Methods of forming an oxide layer on a metal body
AssigneeAvalign Technologies, Inc.
InventorDavid L. Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one embodiment, a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) body may have one or more surfaces comprising a zirconium alloy. A method of forming an oxide layer on the zirconium alloy surface(s) of the MIM body may include hot isostatic pressing the MIM body, heat treating the MIM body, machining the MIM body to desired shape dimensions, polishing the surface of the MIM body, and oxidizing the polished surface of the MIM body. In some embodiments, the polishing step may include a first vibratory finishing step; and a second vibratory finishing step.
Claims17
A method of forming an oxide layer on a surface of a Metal Injection Molded body, wherein the surface comprises a zirconium alloy, the method comprising:
- hot isostatic pressing the Metal Injection Molded body;
- heat treating the Metal Injection Molded body;
- machining the Metal Injection Molded body to desired shape dimensions;
- polishing the surface of the Metal Injection Molded body, wherein the polishing comprises:
- a first vibratory finishing step;
- and
- a second vibratory finishing step;
- and
- oxidizing the polished surface of the Metal Injection Molded body,
- wherein the Metal Injection Molded body comprises a base portion and an over-molded portion, wherein the base portion is a titanium alloy and the over-molded portion is the zirconium alloy.
A method of forming an oxide layer on a surface of a Metal Injection Molded body, wherein the surface comprises a zirconium alloy, the method comprising:
- hot isostatic pressing the Metal Injection Molded body;
- heat treating the Metal Injection Molded body;
- machining the Metal Injection Molded body to desired shape dimensions;
- polishing the surface of the Metal Injection Molded body, wherein the polishing is performed in a series of at least two steps;
- and wherein each successive step uses progressively smaller polishing particle media;
- and
- oxidizing the polished surface of the Metal Injection Molded body,
- wherein the Metal Injection Molded body comprises a base portion and an over-molded portion, wherein the base portion is a titanium alloy and the over-molded portion is the zirconium alloy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.