Abstract: A method for forming light-weight composite metal castings incorporating metallurgically bonded inserts for a variety of applications. Castings formed by the invention have particular utility as components of an internal combustion engine. A casting method includes the step of coating the insert with a first layer under conditions including sufficient temperature to cause a portion of the layer to be sacrificed by dissolving into the cast metal material while leaving at least a portion of the first layer as a diffusion barrier between the insert and the cast material. The molten casting material is treated and handled to keep the hydrogen content below 0.15 and preferably below 0.10 parts per million. The casting step takes place under a protective gas environment of dry air, argon or nitrogen with a moisture content of less than 3 parts per million.

Abstract: A method for forming light-weight composite metal castings incorporating metallurgically bonded inserts for a variety of applications. Castings formed by the invention have a particular utility as components of an internal combustion engine. A casting method includes the step of coating the insert with a first layer which is followed by coating a second layer and concluded by a casting step under conditions including sufficient temperature to cause the second coated layer to be sacrificed by dissolving into the cast metal material while leaving at least a portion of the first layer as a diffusion barrier between the insert and the cast material. The molten casting material is treated and handled to keep the hydrogen content below 0.15 and preferably below 0.10 parts per million. The casting step takes place under a protective gas environment of dry air, argon or nitrogen with a moisture content of less than 3 parts per million.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high temperature-resistant piston head. The piston head includes a first portion formed of a first material of heat-resistant steel alloy and the second portion is formed of a second a material of steel alloy that may be the same or may or different from the first material. The first and second portions are joined by a friction weld to form the assembled piston head. The heat-resistant steel alloy includes about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt % carbon, up to about 0.6 wt % manganese, about 4.0 to about 6.0 wt % chromium, about 0.45 to about 0.65 wt % molybdenum, up to about 0.5 wt % nickel and the balance iron and incidental impurities. In one form the second material includes about 0.30 to about 0.55 wt % carbon, about 0.4 to about 1.10 wt % manganese, about 0.40 to about 1.25 wt % chromium, about 0.15 to about 0.45 wt % molybdenum, up to about 0.4 wt % silicon, up to about 2 wt % Ni and greater than about 90 wt % iron.

Abstract: A reinforcing insert for an engine block formed of an engine block material is provided which is positioned in the bearing saddle area of the block for increasing the strength and stiffness of the bearing saddle area to ensure a secure connection of the main bearing cap throughout engine operation thereby ensuring proper crankshaft support and operation. The reinforcing insert is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the engine block material. The insert includes a lower transverse surface for positioning at a lowermost position in the engine block, an upper surface positioned farthest from the crankshaft, a first and second linear side surfaces for positioning on opposite sides of the crankshaft. The linear sides extend from the lower surface along respective planes in nonparallel relation to each other. The linear sides may extend either in a converging or a diverging manner from the lower surface.

Abstract: A combustion face insert is provided for connection to a bottom wall of an aluminum cylinder head adjacent a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine which includes an insert body formed of a material having a predetermined hardness. The insert body includes a lower surface facing the combustion chamber and extending radially outwardly to form an outer peripheral extent having a predetermined size necessary to cause the lower surface to be positioned for engagement with an annular combustion seal to effectively seal the combustion chamber. This design allows a greater power density to be achieved in a heavy duty diesel engine utilizing an aluminum cylinder head, increases the thermal fatigue resistance of the valve bridge area and increases the resistance of an aluminum cylinder head to indentation by the combustion seal of the head gasket during deflection of the aluminum cylinder head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component formed of parts capable of being separated for reassembly around another component. The process starts by taking separate, e.g., rod and cap, forgings and coining or forging them together prior to machining. The mating surfaces of the forgings are formed with a ridge-groove or a dimple/lug-recess configuration giving them a self-locating ability. After machining, the forgings are fractured along the original division to obtain two uniquely matched surfaces that need no further processing before being reassembled, e.g., to form a connecting rod for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A reinforcing insert for an engine block formed of a lightweight material is provided which is positioned in the bearing saddle area of the block for increasing the strength and stiffness of the bearing saddle area to ensure a secure connection of the main bearing cap throughout engine operation thereby ensuring proper crankshaft support and operation. The reinforcing insert is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the lightweight engine block material. The insert includes a lower transverse surface for positioning at a lowermost position in the engine block, an upper surface positioned farthest from the crankshaft, a first and second linear side surfaces for positioning on opposite sides of the crankshaft. The linear sides extend from the lower surface along respective planes in nonparallel relation to each other. The linear sides may extend either in a converging or a diverging manner from the lower surface.