Abstract:
A process is provided for producing a component. The process comprising the steps of: producing a former corresponding to the internal dimensions of the component to be formed; providing a layer of a second material on at least one surface of the former; locating the former in a containment and filling the containment with a first material; subjecting the containment to hot isostatic pressing such that the second material diffuses into the first material.
Abstract:
A process is provided for producing a component. The process comprising the steps of: producing a former corresponding to the internal dimensions of the component to be formed; providing a layer of a second material on at least one surface of the former; locating the former in a containment and filling the containment with a first material; subjecting the containment to hot isostatic pressing such that the second material diffuses into the first material.
Abstract:
A stator for a helicoidal down-hole drilling motor is formed with a through-hole, in addition to the main stator bore. The through-hole can be a straight hole extending parallel to the axis of the stator, or a hole of helical form, the helix extending about the axis of the stator. The through-hole can be used to accommodate a communications cable extending through the through-hole, and/or the through-hole can be connected to a fluid supply. The stator is produced from metal-based powder by producing an insert of accurate dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of a bore to be created in the finished stator, the bore having a length of at least 750 mm, supporting the insert within a mould cavity, filling the mould cavity with metal-based powder, subjecting the powder to isostatic pressing, and subsequently removing the material of the insert.
Abstract:
A method of producing a net or near net-shape component from metal powder comprises producing an insert of accurate dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of a bore to be created in the finished component, the bore having a length of at least 750 mm, supporting the insert within a mould cavity, filling the mould cavity with metal powder, subjecting the powder to isostatic pressing, and subsequently removing the material of the insert. The mould can be an independent mould that is removed after an initial step to bind the powder together into a pre-form, and the pre-form is then encapsulated in a suitable containment, such as a canister or a sprayed coating. The insert can be a metallic insert of a material, such as copper, that is subsequently removable by chemical etching. The insert can be coated with a material that is amenable to removal by etching, and to enable the insert to be extracted. A metallic insert can be coated with a material that provides a diffusion barrier to prevent the material of the insert from diffusing by atomic diffusion into the powder being consolidated during HIPing.