Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of enhancing the surface properties of soft alloys by using a high energy beam. In particular embodiments, the methods can also allow for beam-based welding of such soft alloys to another metal component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a test sample using electropulsing. In particular, the test sample includes an additively manufactured material. Such electropulsing can provide enhanced properties, such as modified material properties such as improved ductility.

Abstract: Severe mechanical deformation in addition to thermal processing can be used to produce microstructural refinement in iron-cobalt-vanadium alloys. As an example, significant grain refinement through Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE), also known as Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP), at high temperatures was demonstrated in bulk Hiperco soft magnetic alloy. The ECAE material exhibited high strength levels comparable to Hiperco sheet and the ductility was higher than heat treated conventional bar with large grain size. The increase in ductility was attributed to small grain size and the disordered phase that may co-exist with the ordered phase. In addition, the ECAP material also displays good magnetic properties, with relatively high magnetic saturation as shown in the B-H curve. The heat treatment after ECAP improves magnetic performance, with some tradeoff in mechanical properties.