Synthesis
Amazemet rePowder - Metal powder atomization
The Amazemet rePowder is an ultrasonic atomization unit capable of processing elemental and metal alloys with melting points up to 3500 ºC using a plasma melting torch. The ultrasonic atomization process produces highly spherical particles, with powder size distribution controllable via ultrasonic processing frequency. Nominal particle size distributions range between 20-100 μm, depending on processing parameters and feedstock composition. Feedstock can be in any format, from rod to wire to scrap material. Processing is usually done in high purity argon.
MRF SA-200 – Arc melting furnace
The MRF Arc Melt Furnace SA-200 is a small-scale arc melt furnace with a 2” (51 mm) copper heath to hold the material sample. The SA-200 has a single arc and can reach temperatures above 3500 °C for processing of materials in an inert environment.
Processing
Aconity MINI Laser Powder Bed Fusion System
The Aconity MINI laser powder bed fusion system is equipped with a 400 W fiber laser and has a build space of 140 mm diameter X 190 mm height. The system is equipped with bed preheating up to 800 °C and operates in argon with <100 ppm oxygen. The system provides access and control to all relevant processing parameters.
Access possible through collaboration with the Pollock Group.
FCT Systeme HP D5 - Spark Plasma Sintering System
The FCT System HP D5 is a spark plasma sintering furnace for field assisted sintering. Using this technique, sintering activity is enhanced which results in reduced processing temperature, time, and pressure compared to conventional hot pressing and sintering. The system can process samples up to 30 mm in diameter with a maximum piston stroke of 100 mm, maximum pressing force of 50 kN maximum temperature of 2400 °C . Processing atmospheres of argon, nitrogen, or helium can be used.
Access possible through the Materials Processing Laboratory.
Centorr/Vacuum Industries 3600 Series Hot Press
The Centorr/Vacuum Industries 3600 Series Hot Press Sintering Furnace provides processing capabilities for samples from 1” (25.4 mm) to 4” (101.6 mm) diameter and 10 inch height. The furnace can reach up to 2300 °C, provide a pressing force of up to 300 kN and can operate in vacuum (100 milliTorr) or controlled atmosphere.
Access possible through the Materials Processing Laboratory.
Oxy-Gon Mini Hot Press
The Oxy-Gon hot press provides processing capabilities for samples up to 30 mm in diameter and 4 (~100 mm) inch height. It can reach a pressing force of 50 kN, a processing temperature of up to 1400 °C, and is capable of processing in vacuum (10-6 torr) or inert gas.
Access possible through the Materials Processing Laboratory.
Vacuum Industries – Vacuum resistance furnace
The Centorr/Vacuum Industries vacuum resistance furnace provides processing of samples up to 10 in x 10 in x 10 in (~250 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm). The furnace can reach up to 1600 °C and vacuum levels down to 10-7 torr.
Access possible through the Materials Processing Laboratory.
MTI – SYU-3 Ultrasonic Vibration Sieving System
The MTI SYU-3 is a desktop vibration and ultrasonic sieving system with a built-in microprocessor. It adjusts ultrasonic frequency and vibration time according to the material's load. Common filtration system's sieve can be clogged easily due to electrostatics, cohesion or adsorption of the material. Ultrasonic vibration keeps the sieve from clogging and produces a uniform product in a high-performance manner.
Jeneric Pentron JP 1200 Porcelain Furnace
The Jeneric/Pentron JP 1200 porcelain furnace provides heating up to 1200 °C in air for parts up to 6 inches diameter x 6 inches in height.
Innovation Workshop
Through CNSI's Microfluidics Lab and Innovation Workshop, our lab has access to equipment for prototyping (e.g., polymer 3D printers, PDMS processing, laser cutters, woodworking).
Machine Shop
Through the Physics Machine Shop, our lab has access to extensive machining equipment (e.g., milling, pressing, sawing, bending, sanding).
Link for additional information.
Characterization
Malvern Morphologi G3SE - Static image particle size analysis
The Malvern Morphologi utilizes static image analysis to provide quantitative information on the particle size and morphology distribution. The system is capable of analyzing particles from 0.1 to 1000 microns in size and providing statistical data on size and shape distributions.
Kruss 100 Tensiometer
The Kruss 100 Tensiometer provides measurements of surface and interfacial tension. The system is equipped with a Wilhelmy plate and has a precision of 0.001 mN/m.
Rheosense hts-VROC - Viscometer
The Rheosense hts-VROC is a high shear rate viscometer that provide measurement capabilities up to 105 °C. The shear rate range is 0.5 to 1,400,000 s-1 and the viscosity range is 0.2 to 100,000 cP. The system allows for characterization of fluids at high shear rates with low sample volumes (e.g., 10 mL).
Specimen Preparation Laboratory
Through UCSB’s shared facility model, our lab has access to equipment for sample preparation (e.g., mounting, polishing, etching).
Link for additional information.
Microscopy and Characterization
Through UCSB’s shared facility model, our lab has access to extensive characterization equipment (e.g., SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, VSM, NMR, TriBeam).
Link for additional information.