A double-layer sliding bearing comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. An inner periphery of the outer layer is integrated with an outer periphery of the inner layer through moulds for molding processes. A circular bearing surface is formed on either an inner periphery of the inner layer or an outer periphery of the outer layer. A layer having the bearing surface is arranged by a porous thin-wall layer with high forming density. The other layer not having the bearing surface is arranged by a porous thick-wall layer with low forming density.

In some examples, an additive manufacturing technique for forming a vacuum insulator. For example, a method including forming an article including a first layer, a second layer, and at least one support member extending between the first and second layer by depositing a filament via a filament delivery device, wherein the filament includes a sacrificial binder and a powder, and wherein the first layer, second layer, and at least one support member define an open cavity within the article; removing the binder; and sintering the article to form the vacuum insulator, wherein the vacuum insulator defines a vacuum environment in the cavity.

In some examples, an additive manufacturing technique for forming a vacuum insulator. For example, a method including forming an article including a first layer, a second layer, and at least one support member extending between the first and second layer by depositing a filament via a filament delivery device, wherein the filament includes a sacrificial binder and a powder, and wherein the first layer, second layer, and at least one support member define an open cavity within the article; removing the binder; and sintering the article to form the vacuum insulator, wherein the vacuum insulator defines a vacuum environment in the cavity.

The present invention may comprise processes, methods, and systems for powder processing aimed at and characterized in reduction of adsorbed gases, vapors, particulates, and moisture through high-temperature vacuum out-gassing by disintegrating the powder bulk or flow into separate particles. Heat may be transferred to powder particles in vacuum by multiple interactions during intimate contact with heated metal balls within a tube or other container.

The present invention may comprise processes, methods, and systems for powder processing aimed at and characterized in reduction of adsorbed gases, vapors, particulates, and moisture through high-temperature vacuum out-gassing by disintegrating the powder bulk or flow into separate particles. Heat may be transferred to powder particles in vacuum by multiple interactions during intimate contact with heated metal balls within a tube or other container.

A dissimilar material joined three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is shaped using a three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus. The three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes a material supplier that supplies materials of a three-dimensional laminated and shaped object to a shaping surface, an irradiator that irradiates the materials with a light beam, and a controller that controls the material supplier. The three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is a joined member obtained by joining dissimilar materials. The controller controls the material supplier to form a graded composition of the materials in a boundary region between the dissimilar materials of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object.

A dissimilar material joined three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is shaped using a three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus. The three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes a material supplier that supplies materials of a three-dimensional laminated and shaped object to a shaping surface, an irradiator that irradiates the materials with a light beam, and a controller that controls the material supplier. The three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is a joined member obtained by joining dissimilar materials. The controller controls the material supplier to form a graded composition of the materials in a boundary region between the dissimilar materials of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object.

A furnace isolation chamber for containing a component to be Hot Isostatically Pressed is disclosed. The disclosed furnace includes inherent passive features to assist in the containment of released toxic gases via a thermal gradient within the chamber. The chamber comprises longitudinally cylindrical sidewalls; a top end extending between and permanently connected to the sidewalls, thereby closing one end of the chamber; and a movable bottom end, which is opposite the top end and forms a base end of the chamber. The movable bottom end is adapted to receive the component, and comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the component into the high temperature zone of the furnace in the HIP system. The isolation chamber forms an integral part of the HIP system with the base end of the chamber comprising a cool zone as a result of being located outside of the high temperature zone of the furnace.

A furnace isolation chamber for containing a component to be Hot Isostatically Pressed is disclosed. The disclosed furnace includes inherent passive features to assist in the containment of released toxic gases via a thermal gradient within the chamber. The chamber comprises longitudinally cylindrical sidewalls; a top end extending between and permanently connected to the sidewalls, thereby closing one end of the chamber; and a movable bottom end, which is opposite the top end and forms a base end of the chamber. The movable bottom end is adapted to receive the component, and comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the component into the high temperature zone of the furnace in the HIP system. The isolation chamber forms an integral part of the HIP system with the base end of the chamber comprising a cool zone as a result of being located outside of the high temperature zone of the furnace.

A gear includes a sintered body, in which Fe is contained as a principal component, Ni is contained in a proportion of 2 mass % or more and 20 mass % or less, Si is contained in a proportion of 0.3 mass % or more and 5.0 mass % or less, C is contained in a proportion of 0.005 mass % or more and 0.3 mass % or less, and one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Y, Zr, Nb, Hf, and Ta is defined as a first element, that is contained in a proportion of 0.01 mass % or more and 0.7 mass % or less.