Patent ID: 7128948
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: B22F,C23C,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a preform for use in forming a structural member, the method comprising: determining desired dimensions of the structural member; providing a base member according to the dimensions of the structural member; spraying particles of a structural material on the base member such that the structural material is disposed on the base member to form the preform, the preform having dimensions approximating the desired dimensions of the structural member, wherein said spraying step comprises directing a stream of the particles in a gas comprising hydrogen; thereafter, machining the preform to remove excess material from the preform to form the structural member having the predetermined desired dimensions; heating the preform and subjecting the preform to a sub-atmospheric pressure, thereby releasing hydrogen from the structural material of the structural member; and subsequent to said spraying step, plastically deforming the preform according to the dimensions of the structural member such that the preform has dimensions approximating the desired dimensions of the structural member, wherein said plastically deforming step comprises deforming at least the base member.