Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforcement body which is to be incorporated into a metal matrix in a fabrication technique based on a molten metal infiltration process for producing a metal matrix composite material are disclosed herein. The apparatus of the invention comprises means for supporting the chill members in longitudinally spaced relation to each other, means for forming uniformly distributed windings of the yarn on each of the chills, and means for forming similar windings of the yarn around, and extending between the chills in a way so as to connect them together.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforcement body which is to be incorporated into a metal matrix in a fabrication technique based on a molten metal infiltration process for producing a metal matrix composite material are disclosed herein. The method according to the invention comprises preparing at least two metal insert chills each having the shape of a spool or reel, forming windings of a yarn of reinforcing fibers on each of the two chills, and forming windings of the yarn around, and extending between the two chill members so as to connect them together. The apparatus of the invention comprises means for supporting the chill members in longitudinally spaced relation to each other, means for forming uniformly distributed windings of the yarn on each of the chills, and means for forming similar windings of the yarn around, and extending between the chills in a way so as to connect them together.

Abstract: A pump member for molten metal manufactured from a sintered mass including aluminium nitride as a major component and 0.1 to 10% by weight of at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of Group IIIA elements of the Periodic Table.