Electromechanical shaping, assembly and engraving of bulk metallic glasses

Using the intrinsic materials properties of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), namely electrical resistivities two orders of magnitude higher than good conductors and a Newtonian viscous-flow regime of deformability, a new electromechanical process has been developed for shaping, joining and engraving of BMGs. Viscous flow in the supercooled liquid region between the glass transition temperature Tg and the crystallisation temperature Tx of the bulk metallic glass allows rapid electromechanical shaping, joining and engraving at low applied stresses. The process parameters are adaptable for the full maintenance of the glassy state. Miniaturisation of the process is expected to allow sub-millimetre range manipulation and submicron-engraving.