nir-vana innovation network

Joining of different metals or different alloys of the same metal is highly desirable as different properties of these metals can be combined. There is an increasing demand for components that are lighter yet stronger, that have certain thermal diffusion characteristics and so on.
A UK university spinout are leading experts in the field of diffusion bonding. The method can be applied in a very precise manner on small or large objects. The bonds are so smooth the transition cannot be detected often (see attached pictures below).
The bonds created this way have been proven on various similar and dissimilar mixtures of aluminium, steel, titanium, Cu, Ni, Co and even semiconductors (for high temperature thermoelectric devices).
The smooth transition allows for joints with tensile strength equivalent to parent metals or alloys.
The method is also useful for working similar metals within laminated object manufacturing (LOM). For example, heat exchangers can be built in aluminium layer by layer that withstand the enormous temperatures and pressures typical to a jet engine.
The UK company is looking for manufacturers of metal parts in high value sectors for research or technical cooperation, dependent on whether a desirable solution already exists or needs to be created. Sectors may include aerospace, medical but also others.

Advantages & innovations

A few of the methods are patent protected. The laminated object manufacturing of aluminium and superalloys is very specialised technology. The advantages include the possibility to bond un-weldable metals and materials that combine very different properties.

Stage of development

Available for demonstration

Partner sought

Type of partner sought: industry; Specific area of partner sought: manufacturers of metal components in high value sectors such as aerospace and medical, electronics, automotive (racing), electric vehicles, defence; Role of partner sought: interested parties are invited to send non-confidential descriptions of challenges faced, including material properties. The UK company can then advise on the availability of (parts of) a solution and what a technical cooperation would entail, up to prototyping stage. Research cooperation will be proposed for pre-market products in high-value opportunities.