SUPERPLASTICITY IN METALS

Abstract

Superplastic metal alloys at critical temperatures and in certain crystalline states can be made to stretch to many times their original dimensions. A subsequent change in temperature and in metallurgical structure will cause the alloy to again behave as a normal metal. Thus, superplastic alloys combine the formability of plastics with the strength of metals. Costs of forming small parts are significantly less than the usual fabrication costs for these parts.