Mesh reinforcement for metal-matrix composite tools
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Brendan Voglewede, Grant O. Cook, III, Garrett T. Olsen
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Abstract
A mold assembly system includes a mold assembly that defines an infiltration chamber used for forming an infiltrated metal-matrix composite (MMC) tool. Reinforcement materials are deposited within the infiltration chamber, and a binder material is used to infiltrate the reinforcement materials. At least one preformed mesh is positioned within the infiltration chamber and embedded within the reinforcement materials. The at least one preformed mesh includes a porous body and provides skeletal reinforcement to the infiltrated MMC tool following infiltration.
Claims26
A mold assembly system, comprising:
- a mold assembly that defines an infiltration chamber used for forming an infiltrated metal-matrix composite (MMC) tool;
- reinforcement materials deposited within the infiltration chamber;
- a binder material that infiltrates the reinforcement materials;
- and
- at least one preformed mesh positioned within the infiltration chamber and embedded within the reinforcement materials, the at least one preformed mesh including a porous body forming a three-dimensional skeletal structure, wherein a plurality of three-dimensional, polyhedron skeletal elements are conjoined to form the three-dimensional skeletal structure, the at least one preformed mesh providing skeletal reinforcement to the infiltrated MMC tool following infiltration.
A method for fabricating an infiltrated metal-matrix composite (MMC) tool, comprising:
- positioning at least one preformed mesh within an infiltration chamber of a mold assembly, the at least one preformed mesh including a porous body;
- depositing reinforcement materials into the infiltration chamber and thereby embedding the at least one preformed mesh in the reinforcement materials;
- infiltrating the reinforcement materials with a binder material after positioning the at least one preformed mesh within the infiltration chamber, and thereby providing the infiltrated MMC tool;
- and
- structurally reinforcing the infiltrated MMC tool with the at least one preformed mesh.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.