Method and apparatus for producing a porous metal via spray casting
US6250362A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2003/1128
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for producing a porous metal. The method broadly includes the steps of first, providing a molten metal and second, introducing a gas into said molten metal. The method then includes spray casting the molten metal containing the gas onto a surface thereby producing the porous metal. The method further provides for controlling the amount and size of the porosity contained within the porous metal by controlling the parameters at which the gas is introduced into the molten metal, as well as, controlling the parameters surrounding the spray casting of the molten metal. Additionally, the method also provides for producing a porous metal having either an isolated or interconnected pore structure. The present invention also provides for a porous metal product, as well as a porous aluminum alloy product, made by the described method. The apparatus includes a means for containing the molten metal wherein the containing means has a discharge end. A means for introducing a gas into the containing means is also provided. The apparatus further includes molten metal discharge means positioned adjacent the discharge end of the containing means for atomizing the m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.