Front loading extrusion press for producing metal extrudates by extruding a billet

An extrusion press for producing metal extrudates by extruding a billet, said press comprising:

• an extrusion die crosspiece;
• a main cylinder including an extrusion punch or pressing rod adapted to be translated in two opposite directions, wherein a translation of said extrusion punch or pressing rod in a first extrusion direction results in a push against said billet and in an extrusion of said billet through an extrusion die of said extrusion die crosspiece,
• a container and a movable punch holder crosspiece, both being translatable in two opposite directions parallel to the translation directions of said extrusion punch or pressing rod, wherein said container is adapted to be translated by means of at least a first dedicated cylinder including a first dedicated rod rigidly fastened to said container, and wherein said container is adapted to be moved close to said extrusion die by means of said at least a first dedicated cylinder and first dedicated rod so as to contain said billet;
• a first dedicated rigid bar rigidly fastened to said movable punch holder crosspiece;
• first locking means adapted to alternately lock and free said first dedicated rigid bar, wherein a locking action of said first locking means on said first dedicated rigid bar results in a reciprocal rigid connection of said extrusion punch, or pressing rod, and a main cylinder crosspiece.