While we have no doubt about the quality and range of application of our super alloys, it’s always good to know that there are ongoing developments in the industry to improve this vital commodity.
In a recent online edition of Engineering Material, for instance, it reported that Engineers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for creating stronger, lighter-weight magnesium alloys with potential structural applications in the automobile and aerospace industries.
The team first set out by introducing nano-spaced stacking faults to traditional alloys as a means of isolating any defects in the structure; in doing so they were able to increase the overall strength of the material by approximately 200%. Impressive!
According to the article, the material is not as strong as steel, but it is so much lighter that its specific strength is actually much higher. This means that you could, in theory, use twice as much of the magnesium alloy and still be half the weight of steel. Doubly impressive!
If the results hold true, the new alloy has real potential for replacing steel or other materials in some applications; and because the researchers used existing technology it is thought that the industry could adopt the technique quickly, without investing in new infrastructure.
It will be interesting to see if this potential new alloy hits the market place, and how soon it will happen. We will keep our eye and ears open and report our findings.
In the interim, check out some of the alloys suitable for automobile and aerospace in our range. Depending on your application, these are useful in the aerospace and engineering industries: Inconel 601, Inconel 600, Nickel 200 andNickel 201, and Monel 400.
And if you are not sure what you are looking for, give us a call.
