Abstract: A porous metal article having a predetermined pore structure. The porosity is provided by the use of an extractable particulate in a powder forming route to create a desired porosity. Extraction of the pore forming particulate prior to sintering of the powder minimizes contamination of the sintered article and allows for the processing of material sensitive to contamination such as titanium. Added functionality can be gained by co-forming the porous material with non-porous material to create an article with layers of differing characteristics. The article is suitable for use as an implant body is porous enough to facilitate tissue in-growth and bony fusion.

Abstract: Multiphase polymeric binders for binder assisted forming of sinterable powder bodies are formulated to demonstrate improved rheological properties in the form of newtonion or near newtonion flow behavior thereby reducing dependence of binder viscosity on shear by tailoring the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polymeric binder phases and the resulting polymer admixtures of the invention demonstrate shear rate independent behavior. Reduction of interfacial tension between binder phases by introduction of at least one macromolecule with separate segments selected to be compatible with the individual phases of the binder further increases processing performance as does use of polymer macromolecules having attributes that allow them to act as surface active materials at the interface of the sinterable powder and the multiphase binder composition. Predispersion of the surface active materials in the powder is facilitated by emulsification thereof in water prior to admixture with the powder.

Abstract: An article of controlled porosity. The porosity of the article may be controlled by display of a particular pore character with respect to pore size, morphology and distribution through a metal, including a uniform distribution. The uniform distribution of porosity within the metal may be provided by a way of a coated pore former including a homogenizing agent thereat to maintain a uniform distribution of pore former throughout a mixture of the coated pore former and a powdered metal. A metal article may be formed of varying layers of porous metals each formed from an independent mixture of coated pore former and metal as indicated.

Abstract: A porous metal article having a predetermined pore structure. The porosity is provided by the use of an extractable particulate in a powder forming route to create a desired porosity. Extraction of the pore forming particulate prior to sintering of the powder minimizes contamination of the sintered article and allows for the processing of material sensitive to contamination such as titanium. Added functionality can be gained by co-forming the porous material with non-porous material to create an article with layers of differing characteristics. The article is suitable for use as an implant body is porous enough to facilitate tissue in-growth and bony fusion.

Abstract: Multiphase polymeric binders for binder assisted forming of sinterable powder bodies are formulated to demonstrate improved rheological properties in the form of newtonion or near newtonion flow behavior thereby reducing dependence of binder viscosity on shear by tailoring the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polymeric binder phases and the resulting polymer admixtures of the invention demonstrate shear rate independent behavior. Reduction of interfacial tension between binder phases by introduction of at least one macromolecule with separate segments selected to be compatible with the individual phases of the binder further increases processing performance as does use of polymer macromolecules having attributes that allow them to act as surface active materials at the interface of the sinterable powder and the multiphase binder composition. Predispersion of the surface active materials in the powder is facilitated by emulsification thereof in water prior to admixture with the powder.

Abstract: Provided is a powder and binder system for manufacturing sintered parts from particulate material, and a method of injection molding parts for sintering. The particulate material includes ceramic, metallic and intermetallic powders. Preferably, selected powder particles are coated with one or more additives depending on their shape and surface chemistry to create a powder system. The additives may include antioxidants, coupling agents, surfactants, elasticizing agents, dispersants, plasticizer/compatibilizers and lubricants. The surface active additives are designed to improve the interface between the powder and the binder. The powder system may be mixed or compounded with a binder system in an inert atmosphere to form a powder and binder system, or feedstock, for powder molding. The binder system, may contain one or more components which are removed prior to the sintering the powder. The powder and binder system may also be molded about an expendable core which is extracted prior to sintering.

Abstract: Provided is a powder and binder system for manufacturing sintered parts from particulate material, and a method of injection molding parts for sintering. The particulate material includes ceramic, metallic and intermetallic powders. Preferably, selected powder particles are coated with one or more additives depending on their shape and surface chemistry to create a powder system. The additives may include antioxidants, coupling agents, surfactants, elasticizing agents, dispersants, plasticizer/compatibilizers and lubricants. The surface active additives are designed to improve the interface between the powder and the binder. The powder system may be mixed or compounded with a binder system in an inert atmosphere to form a powder and binder system, or feedstock, for powder molding. The binder system, may contain one or more components which are removed prior to the sintering the powder. The powder and binder system may also be molded about an expendable core which is extracted prior to sintering.

Abstract: Computerized coiling control in which both pouring reel location and reel speed wobble pattern are preselected, whereby a moving product, such as bar, rod or wire, is continuously poured into a reel to form the densest product coils under a variety of coiling situations. A coiler operator presets independently adjustable parameters including coil O.D. and I.D., reel speed wobble rate, and a reel speed wobble pattern selected from computer storage and having either a spiral, spiral with dwell, or triangular waveform. The computer is programmed to assimilate operator input data, and calculate reel motor speed reference and current reference signals for use by a reel motor controller which will form the densest coils having predetermined flat spirals stacked axially in alternate reverse-convolute layers. Reel speed is modified to compensate coiler operation for effects due to variations in bar grade, temperature and/or shape.