Defense Articles

Background

In aerospace and military applications, equipment is expected to work in a wide range of climatic conditions. Consequently, these applications provide a harsh testing ground for all components and particularly the adhesives that hold them together. The benefits of adhesive bonding are well known and the specific advantage of weight saving is very important to the aerospace industry. However there are many problems associated with adhesive bonding and two typical areas under development are the durability of joints and their high temperature resistance. In the main, durability can be improved by making the interphase more stable and by increasing the moisture resistance of the adhesives. Most commercial adhesives have poor high temperature resistance for many high-speed applications so it has been necessary to develop adhesives to play this role. Moisture Resistance Water acts aggressively on bonded joints. For example, if a typical bond, in which two metals are epoxy joined, is immersed in water at 600°C for 1500 hours, it loses over 75% of its initial strength. The locus of failure moves from being cohesive in the adhesive to being purely interfacial. This test regime may seem severe when compared to other regimes which use a variety of time spans, temperatures and degrees of humidity. But this method can produce a well defined and successful adhesive. Experience has shown that unless an adhesive passes such a critical test it will cause problems during its lifetime. Silanes A primer system based upon an organosilane is often recommended to enhance the bonding of epoxy resins to steel substrates. Most commercially available organosilane coupling agents are based on the following generalised structure R-Si-(X)3 where X is a hydrolysable group and R is an organofunctional group capable of some form of interaction with a given polymer matrix. It is generally believed that organosilanes impart a covalent bridge structure across the interfacial zone. This results in a structure that is more resistant to the effects of water than those solely reliant on secondary force interactions. It is important, however, to apply the silane in the correct way. The silane must have time to react with the steel surface before the epoxy is applied. If such time is not allowed, perhaps by accelerated drying of the silane-coated surface, then little if any durability improvement will be seen. Three parameters affect the silane priming process: the age of the silane solution, the solvent used for the silane and the drying time/temperature. Only by optimising these conditions can the best durability be obtained. The age of the silane solution when it is applied to the substrate critically influences the eventual durability. The durability of joints improves with age so that it reaches a maximum about one hour after the silane is mixed with water. When the majority of the water is replaced by ethanol there is little change in silane efficiency with time and the eventual durability is significantly lower than with the water based system. An equally important parameter is the drying temperature used on the substrates after priming. Higher temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the silane, probably by not allowing the silane complex to react with the substrate, see table 1.

Background

In aerospace and military applications, equipment is expected to work in a wide range of climatic conditions. Consequently, these applications provide a harsh testing ground for all components and particularly the adhesives that hold them together.

The benefits of adhesive bonding are well known and the specific advantage of weight saving is very important to the aerospace industry. However there are many problems associated with adhesive bonding and two typical areas under development are the durability of joints and their high temperature resistance. In the main, durability can be improved by making the interphase more stable and by increasing the moisture resistance of the adhesives. Most commercial adhesives have poor high temperature resistance for many high-speed applications so it has been necessary to develop adhesives to play this role.

Moisture Resistance

Water acts aggressively on bonded joints. For example, if a typical bond, in which two metals are epoxy joined, is immersed in water at 600°C for 1500 hours, it loses over 75% of its initial strength. The locus of failure moves from being cohesive in the adhesive to being purely interfacial. This test regime may seem severe when compared to other regimes which use a variety of time spans, temperatures and degrees of humidity. But this method can produce a well defined and successful adhesive. Experience has shown that unless an adhesive passes such a critical test it will cause problems during its lifetime.

Silanes

A primer system based upon an organosilane is often recommended to enhance the bonding of epoxy resins to steel substrates. Most commercially available organosilane coupling agents are based on the following generalised structure

R-Si-(X)₃

where X is a hydrolysable group and R is an organofunctional group capable of some form of interaction with a given polymer matrix. It is generally believed that organosilanes impart a covalent bridge structure across the interfacial zone. This results in a structure that is more resistant to the effects of water than those solely reliant on secondary force interactions.

It is important, however, to apply the silane in the correct way. The silane must have time to react with the steel surface before the epoxy is applied. If such time is not allowed, perhaps by accelerated drying of the silane-coated surface, then little if any durability improvement will be seen. Three parameters affect the silane priming process: the age of the silane solution, the solvent used for the silane and the drying time/temperature. Only by optimising these conditions can the best durability be obtained.

The age of the silane solution when it is applied to the substrate critically influences the eventual durability. The durability of joints improves with age so that it reaches a maximum about one hour after the silane is mixed with water. When the majority of the water is replaced by ethanol there is little change in silane efficiency with time and the eventual durability is significantly lower than with the water based system. An equally important parameter is the drying temperature used on the substrates after priming. Higher temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the silane, probably by not allowing the silane complex to react with the substrate, see table 1.

A problem with all air-carried weapons is the very high temperatures reached during high speed aircraft manoeuvres. This is caused by the aerodynamic heating of the structure as it moves through the air: of approximately 50°C at Mach 1, 200°C at Mach 2, 450°C at Mach 3 rising to over 800°C at Mach 3.5. The use of basic epoxy resins as adhesives becomes very difficult above Mach numbers of the order of 2. High temperature resistant adhesives are obviously required; a class of materials with such a high temperature resistance are the bismaleimides.

These materials are much easier to process than other high temperature resins such as polyimide. Condensation polyimides require great pressure to be applied when they are used as adhesives to prevent the water evolved during the cure forming voids. An inherent problem with all high temperature resins systems is the lack of toughness because of the high degree of cross-linking present in the materials. The Defence Research Agency (UK) has done much work to improve the mechanical properties of bismaleimide resins. Incorporating a second phase such a carboxyl terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubber can toughen these materials. This rubber phase acts both to absorb energy itself and to promote other energy-absorbing mechanisms in the matrix resin. This improvement in properties can be attained without loss of other desirable qualities such as modulus and glass transition temperature. When used as adhesives the lap shear strength increases with the addition of rubber. Although the adhesive properties are not an improvement over toughened epoxies at room temperature they do maintain their properties over a larger temperature range as shown in figure 1. As would be expected, the materials containing the largest amount of rubber show the greatest change in strength with temperature.

Background

Hydrophobic adhesives have attracted considerable research interest. These adhesives prevent moisture reaching the critical area of the interface between the polymer and metal substrate and so prevent or delay the onset of joint failure. A useful series of moisture resistant materials are based on fluoroepoxy resins. If these are cured with suitable hardeners then adhesives can be produced with very low moisture diffusion coefficients. Limitations of Epoxy Adhesives Most structural adhesive joints are based on epoxy adhesives. Unfortunately, these resins can absorb considerable quantities of water, the precise amount and rate of absorption depending on the exact resin structure. A number of effects result from the ingress of moisture to an adhesive joint including plasticisation of the system and disruption of the interfacial region between the substrate and the organic phase. One method of improving the durability of adhesives is to make the bulk adhesive more water resistant. This helps in two ways: it cuts down the rate of diffusion of moisture to the critical interphase between the substrate and the adhesive, and it also reduces the effect on the bulk properties of the adhesive. Halogenated Epoxies Recently a number of halogenated epoxy resins with substantial hydrophobic characteristics have been developed. In a joint programme of work between British and American government laboratories, a series of experiments were conducted to characterise the mechanical properties and moisture uptake of these resin systems. Two general forms of curing agent were used in the study, silicone amines and fluoroanhydrides. In all cases elevated temperature cures were required together with catalysts such as tertiary amines to accelerate the cure reactions. The moisture uptake characteristics of the resins are extremely important so a series of experiments were conducted whereby the weight increase of samples immersed in water at various temperatures was determined. This allowed the diffusion coefficients of the resin systems to be determined and also the maximum moisture uptake as a function of immersion temperature. There is a wide variation in the maximum amount of water absorbed by the resins. Certain systems have a very low absorption at the lower temperature but this breaks down at the higher temperatures. One resin system produces a maximum uptake of moisture of only 0.3% over the complete temperature range. A further important parameter concerns the thermal resistance of these materials and, as would be expected, the choice of curing agent dominates the eventual glass transition temperature of the resin. The anhydride cured systems have eventual Tg’s above 100°C whereas the siliconeamine cured systems have a Tg around 60°C. The mechanical properties of various resins are listed in Table 1. It is apparent that there is a wide variation between the mechanical properties obtained and the formulation content.

Table 1. Mechanical properties of various halogenated epoxy resins

Formulation Fracture Energy Modulus Failure Stress Failure Strain Glass Trans.  (J.m-2) (GPa) (MPa) (%) (°C) C6/1SA C8/1SA C8/FA/CAB C8/FA/DMB C8/FA/DA/DMB 120.8 160.0 71.1 76.3 96.2 1.74 1.66 2.24 2.38 2.23 42.8 41.7 69.1 40.7 26.9 2.6 2.7 3.6 1.7 1.2 61 60 142 116 112

While some very promising adhesives properties are displayed significant problems such as toughness, still need to be over come.

Introduction

ACUN conferences have a historical background: In 1998 at an ICCE Conference in Las Vegas USA, Dr Sri Bandyopadhyay (UNSW, Australia), Prof Sami Rizkalla (then of Uinversity of Manitoba, Canada), Dr Piyush Dutta (CRREL, USA), and Prof Debes Bhattacharyya (U Auckland, NZ) discussed the possibility of a totally new class of composites conference. This led to the birth of ACUN conferences: ACUN-1 in 1999, ACUN-2 in 2000, ACUN-3 in 2001, and ACUN-4 in 2002 all held at UNSW Australia.
Venue and Dates

As with all previous ACUN conferences, ACUN-5 will be held at The University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia. This years event will take place from July 11-14, 2006.
Themes

The topics of ACUN-5 will cover all aspects of the science and technology of composite materials, from materials fabrication, processing, manufacture, structural and property characterisation, theoretical analysis, modelling and simulation, materials design to a variety of applications, such as aerospace, automotive, infrastructure, packaging, ship-building, and recreational products. ACUN-5 will bring together the latest research and developments of the complete range of composite materials, including biocomposites, medical-composites, functional and smart composites, gradient and layered composites, nanocomposites, structural composites and mimicking natural materials. The reinforcements will range from nano-, micro-, meso- to macro-scale in polymer, metal, ceramic and cementitious matrices. The topics include, but are not limited to:

·        Aerospace

·        Automotive

·        Bio-composites

·        Bio-medical composites

·        Cement matrix

·        Characterization

·        Codes

·        Computational mechanics

·        Corrosion prevention

·        Design

·        Deterioration

·        Elastomer composites

·        Environment friendly

·        Failure and fracture

·        High temperature & low temperature

·        Infrastructure - land and marine

·        Interfaces and interphases

·        Light-weight transportation

·        Low cost composites

·        Materials science

·        Modelling and simulation

·        Nanocomposites

·        Nanotubes

·        Natural fibre and nature matrix

·        Polymer, metal and ceramic matrix

·        Fabrication, processing and manufacturing

·        Properties and performance

·        Recycling

·        Reinforcements

·        Renewable materials filled composites

·        Repair

·        Sensors - for health monitoring

·        Standards

·        Structure

·        Synthesis

·        Tailoring

·        Testing

·        Vibration damping
Tutorials/Workshops

The ACUN-5 will hold tutorials and workshops on the following topics:

11 July 2006 Tuesday

a) Tutorial on Designing Composite Structures (Co-Chair: Dr Rik B Heslehurst, ADFA, Australia)

b) Tutorial on Computer Modelling and Simulation of Multi-phase Materials (Co-Chair: Dr Qinghua Zeng, UNSW, Australia)

12 July 2006 Wednesday

a) Composite Industry Forum (Guest of Honour: Mr Grant Pearce, President, Composites Australia)

b) International Workshop on Natural Fibre/Natural Matrix Composites (Co-Chair, Dr A K Rana, IJIRA, India)

13 July 2006 Thursday

International Workshop on Durability and Servic-Life of Composite Materials for Civil Applications (Co-Chair: Prof Vistasp Karbhari, UCSD, USA)

14 July 2006 Friday

International Workshop on Advances in Nanocomposites (Co-Chair: Prof Janis Matisons, Flinders University, South Australia)
Registration

All registration fees are inclusive of GST. Registration by 31st March 2006 will attract a discount. The registration fee must be received by 10th June, 2006 to assure proceedings inclusion.

The authors will be provided with receipt of payment and, if necessary, a letter of participation at the conference venue.

There is a 25 % cancellation fee requested prior to 20th May 2006. There will be no refunds on cancellations requested on or after 21st May 2006.

Full ACUN-5 Registration Fee

AUD$1100.00

if paid after 31 March 2006

Discounted ACUN-5 Registration Fee

AUD $975.00

if paid before 31 March 2006

Full-time Student Registration Fee

AUD $500.00

if paid after 31 March 2006

Discounted Full-time Student Registration Fee

AUD $440.00

if paid before 31 March 2006

Company / Group / Special Registration Fee

By negotiation

Full Registration and Student Registration Fees include Conference Dinner, Refreshment / Coffee and Conference proceedings. Student Registration is available to accredited full-time students in Australian and overseas universities/tertiary institutions.
Publications

In previous ACUN conferences, papers were published in either special issues or regular isues, after journal referring, in international journals, such as Composites Part A and Journal of Materials and Production Technology. Also, a previous ACUN conference was the intellectual birth place for Structural Health Monitoring An International Journal.

For ACUN-5, the following journals (in alphabetical order) will accept qualifying papers - in expanded / modified version suitable for their publication after journal review - either as special issue or regular issue:

·        AZojomo – AZo Journal of Material Online

·        AZojono – AZo Journal of Nanotechnology Online

·        Composite Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

·        International Journal of Materials and Product Technology

·        Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

·        Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Products

·        Materials and Manufacturing and Processes

·        Structural Health Monitoring An International Journal

·        Surface Engineering
Awards

ACUN-5 will present a few awards at the conference. The Best Paper Award established in earlier ACUN conferences will continue.

·        First Prize for the Best Student Presentation (Sami Rizkalla Award, AUD$500)

·        Second Prize for the Best Student Presentation (sponsors to be announced, AUD$300)

·        Third Prize for the Best Student Presentation (Sponsors to be announced, AUD$200)

·        Alan Baker (DSTO) Award intended for the best paper in Composites Repair Technology

·        Debes Bhattacharyya Award intended for the best paper in Composites Manufacturing Technology

·        Klaus Friedrich Award intended for the best paper in Composites in Automotive Application (AUD$500)

·        Jonathan H. Hodgkin (CSIRO) Award intended for the best paper in Composites Chemistry (AUD$500)

·        Yiu-Wing Mai Award intended for the best paper in Composites Interface Research (AUD$500)

·        Mirko-Ros-Silver-Medal (EMPA) Award intended for the best paper in Composites in Rehabilitation in Construction and/or Composites in New Construction (AUD$500)

Any company can sponsor an Award, please contact us. All sponsoring institutions/companies/individuals will be announced on ACUN-5 website.
Conference Location Information

With a population of more than four million, Sydney is Australia’s largest city. Sunny, sexy, and sophisticated, Sydney basks in its worldwide recognition as the shining star of the Southern Hemisphere. The “emerald city” is one of the most attractive on earth. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are the two most famous icons of the city. Those with a daredevil spirit can join a Bridge Climb tour venture across catwalks and ladders to the top of the main arch for 360-degree amazing views across the Opera House and the ferries and boats below. Sydney’s third icon, Bondi Beach, is east of the city and best reached by bus from Circular Quay. Sydney is one of the biggest cities in the world but fortunately most of the interesting things are concentrated in a relatively compact area around the Central Business District (CBD) or within an easy train ride. The city centre is compact and flanked by two verdant parks - the harbourside Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park where fruit bats hang from the trees.

Background

The stability of metals and metal oxides at elevated temperatures is a crucial problem in many industries such as aerospace, power generation, metallurgical processing, chemical engineering, automotive, petrochemicals, and catalysis. Will a catalyst remain stable at elevated temperature or revert to an inac­tive form? Might formation of a non-protecting oxide film cause loss of strength in a supersonic aircraft?
Ellingham Diagrams

To address these questions, scientists at Accelrys employed a combination of tools (classical thermodynamics & ab initio quantum mechanics) to compute Ellingham diagrams, plots of the standard free energy of reaction (∆G°) vs. temperature. The stability of materials at high temperatures has been tradi­tionally investigated in metallurgy and materials engineering using such plots. Ellingham diagrams provide a simple and rapid means to determine the threshold temperature and oxygen pressure required for oxide formation. Formation of oxides is the most common reaction in high temperature corro­sive environments, and therefore has a direct relevance to the industries men­tioned above.
Oxidation Of Corundum Type Oxides

The study focussed on the oxidation of corundum-type oxides (M2O3) into rutile-type structures (MO2), where M=Rh and Ru. These metals were considered because of their relevance in industrial catalytic processes. Both, Rh and Ru oxides occur naturally in the rutile structure. However, whereas rutile-type RuO2 has proved to be the preferred phase over a wide range of temperatures and pressures, its rhodium isomorph (RhO2) transforms into the corundum form (alpha-Rh2O3) at 750 °C under ambient oxygen pressure. This is a known component in the poisoning of three-way emission catalysts. The corundum form of ruthenium oxide (Ru2O3), in contrast, has never been observed. Why the difference?
Phase Predictions

The present results combining CASTEP density functional calculations with classical thermodynamics techniques predict that a Ru2O3 phase cannot be observed due to the high stability of RuO2 with respect to reactions due to both Ru and ambient oxygen. In contrast, the ambient oxygen pressure at which alpha-Rh2O3 decomposes into RhO2 was found to increase with temperature consistently with experimental findings.

Figure 1. Calculated oxygen partial pressure in atm vs temperature (K) for a RhO3 decomposition into RhO2 at 298 K (25 °C) 1073 K (800 °C), respectively. Oxygen pressure and temperature regimes at which the alpha-Rh2O3,or alternatively, the RhO2 phase is thermodynamically preferred are indicated by arrows pointing right or left, respectively.

Figure 1. Calculated oxygen partial pressure in atm vs temperature (K) for a RhO3 decomposition into RhO2 at 298 K (25 °C) 1073 K (800 °C), respectively. Oxygen pressure and temperature regimes at which the alpha-Rh2O3, or alternatively, the RhO2 phase is thermodynamically preferred are indicated by arrows pointing right or left, respectively.
Cost Effective Predictions

Techniques like the ones employed here provide rapid and cost-effective ways of predicting the behaviour of metal oxides in high temperature environments. By employing modelling methods, a broad range of elements, crystal struc­tures, and environmental conditions can be screened rapidly in silico, and the results provided in a commonly-used representation.

Background

The ASM International Surface Engineering Congress is North America’s only event focusing on all aspects of surface engineering technologies and industrial applications. Timely and relevant information on the latest science research in surface treatments and coatings, industrial applications of surface engineering processes and techniques and industry-specific challenges and solutions using surface engineering technologies; including case histories will be featured during the course of the event. In addition The International Surface Engineering Congress 2006 will be held in conjunction with two additional conferences:

·        17th Advanced Materials & Processes Conference (AeroMat) and Exhibition; and

·        International Thermal Spray Conference (ITSC) and Exhibition

Seattle’s innovations have shaped the way America travels. It has also changed the way America’s premier Surface Engineering event is experienced. The same innovating spirit that motivated Boeing to become world’s largest producer of commercial jetliners ensures that ISEC ‘06 – Seattle’s first — will leave a proud legacy on the industry. The next International Surface Engineering Congress & Exposition will be conducted in Seattle May 15-18, 2006, marking the city’s first opportunity to host the Surface Engineering experience.
Technical Papers and Symposia

The congress organizers are seeking authors to submit abstracts for consideration of acceptance into the following symposia. The firm submission deadline is January 20, 2006. Abstracts will not be accepted after the deadline except by written request from the General Chairman.

The The International Surface Engineering Congress 2006 will contain the following symposia:

·        Industrial Surface Engineering Processes

·        Tribotechnology

·        Failure Analysis of Coatings and Thin Films

·        Surface Engineering for Corrosion Protection

·        Biomedical and Dental Applications

·        Thin Film Nanomanufacturing

·        Environmentally Sustainable Surface Engineering
Industrial Surface Engineering Processes

This symposium will cover all aspects of surface engineering processes. Papers are solicited in the specific areas of CVD, electrochemical deposition, innovative surface engineering processes, laser enhanced deposition, PVD, quality control, sol gel and liquid surface treatments, thermal spray, and other surface engineering techniques. A special feature of this symposium will be a Producers’ Workshop session.

Sessions: Chemical Vapor Deposition; Electrochemical Deposition; Innovative Surface Engineering Processes; Laser or Laser Enhanced Deposition; Physical Vapor Deposition; Producer’s Workshop; Quality Control; and Sol Gel and Other Liquid Surface Treatments. There will also be a special joint session with the ITSC technical program entitled, “Thermal Spray Compared to other Surface Engineering Technologies.” However, this session is complete and no abstracts are being accepted.
Tribotechnology

This symposium will cover all aspects of abrasive and adhesive wear applications, aerospace applications, erosion, manufacturing applications, micro and nanoscale tribology, and applications in severe environments.

Sessions: Abrasive and Adhesive Wear Applications; Aerospace Applications; Erosive Wear Applications; Heavy Equipment Applications; Manufacturing Equipment Applications; Micro- and Nanoscale Tribology; and Severe Environments Applications
Failure Analysis of Coatings and Thin Films

This symposium will cover all aspects of failure of coatings and thin films. Papers are solicited in the specific areas of failure prevention, presentation of case histories, use of analytical techniques for preventing failure and related business and legal issues.

Sessions: Business and Legal Issues; Case Histories; and New Analytical Techniques and Equipment
Surface Engineering for Corrosion Protection

The symposium will cover all aspects of corrosion and oxidation resistance of materials, corrosion mechanisms, thermal barrier coatings, and surface engineering methods. Papers are solicited in the specific areas of aqueous corrosion, high temperature corrosion, and micro and nanotechnologies aimed at preventing corrosion.

Sessions: Aqueous Corrosion; High Temperature Corrosion; Micro and Nano Technologies for Corrosion Resistance; and Organic Corrosion
Biomedical and Dental Applications

The symposium will cover all aspects of biomedical devices and dental tools. Papers are solicited in the general areas of hard and soft tissue engineering, surgical tools, orthodontic applications, maxillofacial applications, and processing of prosthetic devices.

Sessions: Hard Tissue Processing; Orthodontic Applications; Maxillofacial Applications; Processing of Prosthetic Devices; Soft Tissue Processing; and Surgical Tools
Thin Film Nanomanufacturing

This symposium will cover all aspects of thin film nanomanufacturing. Papers are solicited in the general areas of silicon based nanomanufacturing, semiconductor processing, lithographic processes, quality control, characterization, thick film nanostructures, and soft lithography.

Sessions: Characterization of Nanomanufactured Structures; Lithographic Processes; Nanomanufacturing Quality Control; Semiconductor Processes and Technologies; Silicon Based Nanomanufacturing; Soft Lithography; and Thick Film Nanostructures (Cold and Thermal Spray)
Environmentally Sustainable Surface Engineering

This symposium will cover all aspects of sustainable surface engineering. Papers are solicited in the general areas of recyclability, health and safety issues, case studies, sustainability of surface engineering processes, and environmental standards.

Sessions: Case Studies; Health and Safety Issues and Employee Protection; Recyclability Issues; Standards and Quality Issues; Sustainability of Surface Engineering Processes

Background

The International Brazing and Soldering Conference aims to bring together scientists and engineers involved in research, development and application of brazing and soldering technology, ASM International and the American Welding Society will co-host the 3rd International Brazing & Soldering Conference, April 23-26, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas.
Event Overview
Important Dates

·        Short Courses: April 23, 2006

·        Conference and Exhibit: April 24-26, 2006
Short Courses

This special event will feature four days worth of the best information available in the brazing and soldering fields. Join us beginning on Sunday when we will feature our Short Courses. These courses have been extremely popular in the past, so we encourage you to plan accordingly as space is limited.
Technical Program

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will feature a phenomenal Technical Program comprised of two parallel tracks covering the latest advances in the field.
Tabletop Exhibition

Plus, as a complement to the technical program, a special Tabletop Exhibit will be organized-this is a great opportunity to network with vendors and learn about the latest products and services being offered.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and see us in the beautiful city of San Antonio-one of North America’s most expressive and charming cities.
Topics Covered

The 2006 IBSC Conference and Tabletop Exhibit is the one of the world’s best gatherings of brazing and soldering experts-and it only happens once every three years. The 2006 event will focus on sharing, teaching and mentoring individuals in all the brazing, soldering and joining disciplines, covering everything from applied industrial issues to the latest advances in research & development. Specific topics that will be covered include:

·        Aircraft and Aerospace

·        Automotive and Transportation

·        Brazing and Soldering Standards

·        Ceramic / Glass to Metal Joining

·        Chemical and Petroleum Production

·        Composite Materials

·        Electronic Packaging / Sensors

·        Filler Metal Properties

·        Fluxes and Atmospheres

·        Furnace / Vacuum Brazing

·        Joint Reliability

·        Lead Free Solders

·        Light Metals

·        Materials and Process Design / Control

·        Medical

·        Mining & Heavy Equipment

·        Modeling and Process Control

·        Power and Electrical Equipment

·        Sensors / Micro-Electronics

·        Solder Joining Methods

·        Special / Advanced Brazing Processes

·        Structural Solder Applications

·        Test Methods and Evaluation

·        Thermal Management

·        Vacuum Brazing

Technical Program Overview

The 2006 International Brazing & Soldering Conference & Exhibit offers you an extraordinary opportunity for technical and social interchange with experts in brazing and joining from over 20 countries. These experts from the industry will gather in San Antonio, Texas to discuss the latest research, trends, findings and methodology available to the market.

For a preview of the 2006 Conference Program, view Call for Papers information.

The week’s technical programming will start with a special Keynote session-the perfect complement for three days of world-class technical conference sessions. For those who are not as far along in their careers, we are pleased to once again offer pre-event short courses on Sunday before the conference.

3D Systems Corporation announced the availability of Bluestone™ SL material, the first commercially available engineered nano-composite resin for SLA^® (stereolithography) systems.

Bluestoneâ„¢ engineered nano-composite material is a breakthrough in material technology, delivering exceptional accuracy, stiffness, thermal performance and long-term stability. Bluestone material is ideal for automotive and aerospace applications, such as wind-tunnel testing, under-the-hood applications, and the manufacture of jigs and fixtures. Its thermal properties are also suitable for elevated temperature electronic applications, including insulating components, electrical housings and connectors.

“Bluestone resin is an excellent fit for applications requiring added stiffness and thermal resistance,” said Rainer Neumann, General Manager, 4D Concepts GmbH. “This material is perfect for applications in aerodynamics, lighting applications (such as reflectors), and masters for vacuum casting and thermoforming. As a service provider we need to have flexibility in our material offerings, and Bluestone resin allows us to fulfil many customers’ needs for a variety of applications. Now we can offer our customers a unique material with improved part quality and functionality.”

Extensive pre-release customer testing has shown the material to facilitate a reliable and predictable build process, to be easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

Stereolithography users will find this material easy to adopt as it requires little or no additional facilities, procedures or expertise, and its performance will extend the range of applications they can address.