Abstract: A process for the production of cutting tool inserts is described. A bottom punch is positioned into a powder compaction mold. A metallurgical powder is introduced into a mold cavity. A top punch is positioned into the powder compaction mold in an orientation opposed to the bottom punch. The metallurgical powder is compressed between the bottom punch and the top punch to form a powder compact. Also disclosed are cutting tool inserts produced in accordance with the process and powder pressing apparatuses for the production of cutting tool inserts.

Abstract: An open MRI or other diagnostic imaging system (A) generates a three-dimensional diagnostic image representation, which is stored in an MRI image memory (26). A laser scanner or other surface imaging system (B) generates a volumetric surface image representation that is stored in a surface image memory (34). Typically, the volume and surface images are misaligned and the magnetic resonance image may have predictable distortions. An image correlating system (C) determines offset, scaling, rotational, and non-linear corrections to the magnetic resonance image representation, which are implemented by an image correction processor (48). The corrected magnetic resonance image representation and the surface image representation are combined (50) and stored in a superimposed image memory (52). A video processor (54) generates image representations from selected portions of the superimposed image representation for display on a human-readable monitor (56).

Abstract: Methods of producing high density, high strength, homogeneous graphite articles having densities of 2 or more and isotropic ratios of about 1.05 or less are disclosed. These methods achieve densification to levels above 2 g/cc yet take greatest advantage of increases in all structural properties and maintain isotropic quality. They involve impregnation of pre-formed isotropic graphite substrates of high density, having an isotropic ratio of 1.05 or less, 15 to 35 percent total porosity of which at least 50 percent is interconnected and open to the surface, average pore diameters of 1.5 to 5 microns, and narrow pore size distributions. A vacuum is drawn on the substrate after which it is contacted with highly fluid impregnant such as petroleum or coal tar pitch and then carbonized, baked and graphitized under conditions correlated to increase density without detectably modifying graphite matrix structure.