Nano-metal coating for composite tools.A new hard metal coating with low thermal expansion thermal expansion Increase in volume of a material as its temperature is increased, usually expressed as a fractional change in dimensions per unit temperature change. is claimed to extend the lifespan of composite tooling. Nanovar from Integran Technologies Inc., Toronto, is a ductile ductile /duc·tile/ (duk´til) susceptible of being drawn out without breaking. duc·tile adj. Easily molded or shaped. ductile susceptible of being drawn out without breaking. surface coating Surface coating A substance applied to other materials to change the surface properties, such as color, gloss, resistance to wear or chemical attack, or permeability, without changing the bulk properties. that is nano-structured, meaning the metal grains are 1000 times smaller than in conventional metals, resulting in hardness similar to tool steel. Tooling made from carbonfiber composites is used extensively in pre-production manufacturing but has found limited production use because of lack of surface durability, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Integran. Hard-metal surface coatings have been attempted previously but have tended to be porous porous /por·ous/ (por´us) penetrated by pores and open spaces. po·rous adj. 1. Full of or having pores. 2. Admitting the passage of gas or liquid through pores. , brittle, and nonuniform in thickness, the company claims. In contrast to other coatings that rely on brittle metal oxides to achieve hardness, Integran's nano-structuring process results in a ductile material, which enhances tool robustness. Validation testing is underway with aerospace customers and commercialization is expected later this year. Tel: (416) 675-6266 * www.integran.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion