Abstract: Method of dimensionally stabilizing the interface between metal parts of differing thermal expansion characteristics (TEC), regardless of temperature variations under normal designed use of such parts, comprising: (a) hot extruding a mixture of ceramic fibers (i.e., Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, SiC, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and a powder of the metal having the higher TEC (i.e., Al, Ti, Mg) while aligning the fibers generally along the direction of extrusion, to form an insert; (b) shaping the insert to align its fibers generally in at least one direction of anticipated thermal growth that may interfere with the interface; (c) casting the insert in place within a first part compound of the higher TEC metal and with the insert's fibers (i) oriented as above, and (ii) preheated to a temperature no greater than 35-45% of the temperature of the molten light metal; and (d) bringing together the first metal part with a second part of lower TEC metal (i.e., Fe or steel) to form the interface.

Abstract: A low friction finger follower rocker arm is fabricated from flat metal strip sheet stock having a stamped configuration with a centralized opening adapted to be bent later into a channel; the shaping and hardening of the stock section is carried out prior to such bending. The method comprises: (a) (i) shaping the stock to have a pair of aligned journal openings, a pivot surface at one end, a stud contacting surface at the other end, and a pair of grooves aligned with the extremities of the centralized opening and containing the surface therebetween, (ii) locally hardening the surfaces and the edges of the opposed openings; (b) bending the shaped stock along the grooves to form a partial channel having side walls with an included angle of no greater than 40.degree.

Abstract: A low friction finger follower rocker arm is fabricated by starting with a flat metal strip sheet stock section having a stamped configuration with a centralized opening being adapted to be bent later into a channel for such rocker arm. The shaping and hardening of the stock section is carried out prior to such bending.

Abstract: A method (and resulting product) for preparing bearing components is disclosed. Utilizing a low alloy steel shape containing carbon in the range of 0.6-1.5% and containing alloying ingredients in the range of 1-2% selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu and Mo (and preferably the ingredients of SAE 52100 steel), the steel shape is subjected sequentially to a spheroidizing-anneal heat treatment, a rough forming treatment, and a hardening-heat treatment. Immediately prior to the hardening-heat treatment, a fine bainitic or preferably pearlitic microstructure is established having relatively thin carbide films at prior austenite grain boundaries. Austenitizing of said pearlitic or bainitic microstructure is carried out at a temperature in the range of 1625.degree.-1675.degree. F for a period of time preferably between 15 seconds and one-half hour, but operationally for a period of time as short as 5 seconds and as long as 1 hour.