Shell press, and die assembly and associated method therefor

A shell press comprising:

• a first mounting surface;
• a second mounting surface disposed opposite the first mounting surface;
• and
• a die assembly comprising:
• at least one die shoe comprising a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end, the first side being coupled to a corresponding one of the first mounting surface of the shell press and the second mounting surface of the shell press,
• wherein the divisions are structured to divide said die shoe into a plurality of pieces,
• wherein operation of said shell press generates heat causing said pieces to thermally expand, and
• wherein the spacing between said pieces accommodates said thermal expansion.

A method of employing a shell press having a die assembly including at least one die shoe, the method comprising:

• providing a number of divisions in said die shoe to divide said die shoe into a plurality of pieces;
• coupling each of said pieces to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press;
• and
• operating said shell press,
• wherein the operation of said shell press generates heat causing said pieces to thermally expand, and
• wherein the spacing between said pieces of said die shoe accommodates said thermal expansion.