The present invention relates to an improved process and embodiments for girth welding of metal tubes and pipes and other shapes based on existing high speed, one-shot welding processes which have been modified to integrate a rapid heat treatment instantly after the weld is completed, while the weld is still hot and above specified transformation temperatures. The principle advantages are improved mechanical properties in the weld with a reduced cycle time to achieve them versus conventional separate post weld heat treatments such as tempering or quenching and tempering.

A glazing includes at least one substrate one portion of which includes an electrically conductive element, the conductive element including a connector made of chromium-containing steel, which connector is soldered with a solder based on tin, silver and copper to an electrically conductive track, wherein the electrically conductive track, which is formed by fritting a silver paste including a mixture of silver powder and glass frit, has a resistivity measured at 25? C. lower than or equal to 3.5 ??.Math.cm and a porosity level lower than 20%, the porosity level being measured by scanning electron microscopy from a cross section through the portion of the substrate including the electrically conductive track and having been polished beforehand by ion milling.

A method for forming a component includes providing a first layer of a mixture of first and second powders. The method includes determining the frequency of an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents sufficient to bulk heat only one of the first and second powders. The alternating magnetic field is applied at the determined frequency to a portion of the first layer of the mixture using a flux concentrator. Exposure to the magnetic field changes the phase of at least a portion of the first powder to liquid. A change in power transferred to the powder during a phase change in the powder is calculated to determine the quality of component formation.

A method for forming a component includes providing a first layer of a mixture of first and second powders. The method includes determining the frequency of an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents sufficient to bulk heat only one of the first and second powders. The alternating magnetic field is applied at the determined frequency to a portion of the first layer of the mixture using a flux concentrator. Exposure to the magnetic field changes the phase of at least a portion of the first powder to liquid. A change in power transferred to the powder during a phase change in the powder is calculated to determine the quality of component formation.

An infiltrated metal-matrix composite drill bit includes a bit body comprising a reinforced composite material including reinforcing particles infiltrated with a binder material. A plurality of cutting elements is coupled to an exterior of the bit body. A mandrel is positioned within the bit body and made of an M-based alloy selected from the group consisting of a titanium-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, and a refractory metal-based alloy, wherein the element designated by M is the most prevalent element in the alloy composition. A shank is coupled to the mandrel.

An apparatus (10) for joining a predetermined geometrical profile shape from a sheet material (SM) includes a positioning assembly (12) including a base member (14) and a frame (16) that is operable to receive the sheet material (SM), to configure the sheet material in a predetermined orientation and to linearly translate the sheet material along a process direction (20). A Z-bar (22) is configured to guide a first longitudinal edge (FE) and second longitudinal edge (SE) of the sheet material (SM) into adjacent alignment along the process direction (20). A welding and forging assembly (60) welds and then forges a seam between the first longitudinal edge (FE) and the second longitudinal edge (SE) of the associated sheet material (SM).

An apparatus (10) for joining a predetermined geometrical profile shape from a sheet material (SM) includes a positioning assembly (12) including a base member (14) and a frame (16) that is operable to receive the sheet material (SM), to configure the sheet material in a predetermined orientation and to linearly translate the sheet material along a process direction (20). A Z-bar (22) is configured to guide a first longitudinal edge (FE) and second longitudinal edge (SE) of the sheet material (SM) into adjacent alignment along the process direction (20). A welding and forging assembly (60) welds and then forges a seam between the first longitudinal edge (FE) and the second longitudinal edge (SE) of the associated sheet material (SM).

A magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is disclosed including a magnetic assembly with a carrier body including a magnet. A spring resiliently biases the carrier body. A base assembly includes a base plate. In a first operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a first position away from a ferromagnetic element, and the spring holds the carrier body at a medial position spaced apart from the base plate. In a second operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a second position adjacent to the ferromagnetic element, and the carrier body is driven downward against a force of the spring to a lower position and into contact with the base plate by magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet and the ferromagnetic element.

A magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is disclosed including a magnetic assembly with a carrier body including a magnet. A spring resiliently biases the carrier body. A base assembly includes a base plate. In a first operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a first position away from a ferromagnetic element, and the spring holds the carrier body at a medial position spaced apart from the base plate. In a second operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a second position adjacent to the ferromagnetic element, and the carrier body is driven downward against a force of the spring to a lower position and into contact with the base plate by magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet and the ferromagnetic element.

An induction welding system is provided. The system includes at least one induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a smart susceptor film sized to be positioned between a first component and a second component to be welded to the first component. The smart susceptor film includes a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of metal alloy wires disposed in the thermoplastic resin such that the plurality of metal alloy wires are oriented substantially parallel to the generated alternating magnetic field.