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Q: How can I make my product less expensive?
A: This depends on your specific product but a few common techniques include reducing weight, using less-costly materials and investigating design modifications that would entail less waste or improved manufacturing techniques. One example is how Apple takes a piece of molded plastic and coats it with a metal such as copper. This technique gives the function of a copper antenna while eliminating the weight of copper and the high cost of copper compared to an inexpensive plastic. Keep in mind, material selection is very important when going about this experiment and much testing is highly recommended. For more information contact us.
Q: What is the typical lead time for custom components?
A: The lead time can be as short as 1 day for repeat orders, especially if set up as a blanket PO. For first-time orders of new components, a typical lead time would be 2 weeks or so.
What kinds of metals are good to use when designing a new component?
There are many excellent metals to use but the more common metals are aluminum, steel, stainless and copper. If you need a really strong metal, titanium might be a good choice for you.
What kinds of materials should be used or not used in marine environments?
Marine environments can cause deterioration on aluminum, steel, copper and even stainless. Many metals are prone. One technique used to conquer the obstacles is to employ coatings. For example, chrome plating and nickel-phos plating can help prevent environmental damage. There are special materials designed for use in harsh environments. Stainless 316L works better than many other stainless grades in salty environments. For some more information see http://www.berkeleypoint.com/learning/stainless.html
Q: Is tantalum biocompatible?
A: Yes, tantalum is highly biocompatible.
Q: What kind of applications are suitable for tantalum?
A: Tantalum implants and bio-coatings are suitable.
Q: What is tantalium?
A: Tantalium is the previous name of tantalum.
Q: Do people sonetimes substitute tantalum for platinum due to tantalum's inertness?
A: Yes.
Q: Are tantalum components used for bone repair?
A: Yes.
Q: Can tantalum be stripped or attacked with aqua regia?
A: No.
Q: How to dissolve tantalum?
A: HF acid.
Q: What about tantalum surgical instruments and orthopedic implants?
A: Tantalum is suitable and porous tantalum coatings are used to construct orthopedic implants because tantalum bonds well with hard tissue.
Q: Is tantalum stiff?
A: Yes, therefore it can be used in foam shape or scaffold to avoid stress issues.
Q: Is a tantalum implant affected by MRI?
A: No, tantalum is MRI-safe due to its non-magnetic properties.
Q: What are some typical stainless steel finish specifications?
A: Here is a list:
4 Fine Mirror
8 Mirror
16 Almost Mirror
32 Very Smooth
64 Smooth
128 Mill
# 0 Hot rolled, annealed, thick plate
# 1 Hot rolled, annealed and passivated
# 2D Cold rolled, annealed, pickled and passivated
# 2B Same as # 2D with additional pass through highly polished rollers
# 2BA Bright annealed (BA or 2R) same as # 2B then bright annealed in oxygen-free environment
# 3 Coarse abrasive mechanically applied
# 4 Brushed
# 5 Satin
# 6 Matte(brushed but smooth)
# 7 Reflective
# 8 Mirror finish
# 9 Bead blast
# 10 Heat colored finish
Q: What is F-15 and is it used for medical applications?
A: It is a conrolled expansion alloy used for brazing. It is used to make scientific intruments and testing devices
along with many other uses but it is not used for impants and is not considered biocompatible as far as we know. It is
an Iron-Nickel-Cobalt alloy and can be useful as a weld relief ring or flange when joining stainless or another high
rate expansion metal to alumina considering that a hermetic seal is desired.
Q: What is Hastelloy and should we use it for our implant design?
A: Hastelloy is a high temperature specialty alloy. This is not something currently used for implants as far as we know.
It has a small amount of wolfram in the alloy along with mostly nickel and a large amount of molybdenum and chromium. For more information see the
Hastelloy portal.
Q: Which grade of stainless steel is used for medical applications?
A: 316 LVM is preferred for implants and piercings. L stands for low C (<0.03%).
Q: Which grades of titanium are pure?
A: Grades 1,2,3 and 4 are considered commercially pure but Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) and Ti-6Al-7Nb are the alloys used for
applications such as medical implants.
Q: What are the specifications for wolfram?
A: Wolfram, otherwise known as tungsten, is specified by AMS 7898/7899.
Q: What is tungsten used for?
A: Here are some uses for tungsten:
-Welding electrodes
-Medical devices
-Glass-to-metal seals
-Furnace components
-Lighting
-Radiation shielding
-Power tubes
-Vacuum heaters
-Thin films & coatings
-Copiers and printers
Q: What is Hiperco 50?
A: Hiperco 50 and 50A are materials with the highest magnetic saturation compared to soft-magnetic alloys.
Q: Are there any benefits from using Hiperco 50?
A: Hiperco 50 maintains its strength after heat treating.
Q: What are some applications for Hiperco 50?
A: Here are some uses of Hiperco 50:
-High magnetic flux devices and instruments
-Magnetic bearings for levitation of rotating parts
-Electric transformers
-Electromagnetic poles
-Aerospace motors
-Electric generators
-Medical applications such as focusing energy beams
Q: What is ROTF?
A: ROTF is "rough oversize to finish" and it describes a material blank which is not yet a finished product but needs work.
Q: Where can I find a heat capacity comparison chart for various materials?
A: See Figure 31 for a heat capacity comparison chart showing several materials.
Q: What are some common copper names and alloy names?
A: Here is a list of some common copper and copper-alloy names and descriptions:
|
UNS Number |
Trade Name
|
Description |
C10100
C10200 |
Copper 101
Copper 102 |
Oxygen Free,
Annealed |
C10400
C10500
C10600
C10700 |
|
Oxygen Free
with Silver |
|
C11000 |
110 |
Electrolytic
Tough Pitch,
Annealed |
|
C12200 |
|
Phosphorus
Deoxidized,
Annealed |
C17000
C17100
C17200
C17300 |
|
BeCu Annealed |
|
C22000 |
|
Commercial Bronze
Annealed |
|
C36000 |
|
Free Cutting
Brass |
Q: What is the specification for Nickel 270?
A: The specification for Nickel 270 is ASTM F-3 Gr. 4.
Q: What are the other nickel specifications?
A: Here are some other nickel specifications:
Nickel 200
ASTM B-160
ASTM B-162
Nickel 201
ASTM B-160
ASTM B-162
Nickel 205
ASTM F-3 Gr. 2
Nickel 233
ASTM F-3 Gr. 3
Q: What is "German Silver"?
A: "German Silver" is a metal composed of three elements. See Figure 49 for details.
Q: What is Manganin?
A: Manganin is a special material made of three main components. See Figure 50 for details.
Q: What is Constantan?
A: Constantan is CuNi composed of 60% Cu and 40% Ni.
Q: How do I make a standard stock aluminium solution (1 g/mL in a 1.0 L vol.)?
A: One method is this:
1. Dissolve 1.000 g Al wire in minimum amount of 2 M HCl
2. Dilute to volume
Q: What is Aluminum 2S?
A: Aluminum 2S is 99.2% Aluminium.
Q: What is Lynite?
A: Lynite is 95% Cu, 5% Al.
Q: What is Magnalium?
A: Magnalium is an alloy that has at least two options: 90/10 or 70/30 in terms of Al/Mg.
Q: What is Aluminum Alloy 3S?
A: Aluminum Alloy 3S is 98% Al and 1.25% Mn.
Q: What is Aluminum-silicon 43?
A: Aluminum-silicon 43 is the alloy of 95% Al and 5% Si.
Q: What is Lipowitz alloy and what is Wood's metal?
A: Lipowitz alloy and Wood's metal are both Bismuth alloys.
See Figure 55
and Figure 56.
Q: I know what German Silver is but what is Usual German Silver? Are the two names describing the same material?
A: Usual German Silver is per Figure 57 and is very similar to German Silver.
Q: What is Stellite?
A: Stellite is an alloy dominated by Cobalt. Stellite also contains Cr, W and C. Stellite No. 2 and Stellite No. 3 are
different because they also contain Fe. Figure 58 is available and contains more information
on Stellite No. 2 and Stellite No. 3.
Q: What is Resistac?
A: Resistac is a Cu-alloy. Resistac contains the following:
-90% Cu
-9% Al
-1% Fe
Q: What is "Bismuth solder"?
A: Bismuth solder has a melting point of 111 deg C and is solder made with much Bismuth as the casual observer would be
very likely to guess. Here is the exact formula:
-40% Bi
-40% Pb
-20% Sn
Q: Ignition pin alloy, what in the world is that?
A: This is a good question. Ignition pin alloy is an alloy mainly constructed of Cerium.
There two popular varieties:
Option 1:
70-73% Ce
17-24% Zn
1.6-6% Fe
0-2.4% Al
Trace Mn
Option 2:
61% Ce
37% Fe
Q: What is deoxidized copper?
A: There are two varieties of deoxidized copper:
99.9+% Cu
or
99.9% Cu
0.01% P
Q: What is aluminum bronze?
A: Aluminum bronze may contain traces of Fe and Sn but one common formula is this:
90% Cu
10% Al
Q: What is Resistac? Is that a material?
A: Resistac is a copper alloy with the following composition:
90% Cu
9% Al
1% Fe
Q: What is the composition of Ampco Metal and is it a copper alloy?
A: Yes, Ampco Metal is a copper alloy. The composition of Ampco is this:
80-90% Cu
8-10% Al
6-7% Fe
Q: What is palladium gold?
A: Palladium gold is an alloy which includes some precious metal content. See
Figure 59 for details.
Q: What is manganese bronze? It sounds familiar but I can't remember what it is exactly.
A: Manganese bronze is another copper alloy, of course, and it is composed of:
95% Cu
5% Mn
Q: What is "Magnetic Alloy"? Is that an iron-rich metal?
A: "Magnetic Alloy" contains no iron. Here are the components:
61% Cu
26% Mn
13% Al
Q: What is Barberite?
A: Barberite is a copper alloy containing Ni, Sn and Si:
88.5% Cu
5% Ni
5% Sn
1.5% Si
Q: What is naval brass?
A: Admiralty brass, also sometimes called naval brass, is composed of the following:
70% Cu
29% Zn
1% Sn
Q: What is Ambrac A?
A: Ambrac A is a copper alloy containing:
75% Cu
20% Ni
5% Zn
Q: Is there more than one formula for "nickel silver"?
A: Yes, there are multiple formulas for "nickel silver". Here are a couple of favorites:
65% Cu
18% Ni
17% Sn
or
55% Cu
18% Ni
27% Sn
Q: Everdur is a metal alloy, correct?
A: Yes, Everdur is a type of copper alloy. Here is the composition:
94.8-96% Cu
3-4% Si
1-1.2% Mn
Q: What is Palau?
A: In terms of metal, Palau is 80% Au and 20% Pd. It is a gold alloy.
Q: What is white gold?
A: White gold can have different meanings but it can also be known as platinum gold
and contains:
60% Au
40% Pt
Q: How much phosphor is in Phosphor Bronze?
A: Phosphor Bronze comes in a few varieties but no varities contain much P.
Phosphor Bronze 30
0.2% P
Phosphor Bronze 47
0.15% P
Phosphor Bronze 209
trace P
Q: What is gun metal bronze?
A: Gun metal bronze is 90% Cu, 10% Sn (tin).
Q: Are bearing bronze and Speculum metal the same thing?
A: No, bearing bronze is not the same as Speculum metal. The components are different. Here is a comparison:
Bearing bronze
82% Cu
16% Sn
2% Zn
Speculum metal
67% Cu
33% Sn
Q: Is red brass only available in one option or are there more than one red brass material available?
A: Red brass comes in at least two varieties.
90% Cu
10% Zn
or
85% Cu
15% Zn
Q: What is hardware bronze and how does it compare to Adnic?
A: Hardware bronze has a touch of lead in it. Adnic contains no lead:
Hardware bronze
89% Cu
9% Zn
2% Pb
Adnic
70% Cu
29% Ni
1% Sn
Q: What is Muntz metal? Is that something like yellow brass?
A: Yes, Muntz metal and yellow brass are similar except Muntz metal contains 7% more Cu.
See Figure 60 for a comparison.
Q: What is Hytensl bronze?
A: For information regarding the specialty material Hytensl bronze, see Figure 61.
Q: Are there any alternatives to using platinum metal? I have a device that needs to transmit electrons but I would like to design out the Pt.
A: There is one platinum substitute used for electronics. See Figure 62 for more details
text FIG62?? to (408) 475-4551 or send an email to featherholloweng@gmail.com
Q: What is Ferro-aluminum?
A: Ferro-aluminum is an iron alloy containing 80% Fe and 20% Al.
Q: What is the difference between white and gray cast iron other than the color?
A: Gray cast iron contains 2.5% silicon. White cast iron contains only 97% Fe and 3% C. Gray contains 94% Fe, 3.5% C and the aforementioned Si.
Q: What are the best thermal insulating solid materials?
A: Some of the best thermal insulating solid materials are metals such as Wood's metal,
a certain potassium alloy (62.9% K; 37.1% Na) and some precious metal alloys of Pd and Pt.
Non-metals are better insulators and the best include, in order: eiderdown, flannel, hair-cloth, feathers, and fiber (with air).
Q: What is the t.c. of carborundum?
A: The t.c. (thermal conductivity) of carborundum (silicon carbide) is very high due to
the carbide component. The silicon component is also fairly expansive. Few materials are more
expansive than SiC but one is graphite. T.c. (650-1350 deg. C) is .0372 g.-cal./(sec.)(cm^2)(deg. C/cm.).
Q: What is the t.c. of gutta percha?
A: T.c. of gutta percha @ 20 deg. C is 0.48 x 10^-3 g.-cal./(sec.)(cm^2)(deg. C/cm.).
Q: What is the difference between Carpenter stainless steel No. 1 and No. 2?
A: There are many differences between Carpenter stainless steel Nos. 1 and 2. Here is a list of a few differences:
No. 2 has 0.3% C vs. 0.1% C in No. 1
No. 2 is much stronger, 2-3 X ultimate strength
No. 1 has a higher specific gravity, 7.78 vs 7.75
No. 1 has a higher m.p., i.e., 1490 deg. C vs. 1425 deg. C
Q: What is Defirust rustless iron?
A: Defirust stainless iron is composed of:
86-88% Fe
12-14% Cr
< 0.5% Mn
< 0.1% C
Trace Ni
Q: What is stainless iron?
A: Stainless iron is composed of:
85-89% Fe
10-14% Cr
< 0.5% Mn
< 0.13% C
Q: What is Ascoloy 33?
A: Ascoloy is an iron alloy with the following composition:
82-86% Fe
12-16% Cr
< 0.5% Ni
< 0.5% Si
< 0.5% Mn
< 0.12% C
Q: What is Sterling stainless steel T?
A: Sterling stainless steel T is an iron alloy composed of:
86.7% Fe
12.5% Cr
0.35 Mn
0.35 Ni
0.12 C
Q: What is Stainless I?
A: Stainless I is per Figure 66.
Q: F 15 and Enduro S 15 have similar names. Those two names describe an identical metal alloy, correct?
A: Incorrect, ASTM F 15 is an alloy containing Fe-Ni-Co and Enduro S 15 is a different iron alloy described as such:
84-86% Fe
12.5-14.5% Cr
0.5% max. Si
0.5% max. Mn
0.5% min. Ni
0.12-0.18% C
Q: What is the difference between Enduro S and Enduro S 15, if any?
A: The difference between Enduro S and Enduro S 15 is as follows:
Enduro S contains 0.25% Ni
Enduro S 15 contains 0.5% min. Ni
Enduro S contains 0.05-0.12% C
Enduro S 15 contains 0.12-0.18% C
Q: Sterling stainless steel A is a strong material, correct?
A: Sterling stainless steel A has an ultimate strength of 200H making it a strong material even compared to other steels.
The material is approximately 2-4 X stronger than brass or bronze.
Q: Is there any difference between Stainless A and Sterling stainless steel A?
A: Yes, Sterling stainless steel A is 2 X as strong and contains 0.35% Mn whereas S.A contains no Mn. Also:
S.S.S.A contains 0.2% more Fe compared to S.A
S.S.S.A contains 0.5% less Cr compared to S.A
Q: What is Enduro KM 1?
A: Enduro KM 1 is another Fe-alloy and is described as follows:
85% Fe
13-14% Cr
2% max. Ni
0.3-0.6% Mn
0.12% max. C
Q: What can you tell me about Toncan copper, Molybdenum iron and Duraloy B?
A: Toncan copper and molybdenum iron are both the same Fe-alloy described as follows:
0.45% Cu
0.07% Mo
0.03% C
Bal. Fe
On the other hand, Duraloy B is very different with this description:
82-84% Fe
16-18% Cr
< 0.5% Mn
Trace C
Q: What is the best way to plate Pt on Ti?
A: Grit blast the Ti and use "Technic TP", a product made by Technic. If the surface has to be very smooth (such as mirror [8]), grit blasting may be done at very low pressures.
Of course, use a cascade rinse process, mixers and heaters in plastic tanks and all of the normal protocols such as wearing P.P.E.
Q: What is the best way to plate Pt onto stainless?
A: One way is to Ni plate the stainless then Au plate the stainless then use one of Technic's platinum plating solutions such as Pt AP. Consult with Technic or text Pt to (209) 425-1555 for more info!
Q: What is a good way to plate gold or nickel or both on copper-tungsten?
A: Grit blast the copper-tungsten (very lightly if mirror finish required), use ENB or QQ-N-290 then sinter. Add more nickel then add gold as desired.
Q: I want to gold plate some ceramic parts. How do I do this?
A: The best way is to buy some Mo-Mn from Ferro or Ceronics and then apply the Mo-Mn paint to the ceramic. Next, dry and fire. Next, add another coat of Mo-Mn
and fire again. Next, add ENB or QQ-N-290 and sinter. Finally, add more nickel then add gold to desired thickness.
Q: How to plate on plastic?
A: To plate on plastic, first use electoless copper method per mil spec. omitting certain portions due to plastic temperature restrictions. Next, apply thick
electrolytic layer. Finally, apply top coat, if other than copper. A nickel primer is encouraged if the top coat is gold, platinum or some other metals such as silver although the nickel
may be omitted in many cases, especially if the items will be used and tested at ambient temperatures.
Q: How to plate materials for biocompatibility?
A: There are many options but one option is to plate silver then gold. Ag-Au-Pt is another option. If you have something like a magnet that you don't want to come into
contact with the body, it can be coated with metals and there are also non-metallic options available but those are not considered "plating" processes, those are more accurately
described as coatings.
Q: What is UOS-63AA?
A: UOS-63AA or UOS-063AA means unless otherwise stated finish all surfaces to 63 arithmetic average.
Q: I have more questions. Where can I find more FAQ's?
A: Click here for more FAQ's. Also check the FAQ listings at finishing.com Alternatively, you can text your question to (209) 425-1555 or send an email to featherholloweng@gmail.com
Last Update: 10 MAY 2016
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