Lead-free projectiles and methods of manufacture
US9057591B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B33/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
To produce lead-free projectiles, iron and copper are melted at a predetermined ratio and rapidly quenched to yield a fine-grained microstructure with uniformly distributed copper and iron phases. The iron-copper alloy may be made into a powder through atomization, with the iron-copper molten metal being dispersed using a rapidly moving gas, liquid stream, or via mechanical dispersion. The step of forming the bullet may include uniaxially pressing and solid-state sintering of the atomized powder, including heating at a temperature below 1083° C., the melting point of copper. Alternatively, the step of shaping the mixture into a bullet-shaped form may include casting the molten mixture into a mold. A ceramic powder may be added to the copper-iron mixture prior to forming to produce a frangible projectile. The method may further include the step of adding another elemental powder to enhance strength, toughness, density, or hardness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.