Patent · US Expired

Method of squeeze-casting a complex metal matrix composite in a shell-mold cushioned by molten metal

US5234045A · kind A · utility

25Cited by
2References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 30, 1991
Grant dateAug 10, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 30, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB22D19/14
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A squeeze-casting method is taught for manufacturing metal matrix composites which require little or no finishing operations. This method utilizes a combination of techniques, fundamentals of which are found in the investment casting, die casting and metal matrix composite-making arts. The method comprises, forming a wax pattern around the preform and investing the pattern to form a melt-impermeable shell-mold around it. The shell-mold is dewaxed leaving the preform positioned within it. The shell-mold is heated before it is placed in a die cavity of a conventional die caster for high pressure injection of molten metal. Molten metal is poured into the die cavity and pressurized with sufficient pressure and for long enough to impregnate the preform. The metal encapsulates the shell-mold which allows for equilibrated pressures within said die. The pressure is released and the shell-mold is removed from the die cavity before the molten metal in the shell-mold solidifies. When the shell-mold is cooled and the molten metal solidified, the shell-mold is broken and the metal matrix composite removed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.