Patent ID: 6719104
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B22D,F16D

Abstract:
A method for producing a composite brake caliper adapted for use in a vehicle brake assembly comprising the steps of:(a) providing a molding apparatus having at least a pair of mold sections, at least one of the pair of mold sections including at least one projection extending from a surface thereof; (b) providing at least one reinforced preform formed from at least a first material, the preform having at least one opening formed at least partially therein; (d) positioning the preform in the molding apparatus with the projection of the mold section extending into the opening of the preform so as to orient the preform in a predetermined position within the molding apparatus; and (e) casting a caliper body formed from a second material in situ therewith to produce the composite brake caliper; wherein the preform is formed from chopped alumina oxide fibers and is reinforced with a material selected from the group consisting of individual strands of ceramic fibers and chopped ceramic fibers.