Fraunhofer develops iron-base composite implants to stimulate bone growth
November 12, 2014
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Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute, Germany, have reportedly developed load-bearing, biodegradable implants made of a composite of iron reinforced with tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which stimulates the healing process of the bone. Iron alloys corrode slowly and ensure high mechanical strength, while TCP ceramic decomposes quickly, stimulates bone growth, and aids the ingrowth of the implant.
These materials are to be gradually absorbed by the body while, at the same time, new bone tissue is formed. Ideally, the degree of degradation is adapted to the bone growth so that the degradation of the implant meshes with the bone formation. For this reason, the scientists are developing materials with specifically adjustable degradation. The challenge: The implants have to be mechanically stable enough during the entire healing process so that they are able to fix the bone in place. At the same time, they cannot have any allergenic effects or cause inflammation.
To manufacture the composite, the researchers have turned to the powder injection molding process. It offers the ability to produce complex structures cost-effectively and in large numbers. Properties such as density and porosity can be controlled selectively – an important factor, since high density and low porosity result in high mechanical strengths. Another advantage: The materials are available as powders and can be mixed in any proportion prior to processing.
In laboratory experiments, the researchers have found the optimum composition of the materials for the suture anchor. The demonstrator consists of 60% iron and 40% ceramic. The researchers have succeeded in doubling the degradation rate from 120 to 240 micrometers per year in the laboratory model.
While shaping processes such as powder injection molding are especially suited in large quantities as fixation elements for standard implants, additive manufacturing methods are used to produce individual implants – such as for bone replacement in the skull area – or implants with defined pore structure. The researchers from ILT who are also involved in the project are producing implants made of magnesium alloys through the use of Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
http://www.fraunhofer.de/en.html
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute, Germany, have reportedly developed load-bearing, biodegradable implants made of a composite of iron reinforced with tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which stimulates the healing process of the bone.
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EFD Induction automatic brazing machine installed at Thermo King
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EFD Induction, Norway, announces that Thermo King recently installed an automatic brazing machine from EFD Induction. The machine is employed to braze vibration absorbers, which are components used in the suction lines of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The machine features an innovative ‘separable' coil design. This is essential for the whole automation process, making it possible to go from manual brazing to a fully automated, continuous production flow.
The Thermo King brazing machine is powered by an EFD Induction Sinac 18/25 generator. The Sinac model is a ‘Twin' version with two independent power outputs. Each power output has a split transformer function that made it possible to install separable coils. The full system delivered to Thermo King comprises an automatic handling solution, a power source, and a chiller unit.
Commenting on why EFD Induction was chosen over alternative offerings, Michael Corcoran, Project Manager of Thermo King Ireland, said: "We examined various proposals before opting for the EFD Induction solution. There were several reasons behind the choice of supplier for this critical piece of equipment. First, their solution made technical and economic sense. Second, the company has deep expertise in the brazing field—especially in custom-engineered solutions such as this machine. And third, the fact that EFD Induction is present throughout Europe means we have considerable after-sales support on our doorstep."
www.efd-induction.com
EFD Induction, Norway, announces that Thermo King recently installed an automatic brazing machine from EFD Induction.
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Ipsen ships Titan furnace by air for the first time
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that for the first time it has shipped a Titan vacuum furnace by air. This Titan H2 with 2-bar quench was shipped to a company located near Shanghai, China, as part of a collaborative 3-D printer-furnace package. This company is part of the continuous casting industry, and the Titan furnace is to process printed steel prototypes and to assist in furthering the company's new Research & Development projects.
The Titan vacuum furnace's journey began at Ipsen's Cherry Valley facility, where it was assembled. During that time, the customer visited Ipsen's facility to receive hands-on installation and operation training. The furnace was then shipped to Kentucky's CVG Airport. From there, its modular and compact size allowed it to be easily loaded upon a plane and shipped to China.
Even though this is the company's first 3-D printer and first vacuum furnace, Ipsen's global presence – including an office located nearby in Shanghai – gives its engineers immediate access to support whenever necessary. Customers can also take advantage of Ipsen's Global Support Team, which facilitates on-site installation, expert training, and start-up assistance from the moment of delivery through the entire lifespan of the equipment.
Ipsen's Titan line is a self-contained, skid-mounted system that installs in just one day. Designed for ease of use, the Titan is perfect for first-time heat treaters and experts alike. Its standardized, simple-to-master control system operates in 20-plus languages, meets global industry standards, switches easily between units of measure and stores up to 1000 recipes. Overall, the Titan is able to handle a number of different processes, including annealing, hardening, brazing, sintering, tempering and more.
www.IpsenUSA.com/Titan
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that for the first time it has shipped a Titan vacuum furnace by air.
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United Technologies Research Center wins R&D 100 Awards
November 11, 2014
Source: ASM International
United Technologies Research Center (UTRC), East Hartford, Conn., has been recognized by R&D Magazine as a recipient of R&D 100 Awards for two breakthrough eco-friendly technologies: Ecotuff corrosion inhibitor for high-strength aluminum alloys, and a portable aluminum deposition system for field repair of large structures.
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Mix tapes make a comeback thanks to 3D printing
November 6, 2014
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Back by popular demand, the MakerBot Mixtape is making a resurgence—this 3D printed version of the iconic DIY music mixtape is available in different color combinations and a retro way to listen to your favorite music, but with a modern 3D printed twist. MakerBot,Brooklyn, is known for bringing the future to the present with its MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers.
But this combines modern 3D printing technology with the allure of something totally retro—a mixtape. The MakerBot Mixtape was one of the first items the company recreated through 3D printing. The company is now gearing up for this blast from the past by 3D printing a variety of color combinations to appeal to music lovers of all kinds, from rock ‘n' rollers to those with a more classical leaning.
The redesigned MakerBot Mixtape is an all-new 3D printed cassette tape with an MP3 player embedded inside. With an improved user interface, the device offers drag and drop files just like a USB drive. It has 4GB of storage and holds favorite tunes and playlists and will even store 3D printing STL files giving easy access to 3D prints.
Image caption — The MakerBot Mixtape, available in different color combinations, is a retro way to listen to your favorite music, but with a modern 3D printed twist. Courtesy of Business Wire.
This is so old school, it is totally cool. Back by popular demand, the MakerBot Mixtape is making a resurgence.
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ASM International Elects Sunniva R. Collins ASM Board President
Source: ASM International
Case Western Reserve University professor and former ASM Board Vice President to assume Presidency.
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ASM International Welcomes Jon Tirpak as ASM Board Vice President
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ASM International (ASM), Materials Park, Ohio, announced that Jon Tirpak, senior program manager for the SCRA Applied R&D Advanced Materials Division, was elected as the ASM Board Vice President during the annual ASM business meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa.
In his current role at SCRA Applied R&D, Tirpak is directly involved in materials-dependent technologies and helps to support customers and clients through information generation and dissemination. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Forging Industry Association – Department of Defense Manufacturing Consortium and Senior Program Manager of the Defense Logistics Agency's PRO-FAST program. He has been a member of ASM since 1980.
Tirpak said he first joined ASM to contribute and give back to the profession. "The sense of community and networking opportunities that ASM offers is outstanding," he said. "My membership has enabled me to establish numerous professional and personal connections along with access to valuable content. During this year as Vice President, I look forward to supporting our ASM president, Sunniva Collins, and working shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Collins to help advance ASM for all members and stakeholders."
"Jon Tirpak's service to his community, profession and country is a true embodiment of what ASM stands to deliver to its members," said Thom Passek, managing director at ASM International. "We greatly look forward to his expanded involvement and influence in the Society as Board Vice President."
Tirpak is a licensed metallurgical engineer in South Carolina and past trustee of ASM International and has chaired the New Products and Services and the Federal Affairs Committees. He currently serves on the Finance and Investment Committees, concurrently with becoming Vice President-Elect of the Society. After his one year term as ASM Board Vice President in 2014-2015, Tirpak will then succeed current ASM President, Sunniva Collins, and will take on a one year term as ASM Board President for 2015-2016.
About ASM International
ASM International is the world's largest association of materials-centric engineers, scientists, technicians, educators and students. A member and volunteer based organization, ASM serves as a central resource that gathers the latest applied information from the field and disseminates it back to industry, academia and government through published content, classes, conferences, expositions, and local chapter engagement. ASM fuels a passionate sense of community, energizes members to aspire to new levels of success and satisfaction, advances the development of materials, and ultimately elevates the importance of the industry. To learn more visit: asminternational.org.
Senior program manager of SCRA Applied R&D brings decades of experience to ASM.
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ASM International Elects 2014-2015 ASM Board Officers and Trustees-Elect
Source: ASM International
President, Vice President, Treasurer and three Trustees elected by ASM membership.
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Harper partners with University of Colorado to process magnesium for auto parts
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Harper International, Buffalo, N.Y., has finalized a contract for a research-scale high-temperature reactor to support the University of Colorado Boulder's development of magnesium for lightweight vehicle parts. Harper's system is based on an advanced carbothermal reaction of carbon and magnesium oxide, which are heated to high temperatures to produce magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide gas. While the magnesium vapor is converted into a solid metal, the carbon monoxide is combined with steam and excess heat recovered from the solar-electric reactor to shift the carbon monoxide into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the syngas building blocks that can be catalytically reacted into diesel fuel or gasoline.
CU-Boulder was awarded a three-year, $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency in September of 2013. CU-Boulder Professor Alan Weimer and his research team will utilize the Harper reactor to produce both magnesium and synthesis gas, or syngas, a precursor for synthetic gasoline.
One of the most advanced customizations of the Harper system includes the hybrid utilization of both electric energy and renewable, concentrated solar power for heating. The current leading process to produce magnesium involves using electricity 24 hours a day, a method that is particularly expensive because of high energy consumption during daylight hours. The CU-Boulder team will use solar energy to power the reactor in the daytime and use electricity only at night during off-peak hours.
"Harper's custom system will enable us to not only make magnesium, a high value and strategic material, but also to make fuel, and in a more energy-efficient manner," said Professor Weimer. "Our partnership with Harper throughout the design process yielded a one-of-a-kind hybrid solar/electric cavity reactor that will propel our critical research for producing magnesium as well as future materials."
Magnesium is 75% lighter than steel and 33% lighter than aluminum. By 2020, magnesium parts will allow cars and trucks to weigh 15% less, leading to fuel savings of 9 to 12%, according to the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership, an industrial coalition of the Chrysler Group LLC, the Ford Motor Company and the General Motors Co. The Weimer research lab has been engaged in solar-thermal processing for the past 17 years and is the largest academic solar-thermal chemistry research team in the United States.
www.harperintl.com
Harper International, Buffalo, N.Y., has finalized a contract for a research-scale high-temperature reactor to support University of Colorado Boulder’s development of magnesium for lightweight vehicle parts.
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Imaging innovation could detect acoustically invisible cracks
November 4, 2014
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The University of Bristol, U.K., announces that its researchers have developed a nonlinear acoustic imaging technique that can detect cracks that cannot be seen by conventional acoustic imaging methods. Imaging of acoustic nonlinearity is achieved by exploiting differences in the propagation of fields produced by the parallel and sequential transmission of elements in ultrasonic arrays.
It has long been understood that acoustic nonlinearity is sensitive to many physical properties, including material microstructure and mechanical damage. The lack of effective imaging has, however, held back the use of this method.
Currently engineers are able to produce images of the interior of components using ultrasound, but can only detect large problems such as cracks. This is like detecting only broken bones in a medical environment.
The nonlinear imaging method would enable intervention before cracks have even begun to form, as well as predicting the remaining life of an engineering structure. The technique has been achieved using standard inspection equipment, which will allow for the implementation of the technique in numerous applications.
The University of Bristol, UK, announces that its researchers have developed a nonlinear acoustic imaging technique that can detect cracks that cannot be seen by conventional acoustic imaging methods.
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