Abstract: A laser beam is scanned along spaced apart side-by-side laser tracks to form corresponding spaced apart side-by-side hardened metal tracks across a binder surface of the forming die. Each hardened metal track is oriented to extend longitudinally in a direction that is normal to the metal flow direction across the binder surface during a sheet metal forming operation. The scanning forms the corresponding hardened metal tracks across the binder surface without needing to perform a post-hardening machining operation on the sheet metal forming die to remove distortion caused by the laser hardening process.

Abstract: A scale-like portion wherein metal plating is changed into a scale-like form is provided by continuously carrying out laser spot irradiation on a lead frame, the front surface of which is coated with the metal plating. The scale-like portion is disposed in an optional portion of the lead frame, for example, in the vicinity of a gate break mark, in an outer peripheral portion in a region sealed with a molding resin, or around a semiconductor element. The adhesion between the lead frame and the molding resin improves owing to the anchor effect of the scale-like portion, and it is thus possible to suppress the molding resin separating from the lead frame.

Abstract: This method for setting aging conditions is provided with: a step for acquiring a master curve (20) indicating the relationship between an aging condition parameter and a material strength parameter by executing an aging process on a standard material; a step for acquiring a fitting point (A) indicating the value of the material strength parameter of a subject material of which the chemical component parameters and/or metal structure parameters differ from those of the standard material; a step for acquiring a corrected aging curve (30) by correcting the master curve (20) in a manner so that a portion of the master curve (20) corresponds to the fitting point (A); and a step for setting aging conditions for the subject material on the basis of the corrected aging curve (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is a zirconium alloy material having high corrosion resistance regardless of thermal history during its manufacturing process. The zirconium alloy material is obtained by providing a zirconium alloy containing on the mass basis: 0.001% to 1.9% of Sn, 0.01% to 0.3% of Fe, 0.01% to 0.3% of Cr, 0.001% to 0.3% of Ni, 0.001% to 3.0% of Nb, 0.027% or less of C, 0.025% or less of N, 4.5% or less of Hf and 0.16% or less of O with the remainder being inevitable impurities and zirconium, being formed of a bulk alloy and a surface layer, in which the surface layer has a plastic strain of 3 or more or a Vickers hardness of 260 HV or more and an arithmetic mean surface roughness Ra of 0.2 ?m or less.

Abstract: A powder magnetic core with improved high frequency magnetic characteristics and reduced eddy current loss is manufactured by a manufacturing method including the steps of (a) providing coated soft magnetic particles which are particles composed of soft magnetic material which each have been coated with an insulating coating, and insulator particles; (b) forming a magnetic layer by press molding the coated soft magnetic particles in a mold assembly; (c) forming an insulator layer on the magnetic layer by press molding the insulator particles in the mold assembly; and (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) to fabricate a laminate of alternating magnetic layers and insulator layers and provide the powder magnetic core.

Abstract: A method for coupling ends of two insulated conductors includes coupling a core of a first insulated conductor to a core of a second insulated conductor. Exposed portions of the cores are located inside a box with an open top. Electrically insulating powder material is placed into the box and a first plunger is inserted through the open top of the box to compact the powder material. Additional electrically insulating powder material is placed into the box and a second plunger is inserted through the open top of the box to compact the powder material into compacted powder material that surrounds the exposed portions of the cores. The compacted powder material is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. A sleeve is placed over the compacted powder material and coupling the sleeve to the jackets of the insulated conductors.

Abstract: A method of removing slag formed during laser cutting a hypotube may include flowing cooling gas into a laser nozzle, directing flow of the cooling gas onto an external surface of the hypotube, and injecting cooling fluid into an inner lumen of the hypotube at a velocity. Flowing the cooling gas and injecting the cooling fluid may at least partially remove slag from the external surface of the hypotube.

Abstract: A method of laser hardening comprises irradiating a surface of a component with a laser beam to form a first band of irradiated material, irradiating the surface of the component with the laser beam to form a second band of irradiated material that overlaps the first band of irradiated material, where the first band and the second band have a pitch to width ratio of between about 0.5 and about 0.78.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hot strip from transformation-free ferritic steel, wherein a melt is cast into a roughed strip and the latter is subsequently rolled into a hot strip. For this purpose, it is provided that the melt is cast in a horizontal strip casting facility under conditions of a calm flow and free of bending into a roughed strip in the range between 6 and 20 mm and is subsequently rolled into hot strip having a degree of deformation of at least 50%.

Abstract: A method of processing a metal for improved damping of a metal part is provided. The method comprises placing the metal part inside a current carrying coil and closing a circuit for to apply current to the coil, thus producing a magnetic field in the metal part. Thereafter, the circuit is opened for a time and then the circuit is closed a second time to apply a second current to the coil. The circuit is then opened a second time and the metal part is removed from the current carrying coil.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of improving the adhesion between silver surfaces and resin materials, such as epoxy resins and mold materials, used in the production of electronic devices. The invention provides a method for improving the adhesion between a silver surface and a resin material comprising a step of electrolytically treating the silver surface with a solution containing a hydroxide selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, ammonium hydroxides and mixtures thereof, wherein the silver surface is the cathode.

Abstract: A method for converting a metal with a relative low reduction potential into a metal with a relative high reduction potential without changing its shape is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: providing a first metal substrate and a reaction solution comprising a second metal precursor, a cation surfactant, and a weak reducing agent; and placing the first metal substrate into the reaction solution for a predetermined time to convert the first metal substrate into a second metal substrate. Herein, the reduction potential of a first metal of the first metal substrate is lower than that of a second metal of the second metal substrate, and the shapes of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate are the same.

Abstract: A turbine for a gas turbine engine comprising at least one turbine stator and one turbine rotor, said turbine stator comprising at least one inner annular platform, said inner platform comprising a radial wall delimiting at least one cavity between the turbine stator and the turbine rotor, wherein the turbine rotor comprises at least one elongate element positioned substantially axially and defining a sealing baffle in said cavity, and in that the turbine stator comprises at least one element made of abradable material designed to engage with said elongate element of the turbine rotor so as to form a labyrinth seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: A method of producing a rolling sliding member, wherein, after a work for a rolling sliding member, which is made of a bearing steel and formed in a predetermined shape, is quenched, a heating start temperature is set to be 10 to 100° C., a heating finish temperature is set to be 220 to 350° C., a time between the heating finish time and the heating start time is set to be a heating time, the quenched work for the rolling sliding member is heated so that a rate of temperature increase indicated by the following formula becomes 7 to 35° C./s rate of temperature increase=(heating finish temperature?heating start temperature)/heating time, the work is tempered by being cooled without being maintained at a heating finish temperature from the heating finish time.

Abstract: Method of refining metal alloys A method of refining the grain size of (i) an alloy comprising aluminium and at least 3% w/w silicon or (ii) an alloy comprising magnesium, comprises the steps of (a) adding sufficient niobium and boron to the alloy in order to form niobium diboride or Al3Nb or both, or (b) adding niobium diboride to the alloy, or (c) adding Al3Nb to the alloy, or (d) any combination thereof.

Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy has 8.5-9.5 wt. % silicon, 0.5-2.0 wt. % copper (Cu), 0.27-0.53 wt. % magnesium (Mg), wherein the aluminum casting alloy includes copper and magnesium such that 4.7?(Cu+10Mg)?5.8, and other elements, the balance being aluminum. Selected elements may be added to the base composition to give resistance to degradation of tensile properties due to exposure to heat. The thermal treatment of the alloy is calculated based upon wt. % composition to solutionize unwanted phases having a negative impact on properties and may include a three level ramp-up and soak to a final temperature followed by cold water quenching and artificial aging.

Abstract: A method for producing a nanostructured austenitic sheet by consecutive martensite and austenite phase (?/??) transformations, in which the coarse grained austenite sheet transforms to nanocrystalline martensite by strain-induced transformation, and then generates reverse transformation to nanostructured austenite by warm rolling due to dynamic recrystallization.

Abstract: A method of shot peening in which with respect to a carburized and quenched metal part, only its surface abnormal layer detrimental to the fatigue strength thereof is scraped without scraping of the martensitic structure underlying the surface abnormal layer, namely, in which the fatigue strength can be rendered stable and enhanced without surface cracking. As bombardment shot, use is made of a shot with hardness higher than that (first hardness) of the surface abnormal layer occurring at a surface layer portion of metal part prior to shot peening but lower than that (second hardness) of the martensitic structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses different kinds of surface treatment processes on titanium-made dental implants. The growth and attachment conditions of bone cells (MC3T3-E), fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epidermal cells (XB-2) on the metal surface of titanium slices with different surface treatments are observed. Tetra-calcium phosphate is used to perform secondary sand-blasting process to clean up the metal surface and provide calcium ions for osteoblastoma physiology. Thus, by adjusting the cells adhesive and proliferative abilities, the success rate of the clinical applications in dental implant is improved.

Abstract: A medical device implant made with a shape-memory material is originally produced in a “permanent” configuration. The implant is then “programmed” into a temporary (typically smaller sized) configuration to facilitate implantation, after which, an external stimulus activates the implant to return to its permanent configuration. Apparatus and methods include inserting a first portion of the implant into an aperture of a compression fixture base, heating the implant, and then driving and compressing the remaining portion of the implant, which has a different, typically larger profile than that of the first portion, into the aperture with a compression fixture cover to “program” the remaining portion. The resulting programmed implant has first and remaining portions that have identical, or substantially identical, profiles.

Abstract: A method of treating a zinc-galvanized metal surface, which has been chemically passivated, the treatment providing increased resistance to corrosion and improved adherence to a subsequently applied organic coating comprising contacting a chromium passivated, zinc-galvanized metal surface with a coating solution bath comprising from about 1 to about 10 parts per thousand, based on fluorine content, of an inorganic acid or ion that contains fluorine; at least 0.5 parts per thousand, based on transition metal cation content, of an oxide and/or a salt of nickel; and optionally, from about 0 to about 3.0 grams per liter of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, and C1 to C8 alkanol esters thereof; wherein the pH of the solution is from about 2.0 to 3.6 and the temperature of the solution is at least 60° C.; and thereafter sealing the treated surface.

Abstract: A creep forming tool modifies the shape of an aircraft component in the form of a wing skin portion. The tool includes a shaped surface defined by removable rib boards. The component is forced against the shaped surface, via a reusable intermediate plate. The shape of the shaped surface may be adjusted, if necessary, by replacing the rib boards with boards of a different shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a hybrid organic-inorganic material (HOIM) with phosphorus-containing bridges between the surface of an inorganic substrate containing an element M and one or more organic groups of the covalent M-O-P-R type, said process using, as a precursor for said organic group or groups, at least one organophosphorus acid halide with formula RxP(O)Xy in which x=1 or 2, y=3?x, X being a halogen and R designating at least one organic alkyl, aryl or aryl-alkyl group. Non-exhaustive applications for the hybrid organic-inorganic material obtained by the process of the invention are in the fields of anti-corrosion, lubrication, microelectronics, nanotechnologies, composite materials, heterogeneous catalysis, supported catalysis, depollution and biomedical applications.

Abstract: Methods to enhance the quality of grain boundary networks are described. The process can result in the production of a metal including a relatively large fraction of special grain boundaries (e.g., a fraction of special grain boundaries of at least about 55%).

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method for treating a material in a static magnetic field having an intensity of more than 1 Tesla, including the following steps: a first step to heat the material, a second step to apply to the material a thermal shock and/or thermomechanical treatment and/or chemical treatment, wherein during at least the second treatment step, the material is subjected to the magnetic field while being held in position within the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of increasing the thermal conductivity and decreasing the electrical resistivity of a titanium alloy. Boron is introduced into the titanium alloy to produce TiB precipitates. The TiB precipitates are then aligned in a direction of metal flow by hot metalworking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface treatment method for magnesium alloy, which comprising the following steps: 1) preparation; 2) fusion and uniformly coating; 3) heat diffusion, and 4) finish; so a coating alloy is placed on a magnesium alloy substrate, and the magnesium alloy substrate is heated so that the coating alloy is uniformly melted on the magnesium alloy substrate; when heating up to a preset temperature, the coating alloy generates heat diffusion on the magnesium alloy substrate; the coating alloy finally forms a corrosion-resistant hard layer on the magnesium alloy substrate. So, this invention features simple treatment process, stable structure and environmental-friendliness in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body containing metallic material, preferably iron. To control the degradation of the implant, the method comprises the following steps: a) preparing the body of the implant, and b) incorporating hydrogen into at least a portion of the structure of the implant body near the surface. Furthermore, such an implant is described.

Abstract: Medical devices made at least in part of amorphous metals or alloys are provided. Certain embodiments include filters, stents, guidewires, snares, and coils comprised of amorphous metal. Methods of forming the medical devices, including methods of shape setting amorphous metals or alloys into components of medical devices are also provided. Methods of using amorphous metal medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: In a method for processing a high-strength member having a high Si content of more than 0.7% by mass, a high-strength steel material containing, on the basis of mass percent, 0.05% or more C, more than 0.7% Si, and 0.8% or more Mn is subjected to processing controlled such that the sum total of absolute surface strains in a predetermined direction each applied in individual process steps of the processing is 5% or more as nominal strain to form a member having a predetermined shape. The member, even containing more than 0.7% Si, can have markedly improved chemical conversion treatability without mechanical grinding or chemical pickling treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of a material adapted to reversible storage of hydrogen, including steps consisting of providing a first powder of a magnesium-based material, hydrogenating the first powder to convert at least part of the first powder into metal hydrides, mixing the first hydrogenating powder with a second powder additive, the proportion by mass of the second powder in the mix obtained being between 1% and 20% by mass, wherein the additive is formed from an alloy with a centred cubic structure based on titatnium, vanadium and at least one other metal chosen from chromium or manganese, and grinding the mix of first and second powders.

Abstract: A glass-shaping mold includes a steel base member, and a crystallized, machined layer, an intermediate layer and a mold-releasing layer which are sequentially formed on the base member. The machined layer is a layer of nickel alloy containing phosphorus. The intermediate layer is a layer formed of chromium, nickel, copper or cobalt. Alternatively, the intermediate layer is a layer of an alloy layer containing at least one of these elements. The mold-releasing layer is a layer of an alloy containing iridium and rhenium.

Abstract: Nowadays, the production of metallic parts, namely sheet metal, with high strength and formability, represents a big challenge for automotive, aerospace and assembling industries. The present invention deals with a new plastic deformation process that allows, by controlling the strain path change, the production of sheet metals with a grain size of 1-2 micron and, consequently, with a yield stress 3-4 times than the ones obtained with conventional processes, keeping the same formability. The process is easy for industrialization and its optimization requires only two fundamental parameters that characterize the ratio of thickness reduction, shear strain and amplitude in the change of strain path.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus equipped with a metallic component, with at least a part of its metallic surface exposed to an inside of a processing chamber and subjected to baking treatment at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. As a result of this baking treatment, a film which does not react with various types of reactive gases, and which can block the out diffusion of metals, is formed on the surface of the above-mentioned metallic component.

Abstract: A method for improving the strength, creep and failure resistance of a single crystal component, such as a turbine engine component, is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming a component, such as a turbine engine component, having a single crystal microstructure with a plurality of ?? cuboids forming a limited amount of oriented platens in a particular direction prior to the component being placed into service to delay coalescence of the platens relative to the applied load.

Abstract: A method for producing a nanostructured austenitic sheet by consecutive martensite and austenite phase (?/??) transformations, in which the coarse grained austenite sheet transforms to nanocrystalline martensite by strain-induced transformation, and then generates reverse transformation to nanostructured austenite by warm rolling due to dynamic recrystallization.

Abstract: Low temperature carburization of a workpiece surface is accomplished faster by impregnating the surface with a diffusion promoter prior to or during the low temperature carburization process.

Abstract: A glass-shaping mold includes a steel base member, and a crystallized, machined layer, an intermediate layer and a mold-releasing layer which are sequentially formed on the base member. The machined layer is a layer of nickel alloy containing phosphorus. The intermediate layer is a layer formed of chromium, nickel, copper or cobalt. Alternatively, the intermediate layer is a layer of an alloy layer containing at least one of these elements. The mold-releasing layer is a layer of an alloy containing iridium and rhenium.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing interaction between surfaces (10,12) moving relative to each other. The system includes a first surface (10) having a first number of repetitive surface asperities (14), e.g., 11, per unit length of surface, and a second surface (12) having a second number of repetitive surface asperities (16), e.g., 13, per unit length of surface, with the first and second numbers being in relative prime ratio, i.e., having no common divisor other than 1. The ratio of repetitive surface asperities may be controlled as a function of component particle size, grain size; groove size; or relative angular orientation of the surfaces (110,112).

Abstract: A method of providing resistance to intergranular stress corrosion cracking in an alloy material, the method comprising sensitizing the alloy to form carbides, allowing the carbides to precipitate, and applying a heat treatment to replenish a chromium-depleted zone.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a fabrication method of a material having an ultrafine grained structure characterized by including a step of providing a metal or an alloy having a stacking fault energy no greater than 50 mJ/mm2 and a step of introducing deformation twins having a twin interval no greater than 200 nm into structures of the metal or the alloy by processing the metal or the alloy. Further, according to this method, a material having an ultrafine grained structure characterized in that twins are included in a crystal structure and the twins have a twin interval no greater than 200 nm.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for supplying a cover gas which has sufficient preventive effects of oxidation-combustion and prevents cost-increase by containing a necessary and sufficient amount of fluoroketone in the cover gas which is supplied in a melting furnace of magnesium, the present invention provides a method for supplying a cover gas containing fluoroketone in a melt furnace to prevent oxidation and combustion of a melt of magnesium in the melt furnace, wherein the moisture concentration of gas in the melt furnace is measured, and the concentration of fluoroketone in the cover gas is adjusted to a range from 1/50 to 1/5 relative to the moisture concentration.

Abstract: A method of controlling macroscopic strain of a porous structure includes contacting a porous structure with a modifying agent which chemically adsorbs to a surface of the porous structure and modifies an existing surface stress of the porous structure. A device in one embodiment includes a porous metal structure, which when contacted with a modifying agent which chemically adsorbs to a surface of the porous metal structure, exhibits a volumetric change due to modification of an existing surface stress of the porous metal structure; and a mechanism for detecting the volumetric change. Additional methods and systems are also presented.

Abstract: Electromechanical knocking device and knocking method for working, smoothing and cold-hardening the surface of tools, machine parts and other parts by hammering an impact head onto the surface of the said parts by means of mounting them on a machine tool or a robot. The impact head (1a) is fastened to a support (1b), which has a ferromagnetic part (1c). A magnetic field (B1) keeps the support for the impact head in a defined position of rest. On the support for the impact head (1b) there is at least one coil (4), which is located in the first-mentioned magnetic field (B1) or in a different magnetic field (B2) and through which an alternating current or pulsed current (12) with or without a variable direct current component flows. As a result, the impact head (1a) is made to oscillate with a defined impact frequency, impact amplitude and zero crossing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cam shaft that prevents cracks during the joining of a cam lobe to a shaft, and improves the degree of freedom of design of the cam lobe is provided. By a method of manufacturing a cam shaft that after an inner circumferential surface 13 of a cam lobe 1 is subjected to treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment, the cam lob 1 is joined to a shaft, above problem is solved. It is preferred that the residual compressive stress on the inner circumferential surface 13 of the cam lobe 1 is not less than 100 MPa. In addition, an outer peripheral surface 14 of the cam lobe 1 can be also subjected to treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment. As the treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment, shot-peening treatment, induction hardening treatment, barrel polishing treatment, carburizing and quenching treatment or carbonitriding treatment is performed.

Abstract: Negative active materials for rechargeable lithium batteries are provided. One negative active material includes a metal matrix, and an intermetallic compound including a Si active metal and an additive metal dispersed in the metal matrix. The intermetallic compound does not react with the metal matrix.

Abstract: A solder composition and a method of making the composition. The solder composition comprises a Sn-containing base material and a barrier component having a reactivity with Sn which is higher than a reactivity of Ni or Cu with Sn, the barrier component being present in the composition in an amount sufficient to reduce a reactivity of Sn with both Ni and Cu.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a leadframe comprising copper or copper alloy to enhance adhesion of molding compound to it. The leadframe is oxidized in an oxidation treatment bath to form copper oxide on the surface of the leadframe. It is then dipped in a complexing or chelating agent to enhance the purity of the copper oxide formed. Thereafter, the leadframe is cleaned with an acid to remove any contaminants remaining on the leadframe.

Abstract: Composite phase structure of early transition metal-based metallic alloys, including those of crystalline, quasicrystalline and amorphous phases, can be obtained in a controllable way upon direct (in-situ) cooling (solidification) of the alloy, realized either by adjusting the alloy compositions at a fixed cooling rate or by changing the cooling rates for a given alloy composition. Some embodiments are based on the addition of later transition metals, mainly of Cu with Ni or Fe with Co in early transition metal based (mainly Ti and Zr or Hf and Nb) metallic alloys. If cooling rate is on the scale of 103° C./s, a wholly amorphous structure is obtained for most of the compositions. At reduced cooling rates, composite structures with different kinds of phases can be achieved, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 1. Nickel addition promotes the formation of quasicrystalline phases, especially for Ti-rich alloy compositions with beryllium.