Device and method for pressing a metal powder compact

Abstract

A method of pressing a powder metal compact comprising partially filling a die cavity with powder metal, engaging a second die with the first die, extending radially inwardly punches for forming a transverse feature in the compact, filling the die cavity with powder metal, compressing the powder metal with a punch, relieving pressure on the compact, withdrawing the radially inwardly punches so as to allow axial movement of the compact, withdrawing the second die, and ejecting the compact from the die while simultaneously filling the die cavity.

1 . A method of pressing a powder metal compact comprising:
 partially filling a die cavity with powder metal;   engaging a second die with the first die;   extending radially inwardly punches for forming a transverse feature in the compact;   filling the die cavity with powder metal;   compressing the powder metal with a punch;   relieving pressure on the compact;   withdrawing the radially inwardly punches so as to allow axial movement of the compact;   withdrawing the second die; and   ejecting the compact from the die while simultaneously filling the die cavity.   
   
   
       2 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising:
 ejecting the compact by extending a shoe for filling the die cavity.   
   
   
       3 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising:
 extending a plurality of punches for forming different surfaces in the compact.   
   
   
       4 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising:
 trimming a powder surface by withdrawing a shoe for filling the die cavity.