Patent ID: 6776219
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B22D,B33Y

Abstract:
A method of producing a metal matrix composite component comprising the steps of:(a) providing a net-shape preform having a preform breakthrough pressure; (b) positioning a pre-gate adjacent to the net-shape preform; (c) disposing a slurry of a refractory material and a vehicle around at least a portion of the pre-gate and the net-shape preform positioned within a container, wherein the refractory material comprises particles having an average particle size less than an average particle size of particles associated with the net-shape preform; (d) removing the vehicle to create a dried, packed refractory material defining an investment mold having a mold breakthrough pressure, wherein the mold breakthrough pressure is greater than the preform breakthrough pressure; (e) removing the pre-gate to provide a gate in fluid communication with the net-shape preform; (f) infiltrating the net-shape preform through the gate with a molten metal; (g) cooling the molten metal which infiltrated the net-shape preform; and (h) removing the investment mold from the metal matrix composite component.