7. Securing the experimental facility

The following are a few points to bear in mind if the ECAP process is to run smoothly and the area surrounding the experimental facility is to be made safe. :

• The matrix material must not be too hard, which would make it brittle;

• Care must be taken when drilling the bolt and heating element locations to avoid possible seizing of the die;

• die bolting must be sufficient to effectively resist the enormous radial forces involved in extrusion;

• all bolts must be tightened to the correct torque each time the assembly is fitted;

• The...