Method of making fibre reinforced metal component

A method of manufacturing a member having a body and an axis of rotation with the body adapted to rotate in use about said axis of rotation, said method comprising the steps of:

• arranging at least one piece of metal matrix composite and at least one piece of unreinforced metal matrix alternately in adjacent abutting relationship to form at least one annular laminate, the at least one piece of metal matrix composite having a plurality of unidirectionally arranged fibers in a metal matrix and the fibers of the at least one piece of metal matrix composite extending in substantially the same direction;
• arranging the at least one annular laminate in a first annular metal member and a second annular metal member to form an assembly;
• and
• consolidating the assembly to bond the first annular member, the at least one annular laminate, and the second annular metal member to form a unitary composite component,
• attaching to the outer most one of said first and second annular metal members blade means spaced circumferentially about said axis of rotation, each said blade means being attached to said associated annular metal member whereby at least one composite piece of unreinforced metal matrix is at a position between two adjacent blades where radial stresses due to the blades are minimal.