Project Brief
General Competition (November 1993)Functionally Gradient Materials -- Synthesis, Process and PerformanceDevelop new advanced materials and processing techniques for applying high-performance coatings with continually varying composition on low-cost substrates. Sponsor: Caterpillar, Inc.Process & Materials (TC-K)PO BOX 1875 Peoria, IL 61656-1875
Caterpillar proposes to develop a trio of metal and ceramic deposition technologies to form the basis for a cost-effective method of applying functional gradient materials (FGM) coatings. FGM is a technique for producing high-performance coatings on relatively inexpensive base materials such as steel in which the mix of components in the coating changes continuously from the base material out. The varying composition allows the use of much thicker coatings that better match the substrate, by minimizing differences in thermal expansion, for example. Utility? Gears and bearings with engineered FGM surfaces can have such superior wear resistance and strength that they can be made much smaller. Transmissions and gear boxes for heavy equipment can be built lighter and smaller, reducing overall costs. FGM coatings on the cutting surfaces of drilling and earthmoving equipment can extend wear life dramatically. The current technology faces problems with adherence of the coatings and materials costs, among others. Caterpillar proposes to attack these problems by evaluating spray deposit consolidation (SDC) and high deposition spray processing (HDSP). SDC is a combination of processes for applying thermomechanical stress to forge a tough metallurgical bond between substrate and coating. HDSP is a new thermal spray technique which lays coatings down 10 to 20 times faster than conventional techniques, and can use much coarser powdered materials at a considerable reduction in cost. Caterpillar will work with several partners to develop the technology, including Hoeganaes Corp., a powder manufacturer; the State University of New York at Stonybrook, a well-known center for coatings research; Chaparral Steel, a technologically progressive steel producer; St. Louis Metallizing, a major thermal spray house; and IBIS Associates, Inc., business analysis experts.
|
|
ATP website comments: webmaster-atp@nist.gov
Privacy Statement / Security Notice • NIST Disclaimer • NIST Information Quality Standards NIST is an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department |