MANUFACTURE OF PISTONS

摘要

An apparatus (10, 60) for use in manufacturing pistons, is operable to modify a portion of the material of a piston blank (12) so that said portion of material has different properties to the remainder of said blank. This is achieved by utilising material modifying means (20) to plasticise the material of the blank (12) with the blank clamped at a working position (18) of the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises transporting means (22) operable to transport a piston blank (12) to and from the working position (18). The transporting means (22) comprises clamping means (24) operable to clamp the blank (12) in position relative to the transporting means. The transporting means (22) also comprising cooling means (28) operable to cool said blank (12) as it is transported from said working position (18).