Electromagnetic extrusion

A method of operating an extrusion system, comprising:

• forcing, by a ram, an extrusion material to exit a chamber of a container and through an opening defined by a die, wherein the extrusion material is aluminum or an alloy in which aluminum is the predominant metal, wherein the container has a cup shape with a tubular side wall defining an inner surface and extending in an axial direction from a solid base;
• energizing an electromagnetic winding disposed about both of the chamber and the die to produce a magnetic field in the extrusion material;
• and
• reducing flow stress in the extrusion material by the magnetic field in the extrusion material;
• wherein the die is located outside of the container and comprises a ferromagnetic material configured to intensify the magnetic field within the extrusion material, and
• wherein the electromagnetic winding is disposed about both of the chamber and the die located outside of the container, and
• wherein the die is configured to move with the ram through the chamber with the opening extending between an outer surface of the die and the inner surface of the tubular side wall of the chamber.

An electromagnetic extrusion system for extruding an extrusion material, comprising:

• a container defining a chamber for holding the extrusion material, wherein the container has a cup shape with a tubular side wall defining an inner surface and extending in an axial direction from a solid base;
• a die located adjacent to and outside of the container and defining an opening in fluid communication with the chamber for the extrusion material to exit therefrom as an extrusion;
• a ram configured to push the extrusion material out of the opening;
• a tool retainer block disposed annularly around the chamber;
• and
• an electromagnetic winding embedded within the tool retainer block, wherein the electromagnetic winding is helically wound about both of the chamber and the die located outside of the container and configured to carry an electrical current to generate a magnetic field to reduce flow stress of the extrusion material,
• wherein the die is configured to move with the ram through the chamber with the opening extending between an outer surface of the die and the inner surface of the tubular side wall of the chamber.