The present invention provides a metal foam production method that enables a foaming process to be performed at low cost and enables controlling of the shape of metal foam. According to the present invention, a mold that transmits light and a precursor prepared by mixing a metal with a foaming agent are used, and a metal foam is produced by irradiating the precursor with a light transmitted through the mold to thereby heat and foam the precursor so as to obtain a metal foam, while controlling the shape of the metal foam by the mold.

A method for producing a structural component having a foam structure formed by foaming a foamable material, includes the following steps: additively building a receiving component that reproduces the outer geometry of the structural component to be produced at least in some sections, in particular completely, and having a receiving space for receiving foamable material; introducing at least one foamable material into the receiving space of the receiving component; and carrying out at least one measure for foaming the foamable material introduced into the receiving space of the receiving component so as to form the foam structure.

The invention relates to a method for producing a metal foam of at least one first metal that contains the main constituent Mg, Al, Pb, Au, Zn, Ti or Fe in a quantity of at least approximately 80 wt. % in relation to the quantity of the at least one first metal, said method comprising the following steps: (I) providing a semi-finished product comprising a foamable mixture that comprises the at least one first metal and at least one foaming agent, (II) submerging the semi-finished product in a heatable bath comprising a liquid, and (III) heating the semi-finished product in the bath in order to foam the foamable mixture by removing gas from the at least one foaming agent for forming the metal foam. The invention also relates to a metal foam, to a composite material that can be obtained by the method, and to a component comprising the metal foam and/or the composite material.

The invention relates to a method for producing a semi-finished product comprising a foamable core comprising a foamable mixture that comprises at least one first metal having an aluminum content of at least approximately 80 wt. %, in relation to the quantity of the at least one first metal, and at least one foaming agent, wherein a layer of at least one second metal in the form of a non-foamable solid material and with an aluminum content of at least approximately 80 wt. %, in relation to the quantity of the at least one second metal, is respectively applied to at least one first and second surface of the core. The invention also relates to a corresponding semi-finished product and to the use of such a semi-finished product for foaming a metal.

A method of making a light weight component is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a metallic foam core into a desired configuration; and applying an external metallic shell to an exterior surface of the metallic foam core after it has been formed into the desired configuration.

Particular aspects provide novel devices for bone tissue engineering, comprising a metal or metal-based composite member/material comprising an interior macroporous structure in which porosity may vary from 0-90% (v), the member comprising a surface region having a surface pore size, porosity, and composition designed to encourage cell growth and adhesion thereon, to provide a device suitable for bone tissue engineering in a recipient subject. In certain aspects, the device further comprises a gradient of pore size, porosity, and material composition extending from the surface region throughout the interior of the device, wherein the gradient transition is continuous, discontinuous or seamless and the growth of cells extending from the surface region inward is promoted.

Particular aspects provide novel devices for bone tissue engineering, comprising a metal or metal-based composite member/material comprising an interior macroporous structure in which porosity may vary from 0-90% (v), the member comprising a surface region having a surface pore size, porosity, and composition designed to encourage cell growth and adhesion thereon, to provide a device suitable for bone tissue engineering in a recipient subject. In certain aspects, the device further comprises a gradient of pore size, porosity, and material composition extending from the surface region throughout the interior of the device, wherein the gradient transition is continuous, discontinuous or seamless and the growth of cells extending from the surface region inward is promoted.

The present application provides a method for preparing a heat pipe. The present application can provide a method for preparing a heat pipe exhibiting excellent heat dissipation characteristics and durability even when formed to a thin thickness as necessary.

The present application relates to a method for preparing a metal foam. The present application can provide a method capable of preparing a metal foam which is thin and has suitable porosity and pore sizes by a simple and efficient process.

A method of making a light weight housing for an internal component is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a first metallic foam core into a desired configuration; forming a second metallic foam core into a desired configuration; inserting an internal component into the first metallic foam core; placing the second metallic foam core adjacent to the first metallic core in order to secure the internal component between the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core; applying an external metallic shell to an exterior surface of the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core; and securing an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting to the housing, wherein a thermal management fluid path for the internal component into and out of the housing is provided by the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting.