An exploration of binder jetting of copper

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Bai ◽  
Christopher B Williams

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of binder jetting to fabricate high-purity copper parts. The ability to fabricate geometrically complex copper shapes would have implications on the design and manufacture of components for thermal management systems and structural electronics. Design/methodology/approach – To explore the feasibility of processing copper via binder jetting, the authors followed an established material development process that encompasses powder selection and tuning process parameters in printing and thermal cycles. Specifically, the authors varied powder size and sintering cycles to explore their effects on densification. Findings – Three differently sized copper powders were successfully printed, followed by sintering in a reducing atmosphere. It was found that a 15-μm-diameter powder with a sintering cycle featuring a 1,080°C maximum temperature provides the most dense (85 per cent) and pure (97 per cent) final copper parts of the parameters tested. Research limitations/implications – Due to powder-based additive manufacturing techniques’ inherent limitations in powder packing and particle size diameter, there are difficulties in creating fully dense copper parts. To improve thermal, electrical and mechanical properties, future work will focus on improving densification. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates the first use of binder jetting to fabricate copper artifacts. The resulting copper parts are denser than what is typically found in binder jetting of metal powders (without infiltration); significant opportunity remains to further optimize the manufacturing process by introducing novel techniques to tailor the material properties for thermal/electrical applications.

Author(s):  
Ana Paula Clares ◽  
Guha Manogharan

Abstract Binder Jetting has gained particular interest amongst Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques because of its wide range of applications, broader feasible material systems, and absence of rapid melting-solidification issues present in other AM processes. Understanding and optimizing printing parameters during the powder spreading process is essential to improve the quality of the final part. In this study, a Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation is employed to evaluate the powder packing density, flowability, and porosity during powder spreading process utilizing three different powder groups. Two groups are formed with monoidal size distributions (75–84 μm and 100–109 μm), and the third one consisting of a bimodal distribution (50 μm + 100 μm). A thorough investigation into the effects of powder size distribution during the powder spreading step in a binder jetting process is conducted using ceramic foundry sand. It was observed that coarser particles result in higher flowability (62% decrease in repose angle) than finer ones due to the cohesion effect present in the latter. A bimodal size distribution yields the highest packing density (8% increase) and lowest porosity (∼12% reduction) in the powder bed, as the finer particles fill in the voids created between the coarser ones. Findings from this study are directly applicable to binder-jetting AM process, and also offer new insights for AM powder manufacturers.


Author(s):  
M.G. Yagodin ◽  
E.I. Starovoytenko

The equipment for the production of wide range of metal powders purposed for powder metallurgy is described. The possibility for producing of powders by the plasma centrifugal spraying is considered taking into account the gas dynamic pressure. The calculated data on the powder size for different materials are given.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Ryan Scott ◽  
Malcolm Le Lievre

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore insights methodology and technology by using behavioral to create a mind-set change in the way people work, especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Design/methodology/approach The approach is to examine how AI is driving workplace change, introduce the idea that most organizations have untapped analytics, add the idea of what we know future work will look like and look at how greater, data-driven human behavioral insights will help prepare future human-to-human work and inform people’s work with and alongside AI. Findings Human (behavioral) intelligence will be an increasingly crucial part of behaviorally smart organizations, from hiring to placement to adaptation to team building, compliance and more. These human capability insights will, among other things, better prepare people and organizations for changing work roles, including working with and alongside AI and similar tech innovation. Research limitations/implications No doubt researchers across the private, public and nonprofit sectors will want to further study the nexus of human capability, behavioral insights technology and AI, but it is clear that such work is already underway and can prove even more valuable if adopted on a broader, deeper level. Practical implications Much “people data” inside organizations is currently not being harvested. Validated, scalable processes exist to mine that data and leverage it to help organizations of all types and sizes be ready for the future, particularly in regard to the marriage of human capability and AI. Social implications In terms of human capability and AI, individuals, teams, organizations, customers and other stakeholders will all benefit. The investment of time and other resources is minimal, but must include C-suite buy in. Originality/value Much exists on the softer aspects of the marriage of human capability and AI and other workplace advancements. What has been lacking – until now – is a 1) practical, 2) validated and 3) scalable behavioral insights tech form that quantifiably informs how people and AI will work in the future, especially side by side.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-418
Author(s):  
Kate Thompson ◽  
Pippa Brown ◽  
Stephanie Vieira

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an intervention with a group of homeless men from the Horn of Africa, service users of the Horn of Africa Health and Wellbeing Project in London. The group was conceived by the second author who noted the presence of significant psychosocial issues for her clients, but equally their reluctance to access mainstream mental health or social care services. Design/methodology/approach Designing the group and introducing it to the men involved threw up some challenges which are explored, and the impact of the group on participants is evaluated. Findings Overall both the participants and the facilitators evaluated the group positively and it appeared to have led to lasting change for some of the group members, and this is described. The authors argue that this sort of group may be a more acceptable way to work on psychosocial issues than something more directly focused on mental health intervention. The group protocol is outlined along with suggestions for future work in this area. Originality/value This intervention represents a creative alternative to more mainstream psychological interventions for homeless or exiled men.


2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mumin Sahin ◽  
Cenk Misirli ◽  
Dervis Özkan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine mechanical and metallurgical properties of AlTiN- and TiN-coates high-speed steel (HSS) materials in detail. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, HSS steel parts have been processed through machining and have been coated with AlTiN and TiN on physical vapour deposition workbench at approximately 6,500°C for 4 hours. Tensile strength, fatigue strength, hardness tests for AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS samples have been performed; moreover, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis and microstructure analysis have been made by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results have been compared with uncoated HSS components. Findings – It was found that tensile strength of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that of uncoated HSS parts. Highest tensile strength has been obtained from TiN-coated HSS parts. Number of cycles for failure of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that for HSS parts. Particularly TiN-coated HSS parts have the most valuable fatigue results. However, surface roughness of fatigue samples may cause notch effect. For this reason, surface roughness of coated HSS parts is compared with that of uncoated ones. While the average surface roughness (Ra) of the uncoated samples was in the range of 0.40 μm, that of the AlTiN- and TiN-coated samples was in the range of 0.60 and 0.80 μm, respectively. Research limitations/implications – It would be interesting to search different coatings for cutting tools. It could be the good idea for future work to concentrate on wear properties of tool materials. Practical implications – The detailed mechanical and metallurgical results can be used to assess the AlTiN and TiN coating applications in HSS materials. Originality/value – This paper provides information on mechanical and metallurgical behaviour of AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS materials and offers practical help for researchers and scientists working in the coating area.


2013 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Dora ◽  
Dirk Van Goubergen ◽  
Maneesh Kumar ◽  
Adrienn Molnar ◽  
Xavier Gellynck

Purpose – Recent literature emphasizes the application of lean manufacturing practices to food processing industries in order to improve operational efficiency and productivity. Only a very limited number of studies have focused on the implementation of lean manufacturing practices within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food sector. The majority of these studies used the case study method and concentrated on individual lean manufacturing techniques geared towards resolving efficiency issues. This paper aims to analyze the status of the lean manufacturing practices and their benefits and barriers among European food processing SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. A total of 35 SMEs' representatives, mostly CEOs and operations managers, participated in the survey. The study investigated the role of two control variables in lean implementation: size of the company and country of origin. Findings – The findings show that lean manufacturing practice deployment in food processing SMEs is generally low and still evolving. However, some lean manufacturing practices are more prevalent than others; e.g. flow, pull and statistical process control are not widely used by the food processing SMEs, whereas total productive maintenance, employee involvement, and customer association are more widespread. The key barriers encountered by food SMEs in the implementation of lean manufacturing practices result from the special characteristics of the food sector, such as highly perishable products, complicated processing, extremely variable raw materials, recipes and unpredictable demand. In addition, lack of knowledge and resources makes it difficult for food processing SMEs to embark on the lean journey. Originality/value – The gap in the literature regarding the application of lean manufacturing in the food sector is identified and addressed in this study. The originality of this paper lies in analyzing the current status of the use of lean manufacturing practices among food SMEs in Europe and identifying potential barriers.


Author(s):  
E. Lisa F. Schipper ◽  
Frank Thomalla ◽  
Gregor Vulturius ◽  
Marion Davis ◽  
Karlee Johnson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the dialogue between the disaster risk reduction (DRR) and adaptation community by investigating their differences, similarities and potential synergies. The paper examines how DRR and adaptation can inform development to tackle the underlying drivers of disaster risk. Design/methodology/approach Based on a risk-based approach to the management of climate variability and change, the paper draws from a critical review of the literature on DRR and adaptation. The study finds that known and emerging risk from disasters continues to increase dramatically in many parts of the world, and that climate change is a key driver behind it. The authors also find that underlying causes of social vulnerability are still not adequately addressed in policy or practice. Linking DRR and adaptation is also complicated by different purposes and perspectives, fragmented knowledge, institutions and policy and poor stakeholder coordination. Findings The author’s analysis suggests that future work in DRR and adaptation should put a much greater emphasis on reducing vulnerability to environmental hazards, if there is truly a desire to tackle the underlying drivers of disaster and climate risks. Originality/value This will require coherent political action on DRR and adaptation aimed at addressing faulty development processes that are the main causes of growing vulnerability. The study concludes with a first look on the new Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and how it aims to connect with adaptation and development.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Poirier ◽  
Y. Thomas ◽  
B. Guerreiro ◽  
M. Martin ◽  
M. Aghasibeig ◽  
...  

Abstract A novel powder modification method based on the simultaneous softening and agglomeration of steel powders via heat treatment in a rotary tube furnace has been investigated as a means to improve the cold sprayability of H13 tool steel powder. By adjusting starting powder size and shape as well as heat treatment conditions (maximum temperature, cooling rate, and atmosphere), cold spray of H13 powder went from virtually no deposition to the production of thick dense deposits with a deposition efficiency of 70%. Powder agglomeration, surface state, microstructure evolution, and softening are identified as key factors determining powder deposition efficiency and resulting deposit microstructure.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1135-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joao Quariguasi-Frota-Neto ◽  
Andrew Reade ◽  
Azadeh Dindarian ◽  
Andrew Gibson

Purpose – In 2011, a governmental initiative driven by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills invited the British Standards Institute (BSI) to write and publish a publicly available specification (PAS) for the reuse of waste electrical and electronic equipment entitled PAS 141. The specification's ambitious goals, chief among them to reduce the amount of e-waste generated in the UK, has prompted debate as to whether they are realistic and the extent to which they can be influenced by the certification. The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive framework that can be used in future research to enhance understanding of the mechanisms by which the introduction of PAS 141 certification could lead to the fulfillment of its goals, that is, successful uptake. The authors believe this framework can serve as a roadmap for those interested in the investigation of this novel certification and its effect on the market for reusable electrical and electronic products. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on interviews with reuse organizations and first hand experience as a participant in the steering group that elaborated the certification being investigated, i.e. PAS 141. Findings – It is uncertain whether PAS 141 will fulfill its promises, which are, in the view of the authors, rather ambitious, e.g. reduce e-waste. Furthermore, more research is needed to examine the effect that the introduction of the certification has on the materialization of its goals, and on the complex inter-relationship that exist between the goals and what the authors define as intermediary necessary conditions. Research limitations/implications – This is the first attempt the outline the research needs that arise from the introduction of PAS-141, and the authors believe that there are other equally important questions that are yet to be presented and examined. Practical implications – This paper proposes 28 hypotheses which will help future work to empirically establish: the possibility of PAS-141 attaining its goals and the main necessary conditions for that to happen. This information is pivotal to determine whether the certification is working and to pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Social implications – This works contributes to the understanding of the role of certification on the market of reused products, which employs a large number of people, and in particular, whose coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Originality/value – Although certification in general has been widely investigated in prior research, scant attention has been paid to certification in the context of electronic products. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper of its kind, as it is the first to examine certification in that context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Pawsey ◽  
Jayanath Ananda ◽  
Zahirul Hoque

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the sensitivity of economic efficiency rankings of water businesses to the choice of alternative physical and accounting capital input measures. Design/methodology/approach Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to compute efficiency rankings for government-owned water businesses from the state of Victoria, Australia, over the period 2005/2006 through 2012/2013. Differences between DEA models when capital inputs were measured using either: statutory accounting values (historic cost and fair value), physical measures, or regulatory accounting values, were scrutinised. Findings Depending on the choice of capital input, significant variation in efficiency scores and the ranking of the top (worst) performing firms was observed. Research limitations/implications Future research may explore the generalisability of findings to a wider sample of water utilities globally. Future work can also consider the most reliable treatment of capital inputs in efficiency analysis. Practical implications Regulators should be cautious when using economic efficiency data in benchmarking exercises. A consistent approach to account for the capital stock is needed in the determination of price caps and designing incentives for poor performers. Originality/value DEA has been widely used to explore the role of ownership structure, firm size and regulation on water utility efficiency. This is the first study of its kind to explore the sensitivity of DEA to alternative physical and accounting capital input measures. This research also improves the conventional performance measurement in water utilities by using a bootstrap procedure to address the deterministic nature of the DEA approach.


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