Apparatus and methods for producing a ceramic green body

摘要

An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material can comprise a support device including at least one air bearing including a support surface with a plurality of apertures. In one example, the support surface is configured to circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body. In another example, the plurality of apertures include at least a quantity of apertures oriented with a fluid emitting axis extending at an oblique angle with respect to an extrusion axis. In still another example, the air bearing is adjustable. Methods for producing a green body also provide an air cushion between a support surface and the green body.

主权项

1. An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material, the apparatus comprising:
an extruding device including a die member, wherein the extruding device is configured to extrude a batch of ceramic-forming material through the die member to form a green body; a support device including a plurality of support segments of radially adjustable air bearings each including a support surface with a plurality of apertures, wherein the support surfaces circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body, and wherein the radial adjustment is provided by a radially sliding engagement; and a fluid source configured to be placed in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures to create an air cushion between the support surfaces and the green body so that the green body may freely float within the support area.