Importance

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Abstract

A process, apparatus and alloy for net forming intricate metallic shapes. A fixed die (30) is mounted in a forging press (20). The die (30) has a cavity (45) at least the proximal end (62) of which is open to receive a ram (55). The cavity (45) is contoured to the shape of the finished article to be forged therein, and a metallic slug (50) is receivable within the cavity (45). The ram (55) is driven into the proximal end (62) of the cavity (45) against the proximal end (63) of the slug (50) under selected pressure and temperature and for a selected period of time. The slug (55) is thereby forged into close conformity with the contours of the cavity (45), the formation of the slug (50) being accomplished first at the distal end (64) of the slug and thereafter being progressively initiated and completed toward and proximal end (63) thereof. The foregoing process has been found to be particularly suitable for net forming an zinc-aluminum alloy which may, if desired or required, be plated to provide the requisite hardness and sliding friction characteristic. One exemplary shape which can be net formed by this process is a close tolerance spool valve element (10).

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First Claim