Abstract: A bellows includes a flexible section including a series of convolutions extending between a first end and a second end. The convolutions are formed of a nano-grained aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A bellows includes a flexible section including a series of convolutions extending between a first end and a second end. The convolutions are formed of a nano-grained aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A method of direct metal fabrication to form a metal part which has a relative density of at least 96%. There is provided a powder blend which comprises a parent metal alloy, a powdered lower-melting-temperature alloy that comprises greater than 10% of total weight of the powder blend, and an organic polymer component (a thermoplastic polymer and a thermosetting polymer) that comprises less than 3% by weight of a total weight of the powdered blend. There is a laser-build powder processing operation (a selective laser sintering (SLS) operation) to fabricate a green body. The green body is then placed in a furnace and the temperature raised to sufficiently high temperature to perform a supersolidus liquid phase sintering operation to form the metal part.

Abstract: A method for consolidating nanophase metal powder includes the steps of consolidating the powder by applying pressure to the powder at a first temperature, encompassing the powder with a flowable pressure transmitting medium that is heated to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature, and compressing the heated medium and thereby further consolidating the powder. The first consolidating step may include encompassing the nanophase metal powder with a flowable pressure transmitting medium that is heated to the first temperature, and compressing the heated medium at the first temperature.