Liquidmetal Taps Buhler to Supply Diecasting Systems

Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Buhler Die Casting for its subsidiary, BuhlerPrince, to manufacture diecasting equipment for Liquidmetal alloys. The machine design is complete, according to the statement, and available for commercial applications. California-based Liquidmetal is an R&D and technology commercialization firm that develops “amorphous metals.” Its patented alloys and coatings are used in military, consumer, and industrial products that Liquidmetal Technologies manufactures. Its alloys are tailored to specific applications by adjusting the process, chemistry, and/or atomic structure. Liquidmetal indicates its alloys possess an "amorphous" atomic structure, which give it a series of valuable characteristics: high yield strength; high hardness; superior strength/weight ratio; superior elastic limit; high corrosion resistance; high wear-resistance; and “unique” acoustical properties. “One of the most unique characteristics of Liquidmetal alloys is the availability of its superior mechanical properties in as-cast form,” according to the company’s web site. “This is in distinct contrast to conventional metals where the as-cast forms have inferior mechanical properties compared to their wrought and forged forms, which limits the fabrication of intricate and sophisticated designs.” Buhler is a Swiss company that designs and builds cold-chamber diecasting machines. Its North American subsidiary is BuhlerPrince Inc., which it acquired in 2006. John Kang, Liquidmetal Technologies chairman, stated: “By partnering with Buhler Diecasting, we have engaged the most experienced experts in diecasting technology to advance the manufacturing capabilities of today’s most revolutionary materials technology in Liquidmetal alloys. By equipping our company and our licensees with these next generation machines, our Liquidmetal technology reaches a new level of manufacturing and processing capabilities with lower costs and higher quality.”