Multi-core induction extruder

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for creating a solidified material using a machine tool. In some aspects, the machine tool supplies a current to an induction coil such that the induction coil generates a magnetic field. The machine tool changes the magnetic field to induce eddy currents in a first conductor surrounding a feedstock and a second conductor surrounded by the feedstock. The machine tool uses the eddy currents to cause the feedstock to transition from a solid state to a uniform malleable state regardless of the feedstock’s electrical conductivity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a conductive crucible configured to receive a feedstock;   an induction support core, wherein at least a portion of the induction support core is situated in the conductive crucible and surrounded by the feedstock, wherein the feedstock is a conductive material; and   an induction coil configured to generate a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field enables the conductive crucible and the induction support core to heat the feedstock into a malleable state.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a screw auger configured to move the feedstock into the conductive crucible and around the induction support core.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of rollers configured to force the induction support core through an orifice of the conductive crucible along with the feedstock in the malleable state.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive crucible comprises an orifice for extrusion of the feedstock in the malleable state, wherein the feedstock in the malleable state extruded from the conductive crucible cools into a solidified material when disposed on a substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a current source configured to apply a current to the induction coil.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the current source is further configured to selectively adjust the current based on a pre-process temperature and a post-process temperature of the feedstock. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a first temperature sensor configured to measure the pre-process temperature of the feedstock; and   a second temperature sensor configured to measure the post-process temperature of the feedstock.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a thermal insulator situated between the conductive crucible and the induction coil.