The present invention relates to a method for producing metal-comprising geometrically complex pieces and/or parts. The method is specially indicated for highly performant components. It is disclosed a method for the production of complex geometry, and even large, highly performant metal-comprising components in a cost effective way. The method is also indicated for the construction of components with internal features and voids. The method is also beneficial for light construction. The method allows the reproduction of bio-mimetic structures and other advanced structures for topological performance optimization.

The present invention relates to a method for producing metal-comprising geometrically complex pieces and/or parts. The method is specially indicated for highly performant components. It is disclosed a method for the production of complex geometry, and even large, highly performant metal-comprising components in a cost effective way. The method is also indicated for the construction of components with internal features and voids. The method is also beneficial for light construction. The method allows the reproduction of bio-mimetic structures and other advanced structures for topological performance optimization.

A sputtering target according to one embodiment is an integrated sputtering target comprising a target portion and a backing plate portion, both of them being made of copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein a Vickers hardness Hv is 90 or more, and wherein a flat ratio of crystal grains in a cross section orthogonal to a sputtering surface is 0.35 or more and 0.65 or less.

A sputtering target according to one embodiment is an integrated sputtering target comprising a target portion and a backing plate portion, both of them being made of copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein a Vickers hardness Hv is 90 or more, and wherein a flat ratio of crystal grains in a cross section orthogonal to a sputtering surface is 0.35 or more and 0.65 or less.

A copper alloy having a high corrosion resistance for a wide range of different lubricants, in particular different base oils and a variation of lubricant additives. The property of a low corrosion tendency for different tribological systems is also combined with good mechanical properties, and a high strength in particular. The alloy has a low wear and coefficient of friction. The lubricant-compatible copper alloy is suitable for producing components that come in contact with lubricant and are exposed to friction stresses, such as gear components, for example synchronizer rings. A method for manufacturing such components and a gear having at least one such component is also disclosed.

A copper alloy having a high corrosion resistance for a wide range of different lubricants, in particular different base oils and a variation of lubricant additives. The property of a low corrosion tendency for different tribological systems is also combined with good mechanical properties, and a high strength in particular. The alloy has a low wear and coefficient of friction. The lubricant-compatible copper alloy is suitable for producing components that come in contact with lubricant and are exposed to friction stresses, such as gear components, for example synchronizer rings. A method for manufacturing such components and a gear having at least one such component is also disclosed.

A component, which may be an automotive chassis structure, includes first and second sub-part main bodies. The first sub-part main body is formed of a first material, and the second sub-part main body is formed of a second material. The first material is a steel alloy, and the second material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A transition layer is attached to and contacts the first sub-part main body. The transition layer is formed of a third material, where the third material contains at least a majority of copper. A mixed layer is disposed between the transition layer and the second sub-part main body, and the mixed layer is formed of a mixture of the second material and the third material. A disclosed method includes forming the component by friction stir welding the transition layer to the second sub-part main body.

A component, which may be an automotive chassis structure, includes first and second sub-part main bodies. The first sub-part main body is formed of a first material, and the second sub-part main body is formed of a second material. The first material is a steel alloy, and the second material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A transition layer is attached to and contacts the first sub-part main body. The transition layer is formed of a third material, where the third material contains at least a majority of copper. A mixed layer is disposed between the transition layer and the second sub-part main body, and the mixed layer is formed of a mixture of the second material and the third material. A disclosed method includes forming the component by friction stir welding the transition layer to the second sub-part main body.

Described herein are ternary alloys of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and tin (Sn). For example, the ternary alloys can comprise between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % Al and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % Sn. The chemical composition of the alloys can be tailored such that the alloy maintains antimicrobial effect over time and is resistant to tarnish. The alloys are also hypoallergenic. Articles of manufacture, particularly those for use in medical facilities, comprising the alloy (e.g., as a surface layer) are also described, as are methods of reducing the incidence of microbial infection by providing surfaces comprising the alloy.

Described herein are ternary alloys of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and tin (Sn). For example, the ternary alloys can comprise between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % Al and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % Sn. The chemical composition of the alloys can be tailored such that the alloy maintains antimicrobial effect over time and is resistant to tarnish. The alloys are also hypoallergenic. Articles of manufacture, particularly those for use in medical facilities, comprising the alloy (e.g., as a surface layer) are also described, as are methods of reducing the incidence of microbial infection by providing surfaces comprising the alloy.