Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for manufacturing a metal billet from a metal powder charge which includes the steps of enclosing the metal powder charge in a first compressible metal capsule, placing the first capsule containing the metal powder charge in a second compressible capsule, filling the space between the first capsule and the second capsule with a pressure-transmitting medium which will become viscous at a certain compacting temperature which is at least equal to the bonding temperature of the powder charge, heating the second capsule and its contents at least to said compacting temperature, placing the so-heated second capsule in a press chamber, surrounding the second capsule while in the press chamber with a readily deformable thermally insulating substance in powder form, and inserting a piston into the press chamber to generate a compacting pressure therein to produce compression of the second capsule and a compression of the first capsule and thus effect a bonding and compaction of the powder charge in the first capsule to provide the desired billet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for manufacturing a metal billet from a metal powder charge which includes the steps of enclosing the metal powder charge in a first compressible metal capsule, placing the first capsule containing the metal powder charge in a second compressible capsule, filling the space between the first capsule and the second capsule with a pressure-transmitting medium which will become viscous at a certain compacting temperature which is at least equal to the bonding temperature of the powder charge, heating the second capsule and its contents at least to said compacting temperature, placing the so-heated second capsule in a press chamber, surrounding the second capsule while in the press chamber with a readily deformable thermally insulating substance in powder form, and inserting a piston into the press chamber to generate a compacting pressure therein to produce compression of the second capsule and a compression of the first capsule and thus effect a bonding and compaction of the powder charge in the first capsule to provide the desired billet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1, in which the thermally insulating substance surrounding the second capsule is selected from the group consisting of talcum powder and pyrophyllite powder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to the claim 1, or claim 2, in which the billet has a predetermined shape and wherein the first capsule has a shape which corresponds to the predetermined shape but is somewhat oversized to take into account its decrease in size due to compaction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the pressure-transmitting material between the capsules is at least plastic at the compacting temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 3, in which the pressure-transmitting material between the capsules is a material having a softening temperature which is below the compacting temperature selected to be used.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the compacting pressure is at least 1 kilobar.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 5, in which the compacting pressure is 3-10 kilobar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the compacting temperature is in the range 1100°-1150° C. when said charge powder is a high-speed tool steel powder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a method of compacting a metal powder charge contained in a sealed compressible metal capsule by the application thereto of isostatic pressure transmitted via a packing of a readily deformable powder of layer crystal grain structure, the improvement which comprises applying the isostatic pressure to said sealed metal capsule by a viscous fluid pressure generated via a fluid pressure transmitting medium and an outer compressible capsule, the sealed compressible metal capsule being contained within the outer compressible capsule, the fluid pressure transmitting medium being between the sealed compressible metal capsule and the other compressible capsule, and the readily deformable powder surrounding the outer compressible capsule.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
106 words
In a method of compacting a metal powder charge contained in a sealed compressible metal capsule by the application thereto of isostatic pressure transmitted via a packing of a readily deformable powder of layer crystal grain structure, the improvement which comprises applying the isostatic pressure to said sealed metal capsule by a viscous fluid pressure generated via a fluid pressure transmitting medium and an outer compressible capsule, the sealed compressible metal capsule being contained within the outer compressible capsule, the fluid pressure transmitting medium being between the sealed compressible metal capsule and the other compressible capsule, and the readily deformable powder surrounding the outer compressible capsule.