Method of making metal matrix composites

A method for making a continuous, elongated metal composite article, the method comprising:

• providing a contained volume of molten metallic matrix material at substantially atmospheric pressure;
• providing a vaccuum chamber having an exit aperture immersed in the contained volume of molten metallic matrix material;
• evacuating a plurality of at least one of substantially continuous, longitudinally poistioned ceramic, boron, or carbon fibers by passing them through the the vacuum chamber;
• introducing the evacuated plurality of substantially continuous fibers into the contained volume of molten metallic matrix material through the vacuum chamber exit aperture;
• imparting ultrasonic energy to cause vibration of at least a portion of the contained volume of molten metal matrix material to permit at least a portion of the molten metal matrix material infiltrate into the plurality of substantially continuous fibers such that an infiltrated plurality of fibers is provided;
• and
• withdrawing the infiltrated plurality of fibers from the contained volume of molten metallic matrix material under conditions which permit the molten metallic matrix material to solidify to provide a continuous, elongated metal composite article comprising a plurality of at least one of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned ceramic, boron, or carbon fibers in a metal matrix, wherein the article comprises at least 15 percent by volume of the fibers, based on the total volume of the fibers and matrix material, and wherein the article has a length of at least 10 meters.