Rapid Prototyping of Cast Metal/Fiber Composites

A rapid prototyping process enables the incorporation of continuous fiber reinforcement into a cast metal-matrix composite. In one older process, cast metal-matrix composites are made by introducing fibers or particles into molten or partially solidified metals, then casting the resulting slurries into molds. In an older process, masses of particles are preformed, then molten alloys are infiltrated into the masses. The alloys then freeze in the interstices, forming metal-matrix composites.