Abstract: Described herein is a method of selectively depositing molten bulk metallic glass (BMG). In one embodiment, a continuous stream or discrete droplets of molten BMG is deposited to selected positions. The deposition can be repeated as needed layer by layer. One or more layers of non-BMG can be used as needed.

Abstract: A method comprising: constructing a master curve plot comprising a plurality of reference curves, each reference curve representing a relationship between volume and temperature for one of a plurality of reference alloy samples having a chemical composition and various predetermined degrees of crystallinity; for an alloy specimen having the chemical composition and an unknown degree of crystallinity, obtaining a curve representing a relationship between volume and temperature thereof; and determining the unknown degree of crystallinity by comparing the curve to the master curve plot.

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: 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 are consumer electronics housings made from bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials having a ductile coating applied to all or a portion of the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. Also disclosed are methods of making consumer electronic housings from bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy materials such that at least a portion of the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy housing is coated with a ductile cladding material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating an integral assembly formed from a transparent member and a housing formed at least in part of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The methods and systems create integral transparent member and amorphous metal alloy-containing parts using thermoplastic molding techniques in which the amorphous metal is molded to the transparent member in a thermoplastic, not liquid, state.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method, comprising: providing a first part comprising a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion comprises an alloy that is at least partially amorphous; providing a second part comprising an opening; disposing the second part in proximity of the first part such that the protruding portion traversed through the opening; and mating the protruding portion and the opening at a first temperature to shape the protruding portion into an interlock joining the first part and the second part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein related 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: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.

Abstract: Methods for applying a hydrophobic coating to various components within a computing device are disclosed. More specifically, a hydrophobic coating can be applied by a plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process to a fully assembled circuit board. Frequently, a fully assembled circuit board can have various components such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields which cover water sensitive electronics. A method is disclosed for perforating portions of the EMI shields that overlay the water sensitive electronics. Methods of sealing board to board connectors are also disclosed. In one embodiment solder leads of the board to board connectors can be covered by a silicone seal.

Abstract: Embodiments relates to a fastener having a head portion and an interlock portion comprising a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy. The fastener could further have a screw portion. Other embodiments relate to methods of making and using the fasteners.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.

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 joining one or more articles together using pressurized fluid to deform a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy material and form a mechanical interlock between the respective surfaces joined together.

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 systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.

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: 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 methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.