Automatic composite press technique for producing cutting inserts

摘要

A technique for providing an intermediate composite adapted to be reaction sintered to produce a cutting insert includes the steps of positioning a pellet of material disposed within a holder on top of a first plunger within a mold by moving the holder and pellet into alignment with the plunger through the use of a first feeder device. A powder mix is then disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the pellet within the mold by a second feeder device. The powder mix and the pellet are compressed together in the mold to produce the intermediate composite which is then removed from the mold for reaction sintering in accordance with the press and treat technique.