Abstract: Bearing reinforcement for a shaft (3) mounted in bearings in a cast light-metal housing (1, 2) such as an engine block or a gearbox housing, in which an insert (5) that forms a bearing seat for the shaft (3) is made of an MMC material, i.e. a metal matrix composite, and in which the base material of the MMC material consists of the same metal as the metal that comprises the principal component in the light-metal housing, wherein the MMC material of the insert (5) is reinforced with 10-70% ceramic material by volume in the form of particles or fibers. The invention also describes a method for fabricating inserts (5) in which they are formed into a bar having the same cross-section as the radial cross-section of the insert, whereupon separate inserts are cross-cut from the bar by means of high-speed machining or water cutting.

Abstract: A component made from a material of metal matrix composite, a so-called MMC material, is manufactured by High Speed Machining, so-called HSM machining, of a workpiece or blank of MMC material to provide a predetermined shape. HSM machining is characterized in that the cutting tool operates at a very high speed in relation to the machined work piece, especially as compared to what is normally the case when using conventional machining techniques.