US 12,435,403 B2
Method to produce low-cost metal matrix composites for industrial, sports, and commercial applications
Rahbar Nasserrafi, Wichita, KS (US); Kerrick Dando, Wichita, KS (US); and Gerald Hicks, Wichita, KS (US)
Assigned to Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Wichita, KS (US)
Filed by Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Wichita, KS (US)
Filed on Apr. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/131,549.
Prior Publication US 2024/0337005 A1, Oct. 10, 2024
Int. Cl. B22D 18/06 (2006.01); B22D 17/00 (2006.01); B22D 19/14 (2006.01); B22D 30/00 (2006.01); C22C 47/04 (2006.01); C22C 47/08 (2006.01)
CPC C22C 47/08 (2013.01) [B22D 17/00 (2013.01); B22D 18/06 (2013.01); B22D 19/14 (2013.01); B22D 30/00 (2013.01); C22C 47/04 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of forming a metal matrix composite component, the method comprising:
positioning a preform comprising an electrically non-conductive fibrous material in a shaping tool, wherein the fibrous material is pre-coated, wherein the preform comprises a metallic wire;
flowing a molten metal comprising zinc into the shaping tool so that at least a portion of the preform is enveloped by the molten metal to form the metal matrix composite component;
cooling the metal matrix composite component; and
compressing the molten metal and the portion of the preform;
wherein the shaping tool comprises a mold tool and a bag that at least partially encloses the mold tool, and compressing the molten metal and the portion of the preform includes: reducing a pressure within the bag with the molten metal and the portion of the preform on the mold tool.