Importance

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Abstract

A method of manufacturing an article by diffusion bonding at least two metal components (30,36) comprises assembling the metal components (30,36) into a stack relative to each other so that the surfaces (34,40) are in mating contact. The edges of the metal components (30,36) are sealed together, except for an aperture (49) where a pipe (50) is to be connected. A connector (51) has a first end (52) and a second end (53). The first end (52) has a smaller diameter than the second end (53) and a bore (54) extends through the connector (51) from the first end (52) to the second end (53). The second end (53) of the connector (51) is joined (57) to the stack. The pipe (50) is joined (58) to the first end (52) of the connector (51). The interior of the sealed assembly is evacuated via the pipe (50) and the pipe is sealed. Heat and pressure are applied to diffusion bond the metal components (30,36) together to form an integral structure. The connector (51) reduces the possibility of failure of the pipe (50) and/or seal (57) during diffusion bonding.

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First Claim