Metallic glass, or amorphous metal, is a type of metal that has been cooled so quickly that its atoms do not have time to organize into a crystalline structure. Instead, atoms settle into an amorphous arrangement, much like a glass.
The process of making metallic glass begins with selection of right material. A metal that has a low melting temperature, a high surface tension, and an appropriate composition will be used in manufacturing process. After identifying an appropriate metal, it is melted in a furnace and then rapidly cooled. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, including spinning molten metal into a fine wire or injecting it into a cold water bath.
Once metal has been cooled, atoms settle into an amorphous structure rather than forming into crystals. This structure is much like a glass, but with added strength of a metal. The metallic glass can then be formed into any shape, such as sheets, rods, or tubes.
The process of making metallic glass is highly advanced and requires expensive equipment. In addition, rapid cooling process must be precisely controlled in order to achieve desired results. As a result, manufacturing metallic glass is an expensive and complicated process; however, results are worth effort.
Metallic glass has several advantages over traditional metals. For example, it is lighter, stronger, and more durable than most metals, while still maintaining same level of strength. It also has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and is resistant to corrosion.
In conclusion, metallic glass is a unique material that is manufactured by melting and rapidly cooling a metal. Its unique structure gives it superior strength and other advantages over traditional metals. The manufacturing process is complicated and expensive, but resulting material is worth effort.