Forming metal foam structures
US6464933B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of fabricating a foamed metal structure using a powder supply of metal particles, comprising: (a) introducing the powder supply along with foaming agent particles into a propellant gas to form a gas/particle mixture stream; (b) projecting the mixture stream at a critical velocity of at least sonic velocity onto a metallic substrate to create a deposit of pressure-welded metal particles containing the admixed foaming agent; and (c) subjecting at least the coating of the substrate to a thermal excursion effective to activate expansion of the foaming agent while softening the metal particles for plastic deformation under the influence of the expanding gases.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.