Elmet Applied sciences, a producer of tungsten and molybdenum, has been issued a US patent (No. 12,359,290) titled “Tungsten Heavy Metallic Alloy Powders and Strategies of Forming Them.”
The patented course of leverages superior spray drying and non-compulsory plasma densification methods to supply extremely densified composite particles which can be spherical and flowable. These powder materials are made up primarily of tungsten (90%), with ‘fastidiously managed additions’ of nickel, iron, copper, cobalt or manganese.
Elmet says the fabric construction improves powder mattress uniformity and thermal conductivity throughout sintering, serving to to ship components that boast mechanical energy and precision. For that motive, the corporate suggests the patented course of will bolster its providing to the aerospace and defence industries.
Among the many different key options of the patented course of are the diminished porosity and enhanced circulation fee – as low as 7 seconds/50g by Corridor circulation technique – and superior densification. Plasma-treated particles are mentioned to succeed in as much as 65% of theoretical density, minimising shrinkage and defects through the sintering course of.
“This patent reinforces Elmet Applied sciences’ dedication to supplies innovation,” mentioned Michael T. Stawovy, coinventor and Director of Analysis & Growth at Elmet Applied sciences. “Our strategy enhances the manufacturing of tungsten heavy alloy powders with distinctive flowability and chemical uniformity – options important to reaching repeatable, high-quality components by additive manufacturing.”
The ensuing powders, per Elmet, are well-suited for binder-jet printing and different powder-bed methods and may allow the manufacturing of high-strength components for ‘excessive environments.’
The ensuing powders are well-suited for binder-jet printing and different powder-bed methods, enabling the manufacturing of high-strength tungsten components for excessive environments.