A metal-powder and/or ceramic-powder press device includes at least one first punch (11) which, in a pressing position, is arranged to pass from a first side into a die opening, filled with ceramic and/or metal powder, of a die (13). At least one second punch (12), in the pressing position, is arranged to pass from a second side into the die opening, filled with ceramic and/or metal powder, of the die (13). A position measuring device determines a position of the first punch (11) and includes a first measuring element (16) and a second measuring element (19). The first measuring element (16) is connectable to the first punch (11) and the second measuring element (19) is connectable to the second punch (12), such that a relative position of the measuring elements to one another changes during the pressing operation. A sensor device determines the change in the relative position.

A metal-powder and/or ceramic-powder press device includes at least one first punch (11) which, in a pressing position, is arranged to pass from a first side into a die opening, filled with ceramic and/or metal powder, of a die (13). At least one second punch (12), in the pressing position, is arranged to pass from a second side into the die opening, filled with ceramic and/or metal powder, of the die (13). A position measuring device determines a position of the first punch (11) and includes a first measuring element (16) and a second measuring element (19). The first measuring element (16) is connectable to the first punch (11) and the second measuring element (19) is connectable to the second punch (12), such that a relative position of the measuring elements to one another changes during the pressing operation. A sensor device determines the change in the relative position.

The invention concerns a die insertion tool (100) for inserting a die (550) into a die pocket (552) of a press (500), the tool (100) includes a barrel (102) shaped for positioning the tool (100) within a punch guide bore (582) of the press (500), a tip (106) for insertion into a die cavity (556) of the die (550), and a collar (104) located between the barrel (102) and the tip (106) and configured to contact the die (550) when the tip (106) is inserted in the die cavity (556). The invention further concerns a kit (700) for a press (500) and a method for inserting a die (550) into a die pocket (552) of a press (500).

A preformed chip manufacturing apparatus includes a magnetic fixing suspension device including a pair of magnets which are a first magnet and a second magnet between which a magnetic field is formed for enabling a soft magnetic powder to be suspended therein, and a pair of punches configured to pressure mold the soft magnetic powder suspended in the magnetic field.

A preformed chip manufacturing apparatus includes a magnetic fixing suspension device including a pair of magnets which are a first magnet and a second magnet between which a magnetic field is formed for enabling a soft magnetic powder to be suspended therein, and a pair of punches configured to pressure mold the soft magnetic powder suspended in the magnetic field.

A preformed chip manufacturing apparatus includes a magnetic fixing suspension device including a pair of magnets which are a first magnet and a second magnet between which a magnetic field is formed for enabling a soft magnetic powder to be suspended therein, and a pair of punches configured to pressure mold the soft magnetic powder suspended in the magnetic field.

A method of making a lithiated silicon-based precursor material for a negative electrode material of an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided. An admixture comprising a plurality of lithium particles and a plurality of silicon particles is briquetted by applying pressure of greater than or equal to about 10 MPa and applying heat at a temperature of less than or equal to about 180° C. to form a precursor briquette. The briquette has lithium particles and silicon particles distributed in a matrix and has a porosity level of less than or equal to about 60% of the total volume of the precursor briquette. The briquetting is conducted in an environment having less than or equal to about 0.002% by weight of any oxygen-bearing species or nitrogen (N.sub.2).

A method of making a lithiated silicon-based precursor material for a negative electrode material of an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided. An admixture comprising a plurality of lithium particles and a plurality of silicon particles is briquetted by applying pressure of greater than or equal to about 10 MPa and applying heat at a temperature of less than or equal to about 180° C. to form a precursor briquette. The briquette has lithium particles and silicon particles distributed in a matrix and has a porosity level of less than or equal to about 60% of the total volume of the precursor briquette. The briquetting is conducted in an environment having less than or equal to about 0.002% by weight of any oxygen-bearing species or nitrogen (N.sub.2).

A die having a cavity and a lower punch fitted into the cavity. The cavity is divided and the parts slide along a division plane passing through the cavity parallel to the fitting direction of the die and the lower punch. The divided cavity parts are placed in a state of alignment along the division plane. The divided cavity parts are each filled with raw material powder. The die and the lower punch are then slid along the division plane, whereby the divided cavity parts are combined as the original cavity. The raw material powder in the cavity in a combined state is compressed by an upper punch and the lower punch.

A fine blanking device and method for forming a friction plate with friction material layers. The fine blanking device includes an upper die, a lower die, a guide mechanism, a punch and a counter punch. Upper and lower blank holders are respectively provided at outer circumferences of the punch and the counter punch. The upper and lower blank holders are respectively provided with a buffer mechanism. Friction material powders are sintered on both sides of the base sheet. The friction material layers are trimmed and planished by hot pressing. The base sheet with the friction material layers is fixed by the upper blank holder and the lower blank holder. A tooth profile with an absolute shear fractural surface is formed. The fixing indentation of the V-shaped structure of the friction material layers is cut off for obtaining a finished friction plate product with the friction material layers.