Comprehensive Numerical Simulation of Filling and Solidification of Steel Ingots.

In this paper, a complete three-dimensional numerical model of mold filling and solidification of steel ingots is presented. The risk of powder entrapment and defects formation during filling is analyzed in detail, demonstrating the importance of using a comprehensive geometry, with trumpet and runner, compared to conventional simplified models. By using a case study, it was shown that the simplified model significantly underestimates the defects sources, reducing the utility of simulations in supporting mold and process design.

Influence of the Manufacturing Process on Defects in the Galvanized Coating of High Carbon Steel Wires.

This study is a detailed failure analysis of galvanized high carbon steel wires, which developed coating cracks during the torsion test performed as a quality control at the end of the manufacturing process. Careful visual inspections showed that the cracks are already present in the coating before the torsion test. In order to explain the origin of these cracks, systematic metallographic investigations were performed by means of optical and scanning electron microscope on both the wires and the rods that have been cold drawn to produce the wire.

Influence of Material Microstructures in Micromilling of Ti6Al4V Alloy.

In the most recent decades the introduction of unconventional machining processes allowed the development of micromachining techniques. In this work, the influence of material microstructures on the micromilling process was investigated. Ti6Al4V alloy was selected as workpiece material since it is a very common material for micro applications and because its duplex microstructure can be easily changed by proper thermal treatments.