to extruding the ceramic-forming mixture through the slots (20) of the die (10). The abrasive flow media includes abrasive inorganic particles dispersed in a flowable carrier. The ceramic-forming mixture includes one or more types of inorganic ceramic-forming particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to machine cavities in die blanks having little to no taper. The apparatus includes an electrode tool (200) including intersecting walls coated with electrically insulating coating (258), an erosion face (204) comprising a cross section of the walls exposed through the electrically insulating coating, and a channel formed by the walls to supply electrolyte to the erosion face, the channels defined by interior surfaces of the walls and having an opening formed by edges of the erosion face. The method includes pulsed electrochemical machining a work piece with the electrode tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to machine cavities in die blanks having little to no taper. The apparatus includes an elec trode tool (200) including intersecting walls coated with electrically insulating coating (258), an erosion face (204) comprising a cross section of the walls exposed through the electrically insulating coating, and a channel formed by the walls to supply electrolyte to the erosion face, the channels defined by interior surfaces of the walls and having an opening formed by edges of the erosion face. The method includes pulsed electrochemical machining a work piece with the electrode tool.

Abstract: An extrusion die is processed to alter the flow of extrudable material through the die by collecting data reflecting flow variations across the face of the die, constructing a graded resistance flow restrictor utilizing the data, and forcing an abrasive machining medium through the flow restrictor and die with the flow restrictor being arranged to deliver higher abrasive flow through die portions initially exhibiting low extrusion rates, the resulting die being useful for the manufacture of ceramic honeycomb bodies exhibiting a reduced incidence of shape defects attributable to die flow variations.

Abstract: An extrusion die is processed to alter the flow of extrudable material through the die by collecting data reflecting flow variations across the face of the die, constructing a graded resistance flow restrictor utilizing the data, and forcing an abrasive machining medium through the flow restrictor and die with the flow restrictor being arranged to deliver higher abrasive flow through die portions initially exhibiting low extrusion rates, the resulting die being useful for the manufacture of ceramic honeycomb bodies exhibiting a reduced incidence of shape defects attributable to die flow variations.

Abstract: The invention discloses method and apparatus for providing a desired batch flow through desired regions of an extrusion die for forming honeycomb structures, and more particularly to the enhancement of batch flow in the skin-forming region of the die so as to provide a bounding wall of desired thickness and strength about a honeycomb core. Unlike prior methods, a recess or trough of desired depth and width is formed in a desired region of the inlet face of the honeycomb die, which reduces the pressure required to flow batch material through the die in such region. Such reduced pressure requirement translates in an increased flow rate in such region under constant extrusion pressure. Thus by increasing the flow rate through a honeycomb extrusion die in an outer peripheral region of flow in this manner, improved skin formation around a honeycomb core is obtained during the forming process.