Abstract: A method of making a casting reinforced with a reinforcement insert, such as a fiber reinforced metal matrix composite insert or intermetallic insert therein, wherein a preformed fiber reinforced metal matrix composite reinforcement insert is clad or covered with a material that is effective to avoid the aforementioned adverse reactions between the insert/melt and any exposed insert fibers/matrix, the clad insert is suspended in the mold cavity, a melt is introduced into the mold cavity about the clad insert, and the melt is solidified about the clad insert to provide a casting of the solidified melt having the clad insert disposed therein to reinforce the casting.

Abstract: A preformed fiber reinforced metal matrix composite reinforcement insert is clad or covered with a material that is effective to avoid the adverse reactions between the insert/melt and any exposed insert fibers/matrix. The clad insert is suspended in the mold cavity and a melt is introduced into the mold cavity about the clad insert. The melt is solidified about the clad insert to provide a casting of the solidified melt having the clad insert disposed therein to reinforce the casting.

Abstract: Aluminum-lithium alloy and method of investment casting an aluminum-lithium alloy including the steps of providing an aluminum-lithium alloy melt having a composition consisting essentially of about 2.0 to about 2.8 w/o lithium, about 1.2 to about 1.8 w/o copper provided that the combined lithium and copper content does not exceed 4.0 w/o, about 0.8 to about 1.0 w/o magnesium, the balance essentially aluminum, adding an effective amount of a grain refining agent to the aluminum-lithium alloy melt investment casting the melt, solution heat treating the aluminum-lithium alloy investment casting for up to 30 hours at continuously increasing temperatures to within approximately 30.degree. to 40.degree. F. of the solidus temperature of said aluminum-lithium alloy, and aging the aluminum-lithium alloy investment casting at a temperature and for a time sufficient to optimize the .delta.' precipitate size.

Abstract: A method for producing precision shapes which includes the consolidation of powder metal preforms into a shaped porous preform. A first coating is applied to the preform, this first coating being porous while providing a diffusion barrier. A second coating which is also initially porous is then applied and the coated preform can then be degasified by subjecting the preform to a vacuum, particularly at elevated temperatures. The coated preform is then heated under vacuum to a temperature such that the second coating is densified to the extent that it becomes non-porous. Finally, the preform is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing operation whereby formation of high integrity, fully dense metal shape results.

Abstract: A method for consolidating powder metal preforms and for thereby producing high performance metal shapes from powder particles. The powder particles are consolidated into a shaped porous preform, and a coating is then applied to the resulting preform. The coating is initially porous whereby the coated preform can be degasified by subjecting the preform to a vacuum, particularly at elevated temperatures. The coated preform is then heated under vacuum to a temperature such that the coating is densified to the extent that it becomes non-porous. The coated preform is then subjected to a hot isostatic pressing operation whereby formation of a high integrity, fully dense metal shape results.