Replies to post #66852 on Liquidmetal Technologies Inc (LQMT)

[longinus]

Panels could certainly be molded with a superior drag coefficient to that of painted/coated steel and perhaps with unique geometry that would decrease sonar signature. Regarding the color, I don't know how well anodization would hold up in seawater, or whether the process would compromise the corrosion immunity of the LM. Could be an issue to resolve.

As for the production though, it would seem that the current IM tech could be scaled up to an array of several hundred synchronized induction heaters servicing a very large mold cavity (a 1-ton shot would be about 3m x 3m x 2cm). When considering the pace of shipbuilding, I'd imagine only one such machine with perhaps a 30-minute cycle time would be necessary per shipyards. The real challenge would not be in designing or molding the panels, but actually fastening them together most effectively. Fastener holes could be molded in for a conventional assembly, but LM's experimental laser joining technology would seem perhaps a far better means of assembly, if it could be perfected.

We just need a pet congressman or two to sell this to the Navy. I'd approve dilution for those campaign contributions.

[Jollymon1958]

To date liquidmetal cannot produce a piece large enough to make a cell phone. For someone to suggest are use for battleships or automobiles has done little or no research into the product.