Abstract: Screening for screening a material includes: providing active mixing direct-ink-writing of the material, providing in situ characterization substrates or probes that receive the material, and providing active learning planning for screening the material. The providing active mixing direct-ink-writing of the material prints five to ten films. The providing in situ characterization substrates or probes includes printing five to ten films on the substrates or probes with a first set of constituents. The providing active learning planning for screening the material includes providing machine learning that takes the first set of constituents and uses the first set of constituents to dictate a next batch of films to achieve improved additional sets of constituents.

Abstract: A slurry for electrostatic spray deposition and method for forming a coating film using the same are provided. The slurry includes a solvent, a first polymer dissolved in the solvent, and polymer particles containing a second polymer and dispersed in the solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a three-dimensionally arranged nanoparticle film and a preparation method and use thereof, and belongs to the technical field of nanophotonics. The preparation method includes the following steps: coating nanoparticles with hydrophobic molecules, and dispersing in an organic solvent to obtain a modified nanoparticle dispersion; conducting a surface treatment on a three-dimensional template to obtain a hydrophilic three-dimensional template; and adding water to a surface of the hydrophilic three-dimensional template to form a water film, adding the modified nanoparticle dispersion dropwise on a surface of the water film to conduct self-assembly, and removing the water film to obtain a three-dimensionally arranged nanoparticle film with an array structure.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes a housing; a wedge-shaped acoustic modal convertor (AMC) in the housing with a first surface exposed by an opening in the housing, and a second surface that meets the first surface at a tip located in the housing, and extends from the tip at an angle into the housing, wherein the second surface has a recessed portion formed therein, wherein the second surface of the AMC is oriented at a specific oblique angle to the first surface of the AMC; and a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer disposed in the recessed portion of the second surface of the AMC, wherein the piezoelectric ultrasound transducer is connected to an electrically tuned circuit that resonates at a specific frequency and has a finite bandwidth.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device includes an oscillating body on which a piezoelectric element is fixed by a solder joint.

Abstract: An air knife includes a tubular housing having first and second longitudinally spaced ends, a side wall, an interior, and an aperture configured to be connected to a source of pressurized air. The side wall includes at least one opening, and a nozzle is mounted at the at least one opening, the nozzle including a nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the at least one opening, a nozzle outlet spaced from the nozzle inlet, and a nozzle interior. A plurality of baffles are located in the nozzle interior, each of the baffles having a first end at the nozzle inlet and a second end at the nozzle outlet, and the second end of each of the baffles is longitudinally offset from the first end of each of the baffles.

Abstract: A robotic sorting system, method, and device is disclosed. The robotic sorting system includes a communication interface, and one or more processors coupled to the communication interface. The one or more processors are configured to (a) obtain item data via the communication interface, the item data including an indication of one or more items to be routed across a plurality of outbound stations, (b) obtain capability data for the plurality of outbound stations, the capability data indicating one or more capabilities for at least one outbound station, (c) determine a plan to route a selected item to a destination outbound station selected from among the plurality of outbound station, the plan being determined based at least in part on the item data and the capability data for the destination outbound station, and (d) cause the plan to be implemented to route the item to a particular handling path associated with the destination outbound station.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes an upper holding device holding an outer peripheral end of a substrate, and a lower surface brush contacting a lower surface of the substrate to clean the lower surface. The lower surface brush moves between a contact position where the lower surface brush contacts the lower surface of the substrate held by the upper holding device and a separation position where the lower surface brush is separated from the substrate held by the upper holding device by a certain distance. At the separation position, the lower surface brush rotates at a first rotation speed. At the contact position, the lower surface brush rotates at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed at a time point when the lower surface brush contacts the lower surface and a time point when the lower surface brush is separated from the lower surface.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes an upper holding device holding an outer peripheral end of a substrate, and a lower surface brush contacting a lower surface of the substrate to clean the lower surface. The lower surface brush moves from a state of being separated from the lower surface to contact a first partial region of the lower surface when cleaning of a lower surface central region of the substrate is started. Then, the lower surface brush moves into contact with the lower surface central region on the lower surface. The lower surface brush moves from a state of being in contact with the lower surface to be separated from a second partial region of the lower surface when cleaning of the lower surface central region is completed. At least one of the first partial region and the second partial region does not overlap the lower surface central region.

Abstract: The device for cleaning support bars of a first workpiece support of a first laser cutting machine, which support includes support bars running substantially parallel to one another and each extending longitudinally, includes a supporting structure supporting a cleaning head and a movement mechanism for moving the head relative to the supporting structure. The movement mechanism includes a lifting mechanism for moving the head vertically and a longitudinal carriage for moving the head along the support bars. The supporting structure has a carriage for moving the supporting structure on a floor surface transversely, which results in the supporting structure being movable transverse to the support bars. The supporting structure is movable by the carriage towards and away from the first laser cutting machine location and towards a a second laser cutting machine location to clean support bars of a second workpiece support of the second laser cutting machine.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes: a cleaning unit that cleans a cleaning section by coming into contact with the cleaning section, the cleaning section being disposed in a transport space through which a medium is transported; a support unit that supports the cleaning unit, the support unit rotating about a rotation center to cause the cleaning unit to pass the cleaning section in a direction along a transporting direction in which the medium is transported; and a removing unit that is disposed upstream of the cleaning section in the transporting direction of the medium and that comes into contact with the cleaning unit to remove a substance adhering to the cleaning unit.

Abstract: Proposed are a substrate processing apparatus having improved substrate drying performance by separately providing a chemical liquid supply nozzle and a gas supply nozzle; and a substrate processing method.

Abstract: A paint applicator washer for washing paint applicators, such as for example paint brushes and paint rollers. The paint applicator washer includes at least one spray tube with a hose connector or adapter at one end thereof and at least one nozzle provided along the length of the at least one spray tube. When connected to a hose supplying washing fluid, such as for example water, the washing fluid is ejected from the at least one nozzle as a pressurized stream or jet which can be directed at used paint applicators to wash out paint and other debris therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydroblasting system comprising a head assembly connected with some conveyance, whether now known or hereafter developed. Such head assembly may comprise, for instance, biasing elements configured to provide such head assembly with a floating functionality stemming from, for instance, the creation of an independent suspension, thereby enabling such head assembly to traverse irregular topographies. Further embodiments of such a head assembly may be configured to enable the same to be used on work surfaces such as a ceiling or wall, via a pneumatic assembly configured to apply force to such head assembly. Such a head assembly may further comprise a rotating manifold configured to supply the applicator thereof with high pressure fluid, during angular misalignment between the fluid source and the applicator. Further embodiments may use sensors and computing systems to allow for the autonomous movement of such head assembly and/or conveyance.

Abstract: Provided are a liquid chemical tank module and a liquid chemical supply apparatus, the liquid chemical tank module including a tank body having a storage space capable of storing a liquid chemical, a gas ejector for ejecting an inert gas into the liquid chemical to reduce dissolved oxygen in the liquid chemical of the tank body, and a controller for applying a control signal to the gas ejector to control a flow rate of the inert gas, wherein the gas ejector includes a gas pipe extending into the storage space and at least partially dipped in the liquid chemical to supply the inert gas from outside of the tank body into the storage space, and a plurality of ejection nozzles along the extension direction of the gas pipe to eject the inert gas into the storage space or the liquid chemical in the storage space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering IPA vapor to a substrate processing chamber. In one aspect, the invention includes a controller, a liquid mass flow controller (LMFC) associated with a vaporizer to convert a first fluid to a vapor, a mass flow controller (MFC) associated with the carrier gas, a mixing unit to mix the vapor with the carrier gas to create the predetermined mixture and a drain circuit including a first flow path having a first valve between the mixing unit and a drain, a second flow path having a second valve between the mixing unit and the processing chamber, whereby the first flow path can be opened until the predetermined mixture is reached and thereafter, the second flow path can be opened allowing the predetermined mixture to be delivered to the chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning tool includes: a first tape including an adhesive surface; a head around which the first tape is wrapped and that presses the adhesive surface against an object; a feeder that transports the first tape and a second tape in contact with the adhesive surface; and a separator that separates the first tape from the second tape during transportation of the first tape to the head.

Abstract: [Problem] The provision of a cleaning apparatus that is useful in the cleaning of an original plate that is used when forming a pattern on top of a substrate. [Means for solving the problem] A cleaning apparatus configured to clean an original plate that is used when forming a pattern in an imprint material on top of a substrate; wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises an irradiating unit configured to release plasma onto a first side of the original plate; and a heating unit configured to radiate heat onto a second side of the original plate, and heat the original plate; and wherein the irradiating unit and the heating unit are disposed such that the original plate is interposed between the irradiating unit and the heating unit.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic analyzer that stops a back-flowing waste fluid from reaching a cleaning tank when bubbles are produced in a waste fluid pipe. An automatic analyzer includes: a cleaning tank in which cleaning using a detergent is performed with analysis operation of a specimen; and a waste fluid pipe through which a waste fluid flowing from the cleaning tank is discharged. The waste fluid pipe has an upward pipe branched upward. At a tip end of the upward pipe, opening is provided. The opening is disposed blow from the cleaning tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning an internal bore of a tubular member with a pipeline pig include a pipeline pig having a pig body with a fore end and an aft end opposite the fore end. A cup circumscribes the pig body, where an outer diameter lip of the cup engages a surface of the internal bore of the tubular member. A scraper assembly includes a scraper arm extending radially outward from the pig body and a spring biasing the scraper arm in a radially outward direction. A load cell is positioned to measure a movement of the scraper arm in a radially inward direction. A treatment trigger is actuated by a treatment signal from the load cell to deliver a treatment system to the internal bore of the tubular member, where the treatment signal is generated by the movement of the scraper arm in the radially inward direction.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank body having a body opening and a cleaning space; a lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the body opening; a mounting stage provided in the cleaning space placing a shell of a wafer storage container; a first ejector that ejects a cleaning liquid into a storage space of the shell; a second ejector that ejects the cleaning liquid into an outer portion of the shell; a first discharge port that discharges the cleaning liquid ejected into the storage space of the shell; a second discharge port that discharges the cleaning liquid that has passed through the outer portion of the shell; and a particle counter that measures particles in the cleaning liquid discharged by the first discharge port.

Abstract: An agricultural crop sprayer includes a product tank for holding a solution of plant protection product, a product dispense system, and a rinse tank for holding a rinse fluid. A plumbing network fluidly connects the product tank, the product dispense system, and the rinse tank. A heat source is provided to heat the rinse fluid. The heat source may be a prime mover or a hydraulic pump, wherein waste heat is scavenged therefrom.

Abstract: A decontamination apparatus for decontaminating an external surface is provided. The decontamination apparatus has a moveable platform and a containment structure mounted on the moveable platform. The containment structure has at least one aperture and a respective contact surface arranged around the perimeter of the aperture. The contact surface is arranged to make contact with the external surface to define a working volume, when the containment structure is positioned proximal to the external surface. The decontamination apparatus includes a decontamination device arranged to decontaminate the external surface. The decontamination device is arranged within the working volume and arranged to access the external surface through the at least one aperture. There is also a vacuum system for generating a partial vacuum in the containment structure to apply a suction force to the external surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill via a gas extraction system comprising a plurality of wells are provided herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a concentration of a greenhouse gas measured a distance above a surface of a region comprising the plurality of wells; determining whether the measure of the concentration of the greenhouse gas is greater than a first threshold; and in response to determining that the measure of the concentration of the greenhouse gas is greater than the first threshold, increasing a flow rate of landfill gas being extracted from at least one well of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: Provided is a process for converting biomass waste to a solid carbon product. The process comprises passing the biomass waste batchwise into a reactor comprising a twin screw conveyor. The reactor is heated at a temperature of, e.g., 300-450° C. to avoid cracking of the hydrocarbons in the biomass waste. The biomass waste is passed with heating and mixing along the length of the reactor, and a solid carbon product is collected from the reactor. The solid carbon products can be buried to provide a more permanent removal of the carbon.

Abstract: A cold rolling mill rolling condition calculation method includes: an estimation step of estimating a rolling constraint condition with respect to a target steady rolling condition of a roll target material, by inputting second multi-dimensional data to a prediction model, the prediction model having been trained with explanatory variable and response variable, the explanatory variable being first multi-dimensional data generated based on non-steady rolling performance data, among past rolling performance in rolling a roll material by a cold rolling mill, and the response variable being steady rolling performance data and rolling constraint condition data during steady rolling, and the second multi-dimensional data having been generated based on non-steady rolling performance data of the roll target material; and a change step of changing the target steady rolling condition so that the estimated rolling constraint condition satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for processing a rectangular material from a coil is provided. The system may include an unwinding unit configured to unwind a rectangular material from a coil wound on a bobbin, a flattening device configured to flatten the unwound rectangular material, a shaping device configured to transform the flattened rectangular material into a shaped hairpin configuration; a reader configured to recognize, based on scanning an identification code of the bobbin mounted on the unwinding unit, batch information, and a controller configured to store, based on the batch information, a reference graph of a pressing amount for each batch of the bobbin set through a test; calculate, based on the stored reference graph and a change in physical properties of a rectangular material, a pressing amount for a rectangular material; and selectively control, based on the calculated pressing amount, a pressing amount of an individual flattening roller of flattening rollers.

Abstract: A meandering amount arithmetically operating device of a meandering amount measurement device calculates the meandering amount of a steel sheet using a drive side edge site zds(N) and a work side edge sites zws(N) at a current time when a measurement reliability determination unit determines that both the drive side edge site zds(N) and the work side edge sites zws(N) at the current time have high reliability. When only one of the drive side edge site zds(N) and the work side edge site zws(N) at the current time is determined to have high reliability, the other edge site is calculated by interpolation using the number of pixels W from a sheet width updating unit with the drive side edge sites zds(N) or the work side edge site zws(N) at the current time having high reliability as a reference.

Abstract: Torsion guide (10) comprising a support body (11) with which there are associated at least two torsion rollers (12, 13) rotatable around respective parallel rotation axes (T1, T2), distanced with respect to each other at least in a direction of adjustment (B) perpendicular to said rotation axes (T1, T2) and disposed on respective support elements (17, 18).

Abstract: Drawing and straightening unit (10) having at least one first roller (12) and at least one second roller (16, 17, 18) opposite said first roller (12) with respect to an axis of feed (X) of said at least one metal product (P). The present invention also concerns an apparatus (100), comprising a feed unit (119) and a drawing and straightening unit (10), and a corresponding method to draw and straighten metal products (P) with said drawing and straightening unit (10).

Abstract: A forming method of a processing curve in a stamping process is provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of processing curves are established, and an optimization target is set for the processing curves according to material characteristics of a workpiece, process requirements and a finished product CAD file. At least two of the processing curves are selected and superimposed to form a basic forming curve, wherein each subsection of the basic forming curve corresponds to a selected processing curve. Whether the selected processing curve in each subsection of the basic forming curve matches the optimization target is determined.

Abstract: A stamp-forming system includes a lower die formed of elastomeric material and having lower die lateral sides. In addition, the stamp-forming system includes a die wall configured to encircle the lower die lateral sides, and move vertically relative to the lower die. Also included in the stamp-forming system is an upper die configured to move between an open position in which the upper die is separated from the die wall and the lower die, and a clamped position in which the upper die is in contact with the die wall and applying clamping pressure to a blank against the lower die, to thereby form the blank into a formed article. The die wall is sized and configured to prevent lateral expansion of the lower die when the lower die is vertically compressed by the clamping pressure applied by the upper die.

Abstract: A stretcher has two head housings, and a removable pressure block/clamp assembly which is located in the housings and positioned via hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders raise the pressure block assembly, and the gripper hydraulic cylinders lower the pressure block assembly onto a removal fixture which moves into and out of the head housing.

Abstract: A process is provided for making bulk textured material sheeting. As a continuous supply of flat material sheeting is fed, the sheeting is repeatedly impacted with toothed knives, each knife creating a row of raised and generally pointed structures on the sheeting to texture the sheeting.

Abstract: A plated steel sheet for hot stamping according to one aspect of the present invention includes a steel sheet, a plating layer formed on either surface or both surfaces of the steel sheet and having an Al content of 60 mass % or more, and a surface film layer formed on the plating layer. A thickness t of the plating layer is 10 to 60 ?m. An average crystal grain diameter of the plating layer in a thickness range from an interface between the plating layer and the surface film layer to a position at ? of the thickness t is 2t/3 or less and 15.0 ?m or less. A surface film layer contains particles containing one or more elements selected from A group elements consisting of Sc, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ce, Nb, Mo, and W. A total content of the A group elements is 0.01 to 10.0 g/m2. An average grain diameter of the particles containing the A group elements is 0.05 to 3.0 ?m.

Abstract: A manipulator for components, in particular sheet metal parts, includes a base body mountable stationarily or movable along a guide arrangement, a first pivot arm pivotally coupled to the base body via a horizontal first pivot axis, a second pivot arm pivotally coupled to the first pivot arm via a horizontal second pivot axis and a third pivot arm pivotally coupled to the second pivot arm via a horizontal third pivot axis. A first axis of rotation extending radially to the third pivot axis is formed on the third pivot arm. A gripper support arm is rotatably coupled to the third pivot arm via the first axis of rotation and extends radially to the first axis of rotation. A gripping arrangement is rotatably coupled to the gripper support arm via a second axis of rotation spaced from the first axis of rotation. A bending installation includes the manipulator.

Abstract: A flat wire distortion removal apparatus capable of contributing to preventing flat wires from being defectively processed is provided. A flat wire distortion removal apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a flat wire distortion removal apparatus, including a roller leveler configured to obtain parallelism between two side surfaces of the flat wire in a width direction by making the flat wire pass between a pair of rollers. The roller leveler includes a holding part configured to prevent the flat wire from rotating around an axis extending in a length direction of the flat wire.

Abstract: A method of feeding an elongate workpiece to a forming machine includes: providing first and second feed units, wherein each of the feed units has a receiving device that receives a workpiece stock in a coil, and a straightening device downstream of the receiving device that straightens the workpiece before it enters the forming machine, wherein the first and second feed units are arranged on a common platform movable between first and second working positions, wherein, in the first working position of the platform, the first feed unit is arranged in a working position suitable for transferring workpiece portions to the forming machine, and the second feed unit is arranged in a setting-up position, and, in the second working position of the platform, the second feed unit is arranged in the working position and the first feed unit in a setting-up position.

Abstract: A power tool comprising: a motor; a fastener gripping portion operatively coupled to the motor for causing movement of the fastener gripping portion between a home position and a retracted position to set a fastener; a home position sensor for generating output indicative that the fastener gripping portion has reached the home position during a reset stage of operation in which the fastener gripping portion is moved towards the home position; and a controller for receiving motor turn information indicative of the number of turns of the motor and for monitoring the position of the fastener gripping portion based on the motor turn information and the output generated by the home position sensor.

Abstract: A crankshaft with improved fatigue strength and machinability is provided. The crankshaft includes a pin and journal, having a chemical composition of, in mass %: 0.40 to 0.60% C; 0.01 to 1.50% Si; 0.4 to 2.0% Mn; 0.01 to 0.50% Cr; 0.20 to 0.50% Al; 0.001 to 0.02% N; up to 0.03% P; 0.005 to 0.20% S; 0.005 to 0.060% Nb; 0 to 0.060% Ti; and balance Fe and impurities, wherein, for each of the pin and journal, the hardness measured at a position at a depth of ¼ of the diameter from the surface is higher than HV 245, the microstructure at that position is mainly composed of ferrite/pearlite, and the fraction of ferrite is not lower than 16%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system, and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a continuous casting operation. A continuous casting mold component described herein includes: a mold wall substrate defining a groove proximate a bottom of the mold wall substrate; a graphite liner having a bottom edge defining a first angled surface and a top edge defining a second angled surface, where the bottom edge is received into the groove of the mold wall substrate; and a clamping element defining an angled clamping surface attached to the mold wall substrate with at least one fastener, where the bottom angled surface of the graphite liner is driven into the groove defined in the substrate in response to the angled clamping surface of the clamping element engaging the second angled surface of the graphite liner and the fastener pressing the clamping element toward the mold wall substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tool having one or more internal channels includes forming one or more channel cores by additive manufacturing, coating a metal onto the one or more channel cores to form a metal tube on each of the one or more channel cores, positioning the one or more metal tubes into a casting mold having a shape of a tool, and casting a molten metal into the casting mold to form the tool having the one or more internal channels corresponding to the one or more channel cores.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a product made of titanium alloy or a titanium-aluminum intermetallic compound by plasma torch melting, the alloy having an oriented structure, the method including heating the molten alloy surface in a casting ring with a plasma torch; cooling a cold zone of the casting ring over a length L1, the cooling forming a semi-solid crown of alloy; heating a hot zone of the casting ring over a length L2, thereby forming a solidification front, the flatness of which relative to a plane perpendicular to a drawing direction is less than 10°; and drawing the solidified alloy at a speed of more than 10?4 m/s in the drawing direction. The present disclosure also relates to a plant having one or more devices for implementing the method.

Abstract: A thixomolding material includes: a metal body that contains Mg as a main component; and a coating portion that is adhered to a surface of the metal body via a binder and contains SiC particles containing SiC as a main component. A mass fraction of the SiC particles in a total mass of the metal body and the SiC particles is 2.0 mass % or more and 40.0 mass % or less. The binder may contain waxes. A content of the binder may be 0.001 mass % or more and 0.200 mass % or less.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional molded object includes a solidified layer forming step, a cooling step, and a warpage measuring step. The solidified layer forming step is performing a recoating step and a solidifying step and maintaining a solidified layer at a molding temperature which is equal to or more than a martensitic transformation start temperature. The cooling step is cooling the solidified layer from the molding temperature to a cooling temperature which is less than the molding temperature and equal to or less than a martensitic transformation finish temperature. The warpage measuring step is measuring warpage of the solidified layer or warpage of a portion that deforms with a deformation of the solidified layer. The solidified layer forming step and the cooling step are repeated while a difference between the molding temperature and the cooling temperature is changed according to the magnitude of the warpage.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a material is described. The method includes preparing a powder mixture including yttrium aluminum garnet doped with a fissionable isotope, grinding the powder mixture to form a first milled powder, drying the first milled powder, calcinating the first milled powder to form a calcinated powder, grinding the calcinated powder to form a second milled powder, drying the second milled powder, shaping the second milled powder to form a plurality of shaped material portions, and sintering the plurality of shaped material portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a basic metallic frame product used to produce a metallic frame as a part of an electronic product such as a smartphone, a smart key, a remote controller, and the like, and to a metal injection molded system including a metal injection molded product made with a mixture of metal powder and a binder and a support means for fixing the metal injection molded product to prevent the molded side walls from shrinking in the longitudinal directions thereof during a sintering process of the metal injection molded product. As the basic metallic frame product made using the system is provided, the metallic frame may be easily mass-produced, the production cost of the metallic frame may be lowered, and an amount of metal consumed for making the metallic frame may be reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, apparatuses, systems and software that effectuate formation of a robust 3D object comprising at least one metal alloy. The 3D object may be formed by 3D printing. The 3D object may comprise diminished defects (e.g., heat cracks). The alloy may be formed by diffusion. The diffusion may be a controlled diffusion. The control may comprise (e.g., real time) temperature control during the formation of the 3D object. The 3D object may comprise controlled crystal structure and/or metallurgical phases.

Abstract: Described here is a method for recovering stainless steel from stainless steel slag, wherein the method comprises providing stainless steel slag, subjecting the stainless steel slag to dry milling followed by classifying the milled stainless steel slag to at least two fractions based on particle size characterised as small and middle fraction based on the particle size. The small and middle fractions are individually subjected to magnetic separation to separate a magnetic fraction from a non-magnetic fraction. The magnetic fractions are subjected to further separation to obtain particles with concentrated amount of stainless steel, which are subsequently recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing metallic powders from molten feedstock includes a heating source for melting a solid feedstock into a molten feed, and a crucible for containing the molten feed. A liquid feed tube is also provided to feed the molten feed as a molten stream. A plasma source delivers a plasma stream, with the plasma stream being adapted to be accelerated to a supersonic velocity and being adapted to then impact the molten stream for producing metallic powders. The feed tube extends from the crucible to a location where a supersonic plasma plume atomizes the molten stream. The plasma source includes at least two plasma torches provided with at least one supersonic nozzle aimed towards the molten stream. The multiple plasma torches are disposed symmetrically about the location where the supersonic plasma plumes atomize the molten stream, such as in a ring-shaped configuration.