The presently disclosed subject matter relates to multi-material electrical contacts, and methods of making multi-material electrical contacts.

The present invention relates to a Fe-based alloy for melt-solidification-shaping containing : 0.05 mass% ≤ C ≤0.25 mass%, 0.01 mass% ≤ Si ≤ 2.0 mass%, 0.05 mass% ≤ Mn ≤ 2.5 mass%, 2.5 mass% ≤ Ni ≤ 9.0 mass%, 0.1 mass% ≤ Cr ≤ 8.0 mass%, and 0.005 mass% ≤ N ≤ 0.200 mass%, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and satisfying: 11.5 < 15C+Mn+0.5Cr+Ni < 20.

The present invention relates to a Fe-based alloy for melt-solidification-shaping containing : 0.05 mass% ≤ C ≤0.25 mass%, 0.01 mass% ≤ Si ≤ 2.0 mass%, 0.05 mass% ≤ Mn ≤ 2.5 mass%, 2.5 mass% ≤ Ni ≤ 9.0 mass%, 0.1 mass% ≤ Cr ≤ 8.0 mass%, and 0.005 mass% ≤ N ≤ 0.200 mass%, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and satisfying: 11.5 < 15C+Mn+0.5Cr+Ni < 20.

An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

An additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing chamber (100) defining a window (110) for receiving a laser beam and an optical module (10) The optical module is removably-mountable to the processing chamber for delivering the laser beam through the window. The optical module contains optical components for focusing and steering the laser beam and a controlled atmosphere can be maintained within the module.

A BÏ2212 article may be formed by mixing metallic precursor powders including bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper in an oxygen-free atmosphere, mechanically alloying the metallic precursor powders in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and heating the metallic precursor alloy according to a temperature profile. The profile may include a ramp-up stage during which the alloy is heated to a peak temperature in an oxygen-free atmosphere, a dwell stage during which the alloy is held at the peak temperature for a dwell time, and a ramp-down stage during which the alloy is cooled from the peak temperature. During at least a portion of the dwell stage, the oxygen-free atmosphere is switched to an oxygen-inclusive atmosphere, wherein the alloy is oxidized to form a superconducting oxide, which may be sintered during or after oxidation. The alloy may be formed into a shape, such as a wire, prior to oxidizing.

A BÏ2212 article may be formed by mixing metallic precursor powders including bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper in an oxygen-free atmosphere, mechanically alloying the metallic precursor powders in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and heating the metallic precursor alloy according to a temperature profile. The profile may include a ramp-up stage during which the alloy is heated to a peak temperature in an oxygen-free atmosphere, a dwell stage during which the alloy is held at the peak temperature for a dwell time, and a ramp-down stage during which the alloy is cooled from the peak temperature. During at least a portion of the dwell stage, the oxygen-free atmosphere is switched to an oxygen-inclusive atmosphere, wherein the alloy is oxidized to form a superconducting oxide, which may be sintered during or after oxidation. The alloy may be formed into a shape, such as a wire, prior to oxidizing.

Described herein are kits, methods, and systems for printing metal three-dimensional objects. In an example, described is a multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional printing comprising: a first fluid comprising a first liquid vehicle comprising metal or metal precursor particles; and a second fluid comprising a second liquid vehicle comprising latex polymer particles dispersed therein, wherein the latex polymer particles have an average particle size of from about 10 nm to about 300 nm, and wherein the metal or metal precursor particles comprise metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and a reducing agent, or combinations thereof.

Described herein are kits, methods, and systems for printing metal three-dimensional objects. In an example, described is a multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional printing comprising: a first fluid comprising a first liquid vehicle comprising metal or metal precursor particles; and a second fluid comprising a second liquid vehicle comprising latex polymer particles dispersed therein, wherein the latex polymer particles have an average particle size of from about 10 nm to about 300 nm, and wherein the metal or metal precursor particles comprise metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and a reducing agent, or combinations thereof.

One aspect relates to a process for producing a sintered workpiece, which includes sintering of a ceramic material at a temperature of at least 1000° C. and in an atmosphere, in the case of which the partial pressure of atmospheric air is reduced to less than 10.sup.−6-times, based on the ambient air at the same temperature under equilibrium conditions.