US3864956A

US3864956A - Die assembly for use in a machine and method for forging upsets on a metal blank

Info

Publication number: US3864956A
Application number: US364379A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walton W Barry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-05-29
Filing date: 1973-05-29
Publication date: 1975-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 1992-02-11

Abstract

The machine includes a die assembly with two holders mounted on carriers adapted to move toward and away from each other on a support. A plurality of spaced die segments are mounted slidably on each holder, the die segments on each holder being paired with corresponding segments on the other holder. The blank is gripped between the die segments of each pair and then a ram slides the spaced pairs of segments together and causes the portions of the blank between the pairs to flow into cavities in the ends of the segments thereby forming the upsets.

Description

United States Patent [191 1 Feb. 11, 1975 Barry DIE ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A MACHINE AND METHOD FOR FORGING UPSETS ON A METAL BLANK [76] Inventor: Walton W. Barry, 11085 Fourth St.

East, Treasure Island, Fla. 33706 22 Filed: May 29,1973

211 App]. No.: 364,379

[52] U.S. Cl. 72/338, 72/354 [51] Int. Cl BZlj 5/08 [58] Field of Search 72/343, 353, 354, 358,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS i/ 1872 Sewa rd 72/354 12/1898 Bourke 72/59 10/1907 Blakeslee, Jr. 72/354 11/1916 Canda. 72/360 1,936,824 11/1933 Buchholz 72/338 Primary Examiner-Richard .l. Herbst Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wolfe, Hubbard, Leydig, Voit & Osann, Ltd.

[5 7] ABSTRACT The machine includes a die assembly with two holders mounted on carriers adapted to move toward and away from each other on a support. A plurality of spaced die segments are mounted slidably on each holder, the die segments on each holder being paired with corresponding segments on the other holder. The blank is gripped between the die segments of each pair and then a ram slides the spaced pairs of segments together and causes the portions of the blank between the pairs to flow into cavities in the ends of the segments thereby forming the upsets.

9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures DIE ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A MACHINE AND METHOD FOR FORGING UPSETS ON A METAL BLANK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method for forming upsets or projections on a metalblank and, more particularly, to a die assembly adapted for use in a machine to form the upsets. Prior die assemblies, such as the one dis' closed in Buckholz US. Pat. No. 1,936,824, employ a plurality of pairs of die segments which are clamped against a blank at spaced positions and then moved toward each other to form upsets on the blank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel die assembly of the above character which, in service use, eliminates the need of performing successive forging operations on the blank to reach the final shape desired for the upsets and which can be used to form either one, two or in excess of two upsets on the blank during the forging operation. A more detailed object is to accomplish the foregoing through the provision of two die holders each adapted to support a plurality of spaced die segments which are slidable relative to each other and which coact with the die segments on the other holder to clamp the blank between the holders. Thereafter, the segments on each holder are slid together and in unison with the segments on the other holder to form the upsets on the blank.

A further object is to adapt the die assembly for quick removal from a machine and replacement with another similar assembly without need of making extensive adjustments to align parts of the new assembly within the machine.

The invention also resides in the novel manner in which the blank is clamped and then cut to a predetermined length as an incident to being carried with the die segments and holders from a receiving station to a forging station where the upsets are formed on the blank. Further, the invention resides in the unique construction of the die for use in combination with a ram which serves to push the die segments on each holder together and in unison with the die segments on the other holder to form the upsets between the segments on each holder while at the same time coacting with adjacent end segments to form an upset on the end of the blank. Still further, the invention resides in the unique manner in which the forging blocks are positioned precisely relative to each other on their respective holders prior to clamping the blank so as to form the upsets at precisely located positions on the blank.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary perspective view showing a die assembly embodying the novel features of the present invention. 7

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part formed in the die assembly.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing parts of the die assembly in moved positions from those of FIG. I.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to FIG. 5 but showing successive steps in the forging process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration. the present invention is embodied in a unique die assembly 15 particularly adapted for use in a forging machine 16 to form a small part 17 (FIG. 2) which may be used in electronic components. Herein, the part is made by cold forging a small rod or blank 19 (FIG. 5) so as to form a plurality of upsets 20 spaced from each other along the length of the blank. While the upsets may be formed in virtually any shape desired,the present upsets are formed as annular flanges concentric with the central axis of the blank.

To form the upsets 20, the die assembly 15 utilizes a plurality of spaced pairs 21 of corresponding die segments 23 and 24 (FIG. 3) which are adapted to be clamped around the blank 19. The pairs of die segments slide relative to each other to compress the portions 25 (FIG. 6) of the blank located between each pair of the segments and to cause such portions to flow into cavities 26 in the ends of the segments. Herein, the cavities in each die segment are generally semicircular in shape, each cavity opening toward the cavity in the corresponding die segment and in a forward direction from the leading end 28 of the die segment in which such cavity is formed.

In the foregoing method for forming the upsets 20, the present invention contemplates utilizing a ram 27 (FIG. 1) as the means to slide the die segments 23 and 24 of each pair 21 in unison with each other and together with the other pairs of die segments so as to form completely a plurality of the upsets in one operation. For this purpose, the die assembly 15 includes two unique holders 29 and 30 (FIG. 1) upon which the die segments are mounted to slide relative to each other, the segments 23 being mounted on the holder 29 and the segments 24 being similarly mounted on the other holder 30. In the foregoing process, the ram engages one of the end pairs of die segments to form one upset 20 on the end of the blank between the ram and that pair of die segments. At the same time, the ram also pushes the end pair of die segments toward the other pairs of die segments to form another upset 20 between each of the other pairs (see FIG. 7).

In the present instance, the

holders

29 and 30 are supported on carriers 31 (FIG. 3) which are mounted on a support 33, such as the bed of the machine 16, by suitable means (not shown) to slide back and forth in the machine between a receiving station 34 and a forging station 35 (FIG. 1). At the receiving station, the holders are positioned so the die segments 23 and 24 of each pair 21 are spaced slightly apart (see FIG. 5) to receive the blank 19 therebetween. Herein, the blank slides through a guide 36 from a supply such as a long metal rod 63 (FIG. 4) and is directed between the segments of each pair to abut a stop gage 37 which serves to measure the predetermined length of blank desired. Once the blank is positioned between the two facing segments of each pair, the holder 30 is moved by its carrier 31 toward the other holder 29 so the segments 23 and 24 close together to grip sections 32 (see FIG. 6) of the blank along the length thereof. Thereafter, the holders are advanced from the receiving station to the forging station, the blank being severed from the rod as an incident to moving the holders from the receiving station. In the forging station, the pairs of die segments are positioned adjacent the end of the ram 27 (see FIG. 6) so that, when the latter is advanced from a retracted position to the position shown in FIG. 7, it pushes the die segments and causes the latter to slide on their holders and form the upsets 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the

holders

29 and 30 face each other and are mounted accurately in predetermined positions relative to each other on their respective carriers 31 by screws 39. In each carrier, the screws extend through a vertical wall 40, four of the screws being threaded into their respective holders so that the die assembly can be removed and replaced easily with another die assembly without need of making extensive adjustments to align the holders with respect to each other. Preferably, two guide rods 41 extend between the two holders to keep the holders in alignment as they are moved toward each other by the carriers. Herein, one end portion 43 of each rod is secured to the holder 29 and the other end portion 44 slides within a bushed opening 45 in the holder 30 as the holders move relative to each other.

Each of the die segments 23 and 24 is supported on its respective holder in the same manner and thus, for purposes of brevity, only the segments 23 will be described, the corresponding parts on the die segments 24 being identified with the same reference numbers. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the die segments 23 are generally block-shaped and each includes an inner side portion 46 telescoped into a slot 47 which extends across the face 49 of the holder 29. The slot is of T- shaped cross section, as viewed in FIG. 3, and the side portions 46 of the die segments include vertically projecting upper and lower flanges 50 which are fitted within the slots so the die segments are captivated within their respective slots to slide endwise relative to each other.

In the exemplary embodiment, only three of the die segments 23 are mounted within the slot 47 but it will be appreciated that the number of die segments included in a die assembly of the present character is limited only by the number of upsets which are desired to be formed on a blank. Ofthe three die segments, the trailing end segment 23c is fixed in the slot against sliding by screws 51 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The other die segments 23a and 23b are free to slide within the slot.

In order to keep the die segments 23 aligned with the die segments 24 prior to being clamped against the blank 19, stops 53 mounted within the slot 47 and springs 54 supported between the die segments on rods 55 coact to serve as the means for positioning the die segments in preselected positions within the slot. Preferably, but not necessarily, the stops 53 are in the form of stepped blocks secured within the top and

bottom portions

56 and 57 of the slot (see FIG. 3) and the flanges 50 on die segments are of different heights corresponding to the steps 59 in the blocks. For instance, the flanges on the leading end segment 23a are shorter than the flanges on the intermediate segment 2317 (see FIG. 4) so as to permit segment 23a to slide toward the intermediate segment and beyond the intermediate step 59b when pushed by the ram. On the other hand,

the spring between the trailing end segments 23c and the intermediate segment urges the latter into abutment with the intermediate step 59b to space the two segments from each other a predetermined distance. Similarly, the spring acting between the intermediate segment and the leading end segment 23a urges the latter into abutment with the end step 59a so the latter two segments normally are spaced from each other a distance equal to the distance between the intermediate segment and the trailing end segment. The springs and stepped blocks on the other holder 30 act in the same way so that the die segments 24 on that holder are kept in alignment with the die segments 23 so the segments 23 and 24 are directly opposite each other when clamped against the blank.

In order to assure that during forging the portions 25 of the blank 19 between the pairs 21 of segments 23 and 24 flow into the cavities 26 without the segments slipping on the blank, a longitudinal groove 60 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is centered in and extends across the outer face 61 of each segment. Advantageously, the grooves on the corresponding die segments forming each pair of segments face each other and, in cross section, are equal to or possibly just slightly smaller than half the diameter of the blank. Because of this, when the die segments in each pair are spaced apart slightly, the bottoms of the grooves support the blank as the latter is fed in between the die segments at the receiving station. Thus, this arrangement allows very long blanks to be inserted between the die segments without deflecting downwardly and out of the grooves. Moreover, when the die segments of each pair are advanced together, the blank is seated within the grooves and is clamped tightly to avoid sliding endwise relative to the segments as the upsets 20 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined length of the blank 19 is cut from the leading end portion of the long supply rod 63 which is threaded through a small diameter opening 64 in the guide 36. As the blank is telescoped through the grooves 60 when being fed into the receiving station 34, the leading end of the blank engages the stop 37 so as to measure the length of blank desired. Herein, the stop is spaced forwardly of the leading end pair 210 of die segments so that a portion 65 of the blank extends beyond the forward ends of the two leading die segments 23a and 24a. At the trailing end of the blank, a vertical face 66 of the guide is positioned along the trailing end of the fixed pair 21c of die segments 23c and 240 so that, as an incident to moving the

holders

29 and 30 from the receiving station 34 to the forging station 35, the blank 19 is cut from the leading end portion of the supply rod 64 to the length desired.-

Once in the forging station 35, the ram 27 is advanced from its retracted position to flatten the leading end portion 65 of the blank 19 into the cavities 26 of the two die segments 23a and 24a and thereby form the upset 20 on the end of the blank. As the ram overcomes the springs 54 and pushes the pairs of die segments together (see FIG. 7), the portions 25 of the blank between the pairs of die segments are deformed to flow into the other cavities to form the remaining upsets. To keep the blank from being pushed endwise from between the pairs of die segments, a fixed member 68 (FIG. 7) positioned adjacent the fixed die segments 23c and 24c in the forging station serves as an abutment to block the blank from moving rearwardly.

After the upsets 20 are formed on the blank 19, the holder 29 is retracted back to the receiving station 34 while the holder 30 remains at the forging station 35 so the newly forged part 17 may be ejected from the die segments. As shown in FIG. 8, pop-out mechanism 67 (FIG. 8) acting through the intermediate die segments 23b and 24b operate to keep the part 17 from sticking in the segments as the latter slide away from each other under the urging of the springs 54. After the part is ejected, the holder 30 is returned to the receiving station preparatory to the formation of the upsets on the next blank.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the die assembly of the present invention is adapted to form the small parts 17 with the desired upsets 20 without need of performing successive forging operations on the blank 19 and without releasing the blank from between the die segments 23 and 24 during the forging process. Advantageously, the pairs 21 of the die segments are mounted to slide relative to each other within the slots 47 on their respective holders so the upsets are formed between the spaced pairs of die segments as the ram 27 pushes the pairs of die segments together.

I claim:

1. In a machine for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second spaced carriers movable on said support toward and away from each other, said carriers also being movable in unison from a receiving station where said blank is inserted between said carriers to a forging station where the upsets are formed on said blank, a die assem bly comprising first and second facing holders mounted on said first and second carriers, respectively, for movement therewith, a plurality of laterally spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder with one of said die segments being fixed on said first holder adjacent one end thereof and at least one other die segment being slidably mounted on said first holder for endwise movement in a direction laterally of said holder both toward and away from said fixed die segment, each of said die segments having at least one end cavity opening both in an endwise direction relative to said segment and toward said second holder, a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted on said second holder and facing said first die segments, each of said second die segments being paired with a corresponding similar one of said first die segments, said first and second die segments receiving said blank therebetween at said receiving station and coacting to clamp said blank therebetween as said carriers move said first and second segments together, means for severing said blank to a predetermined length as an incident to moving said carriers in unison from the receiving station and toward said forging station, said severing means including guide means for directing said blank into a position between said first and second die segments at said receiving station and coacting with said fixed die segments to sever the blank to its predetermined length as said die segments are moved in unison out of said receiving station and toward said forging station with said carriers, and means for sliding said movable die segments laterally of said holders toward said fixed die segments thereby to forge the upsets on the blank by causing some of the metal in the blank to flow into said cavities.

2. A machine as defined in claim 1 further including means for positioning the corresponding die segments of each, pair precisely in alignment with each other prior to clamping said blank.

3. A machine as defined by claim 2 including first and second elongated slots formed in said first and second holders, respectively, said slots facing each other and extending laterally across their respective holders from one side to the other, said first and second die segments being captivated within said first and second slots, re-' spectively.

4. A machine as defined in claim 3 in which said positioning means comprises a plurality of first stops disposed within said first slot, each of said first stops being adapted to be engaged by an associated one of said'first segments, a plurality of second similar stops within said second slot and aligned with said first stops, first spring means acting between said first die segments normally to hold said first segments against their associated stops to be positioned precisely within said first slot, second similar spring means acting in a similar manner between said second die segments to position the latter in alignment with said first segments, and guide rods'extending between said first and second holders to keep said holders aligned with each other so the die segments in each pair remain aligned with each other when said carriers move said holders toward each other.

5. A machine as defined in claim 2 in which each of said die segments is generally block-shaped and includes flanges projecting in opposite directions from opposing sides thereof, said slots being generally T- shaped and receiving said flanges to captivate said segments on said holders, each of said segments including a portion projecting out of its associated slot and facing the corresponding portion of its corresponding segment, a groove formed in the face of each of said portions and extending thereacross to provide a seat for receiving said blank when the latter is clamped between the first and second segments of each pair of die segments.

6. A machine as defined by claim 5 wherein said severing means further includes a stop gage positioned within said receiving station and adjacent one end pair of said movable die segments for abutment by one end of the blank to limit the length of the blank extending through said pairs of die segments to said predetermined length.

7. ln a machine for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second spaced carriers mounted on said support for movement in a predetermined direction toward and away from each other, a die assembly having a first holder adapted to be fastened to said first carrier for movement therewith and including an elongated slot formed therein, said slot opening away from said carrier and extending lengthwise in a second direction generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction, a second similar holder similarly adapted for fastening to said second carrier, a plurality of spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder within said slot to slide relative to each other, a cavity formed in one end of each of said die segments and opening toward said second holder and into the spaces between said segments, a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted within the slot of said second holder, each of said second segments being paired with a corresponding one of said first die segments, said pairs of die segments being adapted to grip sections of said blank at spaced positions along the length thereof when said carriers move said holders toward each other, and means for positioning said first and second segments in alignment with each other including a plurality of stops disposed within the slot in each holder, each stop being adapted to engage an associated one of said segments to position the two segments of each pair in alignment with each other, first spring means acting between said firstdie segments normally to hold said segments against their associated stops, second similar spring means acting in a similar manner between said second die segments, guide rods extending between said first and second holders to keep said holders aligned with each other so the die segments in each pair remain aligned with each other when said carriers move said holders to close toward each other, and means mounted on said support adjacent one side of said holders and adapted to engage the adjacent pair of said segments when said holders are closed and to slide the two segments of said adjacent pair in unison within said slots relative to the other pairs of segments to close the spaces between the pairs of segments and thereby deform the portions of said blank between the pairs of segments to cause the material of the blank to flow into said cavities to form said upsets.

8. In a machine for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second slidable carriers mounted on said support, said carriers being movable toward and away from each other and along a predetermined path extending between receiving and forging stations on said support, a removable die assembly unit including a first holder mounted on said first carrier for movement therewith, a second holder mounted on said second carrier for movement therewith, alignment means slidably connecting said holders together for movement toward and away from each other along said path, a plurality of laterally spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder and including a fixed die segment located adjacent one end of said first holder and a movable die segment slidably mounted on said first holder for movement relative to said fixed die segment and along said holder in a direction generally perpendicular to said path, each of said die segments having at least one end cavity opening both endwise of said segment and toward said second holder and a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted on said second holder and facing said first die segments, each of said second die segments being paired with a corresponding similar one of said first die segments, a guide located at said receiving station for directing the metal blank into said path and between said first and second die segments at said receiving station to be gripped by said pairs of die segments at spaced positions along the length of the blank when said first and second die segments are moved together at said receiving station, said guide coacting with said fixed die segments to sever said blank to a predetermined length as the carriers. holders and die segments are moved in unison from said receiving station toward said forging station, a ram movable into and out of said forging station to engage and slide said movable pair of die segments laterally of said holders and toward said fixed pair of die segments thereby to forge the upsets on the blank by causing some of the metal in the blank to flow into said cavities, and means for ejecting said upset blank from between said pairs of die segments as said holders are moved apart from each other.

9. A method for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank comprising the steps of, moving a plurality of spaced pairs of first and second die segments into a receiving station in which the first and second segments in each pair are separated slightly from each other, sliding a predetermined length of metal blank material between the separated first and second die segments of each pair, supporting said blank loosely between said first and second segments of each pair as the blank material is fed in between the segments of each pair, moving said first and second segments of each pair toward each other to clamp said blank between the die segments of each pair so the blank is held between the pairs of die segments at spaced positions along the length of said blank, carrying said clamped blank with said pairs of die segments from said receiving station to a forging station, severing said blank material into said predetermined length as an incident to moving said pairs of die segments from the receiving station into said forging station, sliding the end pair of die segments in unison toward the other pairs of segments to close spaces between said pairs so the die segments deform the portions of the blank between each pair and thereby cause the material of the blank to flow outwardly and form said upsets, separating the segments of each pair from each other to unclamp said newly formed blank with upsets from said die segments, and

ejecting said newly formed blank from said segments. =l=

Claims

1. In a machine for foRming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second spaced carriers movable on said support toward and away from each other, said carriers also being movable in unison from a receiving station where said blank is inserted between said carriers to a forging station where the upsets are formed on said blank, a die assembly comprising first and second facing holders mounted on said first and second carriers, respectively, for movement therewith, a plurality of laterally spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder with one of said die segments being fixed on said first holder adjacent one end thereof and at least one other die segment being slidably mounted on said first holder for endwise movement in a direction laterally of said holder both toward and away from said fixed die segment, each of said die segments having at least one end cavity opening both in an endwise direction relative to said segment and toward said second holder, a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted on said second holder and facing said first die segments, each of said second die segments being paired with a corresponding similar one of said first die segments, said first and second die segments receiving said blank therebetween at said receiving station and coacting to clamp said blank therebetween as said carriers move said first and second segments together, means for severing said blank to a predetermined length as an incident to moving said carriers in unison from the receiving station and toward said forging station, said severing means including guide means for directing said blank into a position between said first and second die segments at said receiving station and coacting with said fixed die segments to sever the blank to its predetermined length as said die segments are moved in unison out of said receiving station and toward said forging station with said carriers, and means for sliding said movable die segments laterally of said holders toward said fixed die segments thereby to forge the upsets on the blank by causing some of the metal in the blank to flow into said cavities.

2. A machine as defined in claim 1 further including means for positioning the corresponding die segments of each pair precisely in alignment with each other prior to clamping said blank.

3. A machine as defined by claim 2 including first and second elongated slots formed in said first and second holders, respectively, said slots facing each other and extending laterally across their respective holders from one side to the other, said first and second die segments being captivated within said first and second slots, respectively.

4. A machine as defined in claim 3 in which said positioning means comprises a plurality of first stops disposed within said first slot, each of said first stops being adapted to be engaged by an associated one of said first segments, a plurality of second similar stops within said second slot and aligned with said first stops, first spring means acting between said first die segments normally to hold said first segments against their associated stops to be positioned precisely within said first slot, second similar spring means acting in a similar manner between said second die segments to position the latter in alignment with said first segments, and guide rods extending between said first and second holders to keep said holders aligned with each other so the die segments in each pair remain aligned with each other when said carriers move said holders toward each other.

5. A machine as defined in claim 2 in which each of said die segments is generally block-shaped and includes flanges projecting in opposite directions from opposing sides thereof, said slots being generally T-shaped and receiving said flanges to captivate said segments on said holders, each of said segments including a portion projecting out of its associated slot and facing the corresponding portion of its corresponding segment, a groove formed in the face of each of said portions and extending thereacross to provide a seat for receiving said blank when the latter is clamped between the first and second segments of each pair of die segments.

7. In a machine for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second spaced carriers mounted on said support for movement in a predetermined direction toward and away from each other, a die assembly having a first holder adapted to be fastened to said first carrier for movement therewith and including an elongated slot formed therein, said slot opening away from said carrier and extending lengthwise in a second direction generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction, a second similar holder similarly adapted for fastening to said second carrier, a plurality of spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder within said slot to slide relative to each other, a cavity formed in one end of each of said die segments and opening toward said second holder and into the spaces between said segments, a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted within the slot of said second holder, each of said second segments being paired with a corresponding one of said first die segments, said pairs of die segments being adapted to grip sections of said blank at spaced positions along the length thereof when said carriers move said holders toward each other, and means for positioning said first and second segments in alignment with each other including a plurality of stops disposed within the slot in each holder, each stop being adapted to engage an associated one of said segments to position the two segments of each pair in alignment with each other, first spring means acting between said first die segments normally to hold said segments against their associated stops, second similar spring means acting in a similar manner between said second die segments, guide rods extending between said first and second holders to keep said holders aligned with each other so the die segments in each pair remain aligned with each other when said carriers move said holders to close toward each other, and means mounted on said support adjacent one side of said holders and adapted to engage the adjacent pair of said segments when said holders are closed and to slide the two segments of said adjacent pair in unison within said slots relative to the other pairs of segments to close the spaces between the pairs of segments and thereby deform the portions of said blank between the pairs of segments to cause the material of the blank to flow into said cavities to form said upsets.

8. In a machine for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank, the combination of, a support, first and second slidable carriers mounted on said support, said carriers being movable toward and away from each other and along a predetermined path extending between receiving and forging stations on said support, a removable die assembly unit including a first holder mounted on said first carrier for movement therewith, a second holder mounted on said second carrier for movement therewith, alignment means slidably connecting said holders together for movement toward and away from each other along said path, a plurality of laterally spaced first die segments mounted on said first holder and including a fixed die segment located adjacent one end of said first holder and a movable die segment slidably mounted on said first holder for movement relative to said fixed die segment and along said holder in a direction generally perpendicular to said path, each of said die segments having at least one end cavity opening both endwise of said segment and toward said second holder and a plurality of second similar die segments similarly mounted on said second holder and facing said first die segments, each of said second die segments being paired with a corresponding similar one of said first die segments, a guide located at said receiving station for directing the metal blank into said path and between said first and second die segments at said receiving station to be gripped by said pairs of die segments at spaced positions along the length of the blank when said first and second die segments are moved together at said receiving station, said guide coacting with said fixed die segments to sever said blank to a predetermined length as the carriers, holders and die segments are moved in unison from said receiving station toward said forging station, a ram movable into and out of said forging station to engage and slide said movable pair of die segments laterally of said holders and toward said fixed pair of die segments thereby to forge the upsets on the blank by causing some of the metal in the blank to flow into said cavities, and means for ejecting said upset blank from between said pairs of die segments as said holders are moved apart from each other.

9. A method for forming a plurality of upsets on a metal blank comprising the steps of, moving a plurality of spaced pairs of first and second die segments into a receiving station in which the first and second segments in each pair are separated slightly from each other, sliding a predetermined length of metal blank material between the separated first and second die segments of each pair, supporting said blank loosely between said first and second segments of each pair as the blank material is fed in between the segments of each pair, moving said first and second segments of each pair toward each other to clamp said blank between the die segments of each pair so the blank is held between the pairs of die segments at spaced positions along the length of said blank, carrying said clamped blank with said pairs of die segments from said receiving station to a forging station, severing said blank material into said predetermined length as an incident to moving said pairs of die segments from the receiving station into said forging station, sliding the end pair of die segments in unison toward the other pairs of segments to close spaces between said pairs so the die segments deform the portions of the blank between each pair and thereby cause the material of the blank to flow outwardly and form said upsets, separating the segments of each pair from each other to unclamp said newly formed blank with upsets from said die segments, and ejecting said newly formed blank from said segments.