Patent ID: 6455804
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: B22F,B23K,B32B,C22C,Y02P,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for the fabrication of structural members of metal matrix composites comprising:A) providing a rotating mandrel having a surface addressed by a linearly traversing compaction wheel; B) angularly feeding an metal matrix prepeg tape having a braze coating on at least one surface of said tape at the point of contact between said mandrel surface and said compaction wheel so as to define a V-shaped junction, said braze coating addressing said mandrel surface as said prepeg tape is angularly fed; C) impacting said braze coating with a beam of infrared radiation at said junction to melt said braze coating in said junction; and D) simultaneously with the impacting of said beam of infrared radiation in said junction, rotating said mandrel so as to take up said prepeg tape as said melted braze coating cools and solidifies and pressing said compaction roll against said prepeg tape so as to cause consolidation of said prepeg tape with previously applied layers of said prepeg tape on said mandrel surface.