CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY

Description

Class B22 covers manufacturing processes for creating metal and alloy components through casting and powder metallurgy techniques. Casting encompasses melting metals, forming them in molds, and solidifying them into desired shapes, including sand casting, die casting, investment casting, and continuous casting methods. Powder metallurgy involves compacting metal powders and sintering them to produce finished or semi-finished parts, enabling manufacture of complex geometries and composite materials with controlled properties. This class includes foundry equipment, mold preparation, heat treatment during casting, powder production, consolidation processes, and quality control methods specific to these manufacturing routes.

Filing statistics

IPC B22 recorded 345,197 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 19,520 in 2013 to 36,522 in 2023 (+87%), peaking at 40,139 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B22 are GE (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY) (1,719 applications), CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (1,489 applications) and POSCO (POHANG IRON AND STEEL COMPANY) (1,248 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings