Object with functionally graded transition zone made by layer manufacturing and infiltration

摘要

A method of moulding an object by forming first and second zones of different first and second materials with a transition zone between the two zones using a layer manufacturing process and then infiltrating a third material into the zones. In the transition zone the material composition gradually changes varies from that of the first material adjacent the first zone to that of the second material near the second zone. The transition zone can be made either by using a single supply in which the two materials are continuously mixed together, or by using multiple supplies each of which comprises a different mixture of the two materials. The object can be a matrix bit head, a drill bit or a component of down-hole equipment.