Metallic glasses are noncrystalline solid metals that have high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and impressive hardness compared to their crystalline counterparts. A modern understanding of how glasses are formed along with an appreciation for the high ultimate yield strength of metallic glasses are leading to a boon in applications for these unique materials.

The high heating and cooling rates of additive manufacturing make it a good fit for metallic glasses, whose high elasticity, strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance are used in high-performance applications such as aerospace, defense, and biomedical devices.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy is a powerful and nondestructive analytical characterization technique for investigating ceramics, glasses, and composites.

John J. Croat and Masato Sagawa simultaneously and independently invented the world’s most powerful permanent magnet, the neodymium (NdFeB) magnet, and established two different manufacturing methods to produce it. Their achievement is recognized by the 2023 Honda Prize, awarded by the Honda Foundation. This article highlights each inventor’s research contributions.

Structural features, spatial locations, and morphological measures not readily attainable with 2D methods are now accessible using 3D microstructure characterization techniques.

An ambitious automotive concept incorporates mixed materials in all major vehicle systems of a five-passenger sedan to achieve an overall weight reduction of 23%. This article explores the vehicle design and material usage details, system by system.

This article explores two case studies regarding use of materials data and software educational tools to analyze biocompatibility related to implantable medical devices. The example applications are glass-ceramic scaffolds and suture anchor implants.

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.

AM&P spoke with Brian Donahue of Canvus to learn how this manufacturer upcycles end-of-life wind turbine blades into furniture for communities, parks, and schools.

Cold spray was primarily developed for use in applications that are extremely sensitive to high process temperatures. Due to this factor and its other unique capabilities, cold spray is becoming attractive as an enabling technology for 3D printing or additive manufacturing. Current work is focusing on reducing the spot size of cold spray systems to enable them to produce more intricate and highly finished shapes.

The discovery of new phases of carbon and direct conversion of carbon into diamond and diamond-like materials—at ambient conditions and without a catalyst—is a breakthrough with tremendous potential for electronics and hard-materials applications.

Throughout its 100-year history, the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate has conducted groundbreaking critical research programs responsible for a multitude of technological advances. This article summarizes just a few of the significant achievements of the directorate during its history.

In cold spray characterization, scanning electron microscopy is used to analyze feedstock powders for particle size, distribution, shape, and chemical composition prior to spraying. SEM is used extensively to characterize coating chemistry via energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Coating thickness and interface contour can be characterized in a manner that makes SEM an indispensable and versatile tool for evaluating coating integrity in the as-sprayed condition, as well as in developing an understanding of bonding to the substrate.

Advancements in nanoscience are making it possible to metallically glue two solids together at room temperature, in air, and under a small amount of mechanical pressure. Metallic glues can serve as excellent conductors for heat dissipation and electrical current in electronic devices and also as leak-resistant seals for vacuum environments.

The only process available for producing titanium was patented by William J. Kroll in 1940, marking the dawn of a new metals industry.

A new ISO standard could help spur development of new surface treatments and innovative products that can help defend against harmful bacteria and biofilms. This article describes the successful development and adoption of a new standard, ISO 4768:2023, that addresses measurement of anti-biofilm activity on plastic and other nonporous surfaces.

Nondestructive evaluation comprises a large family of specific test disciplines including visual inspection, dimensional metrology, ultrasound, radiography, penetrant tests, magnetic particle tests, leak tests, eddy current tests, potential drop tests, flash and vibrothermography, shearography, acoustic emissions, and many other methods. This article offers an overview of NDE science and discusses some key considerations for choosing specific techniques.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM announces 2016 award recipients; Alcoa Inc., Tennessee Operations North Plant, was selected for a 2016 ASM Historical Landmark Award; ASM selects student board members for 2016-2017; volunteer profile for James Callahan; professional profile for Amber N. Black.

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) originated from ultrasonic metal welding, first developed in the 1950s. Modern applications include welding of battery tabs, thin foil packaging, and electronic wire production. The article reports on a unique UAM method that excels at mixed metal applications. The technology won the 2022 ASM Engineering Materials Achievement Award.

Testing offers vital insights into product performance and enables engineers to determine a material’s suitability as well as the integrity of manufacturing processes as part of quality control initiatives. This article gives examples of testing for high-performance eyewear, composite snowboards, and motorcycle apparel.