Any thoughts on this technique?

S

SCAF

Joined
Jul 13, 1999
Messages
27
A couple of years ago I was watching a discovery channel program on the creation of metal blanks using a shaped charge surrounding a plastic tube that contained various metals in powdered form. The shaped charge directed the energy inward creating some incredible high temperatures and pressures that could not be acheived using machines. This resulted in the creation of some unique alloys. I don't remember if the program delved into the metallurgy of this technique (too long ago). I do remember them welding a copper plate to a steel plate on this same program using a shaped charge. The atoms of steel and copper had intermixed in the area where the shaped charge had been placed creating a alloy/weld that was stronger than either metal alone. Now I know that engineers have been using the explosive welding technique for welding disimilar metals on job sites for years (my brother inlaw is an engineer who has used this technique). What I am curious about is whether any bladesmiths have considered using these techniques? You could create some interesting edge/spine combinations or create some new steel alloys. You would need a permit for using explosives (or better yet know someone who has a permit and the knowledge of using explosives safely which would be much safer than playing with the stuff yourself). Although this technique is probably not practical for most (and too dangerous for some), I was just curious about the possibilities...
 
I think this is how Christian Wimpff does his Ti/steel blades. I have some picts from Arizona Custom Knives, I'll try to dig them up.
Aaron

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amacks@nist.gov
Don't forget to pay your taxes...they eventually become my knives:)

 
I don't like shaped charges. I R&R them on emergency escape hatches. Nothing to play with. I took an ordnance handling/safety class, and still don't like them. I've seen a few detonated and if you don't have a professional helping you some them, something WILL go wrong, and the results are not pretty. I'd rather hold a live W/P grenade between my legs and eat my lunch. Learn as much about it as possible, if you don't know some thing that involves ordnance, the chances of getting hurt are very good. Sorry if I come off strong, I know of too many accidents involving that stuff, and funerals are not fun.
frown.gif



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PRIGGER




[This message has been edited by prigger (edited 15 July 1999).]
 
This is not a proceedure that an individual should try in his back yard.

It involves a very pecisely controlled explosion starting with the two plates touching at one end and apart at the other to allow air to escape during the pressing together of the two plates or the trapped air will simply compress and pop the two materials apart after the explosion. The angle and rate of burn of the explosive have to be precisely controlled to expell the air completely without ripping the plates.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

 
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