Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A process for forming metallic articles which comprises generating a stream of atomized molten metal particles; directing said stream of atomized molten metal particles against a substrate to form a deposit of said metal thereon having a desired form; and simultaneously directing against said metal as it is deposited on said substrate, a stream of rounded solid particles so as to effect simultaneous peening of the deposited metal under conditions whereby the rounded solid particles are reflected from the deposited metal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A process for forming metallic articles which comprises generating a stream of atomized molten metal particles; directing said stream of atomized molten metal particles against a substrate to form a deposit of said metal thereon having a desired form; and simultaneously directing against said metal as it is deposited on said substrate, a stream of rounded solid particles so as to effect simultaneous peening of the deposited metal under conditions whereby the rounded solid particles are reflected from the deposited metal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 1, which is carried out in an inert atmosphere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a metal substrate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 3, wherein the article which is formed incorporates the substrate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 4, wherein the substrate is a worn or damaged component and the article which is formed is a repaired component.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the substrate is at least substantially free of oxide films.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the substrate is non-adherent towards the deposited metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 7, wherein said surface has a tenacious or thick oxide film or is coated with a mould parting agent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is in the form of a strip and continuously moved past said streams of atomized molten metal particles and of rounded particles, in order to form a metallic article in strip form.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is in the form of a discrete element and the metallic article product is in the form of a discrete component.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 10, wherein the metallic article product is a coated turbine blade.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the atomized molten metal particles have a size of from 20 to 200 microns.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the rounded particles have a particle size of from 0.5 to 10 mm and are larger than said atomized molten metal particles by a factor of at least 5 in their respective particle sizes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 13, wherein the rounded particles have a particle size of about 1 mm.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the rounded particles are hardened steel balls.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the rounded particles are projected at the metal deposit at a velocity of from 5 to 100 m/sec.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the rounded particles are projected by mechanical or by electro-magnetic means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
A process for forming metallic articles which comprises atomizing molten metal to form a stream of molten metal globules, intercepting said globules on a substrate to form a deposit of molten metal on the substrate, and substantially simultaneously with said atomizing directing a stream of rounded metal particles against said deposit while it is still hot to mechanically work the metal in the deposit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
64 words
A process for forming metallic articles which comprises atomizing molten metal to form a stream of molten metal globules, intercepting said globules on a substrate to form a deposit of molten metal on the substrate, and substantially simultaneously with said atomizing directing a stream of rounded metal particles against said deposit while it is still hot to mechanically work the metal in the deposit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the stream of rounded particles is directed at said deposited metal at an angle which is substantially normal to the surface of said deposited metal.