Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously extruding a product, and forming it into a bend by applying a force to it at a point of application downstream of where its surface becomes solid. The force has a transverse component relative to the die axis, and performs work upon the extruded material, extra to the work that has already been performed to extrude it. Non-contact members of applying the force are described, and various ram-type contacting members are illustrated. Alternative means of operation are described in which the point of application of the force to the extrudate during bending varies relative both to the extrudate and to the die, relative to the extrudate only, and relative to the die only. Means to alter the direction of bending are described, and to diminish the necessary bending force by creating a fluctuating melt pressure within the die.

Abstract: A molding process, includingsupplying molten, moldable material to a mold cavity;subjecting at least a part of the supplied molten material to a shear force;causing the material to solidify while maintaining the shear force; anddemolding the molded material.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a molding of a solid product in a mold cavity from molten material which solidifies in the mold cavity, in which first and second conduits are coupled to the mold cavity at spaced positions for carrying the molten material, includes first and second elements, and a controller for controlling the driving the first and second elements repeatedly during solidification of the molten material in the mold cavity so that the molten material is repeatedly moved through the mold cavity. The first element is disposed in the first conduit and the second element is disposed in the second conduit.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for formation of an extruded product from material containing fibrous, molecules or other constituents succeptable to alignment, while the extrudate is still molten and moving through the die (5), in the direction of the extrusion axis (11), it is subjected to pulsating displacements in a direction transverse relative to that axis. These displacements give rise to a shearing action within the material, resulting in a degree of transverse orientation of the constituents. This orientation may be "locked in" to the extruded product when the melt solidifies (40), so improving the transverse strength of that product, and/or may correct an unwanted orientation (from 112, FIG. 16) that existed in the melt upstream of the point where the pulsating displacements were applied. The displacements may be applied by the synchronized operation of pistons (20-27), operating in chambers (17) which open into the die cavity (18) at separated locations all lying in the same transverse plane.

Abstract: A moulding process including:supplying molten, mouldable material to a mould cavity;subjecting at least a part of the supplied molten material to a shear force;causing the material to solidify while maintaining the shear force; anddemoulding the moulded material.

Abstract: A moulding process including:supplying molten, mouldable material to a mould cavity;subjecting at least a part of the supplied molten material to a shear force;causing the material to solidify while maintaining the shear force; anddemoulding the moulded material.