System for infiltrating preformed components and component assemblies
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsTrent N. Butcher, Redd H. Smith, Sidney L. Findley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of infiltrating preformed, bonded-particulate components, such as rotary bits, for subterranean drilling manufactured by techniques such as layered-manufacturing or those employed in rapid prototyping technology. A support structure is provided for the preformed component to physically support the preformed component during various manufacturing processes such as sintering and infiltration.
Claims15
A system for infiltrating a preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component including at least one recess extending from an exterior thereof into an interior portion thereof with a liquid infiltrant, comprising:
- a support structure configured to substantially conformally support the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component during infiltration thereof with the liquid infiltrant, the support structure including a refractory vessel containing an unconsolidated granulated material placed to substantially conformally surround at least a portion of the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component and to extend into and substantially fill the at least one recess, the unconsolidated granulated material being structured so as to remain in an unconsolidated state and continue to substantially conform to adjacent surfaces of the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component as the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component shrinks during the infiltration thereof with the liquid infiltrant.
A system for infiltrating a preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component including at least one recess extending from an exterior thereof into an interior portion thereof with a liquid infiltrant, comprising:
- a support structure configured to substantially conformally support the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component during infiltration thereof with the liquid infiltrant, the support structure including a refractory vessel containing a granulated material placed to at least partially conformally surround the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component and to extend into and substantially fill the at least one recess, the granulated material being structured to substantially strengthen during infiltration of the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component with the liquid infiltrant.
A system for infiltrating a preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component including at least one recess extending from an exterior thereof into an interior portion thereof with a liquid infiltrant, comprising:
- a support structure configured to substantially support the preformed, three-dimensional, bonded-particulate component during infiltration thereof with the liquid infiltrant, the support structure including a mold element comprising a castable material cast and at least partially hardened in contact with at least one surface of the preformed, three-dimensional bonded-particulate component and a filling material nonwettable by the liquid infiltrant disposed to substantially fill the at least one recess of the preformed, three-dimensional bonded:particulate component prior to the infiltration thereof with the liquid infiltrant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.