Provided is a cylindrical sputtering target made of a metal material, which has reduced particles. The sputtering target includes at least a target material, wherein the target material includes one or more metal elements, and has a crystal grain size of 10 μm or less.

A canister for storing radioactive materials includes a base plate, side wall and a top plate. The top plate includes a top surface with a top edge having a bevel, and with a channel set in from the top edge. The top plate is sealed to the sidewall by a weld formed between the beveled top edge and the top of the side wall. The base plate is sealed to a bottom of the sidewall, so that a sealed vessel is formed.

A canister for storing radioactive materials includes a base plate, side wall and a top plate. The top plate includes a top surface with a top edge having a bevel, and with a channel set in from the top edge. The top plate is sealed to the sidewall by a weld formed between the beveled top edge and the top of the side wall. The base plate is sealed to a bottom of the sidewall, so that a sealed vessel is formed.

A method of selective laser brazing is provided. The method includes providing a powder including a plurality of parent core particles and a plurality of braze particles, setting a temperature of an energy source, applying the energy source to the powder, and allowing the heated powder to solidify. The plurality of parent core particles are fused together by the plurality of braze material into a desired component.

The present invention concerns a new metal powder which is useful for coating cast iron parts. The invention also relates to a method for coating cast iron parts by using the new metal powder. Of special importance is the possibility to use the metal powder for coating the surfaces of glass moulds. The invention also relates to metal parts, such as cast iron parts, or glass moulds which are coated by the metal powder.

A process of fabricating a shield, a process of preparing a component, and an erosion shield are disclosed. The process of fabricating the shield includes forming a near-net shape shield. The near-net shape shield includes a nickel-based layer and an erosion-resistant alloy layer. The nickel-based layer is configured to facilitate secure attachment of the near-net shaped to a component. The process of preparing the component includes securing a near-net shape shield to a substrate of a component.

A process of fabricating a shield, a process of preparing a component, and an erosion shield are disclosed. The process of fabricating the shield includes forming a near-net shape shield. The near-net shape shield includes a nickel-based layer and an erosion-resistant alloy layer. The nickel-based layer is configured to facilitate secure attachment of the near-net shaped to a component. The process of preparing the component includes securing a near-net shape shield to a substrate of a component.

A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.

A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.

A plasma arc torch is provided for use in a plasma cutting system. The plasma arc torch includes a torch body for conducting electrical current. The torch body includes a torch tip configured to pass the electrical current to at least one consumable component connected to the tip. The plasma arc torch also includes at least one antenna positioned relative to the torch tip. The antenna is used to wirelessly detect the presence of the at least one consumable component. The plasma arc torch further includes a detection circuit configured to permit passing of the electrical current from the torch tip to the at least one consumable component based on at least the wireless detection.