Elmet Applied sciences, a totally built-in, US-owned and operated tungsten and molybdenum producer, has been granted a US patent (no. 12,359,290) for “Tungsten Heavy Metallic Alloy Powders and Strategies of Forming Them.” Because the fifth US patent granted on this area, it acknowledges Elmet Applied sciences’ continued innovation in powders for additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy functions.
The method leverages superior spray drying and non-obligatory plasma densification strategies to supply considerably spherical, flowable, and extremely densified composite particles. This distinctive materials construction improves powder mattress uniformity and thermal conductivity throughout sintering – key benefits for fabricating aerospace, protection, and industrial components the place mechanical power and precision are essential.
“This patent reinforces Elmet Applied sciences’ dedication to supplies innovation,” stated Michael T. Stawovy, Co-inventor and Director of Analysis and Growth at Elmet Applied sciences. “Our method enhances the manufacturing of tungsten heavy alloy powders with distinctive flowability and chemical uniformity – options important to attaining repeatable, high-quality components via additive manufacturing.”
Key options of the patented invention embrace: Tailor-made Alloy Compositions (together with 90% tungsten with rigorously managed additions of nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, or manganese); Improved Powder Morphology (considerably spherical particles with diminished porosity and enhanced stream charge – as little as 7 seconds/50g by Corridor stream technique); and Superior Densification (plasma-treated particles attain as much as 65% of theoretical density, minimizing shrinkage and defects throughout sintering).
The expertise additionally addresses a long-standing problem in steel additive manufacturing – producing extremely pure, flowable powders that retain their form and properties underneath excessive processing circumstances. The ensuing powders are well-suited for binder-jet printing and different powder-bed strategies, enabling the manufacturing of high-strength tungsten components for excessive environments.
