The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 07, 2010
Filed:
Apr. 11, 2007
David A. Tomes, Jr., Sparks, NV (US);
Gavin F. Wyatt-mair, Lafayette, CA (US);
David W. Timmons, Reno, NV (US);
Ali Unal, Export, PA (US);
David A. Tomes, Jr., Sparks, NV (US);
Gavin F. Wyatt-Mair, Lafayette, CA (US);
David W. Timmons, Reno, NV (US);
Ali Unal, Export, PA (US);
Alcoa Inc., Piltspurgh, PA (US);
Abstract
The present invention discloses a method of making a functionally graded metal matrix composite (MMC) sheet having a central layer of particulate matter. The method includes providing a molten metal containing particulate matter to a pair of advancing casting surfaces. Solidifying the molten metal while advancing the molten metal between the advancing casting surfaces to form a product comprising a first solid outer layer, a second solid outer layer, and a semi-solid central layer having a higher concentration of particulate matter than either of the outer layers. Solidifying the central layer to form a solid metal product comprised of an inner layer sandwiched between the outer layers and withdrawing the metal product from between the casting surfaces. The method yields an MMC having a central layer enriched with particulate matter and sandwiched between metallic outer layers. The product combines the easy mechanical working characteristics and the appearance of the metallic outer layers with the enhanced properties provided by the central MMC layer.