Abstract:
Described herein are methods of constructing a part having improved properties using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer. In accordance with certain aspects, a layer of metallic glass-forming powder is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a surface layer (i.e. layer below) by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. In certain embodiments, one or more sections or layers of non-metallic glass-forming material can be included as needed to form a composite final part. In certain aspects, the metallic glass-forming powder may be crystalized during depositing and fusing, or may be recrystallized during subsequent processing to provide selectively crystalized sections or layers, e.g., to impart desired functionality. In other aspects, non-metallic glass-forming materials may be deposited and fused at selected positions, e.g., to provide selective shear banding to impart improved ductile properties and plasticity. In yet other aspects, the metallic glass-forming powder or metallic glass material and non-metallic glass-forming material are deposited and fused to form a foam-like, bellow or similar structure, which is able to crumple under high stress to absorb energy under impact.
Abstract:
Described herein are methods of constructing a three-dimensional part using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer, as well as metallic glass-forming materials designed for use therewith. In certain embodiments, a layer of metallic glass-forming powder or a sheet of metallic glass material is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a layer below by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. One or more sections or layers of non-metallic glass material can be included as needed to form composite parts. In one embodiment, the metallic glass-forming powder is a homogenous atomized powder. In another embodiment, the metallic glass-forming powder is formed by melting a metallic glass alloy to an over-heat threshold temperature substantially above the Tliquidus of the alloy, and quenching the melt at a high cooling rate such that the cooling material is kept substantially amorphous during cooling to form the metallic glass. In various embodiments, the melt is atomized during cooling to form the metallic glass-forming powder.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
Abstract:
The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, processes for testing for structural flaws in sapphire parts such as display cover plates used in the manufacturing of electronic devices are disclosed. A process may include transmitting a destructive acoustic signal onto a sapphire part, and determining whether the sapphire part failed in response to the destructive signal. The destructive acoustic signal may include a Rayleigh acoustic wave, wherein the destructive acoustic signal breaks the sapphire part if the sapphire part has a surface flaw larger than a specified size. In this manner, only sapphire parts that can withstand the destructive acoustic signal are used in manufacturing of the electronic device.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
Abstract:
This application relates to a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes an enclosure having a metal oxide coating, the metal oxide coating including a metal alloy substrate that is doped with a dopant, and a metal oxide layer overlaying and formed from the metal alloy substrate so that the metal oxide layer includes the dopant.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a housing of an electronic device includes applying a mask to a portion of a ceramic green body to define a masked portion and an unmasked portion, applying a pigment to the ceramic green body to color the unmasked portion, and sintering the ceramic green body to remove the mask and form a ceramic housing. The ceramic housing may comprise a first portion corresponding to the masked portion and having a first color, and a second portion corresponding to the unmasked portion and having a second color different from the first color.
Abstract:
Methods of forming a bulk metallic glass disclosed. The methods include packing a metallic glass-forming alloy powder to form a green body; heating the green body to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the metallic glass-forming alloy to form a heated green body; and cooling the heated green body to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the metallic glass-forming alloy to form the bulk metallic glass. The methods of forming a bulk metallic glass also include packing one or more layers of an amorphous foil to form a green body; heating the green body to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the metallic glass-forming alloy to form a heated green body; and cooling the heated green body to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the metallic glass-forming alloy to form the bulk metallic glass.