Reinforced ceramic cutting tools
AssigneeAdvanced Composite Materials Corporation
InventorsJames F. Rhodes, Chester J. Dziedzic, Ronald L. Beatty
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Abstract
Cutting tools are disclosed which are comprised of composite bodies comprising a ceramic matrix reinforced by ceramic whiskers. The ceramic matrix may be alumina or silicon nitride, and may contain toughening components. The whiskers are preferably silicon carbide, but may be other known ceramic whiskers. Whisker content in the composite is 2-40%, with higher contents generally used for tools when the expected service involves interrupted cutting and lower contents generally used for continuous cutting tools.
Claims14
A sintered composite cutting tool comprising a cutting edge for metal, said tool consisting essentially of:
- a matrix consisting essentially of alumina;
- and
- silicon carbide whiskers in an amount within the range of 2-40 volume percent thoroughly distributed through said matrix.
A sintered cutting tool comprising a cutting edge for metal and consisting essentially of:
- a matrix consisting essentially of alumina;
- and silicon carbide whiskers in amounts of 2-40 volume percent thoroughly distributed through said matrix, said cutting tool being made by a process comprising:
- thoroughly blending said alumina matrix material in powdered form with said silicon carbide whiskers;
- pressing the blended alumina matrix and whiskers at a pressure within a range from about 3,000-60,000 psi into a shape having at least one edge;
- sintering the pressed blend of alumina matrix and whiskers at a temperature within a range from about 1500-3200.degree. F.;
- and
- finishing said at least one edge to exhibit a cutting edge for metal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.