Abstract: Near-net-shape soft magnetic components can be produced from iron powder-lubricant compositions using powder metallurgy techniques. The resulting components have isotropic magnetic and thermal properties and may be shaped into complex geometry using conventional compaction techniques. A non-coated ferromagnetic powder is mixed with a lubricant and compacted. After compaction, the components are thermally treated at a moderate temperature to burn out the lubricant, and possibly also relieve the stresses induced during pressing and reduce the hysteresis losses. Depending on the application, the properties of the material may be tailored by varying the content and type of the lubricant and the thermal treatment conditions.

Abstract: The porous material of the present invention is produced by heating a dry powder mixture, containing mainly an organic solid binder and inorganic particles. The mixture is foamed while the organic binder is melted. Foaming comes from a foaming agent in the powder mixture. The solid foamed structure comprising inorganic particles embedded in an organic binder is then heated to eliminate the organic binder and finally to sinter the remaining inorganic tri-dimensional network into a rigid structure having interconnected porosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a unit for the MIG welding of aluminum and its alloys, employing gaseous shielding of the welded zone, composed of a central flow of gas consisting of argon and/or oxygen and of a peripheral gas stream consisting of argon or a mixture of argon and helium. The MIG welding process of the invention allows effective welding of workpieces made of aluminum or aluminum alloys by improving the penetration of the weld and the wetting of the weld bead, that is to say the angle of connection of the weld bead to the welded workpieces.

Abstract: The process includes shielding of at least part of the welding zone with a gas mixture consisting of 1.2 to 1.70% oxygen and the balance being argon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the MIG welding, in spray mode without current modulation or in pulsed mode, of aluminum and aluminum alloys, with the use of a gas shield for at least part of the welding zone. According to the process of the invention, the gas shield is a gas mixture consisting, by volume, of from 0.8% to 1.80% oxygen and from 15% to 99.99% helium, and possibly containing a balance of argon. Preferably, the gas mixture contains at least 1% oxygen.

Abstract: Near-net-shape soft magnetic components can be produced from iron powder-lubricant compositions using powder metallurgy techniques. The resulting components have isotropic magnetic and thermal properties and may be shaped into complex geometry using conventional compaction techniques. A non-coated ferromagnetic powder is mixed with a lubricant and compacted. After compaction, the components are thermally treated at a moderate temperature to burn out the lubricant, and possibly also relieve the stresses induced during pressing and reduce the hysteresis losses. Depending on the application, the properties of the material may be tailored by varying the content and type of the lubricant and the thermal treatment conditions.

Abstract: Process for welding one or more metal workpieces to be joined together by producing at least one welded joint between the edges to be welded of the said metal workpiece or workpieces, the said welded joint being obtained by using at least one laser beam and at least one electric arc, in which process, during welding of the joint, at least one part of the welding zone comprising at least one part of said welded joint is shielded during the operation with at least one shielding atmosphere formed by a gas mixture consisting of argon and/or helium with a content greater than or equal to 70% by volume; and at least one additional compound chosen from H2, O2, CO2 and N2 with a content of 0 to 30% by volume.

Abstract: Near-net-shape soft magnetic components can be produced from iron powder lubricant compositions using powder metallurgy techniques. The resulting components have isotropic magnetic and thermal properties and may be shaped into complex geometry using conventional compaction techniques. A non-coated ferromagnetic powder is mixed with a lubricant and compacted. After compaction, the components are thermally treated at a moderate temperature to burn out the lubricant, relieve the stresses induced during pressing and reduce the hysteresis losses. Depending on the application, the properties of the material may be tailored by varying the content and type of the lubricant and the thermal treatment conditions.

Abstract: Hybrid welding process using a laser beam and an electric arc to produce a weld bead. The electric arc is established between an electrode connected to a first pole of a current source and at least one workpiece to be welded and connected to a second pole of a current source via at least one electrically conducting earth contactor in contact with the workpiece to be welded. To obtain effective welding, a contact is made between the earth contactor and the workpiece to be welded laterally and/or upstream of the point of impingement of the electric arc on the workpiece(s) to be welded, and considering the direction of formation of the welded joint, so as to balance the forces associated with the induced electromagnetic field acting on the puddle of liquid metal.

Abstract: Post-compaction treatments of iron compacts to improve the mechanical strength of the compacts are provided. Powder is compacted into the desired part. The part is then subjected to a strengthening operation. This operation involves a heat treatment at a moderate temperature combined with an optional resin impregnation. The heat treatment is done at a temperature sufficient to increase the mechanical properties of the compact while maintaining the magnetic losses low for the required application. Impregnation with an insulating binder can be effected to increase the mechanical strength of the part without creating electric contacts between the powder particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particle agglomeration of aluminum powder using a lubricating binder. The resulting powder has improved flowability and can be shaped easily. The aluminum particles are admixed with a lubricant, e.g. polyethylene, and are held together by the lubricant. To agglomerate the aluminum powder, the lubricant is melted and is then solidified to form solid bridges between the aluminum powder particles. The lubricant may be burned out cleanly at temperatures lower than 450.degree. C.

Abstract: Aluminum powder compositions intended for powder metallurgy applications are provided. The powder compositions contain aluminum and aluminum alloys or blends made from elemental powders, admixed with a polyethylene lubricant. The polyethylene admixture eases the compaction of powders and the ejection of parts. As compared to other conventional admixed lubricants used for Al powder metallurgy applications, polyethylene allows to obtain parts with higher green and sintered strengths. Proper delubrication prior to sintering is of importance.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided, including a writing tip, a reservoir containing a liquid ink, and a capillary transfer rod extending from a first end to a second end of the reservoir. The capillary transfer rod transfers the liquid ink from the reservoir to the writing tip. A capillary element having an orifice is slidably mounted around the capillary transfer rod so as to move freely in the reservoir. An outside edge of the capillary element comes into the immediate vicinity of an inside wall of the reservoir in such a manner that the capillary element comes substantially flush with an inside wall of the reservoir as it slides along the transfer rod.

Abstract: A method for producing composite insulating coatings on powder particles, the coatings containing an electrically insulating metal compound and an organic polymer. The coatings are deposited preferably by controlled spraying, simultaneous or sequential, of sol precursors of insulating metal compounds and polymer emulsions or solutions onto polymer, metal or ceramic powder particles preferably during the blending or mixing of the particles. The process is useful for mass production of coated iron-based powders used for shaping components by powder metallurgy techniques for magnetic applications. Coated iron based powders can be cold or warm pressed and heat treated to obtain the desired mechanical properties.