Durability of Amorphous Alloys

Good Fatigue Strength

The fatigue strength of materials used in engineering is an important mechanical characteristic. While it is commonly understood that amorphous metals may not match the fatigue resistance of many crystalline materials, certain amorphous alloys can demonstrate comparable fatigue resistance, suggesting that amorphous metals can perform well in fatigue. Factors such as alloy composition, processing methods and surface finishes can influence the fatigue resistance of amorphous metals.

Processed under optimal conditions, the strength values of Zr-based amorphous metals are roughly the reverse of conventional materials: The fatigue strength at 1 billion cycles at 25 Hz falls within the range of 400 MPa, while the fatigue strength at 1 billion cycles at 1,000 Hz lies within 250 MPa.

Machanical Stability of Amorphous Alloys

High hardness

Amorphous metals are renowned for their exceptional hardness, their dislocation-free atomic structure prevents the movement of dislocations and enhances their resistance to deformation. The absence of grain boundaries further contributes to their hardness, allowing them to withstand high levels of mechanical stress and wear. As a result, they are widely used in applications where hardness and durability are paramount, such as in the production of high-performance tooling, wear-resistant coatings, and precision components.

Low damping rate

Amorphous metals are known for their low damping rate, which refers to their ability to dissipate mechanical energy and vibrations efficiently. This property makes them valuable for applications where precise control over vibration and noise is essential such as in aerospace, automotive, and sporting equipment. For instance, bending joints, hinges, gripper units, and spring components can be utilized effectively and assembled to ensure long component life.

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Damping Rate of Amorphous Alloys

Explore the diverse advantages that amorphous metals offer in various industrial sectors, as well as their suitable applications

Amorphous alloys in medical technology

The use of amorphous metals offers promising solutions to address the challenges in personalized implant, orthopedic, and medical device manufacturing. With biomechanical properties such as low elasticity modulus and high yield strength, as well as certified biocompatibility, amorphous metals show potential for improved patient care. Applications range from implants in the spine, dentistry, and traumatology to medical devices and surgical instruments.

Amorphous alloys in lifestyle products

New classes of materials are interesting not only because of their uniqueness in high-end watches, but also because of their suitability in the search for materials for future technologies such as wearables. Here, the most sensitive technologies can be efficiently protected in miniaturized space and the housing design can be perfected. Lifestyle components made of amorphous metals are not only highly corrosion-resistant due to their biocompatibility, but also antibacterial and thus enable pleasant skin contact due to their low thermal conductivity and high surface quality.

Amorphous alloys in robotics and aerospace

In the aerospace industry, amorphous metals offer key advantages for components, including high strength, geometric design flexibility, and corrosion resistance. They are also low-temperature ductile and exhibit good fatigue strength, making them ideal for space applications. In high-tech applications, amorphous alloys solve the limitations of conventional materials by providing high strength and elasticity, enabling the efficient use of elastic machine elements like bending joints, hinges, gripper units, and spring components with long component life and wear resistance.