Additive manufacturing is a relatively recent manufacturing method which has become a key area of interest in multiple industrial sectors.
Deriving from CAD models the process can be used to create solid yet highly complex parts and pushes towards a tool-less manufacturing environment meaning improved quality and better efficiency in many cases. Continue reading
Category Archives: Composites
Cu-MgO Composites
Metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles can be interesting for a range of applications due to their strength performance at high temperatures and a relatively low thermal expansion potential.
Manufacturing of Cu-MgO composites critically requires that the raw materials have a very high level of purity (99.5-99.9%) to achieve the desired manufacturing results. Continue reading
Iron Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS): Part One
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is a sintering technique which is well matched to mechanically milled materials such as tool steels due to its low temperature and short cycle time.
Tool steels have been specifically manufactured to exhibit exceptionally high strain hardening, a characteristic which can be undone by high temperature sintering processes such as hot isostatic pressing. Continue reading
Cast Metal-Matrix Composites
Metal-Matrix Composites (MMCs) are engineered combinations of two or more materials (one of which is a metal) in which tailored properties are achieved by systematic combinations of different constituents. Conventional monolithic materials have limitations in terms of achievable combinations of strength, stiffness, coefficient of expansion, and density.