A method and apparatus for surface densification of powder metal annular preforms is described. A forming tool has external helical teeth corresponding to internal helical teeth of the preform. A die correspondingly configured to the external splines of the preform circumferentially surrounds the forming tool. The forming tool, die and lower punch(es) collectively define an aperture dimensioned to receive the preform. Upper punch(es) encase the preform in the aperture. Surface densification of the internal surface of the preform is achieved by movement of the preform axially over the forming tool. External splines of the preform and corresponding die splines direct the preform axially while internal helical teeth and corresponding forming teeth direct the forming tool to rotate as the preform moves. The forming teeth have varying dimensions in the circumferential and radial directions to apply compression and relaxation to densify the surface of the preform helical teeth.

A soft magnetic composite comprising an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material coated with an oxide material. An interface between the ferromagnetic material and the layer of oxide contains antiphase domain boundaries. Two processes for producing a soft magnetic composite are also provided. One process includes depositing an oxide layer onto an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material by molecular beam epitaxy at a partial oxygen pressure of from 1×10.sup.−5 Torr to 1×10.sup.−7 Torr to form a coated composite. The other process includes milling an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material powder and an oxide powder by high-energy milling to form a mixture; compacting the mixture and curing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature from 500° C. to 1200° C. to form a soft magnetic composite.

A soft magnetic composite comprising an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material coated with an oxide material. An interface between the ferromagnetic material and the layer of oxide contains antiphase domain boundaries. Two processes for producing a soft magnetic composite are also provided. One process includes depositing an oxide layer onto an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material by molecular beam epitaxy at a partial oxygen pressure of from 1×10.sup.−5 Torr to 1×10.sup.−7 Torr to form a coated composite. The other process includes milling an iron or iron alloy ferromagnetic material powder and an oxide powder by high-energy milling to form a mixture; compacting the mixture and curing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature from 500° C. to 1200° C. to form a soft magnetic composite.

A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

Articles prepared by additive manufacturing of preforms that are coated by electrodeposition of nanolaminate materials, and methods of their production are described.

Articles prepared by additive manufacturing of preforms that are coated by electrodeposition of nanolaminate materials, and methods of their production are described.

A method for fabrication of a composite component including a first material containing steel 316L and a second material containing zirconia powder formed in a single sintering. The method for fabrication includes: a) forming a first injection molding composition including steel 316L powder and a second injection molding composition including zirconia powder; b) agglomerating via injection molding one of the first and second compositions to form at least a first part of a blank; c) agglomerating by injection molding the other of the first and second materials against the first part of the blank to form at least a second part of the blank; and d) non-consecutively sintering the first and second compositions forming the blank to obtain the composite component formed of steel 316L and zirconia.

A method for fabrication of a composite component including a first material containing steel 316L and a second material containing zirconia powder formed in a single sintering. The method for fabrication includes: a) forming a first injection molding composition including steel 316L powder and a second injection molding composition including zirconia powder; b) agglomerating via injection molding one of the first and second compositions to form at least a first part of a blank; c) agglomerating by injection molding the other of the first and second materials against the first part of the blank to form at least a second part of the blank; and d) non-consecutively sintering the first and second compositions forming the blank to obtain the composite component formed of steel 316L and zirconia.

A method of and system for surface finishing an additive manufactured part. A part having a surface roughness with macroasperities is placed in a chamber with an electrolyte and an electrode. A pulse/pulse reverse power supply is connected to the part rendering it anodic and connected to the electrode rendering it cathodic. The power supply is operated to decrease the surface roughness of the part by applying a first series of waveforms including at least two waveforms where a diffusion layer is maintained at a thickness to produce a macroprofile regime relative to the macroasperities, the first series of waveforms having anodic voltages applied for anodic time periods before cathodic voltages applied for cathodic time periods to effect part surface smoothing to a first surface roughness with minimal material removal and applying a final waveform where the diffusion layer represents a microprofile regime, the final waveform having a final anodic voltage applied for a final anodic time period before a final cathodic voltage applied for a final cathodic time period to effect part surface smoothing to a final surface roughness with minimal material removal.