Metal-matrix composite for rapid prototyping

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (2003), "Metal-matrix composite for rapid prototyping", Assembly Automation, Vol. 23 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2003.03323dad.011

Metal-matrix composite for rapid prototyping

Metal-matrix composite for rapid prototyping

Keywords: Rapid prototyping, Composites, Patents

Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc., USAPatent number: US6,376,098Publication date: 23 April 2002Title: Low-temperature, high-strength metal-matrix composite for rapid-prototyping and rapid-tooling

A suitable metal-matrix composite for use in rapid prototyping systems is presented. The metal-matrix composites have higher melting temperatures than materials used in prior known rapid prototyping systems. In one aspect of the invention, a metal-matrix composite comprises a plurality of fibres having an average diameter of about 8 μm with a coating, and a metal or alloy distributed with said fibres, a fibres-to-metal or alloy ratio by volume has a range of about 9:1 to less than about 1:1. A method of forming a part includes the steps of forming a composite material by mixing a molten metal or alloy with a bundle of fibres; heating the composite material to a melting point of the composite material to form a molten material; dispensing the molten material at least at the said melting point into a shape of a part; and solidifying the molten material. In a preferred embodiment the metal is a tin reinforced with carbon fibres.

The invention will be advantageous for the automotive and aerospace industries as the part to be used under higher temperature processing such as the formation of metal dies.

Jon Rigelsford