Roller Extrusion Tool Module Clamping for Stable Air Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extrusion facilities face challenges in maintaining precise and stable air gaps for producing profiled elements, particularly thin ones, due to high pressures and difficulties in sealing and reconfiguring the facility for different production needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and facility that utilize a tool module engagement and clamping mechanism, involving a preload force and transverse clamping, to precisely define and maintain the air gap, reducing sensitivity to pressure-induced deformation and facilitating easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tool module is brought close to the roller surface to define a small air gap for producing thin profiled elements, then the thickness precision of the profiled element is improved, but the sealing difficulty and sensitivity to pressure-induced deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool module is pre-loaded against the roller surface before extrusion begins, establishing precise air gap geometry in advance. This preliminary positioning ensures that the air gap dimensions are accurately defined before high-pressure material flow occurs, preventing sealing failures and maintaining thickness precision for thin profiled elements
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tool module is pre-loaded against the roller surface to compensate for pressure-induced deformation, then the air gap stability is improved, but the complexity of the clamping mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
A clamping mechanism applies a pre-load force to the tool module in the direction opposite to the extrusion pressure. This counteracting force compensates for pressure-induced deformation of the air gap, maintaining dimensional stability. The mechanism uses a mechanical advantage system with a movable beam and hydraulic cylinder to generate sufficient clamping force while keeping the control system relatively simple
3Strength
If the facility structure is made robust to withstand high extrusion pressures, then the pressure resistance is improved, but the ease of access for reconfiguration and cleaning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism employs a movable beam that can be dynamically adjusted between clamped and unclamped positions. During extrusion, the beam is clamped to provide structural rigidity and pressure resistance. During reconfiguration or cleaning, the beam is unclamped to allow easy access to the tool module and die. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between structural strength and operational accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method for closing a facility (1) for extrusion of a profiled element (2) comprising a roller (3) supported by a bearing (4), a tool module (10) intended to interact with the roller (3) so as to form an air gap (12) for shaping the profiled element (2), and at least a first head module (13) having a first extruder (14) comprises an engagement step (s1), during which the tool module (10) is urged against the first bearing (4) by a preload force (F_Z), in an engagement direction (Z), then a clamping step (s2) during which the tool module (10) is clamped between the first head module (13) and a second head module (23), on either side of the tool module (10), and by subjecting them to a clamping force (F_X), in a coupling direction (X) which is transverse to the engagement direction (Z).