China has the largest rare-earth reserves, and produces 80% of the world's refined rare-earth metals and alloys. As China's smelting developed, so did the quality of its products and its production capacity. Add to that mix extremely low production costs, and you end up with finished products priced less than just the production costs of other countries. Those other international operations could not remain profitable, and now only buy Chinese finished output. China has imposed export quotas that, despite the global economic slowdown, may put upward pressure on prices, fueled by rebound demand for electronics and autos.

Mi-Tech Metals produces high-density Tungsten Heavy Alloy, which is machinable.

High-density alloys provide a unique combination of density, mechanical strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and economy. The physical properties of high-density alloys make them excellent materials for radiation shielding, weights, and vibration dampening. Learn more...

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
    larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

A Key to Metals article provides a history and benefits of weathering steels that form a stable rust layer. Unlike conventional steels the layer does not detach, it forms a barrier to oxygen and moisture. Weathering steels cost about 10% less because they do not need painting, with a 30% coating maintenance savings.

NIST and Chinese researchers produced an alloy of iron, manganese, phosphorous, and germanium. It creates a magnetocaloric effect for refrigeration without greenhouse gases. Some magnetic materials heat up under a magnetic field, and cool rapidly when demagnetized. Previous alloys were toxic and expensive.

One process treats copper ions and spreads when bonding to a polymer film used to make protective CD and electronic circuit board bags. The technology allows the metal ions to act as a filter that traps and neutralizes any corrosive gases. The process also attracts any such pollution introduced into the bag during packaging.

The Cupro-Braze process licensed by the International Copper Association may spur use of copper heat exchangers for auto air conditioners. With better heat transfer characteristics than aluminum, copper exchangers can be smaller, lighter, and with less resistance to internal fluid flow. Copper's anti-bacterial and mold resistance eliminates air conditioning odors.

Prototype Casting, Inc., has recently added a Projet CP3000 wax pattern production system for investment casting. Investment casting will allow us to ship you a casting in as little as 2 days. We will soon be expanding our capabilities to offer bronze and stainless steel. Learn more...

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
   larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

Maintaining the strength and hardness of nano-powder metals is vital when making parts. Heating causes tiny metal crystals that destroy desired characteristics. Melt spinning technology rapidly cools melted aluminum into nano-flakes. Pulsing a high-frequency electric current through powder compacted into the desired shape, preserves structure and strength.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Nano Technology.

An antenna sintered with oxygen-iron powder hardens RFID tags against interference and signal diffraction when exposed to liquids or placed on a metal surface. The antenna and RFID chip forming the tag are sealed with epoxy and silicon. Applications include pharmaceutical warehouse management and train positioning systems.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Supply Chain Management.

Purdue and Stanford University researchers use a liquid alloy of indium and gallium to form flexible electrodes. They aid the study of living heart cells under electrical stimulation. The alloy is injected into micro channels between two polymer sheets. Forming electrodes can stretch up to 40%, are biocompatible, simple, and cheap.

Explosive thermite chemical reactions and rapid cooling produce a high-strength, nano structured metal alloy in small quantities. Fine structure is formed by the reaction of an iron-boron mix (plus aluminum catalyst) ignited to 3,000 C. The iron-boron solidifies rapidly while the aluminum stays liquid and separates from the alloy.

Send for a brochure on expansion alloys for hermetic seal with glass or ceramic e.g. lamps, power tubes, microwave tubes, transistors, etc.; and electrical nickel for electronics parts, anodes, cathodes, electron tubes, fuel cells, Ni-Cd batteries, etc. Available in coil/strip, bar, rod, plate, sheet, wire, and foil. Stock items shipped within 24 hours.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
   larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

Gain the Latest Project Management Credentials Online!

Be among the first to receive PMBOK® Guide — Fourth Edition-based training. Learn 100% online from acclaimed Villanova University. Save up to $1,540 now!

Advertisement includes:
  30 words of text, including bold
   heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x
   100 pixels (file size no larger than
   8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own
          Web site
    —  One link to the company's
          representation on the GlobalSpec
          site
    —  Link on logo or image will go to
          one of the two links above