The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak ridge, Tennessee, has released a new set of metal additive manufacturing (AM) data that industry and researchers can use to evaluate and improve the quality of AM components. The data can significantly boost efforts to verify the quality of the parts using only information gathered during AM, without requiring expensive and time-consuming post-production analysis.

AM part and its digital sample.

An AM part is sliced into small pieces, each of which is tested for tensile strength. A digital copy of the same AM part is analyzed by an AI model to locate anomalies within its structure.

MPIF has announced the release of another self-study course on the Fundamental Principles of Processing Tungsten and Other Refractory Materials. Instructed by Dr. Randall German, FAPMI and Dr. John Johnson, FAPMI, the course is intended to provide a solid framework of tungsten, refractory, heavy alloy, W-Cu composites, and cemented carbide powder production, shaping and consolidation options, and sintering. 

The course contains twelve (12) pre-recorded segments, averaging an hour each, and will be open to the registrant for two months from the date of purchase.

The winners in the 2024 Powder Metallurgy (PM) Design Excellence Awards competition, sponsored by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), demonstrate outstanding examples of PM’s diversity and ability to meet critical requirements. From electric vehicles to medical implants, once again, parts fabricators have demonstrated PM’s versatility and unique ability to challenge competing technologies. These award-winning components use PM’s flexibility to push forward new concepts and process controls to demonstrate the inexhaustible range of PM’s capabilities.

Watch the Videos:     Grand Prizes     Awards of Distinction

After more than 30 years away, the powder metallurgy (PM) industry reconvened in Pittsburgh for PowderMet2024 and AMPM2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Returning to pre-COVID registration levels, 886 delegates from 25 countries took part in technical presentations, special interest programs, educational tutorials, and the largest PM exhibit in the Americas. The trade exhibition featured companies highlighting the latest raw materials, equipment, and services. The annual poster display was robust thanks to 45 students that received conference grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT).

Todd Leonhardt

Todd Leonhardt, passed away on May 29. Todd was director of research and development and chief metallurgist for Rhenium Alloys Inc. An expert on high-temperature refractory metals, Todd spent over 25 years working with rhenium and rhenium-containing alloys. Todd was active in MPIF and served as President of the Refractory Metals Association (RMA) from 2014–2018, receiving the MPIF Distinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy in 2023.