Dana Corporation has announced that it has been awarded the first patent for its AtmoPlas(TM) microwave atmospheric plasma heating technology. The patent is for plasma-assisted joining of metal components. A total of twenty patent applications for AtmoPlas uses are pending in the United States.
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“This initial patent is the first step in bringing the AtmoPlas technology and its multitude of uses to the heat-treating industry,” said Chuck Heine, president of Technology Development at Dana. “Dana’s AtmoPlas technology has the potential to revolutionise heat treating by significantly reducing costs and improving both efficiency and material properties.”
The key to the AtmoPlas technology is its ability to generate plasma at atmospheric pressure without costly vacuum equipment. The plasma harnesses microwave energy to quickly generate temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius within seconds to efficiently join metal components.
According to Dana, major benefits include dramatically shorter cycle times, lower capital and maintenance costs, and significant energy savings. Microwave-absorbing plasma utilizes 95 percent of the energy in microwaves to rapidly and reliably join metal parts through brazing, welding, bonding, and soldering. By absorbing and focusing the microwaves, the plasma significantly reduces the possibility of arching while evenly distributing the heat, reducing the potential of thermal shock to metal components.
“Dana’s AtmoPlas technology shows our commitment to playing a central role in developing revolutionary automotive and manufacturing technologies,” said Heinz-Ubbo Eilks, vice president of business development and technology at Dana. “As we move forward, Dana is exploring additional new and exciting applications for this innovative technology.”
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By GlobalDataDana is currently testing samples for brazing with its customers. In addition, future applications for AtmoPlas technology may include using microwave energy to treat vehicle-exhaust gasses, generate hydrogen, and create carbon nanostructures for use in the electronics and medical fields.
