A set of standardized material specifications and test methods now exists to evaluate and maintain quality in shape memory alloys used for medical devices and actuators. This article summarizes the ASTM standards applicable to shape memory technology in medical and actuation applications, and identifies areas requiring further standardization work.

Industrial computed tomography data analysis is harnessing deep learning to both accelerate in-line inspection and build better products. This article includes a case history involving deep learning industrial CT scan data analysis.

This article summarizes the more common analytical techniques for studying ancient metal artifacts, illustrated by case histories. There are two main classifications: noninvasive and invasive techniques. This distinction is of prime importance because some heritage objects may be too rare or valuable for invasive sampling, or there may be ethical objections to certain types of examination. Noninvasive examination of ancient metal artifacts is important, yet it cannot provide the detailed information obtainable from invasive techniques. This is especially true when artifacts contain “hidden” damage and there is also a need for accurate quantitative analyses.

Fire risk in electric vehicle batteries can be reduced by detecting flaws through nondestructive visualization. Industrial computed tomography (CT scanning) combined with advanced software that makes sense of CT-generated images, allows users to measure voids and particle sizes within electrode active material during the research and development phase, detect delamination and contamination during cell manufacturing, analyze electrical connections and electrolyte fill levels, and provide many other quality-assurance functions that were once impractical or even impossible to perform.

This article describes recent U.S. government cybersecurity regulations and their applicability to the heat treating industry. Compliance mitigates the impact of lost or compromised data, secures sensitive information, helps maintain a trustworthy reputation with customers, and helps to avoid the ensuing legal trouble that comes after a cybersecurity breach.

Digital image correlation data and Bayesian inference used together facilitate rigorous quantification of the uncertainty in material input parameters for finite element simulations of superelastic deformation.

Phase coherence imaging is a new approach for processing ultrasonic signals generated during nondestructive testing. This article shows how it compares with amplitude-based focusing methods for detecting hydrogen-related microfissures, creep-induced damage, and stainless-steel weld voids.

Accurate measurement of retained austenite levels is important in the development and control of a heat treatment process.

A look at how companies in regulated industries can test materials to produce higher quality metal components with additive manufacturing.

This unique testing method offers economic benefits, sustainability advantages, and the potential to slash the time required to develop new alloys and processing recipes.

Ahead of formal certification, many advanced metals have been qualified for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of previously impossible aerospace parts including for the hypersonic environment.

Various methods are available to evaluate the behavior of viruses on material surfaces, an important area of research for determining how long a virus can live on an inanimate object, and learning how to design and develop advanced antiviral materials.

As the engineering systems of the world adapt and change due to the effects of the pandemic on global health and worldwide economies, engineers and scientists provide paths of preservation to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Preventive multi-frequency testing using eddy current ensures heat-treated parts meet specifications.

Ultrasound backscattering enables direct determination of the interface between two materials with different microstructures, including different grain sizes.

In Germany, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is addressing challenges in the implementation of additive manufacturing on the industrial landscape for safety-critical applications. This article provides an overview of BAM’s activities in additive manufacturing with a focus on safety (both for applications and the environment) and AM technology innovation for a wide range of materials and manufacturing locations.

With today’s sophisticated measurement technology and testing equipment, manufacturers need never be in doubt over the quality of their starting materials and any property changes that occur in process. This interview addresses some of the key processes and technologies used to verify material stocks.

Using a six sigma, statistics-based approach for selecting materials, offers a unique way to compare different options for use in various applications. Key factors to consider when selecting a new material for an application include a clear understanding of component and application requirements and component design aspects. This articles describes key concepts in using six sigma and quality function deployment concepts in materials selection.

Advanced instrumentation combined with effective test procedures gives manufacturers an edge in measuring and analyzing welds.

This article addresses work to develop core technology for high pressure die casting in order to enable high volume and low-cost manufacturing of lightweight automotive components with complex hollow structural shapes. Although experimental verification of the concept using a part with simplified geometry looks promising, the technique requires further testing using commercial components with internal cavities of complex geometry.