Method and apparatus for forming elongated articles having reduced diameter cross-sections

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming elongated articles whereby a torque is transmitted to the deforming material as it passes through a die cavity to facilitate the reduction in the cross-section thereof as it passes therethrough. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotatable die member having a longitudinally extending die cavity, the end region thereof having a reduced diameter circular cross-section. A cavity region upstream of the downstream end region has a non-circular cross-section. Means are provided for positively rotating the die member about its longitudinal axis. In the corresponding embodiment of the method of the present invention, the material from which the article is formed is drawn under tension or compression through the die cavity while the die member is positively rotated so as to impart a torque to the material passing through the cavity which produces shear stresses within the material which facilitates a reduction in the circular cross-section as the material moves through the die cavity.