AM Application in
Precision Components

Introduction

  • Special “rapid freezing“ process creates amorphous structure.

  • Scratch resistance - hardness of up to 500VH, 3.8 times that of 316L.

  • High smoothness - surface roughness of Ra 0.05µm, reducing polishing by 80%.

  • High precision - shrinkage ~ 0.25%, reducing post-processing by 90%.

  • Corrosion resistance - withstands salt bath for over 30 days and salt spray for over 600 hours.

Watch Case: Volume: 3.205 cm³

Amorphous metals, also known as metallic glasses, are a unique class of materials characterized by a disordered atomic structure, achieved through rapid cooling that prevents the formation of a regular crystal lattice. They offer exceptional properties, making them ideal for precision components.

Properties of Amorphous Metals

  1. High Hardness and Scratch Resistance: Amorphous metals have a hardness of up to 500HV, making them 3.8 times harder than traditional materials like 316L stainless steel.

  2. High Smoothness: With a surface roughness of Ra 0.05µm, they require significantly less polishing, reducing finishing time by 80%.

  3. High Precision: These materials exhibit minimal shrinkage (~0.25%), enhancing dimensional accuracy and reducing the need for post-processing by 90%.

  4. Corrosion Resistance: Amorphous metals can withstand prolonged exposure to corrosive environments, such as a 30-day salt bath and over 600 hours in a salt spray test.

  5. Elasticity and Wear Resistance: These metals can endure significant elastic deformation and have excellent wear resistance.

Applications in Precision Components

Amorphous metals are particularly suitable for precision components due to their exceptional properties:

  1. Watch Cases
    The high strength, scratch resistance, and smooth finish of amorphous metals make them ideal for high-end watch cases. They provide durability and a premium appearance with minimal post-processing required.

  2. Medical Devices
    Precision components in medical devices benefit from the biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and high precision of amorphous metals, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

  3. Sporting Goods
    Amorphous metals can be used in high-performance sporting equipment, such as golf clubs and tennis racquets, where high strength, elasticity, and wear resistance can enhance performance and durability.

  4. Electronics
    Amorphous metals are used in electronic components where precision, minimal wear, and high durability are critical, such as in connectors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

Comparison with Traditional Materials

The provided image compares the use of metal injection molding (MIM) with 316L stainless steel and injection molding (IM) combined with amorphous metals (AM) for a watch case:

  1. Case Weight
    The weight of the case made with IM+AM is 21 grams, compared to 26 grams for MIM+316L.

  2. Process Time
    The process time for IM+AM is significantly reduced to 3 minutes, compared to over 30 hours for MIM+316L.

  3. Cost
    While the cost factor for IM+AM is slightly higher (1.5) than MIM+316L (1.0), the benefits in terms of reduced processing time and superior material properties can justify the investment.

Advantages

  • Superior Mechanical Properties
    High hardness, strength, and wear resistance.

  • High Precision
    Minimal shrinkage and high dimensional accuracy.

  • Corrosion Resistance
    Excellent resistance to environmental degradation.

  • Reduced Processing Time
    Less need for post-processing and polishing.