Metal Powder Extrusion Sealing Plate Cooling for Stable Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial implementation of continuous extrusion processes for metal powder mixtures is hindered by unstable process control, leading to powder adhesions, reduced volume flow, and incomplete compaction due to insufficient pressure buildup, resulting in pressing errors and quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a continuous extrusion process using three circumferentially arranged sealing plates that can be cooled individually to control temperature, preventing powder adhesion and ensuring consistent pressure, along with targeted cooling of pressing tool components to optimize the extrusion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous extrusion process is used for metal powder mixtures, then productivity is improved, but process stability deteriorates due to powder buildup and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling temperature parameters in the extrusion channel. Heating elements raise the temperature to reduce powder adhesion and maintain consistent flow properties, while cooling elements lower the temperature to prevent excessive softening. This dynamic temperature control stabilizes the extrusion process, enabling continuous production without powder buildup or clogging issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is increased to completely weld powder particles, then compaction quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to facilitate particle welding at lower pressures. By heating the powder mixture in the extrusion channel, the material becomes more ductile and particles bond more easily under pressure. This reduces the energy required for compaction while maintaining high compaction quality, as the thermal energy assists the mechanical pressing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining thermal and mechanical energy. The extrusion system integrates heating elements and cooling elements with the pressing mechanism, creating a combined thermomechanical process. This composite method achieves complete particle welding and high compaction quality more efficiently than mechanical pressing alone, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If residence time in extrusion channel is increased, then compaction completeness is improved, but adhesion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter along the extrusion channel to balance compaction and adhesion prevention. Heating sections are positioned where prolonged residence time is needed for complete compaction, while cooling sections are placed near the outlet to reduce adhesion risk. This spatial and temporal temperature control allows extended residence time for quality compaction while preventing harmful adhesion effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach stabilizes the extrusion process, prevents adhesion, and ensures high-quality production of extruded bodies by maintaining a consistent powder supply and sufficient pressure, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional processes.
Implementation Method 1
cooling channels integrated in the sealing plates through which a cooling medium flows
Implementation Method 2
cooling channels integrated in the sealing plates through which a cooling medium flows
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensors are integrated in the sealing plates and are connected to a controller
Implementation Method 4
cooling channels integrated in the sealing plates through which a cooling medium flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Continuous extrusion process for a metal-containing bulk material (13) for producing an extruded body, comprising the following steps: introducing the metal-containing bulk material (13) into a press channel (8) of a metal-powder extrusion installation (1), which is bounded by a rotating extrusion wheel (2) and pressing tool components, which comprise a running-in region having sealing plates (5, 6, 7) and comprise a deflecting region with a counter plate (11) and a feeding plate (10), feeding in the metal-containing bulk material (13) via a peripheral groove (3) of the rotating extrusion wheel (2) to the counter plate (11) and deflecting the compacted metal-containing bulk material (13) in the deflecting region through the feed plate (10), which has an opening, to a die (12), wherein at least one of the sealing plates (5, 6, 7) arranged in the running-in region is cooled by means of a cooling device. The invention also relates to a metal-powder extrusion installation that is suitable for carrying out the extrusion process according to the invention.