Positive stop systems and methods for extrusion press

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods are described for extruding a material. In certain embodiments, an extrusion press system includes an extrusion die supported by a first support structure and a centering insert supported by a second support structure, wherein the centering insert guides a material to be extruded into the extrusion die. A positive stop may be coupled to the first support structure and extend towards the second support structure, wherein the positive stop defines a travel distance between the first support structure and the second support structure. In certain embodiments, movement of the second support structure towards the first support structure is limited by the positive stop to the travel distance. In certain embodiments, the positive stop is configured to adjust the travel distance.

1 . An extrusion press system comprising:
 an extrusion die supported by a first support structure;   a centering insert supported by a second support structure, wherein the centering insert guides a material to be extruded into the extrusion die; and   a positive stop coupled to the first support structure and extending towards the second support structure, wherein the positive stop defines a travel distance between the first support structure and the second support structure.   
     
     
         2 . The extrusion press system of  claim 1 , wherein the extrusion die rotates within the first support structure. 
     
     
         3 . The extrusion press system of  claim 2 , wherein the centering insert is positioned against the extrusion die and does not rotate. 
     
     
         4 . The extrusion press system of  claim 3 , wherein the centering insert comprises gripping features that frictionally engage the material to be extruded and thereby prevent the material from rotating while engaged and as the material enters the rotating extrusion die. 
     
     
         5 . The extrusion press system of  claim 1 , wherein the first support structure is stationary, and wherein the second support structure is configured to move relative to the first support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The extrusion press system of  claim 5 , wherein movement of the second support structure towards the first support structure is limited by the positive stop to the travel distance. 
     
     
         7 . The extrusion press system of  claim 5 , wherein the centering insert is a consumable part that is partially consumed when the second support structure moves towards the first support structure a distance of the travel distance. 
     
     
         8 . The extrusion press system of  claim 1 , wherein the positive stop is configured to adjust the travel distance. 
     
     
         9 . The extrusion press system of  claim 8 , wherein the positive stop comprises an adjustable portion that rotates about a threaded shaft for increasing or decreasing the travel distance. 
     
     
         10 . The extrusion press system of  claim 8 , wherein the positive stop comprises an adjustable portion that slides along a shaft for increasing or decreasing the travel distance. 
     
     
         11 . The extrusion press system of  claim 8 , wherein the positive stop comprises a recess configured to mate with a plurality of end portions, each respective end portion having a respective thickness for increasing or decreasing the travel distance. 
     
     
         12 . The extrusion press system of  claim 10 , wherein the positive stop further comprises a through-hole into which a locking pin is positioned. 
     
     
         13 . The extrusion press system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second positive stop. 
     
     
         14 . The extrusion press system of  claim 1 , wherein the travel distance is between about zero inches and about 100/1000 inch. 
     
     
         15 . The extrusion press system of  claim 14 , wherein the travel distance is about 20/1000 inch. 
     
     
         16 . A method for extruding a material comprising:
 positioning a centering insert in a first position against an extrusion die;   exerting a force on the centering insert to maintain a desired pressure of the centering insert against the extrusion die, wherein the force moves the centering insert from the first position to a second position; and   preventing further movement of the centering insert at the second position.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein upon preventing further movement, a pressure of the centering insert against the extrusion die decreases relative to the desired pressure. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the force continues to be exerted while movement of the centering insert is prevented at the second position. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a distance between the first position and the second position defines a travel distance. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising adjusting the travel distance. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the extrusion die rotates, and wherein the centering insert does not rotate. 
     
     
         22 - 36 . (canceled)