Abstract:
Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.
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:
Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming a connection mechanism in or on a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy by casting in or on, or forming with the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy, a machinable metal. The connection mechanism can be formed by machining the machinable metal.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a bulk metallic glasses (BMG) comprising 0.0001 wt % to 0.7 wt % of Be, 0.0001 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Be, or 0.06 wt % to 0.08 wt % of Be. Be may have the effect of reducing a liquidus temperature of the BMG relative to melting temperatures of individual alloying elements of the BMG.
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:
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:
Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point.
Abstract:
Provided in one embodiment is a method of making use of foams as a processing aid or to improve the properties of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials. Other embodiments include the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy/foam composite materials made in accordance with the methods.
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:
Provided in one embodiment is a method of making use of foams as a processing aid or to improve the properties of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials. Other embodiments include the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy/foam composite materials made in accordance with the methods.