Bulk Forming of Industrial Micro Components in Conventional Metals and Bulk Metallic Glasses

Abstract

For production of micro components in large numbers, forging is an interesting and challenging process. The conventional metals like silver, steel and aluminum often require multistep processes, but high productivity and increased strength justify the investment. As an alternative, bulk metallic glasses will at elevated temperatures behave like a highly viscous liquid, which can easily form even complicated geometries in 1 step. The strengths and limitations of forming the 2 materials are analyzed for a micro 3D component in a silver alloy and an Mg-Cu-Y BMG.