ENGINEERING MATERIALS
Hard case toughens up the nickel
Newly-developed nano-structured surface on Nickel alloy gives the material properties capable of withstanding high stress applications
C
utting-edge technology developed by a team at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry has resulted in a super-strength alloy capable of withstanding the massive stresses of space
travel. Scientists and engineers at the MTC have been working with one of the UK’s surface engineering and metal coating companies to develop the ultra-resilient alloy using the latest shot-peening techniques. Sandwell UK of Towcester carries out surface
coating and shot-peening processes for high-stress applications, including aerospace and Formula One. The processes produce stress layers which strengthen the mechanical properties of metal parts. Now, in the latest programme being carried out by
the MTC and Sandwell UK, part-funded by the government’s REACH fund for SMEs delivered by the MTC, engineers have developed a process that results in a highly resilient nano-structured surface on nickel alloy. After the process, the alloy has hardness properties suitable for the most high- fatigue environments. This makes it suitable for spacecraft, satellites, aerospace applications and Formula One, or for use in renewable energy systems such as highly-loaded wind generation components. Research is continuing, with funding from Innovate UK.
VOLUME PRODUCTION While these results have previously been achievable in a laboratory, MTC and Sandwell UK engineers have developed the process for commercial volume production. The process will also help Sandwell’s other clients
involved in the oil, gas and marine industries, including offshore drilling and exploration. A further result of the process is that the treated metal has
28 /// Environmental Engineering /// September 2018
anti-bacterial properties which could make it suitable for medical applications and implants. Ken Young, the MTC’s technology director, says
the process developed was a significant step forward in understanding nanostructure transformations in metals and alloys. “It is a delight to work with a world class SME
where our expertise can help it take its process knowledge to not only help existing clients, but also open up new market opportunities. Companies such as Sandwell show the future potential for British manufacturing.” Colin McGrory, technical director of Sandwell
UK, said, “The surface structure resulting from the new process can significantly improve the fatigue performance of the material and also reduce the effects of chemicals and reduce the rate of bacterial growth on the surface. We will continue to assess the benefits in material performance. We are indebted to the work of Yijun Liu and his team at the MTC and also to Birmingham University, who validated the results using their transmission electron microscope.”
ACADEMIC INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and research and technology group TWI. Its industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers. The MTC aims to provide a competitive
environment to bridge the gap between university research and the development of innovative manufacturing approaches, in line with the government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. EE
❱❱ Space exploration technology could benefit from the new nickel super-alloy with its hardness properties and ability to withstand high fatigue environments
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