Abstract: An alloy is disclosed comprising up to 0.05 weight percent carbon, 27.0 to 31.0 weight percent chromium, up to 0.5 weight percent copper, 7.0 to 11.0 weight percent iron, up to 0.5 weight percent manganese, up to 0.015 weight percent sulfur, up to 0.5 weight percent silicon, at least 58 weight percent nickel, and incidental impurities, wherein the alloy exhibits an ASTM grain size of 3.0 to 9.0, exhibits a uniform grain size distribution, includes intergranular M23C6 carbide precipitates uniformly distributed on grain boundaries, and includes minimal or no intragranular M23C6 carbide precipitates. Articles of manufacture including the alloy also are described.

Abstract: A method of processing a metal alloy includes heating to a temperature in a working temperature range from a recrystallization temperature of the metal alloy to a temperature less than an incipient melting temperature of the metal alloy, and working the alloy. At least a surface region is heated to a temperature in the working temperature range. The surface region is maintained within the working temperature range for a period of time to recrystallize the surface region of the metal alloy, and the alloy is cooled so as to minimize grain growth. In embodiments including superaustenitic and austenitic stainless steel alloys, process temperatures and times are selected to avoid precipitation of deleterious intermetallic sigma-phase. A hot worked superaustenitic stainless steel alloy having equiaxed grains throughout the alloy is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of manufacturing a near-net shaped hollow shaft useful for high power applications such as gearboxes for wind energy industry. The method involves providing a concast bloom (of a round or rectangular or of any polygonal cross section) or an as-cast round ingot from which a hollow perform is prepared using hollow die punching, followed by process of heat treatment, proof-machining and stress relieving.

Abstract: Guide wire devices and other intra-corporal medical devices fabricated from a Ni—Ti—Nb alloy and methods for their manufacture. The Ni—Ti alloy includes nickel, titanium, and niobium either up to its solubility limit in Ni—Ti, or in amounts over 15 atomic percent so as to provide a dual phase alloy. In either case, the Ni—Ti—Nb alloy provides increased stiffness to provide better torque response, steerability, stent scaffolding strength, and similar properties associated with increased stiffness, while still providing super-elastic or linear pseudo-elastic properties.

Abstract: A method of forging includes a first forging action that changes the shape of a metallic alloy work piece. A second forging action further changes the shape of the metallic alloy work piece after the first forging action. A heat treatment step is conducted after the first forging action and prior to the second forging action. The heat treatment step includes subjecting the metallic alloy work piece to a heat treatment temperature that alters the microstructure of the metallic alloy work piece without the application of a forging action that changes the shape of the metallic alloy work piece.

Abstract: A thermo-mechanical treatment process is disclosed. A nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a first heating step to a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked in a first working step to a reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature when the first working step begins. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a second working step to a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.) and less than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is not permitted to cool to ambient temperature between completion of the first working step and the beginning of the second heating step. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked to a second reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.

Abstract: A thermo-mechanical treatment process is disclosed. A nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a first heating step to a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked in a first working step to a reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature when the first working step begins. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a second working step to a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.) and less than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is not permitted to cool to ambient temperature between completion of the first working step and the beginning of the second heating step. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked to a second reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant waste-water disposal or chemical injection screen is fabricated from extruded, double cold pilgered N06625 or N07716 nickel alloy in a standard oilfield tubular length. After providing each end with a premium thread for a box and a pin end, and slotting the body of the well screen with slits no wider than 0.015 inches and no longer than 2.5 inches, the well screen is ready for deployment in a well. Other types of oilfield tubulars in standard OCTG lengths could be fabricated in the manner described herein.

Abstract: A nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy comprises nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, boron at a concentration of up to about 0.1 at. %, with the balance of the alloy being titanium. In addition to enhanced radiopacity compared to binary Ni—Ti alloys and improved workability, the Ni—Ti-RE alloy preferably exhibits superelastic behavior. A method of processing a Ni—Ti-RE alloy includes providing a nickel-titanium-rare earth alloy comprising nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, the balance being titanium; heating the alloy in a homogenization temperature range below a critical temperature; and forming spheroids of a rare earth-rich second phase in the alloy while in the homogenization temperature range.

Abstract: A nickel-based semi-finished product, for making a high-temperature superconductor, embodied in the form of a strip or flat wire is produced and used as a base for physical-chemical coatings provided with a high-quality intense microstructural orientation. The semi-finished product has an improved granular structure provided with a stable cube texture. A fusion or powder metallurgy process including mechanical alloys makes a semi-finished product including a technically pure Ni or Ni alloy containing an Ag additive in a specified microalloy range. The product is shaped as a strip or flat wire by hot- and cold forming processes with a thickness reduction >50% The product is softened by annealing at 500 to 850° C. and is subsequently quenched. Afterwards, the product is exposed to the 80% cold shaping. A recrystallization annealing treatment is carried out to obtain an entire cubic texture.

Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy tube is protected from damage during drawing, caused by galling-type interaction between the tube and high-carbon dies, by forming an oxide surface layer. This invention protects the tube internal diameter from oxidation while allowing the tube outside diameter to be oxidized, by using an oxygen getter located within the tube during the oxidation step. The method yields a higher quality internal diameter and improves productivity.

Abstract: A method of forging includes a first forging action that changes the shape of a metallic alloy work piece. A second forging action further changes the shape of the metallic alloy work piece after the first forging action. A heat treatment step is conducted after the first forging action and prior to the second forging action. The heat treatment step includes subjecting the metallic alloy work piece to a heat treatment temperature that alters the microstructure of the metallic alloy work piece without the application of a forging action that changes the shape of the metallic alloy work piece.

Abstract: A thermo-mechanical treatment process is disclosed. A nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a first heating step to a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked in a first working step to a reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature when the first working step begins. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is heated in a second working step to a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.) and less than the M23C6 carbide solvus temperature of the nickel-base alloy. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is not permitted to cool to ambient temperature between completion of the first working step and the beginning of the second heating step. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is worked to a second reduction in area of 20% to 70%. The nickel-base alloy workpiece is at a temperature greater than 1700° F. (926° C.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating components to have two or more regions with different grain structures, and components produced by such processes. The processes entail performing at least one forging step on a preform to produce a profile having at least a first portion corresponding to the first region of the component. The preform is formed of a precipitation-strengthened alloy having a solvus temperature, and the at least one forging step comprises a nonfinal forging step performed at a first strain rate and at a first subsolvus temperature that is below the solvus temperature of the alloy. A subsequent forging step is performed on the profile to produce a final profile comprising the first portion and a second portion corresponding to the second region of the component.

Abstract: A method of fabricating Inconel 718 type nickel superalloys. A last forging operation to which the nickel superalloy is subjected is such: that it takes place at a temperature lower than the ?-solvus temperature; that at all points of the nickel superalloy the local deformation ratio is not less than a minimum value; and that the nickel superalloy is not subjected to any heat treatment at a temperature higher than a threshold temperature equal to 750° C. after a quenching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural material having enhanced ductility characteristics at high temperatures and enhanced strength characteristics. The present invention provides an Ni3(Si, Ti)-based intermetallic compound characterized by containing from 25 to 500 ppm by weight of B with respect to a weight of an intermetallic compound having a composition of 100% by atom in total consisting of Ni as a main component, from 7.5 to 12.5% by atom of Si, from 4.5 to 11.5% by atom of Ti and from 0.5 to 5.0% by atom of W.

Abstract: An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axle bearing having excellent life under high temperature. The present invention provides a high-temperature axle bearing made of an Ni3(Si, Ti)-based intermetallic compound alloy, wherein the Ni3(Si, Ti)-based intermetallic compound alloy contains from 25 to 500 ppm by weight of B with respect to a total weight of a composition of 100 at. % containing Ni as a major component, from 7.5 to 12.5 at. % of Si, from 4.5 to 10.5 at. % of Ti, from 0 to 3 at. % of Nb, and from 0 to 3 at. % of Cr, and has a Vickers hardness from 210 to 280 at 800° C.

Abstract: A method of making a self-expanding stent includes disposing a stent comprising a shape memory alloy about an inflatable body, and applying a coolant to a surface of the stent. The inflatable body is inflated to radially expand the stent to an expanded diameter from an initial diameter, and the coolant is reapplied to the surface of the stent. The inflatable body is deflated, and the stent is positioned about a mandrel sized to accommodate the expanded diameter of the stent, where the stent reaches a mandrel-defined diameter. The stent is heat set at the mandrel-defined diameter so as to impart a memory of an expanded configuration of the stent to the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A metal gasket formed from a suitable iron-nickel chromium alloy includes at least one embossment that exhibits essentially full functional recovery at temperatures exceeding 1000° F. and including in the range of 1100° F. to 1600° F. or more and which is made from sheet material that is work hardened and strengthened by cold rolling, or a combination of cold rolling and precipitation hardening, without any post embossment heat treating that would act to further harden the material. Suitable iron-nickel-chromium alloys include those comprising, by weight, greater than 18% nickel; greater than 14% chrome and 0.1-10% of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ti, V, Al, Co, Nb, Ta and Cu, with the balance being substantially Fe, wherein the gasket sheet alloy has a deformed microstructure.

Abstract: A method of making articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve non-recoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant waste-water disposal or chemical injection screen is fabricated from extruded, double cold pilgered N06625 or N07716 nickel alloy in a standard oilfield tubular length. After providing each end with a premium thread for a box and a pin end, and slotting the body of the well screen with slits no wider than 0.015 inches and no longer than 2.5 inches, the well screen is ready for deployment in a well. Other types of oilfield tubulars in standard OCTG lengths could be fabricated in the manner described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides alloys having an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 60° F. to 80° F. The alloys have coefficient of thermal expansion no greater than 0.35×10?6° F.?1 in the range of 60° F. to 80° F. Methods of making such alloys also are provided, as well articles of manufacture including such alloys and methods of making such articles.

Abstract: The invention includes a turbine cover bucket of an alloy including carbon at less than approximately 0.04 weight percent, manganese at approximately 0.0-0.2 weight percent, silicon at approximately 0.0-0.25 weight percent, phosphorus at approximately 0.0-0.015 weight percent, sulfur at approximately 0.0-0.015 weight percent, chromium from approximately 20.0-23.0 weight percent, molybdenum from approximately 8.5-9.5 weight percent, niobium from approximately 3.25-4 weight percent, tantalum at approximately 0.0-0.05 weight percent, titanium from approximately 0.2-0.4 weight percent, aluminum from approximately 0.15-0.3 weight percent, iron from approximately 3.0-4.5 weight percent, and the remainder being nickel. The alloy is heat treated at 538° C. to 760° C. for up to 100 hours. A method of manufacturing the turbine bucket cover is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for crimping a medical device, such as a stent, wherein the medical device is formed of a superelastic alloy. A method for crimping a medical device includes cooling the stent until the alloy becomes martensitic, allowing the stent to warm after cooling, crimping the stent with a crimping apparatus.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a dental instrument having a desired machined configuration, without twisting the instrument. A blank of superelastic material is brought to an annealed state comprising a phase structure including a rhombohedral phase alone or in combination with austenite and/or martensite, or a combination of martensite and austenite. In this annealed state, a portion of the annealed material is removed at low temperature, for example less than about 100° C., and advantageously at ambient temperature, to form a final machined configuration for the instrument. The instrument is then heat treated and rapidly quenched to a superelastic condition.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of cellular gamma prime in nickel-based superalloys comprises the steps of: casting a nickel-based superalloy into a desired article; subjecting the cast article to hot isostatic pressing at a temperature in excess of 2000° F. at a pressure greater than 15,000 psi to close internal pores in the cast article; and avoiding any formation of the cellular gamma prime in the cast article.

Abstract: A manganese alloy sputtering target characterized in that oxygen is 1000 ppm or less, sulfur is 200 ppm or less and a forged texture is provided, and a method for producing a forged manganese alloy target stably by eliminating the drawbacks of manganese alloy that it is susceptible to cracking and has a low rupture strength. A manganese alloy sputtering target which can form a thin film exhibiting high characteristics and high corrosion resistance while suppressing generation of nodules or particles is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A method of treating Nitinol to train the structure thereof to remain in the martensite state, including the steps of subjecting the Nitinol to a strain and while subjected to the strain, thermally cycling the Nitinol between a cold bath of about 0° C. to 10° C. and a hot bath of about 100° C. to 180° C. for a minimum of about five cycles.

Abstract: Provided is high purity nickel or nickel alloy target for Magnetron sputtering having superior sputtering film uniformity and in which the magnetic permeability of the target is 100 or more, and this high purity nickel or a nickel alloy target for magnetron sputtering capable of achieving a favorable film uniformity (evenness of film thickness) and superior plasma ignition (firing) even during the manufacturing process employing a 300 mm wafer. The present invention also provides the manufacturing method of such high purity nickel or nickel alloy target.

Abstract: A high fatigue life superelastic nickel-titanium (nitinol) wire, ribbon, sheet, tubing, or the like is disclosed. The nitinol has a 54.5 to 57.0 weight percent nickel with a balance of titanium composition and has less than 30 percent cold work as a final step after a full anneal and before shape setting heat treatment. Through a rotational beam fatigue test, fatigue life improvement of 37 percent has been observed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing and using a nickel-based semi-finished product embodied in the form of a strip or flat wire. The aim of the invention is to develop a method for producing a nickel-based semi-finished product which exhibits improved performance characteristics for the use in the form of a base for physical-chemical coatings provided with a high-quality intense microstructural orientation. The semi-finished product should have an improved granular structure provided with a stable cube texture.

Abstract: A method (112) of loading an expandable medical device in a low vapor environment. The method includes placing the device in a loading chamber (114) at, for example, room temperature and removing (116) from the chamber any undesirable contaminants such as water vapor that can form condensation on the device when the device is cooled for compression into a transfer tube or delivery catheter. The temperature in the chamber is lowered (118) to a temperature below the transition temperature (martensitic finish) of the device. The device is compressed (120) below its' transition temperature and loaded (122) into a delivery or transfer device.

Abstract: A method for producing metallic strips having a high-grade cube texture based on nickel, copper, aluminum, silver or alloys of these metals including austenitic iron-nickel alloys makes it possible to obtain, during a subsequent annealing process and with lower total degrees of forming, a recrystallization cube layer of a quality equal to that of one obtained using customary roll forming and produces a better quality cube texture with comparable total degrees of forming. To this end, a forming method is provided during which the materials are formed by cold drawing before their recrystallization annealing thereby rendering them high-grade. The tools used for this include: a) non-driven roll devices with an axially parallel flat pair of rolls or turk's head arrangements with two pairs of rolls or; b) fixed drawing jaws that are slanted toward one another. The strips produced according to the invention can be used, for example, as a coating support for producing strip-shaped high-temperature superconductors.

Abstract: A method of heat treating a turbine rotor disk to obtain different radial properties at different locations in the rotor disk includes a) heating the rotor disk for a period of from 4 to 10 hours at a temperature of 1800° F.; b) cooling the rotor disk to a temperature of about 1550° F.; c) holding the rotor disk at about 1550° F. for a period of from about 2 to about 4 hours; d) cooling the rotor disk to room temperature; e) precipitation aging the rotor disk by heating the rotor disk to temperature of 1325° F. for 8 hours, holding it at 1150° F. for 8 hours, and f) cooling the rotor disk.

Abstract: A plurality of gas turbine components or other articles are manufactured from a plurality of metallic-alloy workpieces using a manufacturing apparatus having a metalworking apparatus, and an annealing apparatus wherein the individual workpieces are annealed by single-workpiece annealing and not by large-batch annealing. A workpiece flow of the plurality of workpieces is established sequentially through the metalworking apparatus and the annealing apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating superalloy metal powder from contaminants, such as process-produced contaminants, by enhancing the magnetic properties thereof in a carburizing atmosphere followed by magnetic separation of the contaminants from the superalloy metal powder to thereby enhance the concentration of the contaminants. Heating or mechanical agitation or both are employed to resist agglomeration of the metal powder before magnetic separation thereof from the contaminants. Certain preferred times and temperatures are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating superalloy metal powder from contaminants, such as process-produced contaminants, by enhancing the magnetic properties thereof, such as by oxidizing or leaching of chromium, for example, followed by magnetic separation of the contaminants from the superalloy metal powder to thereby enhance the concentration of the contaminants. Heating conditions or mechanical agitation or both are employed to resist agglomeration of the metal powder before magnetic separation thereof from the contaminants. Certain preferred times and temperatures are disclosed.

Abstract: A PVD component forming method includes inducing a sufficient amount of stress in the component to increase magnetic pass through flux exhibited by the component compared to pass through flux exhibited prior to inducing the stress. The method may further include orienting a majority crystallographic structure of the component at (200) prior to inducing the stress, wherein the induced stress alone is not sufficient to substantially alter surface grain appearance. Orienting structure may include first cold working a component blank to at least about an 80% reduction in cross-sectional area. The cold worked component blank can be heat treated at least at about a minimum recrystallization temperature of the component blank. Inducing stress may include second cold work to a reduction in cross-sectional area between about 5% to about 15% of the heat treated component. At least one of the first and second cold working can be unidirectional.

Abstract: A process for making Type 60 Nitinol with shape memory effect from hot-worked material, such as hot rolled Type 60 Nitinol sheet or plate, includes heat treatment to a temperature of 600° C.–800° C. and holding the material at that temperature until the temperature has equalized throughout, and then heat soaking at that temperature for about 15 minutes. The material is then quenched immediately from that temperature, to a temperature below 300° C. This heat treatment produces Type 60 Nitinol in a condition denoted “ultraelastic”. Ultraelastic Type 60 Nitinol has a shape memory characteristic having a very low transition temperature. The transition temperature can be tailored within a wide temperature range by the temperature of the initial heat treatment and subsequent rate of cooling.

Abstract: A forging blank of a forging nickel-base superalloy is forged in a forging press having forging dies made of a die nickel-base superalloy. The forging is accomplished by heating the forging blank to a forging-blank starting temperature of from about 1850° F. to about 1950° F., heating the forging dies to a forging-die starting temperature of from about 1500° F. to about 1750° F., placing the forging blank into the forging press and between the forging dies, and forging the forging blank at the forging-blank starting temperature using the forging dies at the forging-die starting temperature, to produce a forging.

Abstract: A superalloy made of a forging nickel-base superalloy such as Rene™ 88DT or ME3 is forged in a forging press having forging dies made of a die nickel-base superalloy. The forging is accomplished by heating to a forging temperature of from about 1700° F. to about 1850° F., and forging at that forging temperature and at a nominal strain rate. The die nickel-base superalloy is selected to have a creep strength of not less than a flow stress of the forging nickel-base superalloy at the forging temperature and strain rate.

Abstract: A PVD component forming method includes inducing a sufficient amount of stress in the component to increase magnetic pass through flux exhibited by the component compared to pass through flux exhibited prior to inducing the stress. The method may further include orienting a majority crystallographic structure of the component at (200) prior to inducing the stress, wherein the induced stress alone is not sufficient to substantially alter surface grain appearance. Orienting structure may include first cold working a component blank to at least about an 80% reduction in cross-sectional area. The cold worked component blank can be heat treated at least at about a minimum recrystallization temperature of the component blank. Inducing stress may include second cold work to a reduction in cross-sectional area between about 5% to about 15% of the heat treated component. At least one of the first and second cold working can be unidirectional.

Abstract: Provided is high purity nickel or nickel alloy target for magnetron sputtering having superior sputtering film uniformity and in which the magnetic permeability of the target is 100 or more, and this high purity nickel or a nickel alloy target for magnetron sputtering capable of achieving a favorable film uniformity (evenness of film thickness) and superior in plasma ignition (firing) even during the manufacturing process employing a 300 mm wafer. The present invention also provides the manufacturing method of such high purity nickel or nickel alloy target.

Abstract: Nickel-titanium alloys that have been deep drawn in a cold working process have linear pseudoelastic behavior without a phase transformation or onset of stress-induced martensite. A medical device made from a structural element which has been deep drawn and subsequently formed into a desired medical device geometry will experience such linear pseudoelastic behavior.

Abstract: A method for producing metallic strips having a high-grade cube texture based on nickel, copper, aluminum, silver or alloys of these metals including austenitic iron-nickel alloys makes it possible to obtain, during a subsequent annealing process and with lower total degrees of forming, a recrystallization cube layer of a quality equal to that of one obtained using customary roll forming and produces a better quality cube texture with comparable total degrees of forming. To this end, a forming method is provided during which the materials are formed by cold drawing before their recrystallization annealing thereby rendering them high-grade. The tools used for this include: a) non-driven roll devices with an axially parallel flat pair of rolls or turk's head arrangements with two pairs of rolls or; b) fixed drawing jaws that are slanted toward one another. The strips produced according to the invention can be used, for example, as a coating support for producing strip-shaped high-temperature superconductors.

Abstract: A superalloy made of a forging nickel-base superalloy such as Rene™ 88DT or ME3 is forged in a forging press having forging dies made of a die nickel-base superalloy. The forging is accomplished by heating to a forging temperature of from about 1700° F. to about 1850° F., and forging at that forging temperature and at a nominal strain rate. The die nickel-base superalloy is selected to have a creep strength of not less than a flow stress of the forging nickel-base superalloy at the forging temperature and strain rate.

Abstract: A PVD component forming method includes inducing a sufficient amount of stress in the component to increase magnetic pass through flux exhibited by the component compared to pass through flux exhibited prior to inducing the stress. The method may further include orienting a majority crystallographic structure of the component at (200) prior to inducing the stress, wherein the induced stress alone is not sufficient to substantially alter surface grain appearance. Orienting structure may include first cold working a component blank to at least about an 80% reduction in cross-sectional area. The cold worked component blank can be heat treated at least at about a minimum recrystallization temperature of the component blank. Inducing stress may include second cold work to a reduction in cross-sectional area between about 5% to about 15% of the heat treated component. At least one of the first and second cold working can be unidirectional.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-welded shape memory alloy ring, such as Nitinol, includes a wire segment. The alloy ring may be used in a venting mechanism for rocket motors or as a coupling device, such as for fitting piping.

Abstract: The invention includes sputtering components, such as sputtering targets, comprising high-purity Ni—V. The sputtering components can have a fine average grain size throughout, with an exemplary fine average grain size being a grain size less than or equal to 40 microns. The invention also includes methods of making high-purity Ni—V structures.