Abstract: Bearing reinforcement for a shaft (3) mounted in bearings in a cast light-metal housing (1, 2) such as an engine block or a gearbox housing, in which an insert (5) that forms a bearing seat for the shaft (3) is made of an MMC material, i.e. a metal matrix composite, and in which the base material of the MMC material consists of the same metal as the metal that comprises the principal component in the light-metal housing, wherein the MMC material of the insert (5) is reinforced with 10-70% ceramic material by volume in the form of particles or fibers. The invention also describes a method for fabricating inserts (5) in which they are formed into a bar having the same cross-section as the radial cross-section of the insert, whereupon separate inserts are cross-cut from the bar by means of high-speed machining or water cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device (102) and to a method for protecting an object (101) against mechanical damage as it is lifted up or lowered down a vertically extending structure (103), such as the wall of a building or a mast for instance, and also for protecting the structure along which said object is moved. There is placed around the object at least one protective device (102) which includes a first inflatable tube that is fastened to a second inflatable tube. The tubes are positioned so as to form two concentrical rings or spirals around the object (101), with the first tube located inwardly of the second tube. The first tube is filled with a suitable amount of gas, preferably air, such as to bring the first tube into contact with the object (101) and therewith firmly hold the protective device (102) to the object (101) through the medium of frictional forces.

Abstract: A component made from a material of metal matrix composite, a so-called MMC material, is manufactured by High Speed Machining, so-called HSM machining, of a workpiece or blank of MMC material to provide a predetermined shape. HSM machining is characterized in that the cutting tool operates at a very high speed in relation to the machined work piece, especially as compared to what is normally the case when using conventional machining techniques.