Alloying
Alloying is a process that combines two or more metals together to form a single new metal which offers improved properties compared to any of the initial elements. Alloying is commonly done to strengthen a metal and increase its ability to resist corrosion, oxidation and wear. Alloying is commonly used in the manufacture of metals intense enough to endure the harsh environment of a turbine engine, strong enough to support a bridge, or outlast a steam turbine.
For metals, alloying can be beneficial to achieve a desired combination of properties without having to fabricate with a more expensive material. Properties such as strength, conductivity and even color can be improved with alloying. Alloys are formed when two or more different metals are combined together to form a single, unique new metal. Many metals can be successfully alloyed. For example, copper and nickel can be alloyed to form cupronickel, an alloy that is used in coins and pipes; steel alloyed with other metals can be used in bike frames and auto parts; and, aluminum and magnesium can be alloyed to form an alloy used in aircraft construction.
The physical and chemical properties that occur as a result of alloying depend on the combination of elements and the ratio of each. By altering the ratioof each element a desired combination of properties can be engineered. In addition to increasing strength and wear resistance, alloys can also decrease reactivity to corrosive elements, increase electrical and thermal conductivity and provide softer, easier to manipulate metals.
The most common method of producing an alloy is melting the constituent metals together, which can be conducted during casting. The resulting alloy will have a homogeneous molecular structure and distinct new properties due to the combined unique properties of each constituent material. Another common production method involves atomizing, in which a molten alloy is sectioned into droplets as it exits a nozzle under high pressure.
Alloying has been around since the Bronze Age, and is still a major factor in the metals industry. Consulting a knowledgeable alloying vendor can greatly improve the performance of a new alloy and achieve goals such as improved efficiency and cost savings. There are a multitude of alloying processes and vendors that can provide guidance on choosing the best option for your specific application.
