US Patent 7396380 Method for producing metal foam bodies

The invention relates to a method for producing a metal foam body, according to which a molten material containing gas is prepared and said molten material is left to solidify, thus forming a metal foam body. The aim of the invention is to produce high-quality metal foam bodies with a desired shape, without requiring complex equipment and whilst reducing the safety risk for the operating personnel. To achieve this, the material used is fused under atmospheric pressure and gas is simultaneously and/or subsequently introduced into the molten metal. The latter is then poured into a mold and is left to solidify, whereby the ambient pressure is reduced at least temporarily.