Patent ID: 8016018

Claim:
A method of forming a metal matrix composite by infiltrating a preform with a metal with the preform having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface and formed from a composition having ceramic particles and ceramic fibers utilizing an extruder and a mold having a cavity, said method comprising the steps of: extruding the composition through the extruder to form an extrudate; substantially randomly orienting the ceramic fibers in three dimensions as the composition is extruded through the extruder; forming the extrudate to a desired configuration for defining the preform; positioning the preform within a portion of the cavity of the mold; heating the metal to form a molten metal; injecting the molten metal into the cavity of the mold adjacent the outer surface of the preform under pressure; infiltrating the preform with the molten metal through the outer surface to the inner surface of the preform; and cooling the molten metal to solidify the molten metal and define the metal matrix composite having a wear surface formed of the infiltrated inner surface with exposed metal, ceramic particles and ceramic fibers.