Patent ID: 7946035
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: B22F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing a hollow article comprising the steps of: (a) providing two members, (b) pressing at least one of the two members to form at least one depression in the at least one member, (c) arranging the two members in abutting relationship such that the at least one depression defines at least one chamber between the two members, (d) sealing the edges of the two members together except for one open edge to form a core structure, (e) positioning the core structure in an open ended mould to define a cavity between the external surface of the core structure and the internal surface of the mould, the internal surface of the mould substantially defining the external shape of the hollow article, (f) filling the cavity between the core structure and the mould with a powder material, (g) sealing the open edge of the core structure to the open end of the mould, (h) filling the at least one chamber within the core structure with a material to support the members of the core structure, removing gases from the cavity containing the powder material, (j) applying heat and pressures to consolidate the powder material to form the hollow article in the cavity, (k) removing the mould from the hollow article.