Method of configuring extrudate flowing from an extruder die assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION O THE DRAWING With general reference to the drawing for like parts and particular reference to FIGS.
1 and 2, there is shown an extruder 10 with a metal front plate or head 11 to which a metal die assembly 12 is mounted.
The die assembly 12 essentially comprises, a swivel socket or die head 13 which has a front face 14 to which any suitable die 15 is fastened, and a stationary ball-type nozzle 16.
The nozzle 16 comprises an elongated cylindrical portion 17 which is threadably secured to the front plate 11 of the extruder 10 and which terminates at a spherical or ball-shaped distal end or tip 18.
A cylindrical feed channel or passageway 19 extends longitudinally through the nozzle 16 and terminates at a feed opening 20 at the discharge end of the fixed nozzle 16.
Extrudate flows from the extruder 10 through the feed channel 19 and feed opening 20 into a frustco-conically shaped flow channel 21 of the socket 13, the conical sides of the flow channel 21 diverging in a direction away from the feed opening 20.
The flow channel 21 having a longitudinal central die axis 21A is conically shaped to accommodate a number of dies while minimizing the dead areas adjacent the front face 14 of the socket 13, and to permit maximum rotation of the socket 13 without blockage of the feed opening 20.
The socket 13 is comprised of two rectangular plates 22, 23 which are bolted together around the ball tip of the nozzle 16.
The die 15 is fastened to the outer face 14 of the front plate 22 in which the flow channel 21 is formed.
A rearwardly facing frusto-conically shaped cavity C is formed in the back plate 23 in spaced concentric relation with the flow channel 21, to allow the necessary rotation of the socket 13, e.
g.
angle A of 15 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the feed channel 19.
The socket 13 is also rotatable 360 degrees around the feed channel axis.
A generally cylindrical bore B is also formed in the front plate 22 in concentric relation with the flow channel 21 and connects the flow channel 21 and rear cavity C