Abstract: Bulk metallic glass-based gripping arrays of nano- or micro-scale grippers are described, along with the methods of fabrication and use thereof. BMG-based gripping arrays can be fabricated via facile and scalable thermoplastic forming/molding methods typically available to polymeric materials, yet they possess many of the favorable properties of metallic alloys that polymers lack, such as, for example, excellent mechanical properties and robustness towards wear and adverse surrounding conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a process for thermoplastic forming of a metallic glass. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a process for thermoplastic forming of a metallic glass ribbons having a thickness of between about 50 to about 200 microns. Related articles of manufacture and processes for customizing articles in accordance with the process as described herein are also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and hardware of how to deform metallic glasses under low force and stabilized conditions to fabricate thin and large area metallic glass sheets. It is based on a combination of thermoplastic rolling and stretching and typically combined with a pre-heating method. The predominant mode of deformation is dependent on the BMG conditions such as thickness, viscosity, and crystallization time.

Abstract: A reusable mold comprising a flexible bulk metallic glass mold insert comprising one or more mold cavities removably coupled to a support mold and a method of making the reusable mold. The support mold is removable from the flexible bulk metallic glass mold insert without macroscopic elastic flexing or deforming of the support mold. The reusable mold may be used for molding one or more bulk metallic glass parts and the one or more molded bulk metallic glass parts may be released from the flexible bulk metallic glass mold insert by elastically flexing the flexible mold insert.