SELECTIVE CHARGING HONEYCOMB STRUCTURES

摘要

Masking apparatus and methods are disclosed for bulk charging a flowable material into selected cell ends (11) exposed at an end face (12) of a honeycomb structure (10). The masking (20) has protrusions (24) which assist in properly aligning the mask (20) to the end face (12) and reduce the possibility of improperly charging cells. In one embodiment, a planar body (21) is provided having a plurality of hollow protrusions (24) which extend into selected cell ends (11) when the planar body (21) is fitted against the end face (12). A flowable material charged against the planar body (21) passes through the hollow protrusions (24) into the selected cell ends (11). In another embodiment, a plurality of preformed protrusions or plugs (40) are mounted along thin, flexible members (41) at predetermined locations. The plugs (40) are inserted into and block or cover the ends of an equal plurality of cells. A flowable material charged against the end face into the remaining, uncovered cells. The invention is of particular use in fabricating solid particulate filter bodies ceramic-based honeycomb structures. Preferably the mask (20) is made of a flexible material, for instance a polymer, preferably an elastomer. Also described are apparatus and dies for making the die. A method of aligning the flexible mask (20) with a honeycomb body by vibration is also described.