In this work the effect of Mg addition on structure as well as kinetics of crystallisation of Zn-Al-Cu cast alloy was presented. To the zinc alloy was added 0.1% mass of Mg. The alloy was cast into a metal mould. Thermo-derivative analysis was performed using the UMSA platform (Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyzer). The investigated alloys were freely cooled down with a rate of 0.1°C s^-1. For the structure analysis were used results obtained using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

The article discusses the grain morphology of the natural filler from hazelnut and walnut shell flour. It was observed that the geometry of both meals is similar to each other and resembles uneven balls in shape. The heterogeneity and well-developed outer surface of the flour grains allow for filling the voids with the polymer matrix. The analysis of the surface of the SEM images allowed to observe the presence of natural filler flour grains in the entire volume of the produced polymer composites, uneven distribution and small agglomerates, as well as the presence of voids, distributed in the matrix and in the matrix/filler interface. As a result of the visual evaluation of the activity of microorganisms (mycelium) on the surface of the produced polymer composite materials PP/hazelnut and walnut shell flour with a different % share, different fraction, it was found that the best fungistatic effect was shown by the samples marked with the symbol hazelnut at the fraction 315–443 µm. The least fungistatic material was found to be the samples with walnut shell meal filler at the fraction 315–443 µm (F2 and F4), on which the microorganisms achieved significant growth (more than 50% of the test area). The highest value of contact angle was obtained for samples with hazelnut filler fraction 315–443 (C2 and C4), which also confirms its best fungistatic effect.

This paper presents the influence of casting method and anodic treatment parameters on thickness and structure of an anodic layer formed on aluminium alloys. As test materials was used the aluminium alloy AlSi9Cu3, which was adopted to the casting process and anodic treatment. In this paper are presented the wear test results and metallographic examination, as well as hardness of non-anodised and anodised alloys subjected to anodising process. The investigations were performed using light and electron microscopy (AFM) for the microstructure determination. The morphology and size of the layer was also possible to determine. The anodising conditions for surface hardening and its influence on properties was analysed. The structure of the surface laser tray changes in a way, that there is a different thickness of the produced layer. The aluminium samples were examined in terms of metallography using the optical microscope with different image techniques as well as light microscope. Improving the anodization technology with appliance of different anodising conditions. Some other investigation should be performed in the future, but the knowledge found in this research concerning the proper process parameters for each type of alloy shows an interesting investigation direction. The combination of metallographic investigation for cast aluminium alloys – including electron microscope investigation – and anodising parameters makes the investigation very attractive for automobile industry, aviation industry, and others, where aluminium alloys plays an important role.

The research presented in this paper focuses on the utilization of 3D printing technology in the design and manufacture of a prosthetic hand, equipped with a digit replicator. The subject of this study was a young man who had undergone the amputation of two fingers on his right hand. The electronic control of the movement of the finger copy was developed using Arduino language. A concept and outline drawings were developed in ProCreate. Three-dimensional scan of the hand and forearm was made using an EinScan PRO HD SHINING 3D scanner. Using CAD software—Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Meshmixer, the prosthesis was designed. Printing was carried out on a 3D printer of the i3 MK3 and MK3+ series using a PLA (polylactic acid) filament. It was determined that PLA is an optimal material for printing, as it is considered to be safe for future patients’ skin. Work on the electronic circuitry started in Autodesk TinkerCad simulation software, allowing the code to be verified and ensuring the safety of the control system. The prosthesis’s design demonstrates the potential to reach as many people in need as possible by using readily available, low-cost, and easy-to-use components.

The purpose of this paper was characterisation of the structure, mechanical and tribological properties of the monolayers CrN, TiN and multilayers TiN/(Ti,Al)N PVD coatings deposited onto plasma nitrided X37CrMoV5-1 type hot work tool steel. Taking into account the results of measurements, one can state that the lowest wear at certain conditions in both room and elevated temperatures displays the TiN/(Ti,Al)N multilayer coating, what can be connected with their good adherence to the substrate materials as well as the highest hardness. The investigation results will provide useful information to applying the PVD coating for the improvement of wear resistance of tools made from hot work steels. The paper contributes to better understanding of the structure, adhesion and the wear resistance at the elevated temperature up to 500°C of CrN and TiN, TiN/(Ti,Al)N PVD coatings deposition onto hot work tool steel X37CrMoV5-1 type. [Received on 25 October 2005; Accepted on 12 February 2007]

Investigations of composite materials based on EN AW-AlCu4Mg1 (A) aluminium alloy reinforced with Ti (C,N) particles with weight ratios of 5, 10, and 15% are presented in this paper. The metallographic investigations of composite materials show banding of the reinforcing particles in aluminium matrix after the performed extrusion process. The structure observed in composites materials is oriented parallel to the extrusion direction. The amount of reinforcement particles Ti (C,N) has influence on the mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials. The increase of hardness is observed with the growth of the amount of reinforcement particles. Hardness increased from 89 HV1 for the material without the reinforcing phase to 143 HV1 for 15% of the Ti (C,N) reinforced material.Based on the microstructural investigations of the obtained composite materials, the uniform distribution of the reinforcing particles in the aluminium matrix was also revealed in the obtained structure.