Abstract:
Disclosed are systems and methods for mechanically reducing an amount of the skull material in a finished, molded part formed from amorphous alloy using an injection molding system. Skull material of molten amorphous alloy can be captured in a trap before molding such material. A cavity can be provided in the injection molding system to trap the skull material. For example, the cavity can be provided in the mold, the tip of the plunger rod, or in the transfer sleeve. Alternatively, mixing of molten amorphous alloy can be induced so that skull material is reduced before molding. A plunger and/or its tip can be used to induce mixing (e.g., systematic movement of plunger rod, or a shape of its tip). By minimizing the amount of skull material in the finished, molded part, the quality of the part is increased.
Abstract:
Described herein is a feedstock including a core comprising BMG and a sheath attached the core. The sheath has a different physical property, a different chemical property or both from the core. Alternatively, the feedstock can include a sheath that encloses one or more core comprising BMG. The feedstock can be manufactured by attaching the sheath to the core, shot peening the core, etching the core, ion implanting the core, or applying a coating to the core, etc. The feedstock can be used to make a part by injection molding. The sheath can be used to adjust the composition of the core to reach the composition of the part.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an induction shield configured to substantially reduce emissions emitted from an induction heat source (e.g., coil) during use. The shield is positioned adjacent to a vessel (e.g., in an injection system) having a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an induction heat source positioned adjacent the vessel configured to melt the meltable material received in the melting portion of the vessel. The shield may include a tube configuration configured to flow liquid therein to absorb heat emitted from the heat source. The tube configuration can comprise a single tube or multiple tubes. The shield can be positioned adjacent the induction source in a helical manner, for example, or at ends of the vessel. The shield can be used during melting of amorphous alloy and for forming a part.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding.
Abstract:
Described herein is a device comprising a crucible, a movable base and a heater; wherein the heater is configured to melt BMG to form molten BMG feedstock in the crucible; wherein the movable base configured to slide along a length of the crucible; wherein the movable base and the crucible are configured to hold the molten BMG feedstock.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
Abstract:
Described herein is a feedstock including a core comprising BMG and a sheath attached the core. The sheath has a different physical property, a different chemical property or both from the core. Alternatively, the feedstock can include a sheath that encloses one or more core comprising BMG. The feedstock can be manufactured by attaching the sheath to the core, shot peening the core, etching the core, ion implanting the core, or applying a coating to the core, etc. The feedstock can be used to make a part by injection molding. The sheath can be used to adjust the composition of the core to reach the composition of the part.