A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.
Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.
B22D 27/04 - Influencing the temperature of the metal, e.g. by heating or cooling the mould
B22D 17/00 - Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
B22D 19/00 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product
B22D 19/02 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product for making reinforced articles
B22D 19/08 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product for building up linings or coverings, e.g. of anti-frictional metal
B22D 19/14 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product the objects being filamentary or particulate in form
C04B 30/02 - Compositions for artificial stone, not containing binders containing fibrous materials
B22D 17/20 - AccessoriesPressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure Details
B22D 17/22 - DiesDie platesDie supportsCooling equipment for diesAccessories for loosening and ejecting castings from dies
C04B 111/00 - Function, property or use of the mortars, concrete or artificial stone
A structural component with at least two side members has a support structure that includes a partition with multiple curved portions forming cells. The partition connects to the side members and extends between the side members at least partially along straight lines. The partition may extend along one or more straight lines from one side member to the other. One structural component is a container with a wall about the internal support structure. The container cells may be formed with a core structure. The core can include a permeable storage material and may be retained after formation, or may be removed. In some cases the container wall has generally planar surfaces, which may include surface undulations. Core structures are also provided for forming structural components. Formation can include casting a material about a core structure within a mold to form a partition extending between two or more sides.
A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.
A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.
B32B 5/14 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
B29C 70/88 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
B22D 19/02 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product for making reinforced articles
B22D 19/14 - Casting in, on, or around, objects which form part of the product the objects being filamentary or particulate in form
C22C 47/12 - Infiltration or casting under mechanical pressure
B22F 3/22 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sinteringApparatus specially adapted therefor for producing castings from a slip
C22C 32/00 - Non-ferrous alloys containing at least 5% by weight but less than 50% by weight of oxides, carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides or other metal compounds, e.g. oxynitrides, sulfides, whether added as such or formed in situ
A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.
B29C 39/10 - Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressureApparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. casting around inserts or for coating articles
7.
CORE STRUCTURED COMPONENTS, CONTAINERS, AND METHODS OF CASTING
. A container having one or more compartments therewithin, wherein an internal support structure extends through the compartments. The internal support structure is configured for enhancing the structural integrity of the container. Each compartment is defined at least in part by a preform. One or more preforms are assembled into a casting insert for forming the container. The casting insert includes one or more flow paths. A molten material is introduced about the insert, including into the one or more flow paths. The solidified molten material defines the external walls and the internal support structure of the container. The preform defining the compartment within the container can be retained therewithin or can be eliminated therefrom. The compartments within the container are in fluid communications, and an opening through an external wall of the container is configured for regulating fluid communications thereacross.
A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.
A fifth wheel hitch (100), comprising: a hitch bearing plate (10) having an upper surface (12); and a wear plate (16a, 16b) secured to the upper surface (12); wherein the wear plate (16a, 16b) comprises a metal comprises a ceramic component and a lubricious component, wherein the: wear plate (16a, 16b) has a first surface (22), and a second surface (24) wherein the first surface is an exposed surface and the second surface faces the upper surface, wherein the lubricious component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface, wherein the ceramic component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the first surface and is lowest, at the second surface, and wherein the metal component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface.
Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems for depositing a thermal insulator coating onto a desired surface of a mold cavity or insert or preform. Embodiments also provide casting methods using a thermal insulator coating.
Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.
Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.
In some cases a composite cutting blade includes one or more cutting segments along a periphery of a hub segment. According to an example, the hub segment and the one or more cutting segments can comprise the same or different porous material. A metallurgical bond between the one or more cutting segments and the hub segment is created by a metal which infiltrates the porous material of both segments. The one or more cutting segments also include a cutting material which at least partially defines a cutting edge and/or a cutting surface of each cutting segment extending along the periphery of the composite blade.
B23D 61/04 - Circular saw blades with inserted saw teeth
B23D 61/18 - Sawing tools of special type, e.g. wire saw strands, saw blades or saw wire equipped with diamonds or other abrasive particles in selected individual positions
B28D 1/24 - Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete, not provided for elsewhereMachines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising with cutting discs
B28D 1/04 - Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete, not provided for elsewhereMachines, devices, tools therefor by sawing with circular saw blades or saw discs
Provided are novel devices and methods for making a variable density preform, the methods comprising obtaining a slurry comprising a reinforcement particle component and a liquid component; obtaining a die cavity having at least one inlet opening and at least one exit opening defining at least one die cavity flow path therebetween directed toward the exit opening, the at least one exit opening suitably sized or configured to provide for exit of the at least one liquid component while impeding or blocking exit of the at least one reinforcement particle component; and introducing the slurry under pressure, and for a sufficient time period, through the inlet orifice into the die cavity flow path to provide for a decreasing pressure gradient along the flow path direction, to provide for a variable density of the at least one particle component, the particle density increasing in the at least one flow path direction.
B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B28B 19/00 - Machines or methods for applying the material to surfaces to form a permanent layer thereon
B22C 9/08 - Features with respect to supply of molten metal, e.g. ingates, circular gates, skim gates
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