In the previous article we’ve seen how AlTiN thin film deposition process was carried out via reactive Physical Vapor Deposition High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (PVD HiPIMS) to coat Ti6Al4V substrates, realized via Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
Two different SLM process conditions were employed for modifying the obtained part surface morphology and, later, the samples were heat-treated under high vacuum.

Do not miss this in-depth investigation and the conclusions at the end, we’ll provide you all the information to get the most out of these three technologies.

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Among the industrial AM technologies, selective laser melting (SLM) is the most widespread, thanks to its process stability and its favorable ratio between costs and part quality. However, selective laser melted products require coatings for functionalizing the surface with extra properties and in this article we’ll see how thin film deposition process can be carried out to coat titanium substrates.

Is it possible to coat the titanium alloy substrates to obtain a good improvement of the mechanical surface features?
What’s the role of vacuum heat treatments on additive manufactured parts?
Can the laser scanning paths affect the resulting adhesion of the coatings?

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The minting industry has to be compliant to the highest level of standard certifications in order to avoid every possibility of falsification and, at the same time, to satisfy a high level of quality and reproducibility. The quantity of money and the great variety of coins in the world means that it is essential not make any sort of mistake in all the minting processes.

How to mint a coin?
Why vacuum heat treatments are so important in the minting industry?
What's the environmental impact of the minting process?

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This is the second part of the article on roughing pump operation in high-vacuum furnaces. It gives an overall picture of the situations due to malfunction of the pumping system. Nonetheless, it provides practical tips on how to deal with the presence of water in the pump, the formation of oil sludge, and the improper use of lubricated roughing pumps.

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For maximum performance and reliability, it is necessary to know how the pumping system of your furnace operates, the pros and cons of the different types of vacuum pumps. This is the first part of an article on roughing pump operation in high vacuum furnaces. Understanding how it works is the first step to make the right choices that will take into account also the reduction in operating costs.

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