Thermoplastic extrusion of bulk metallic glass

Extrusion of Zr44Ti11Cu10Ni10Be25 bulk metallic glass in its supercooled liquid state is explored as a method to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile. The effect of processing parameters and extrusion geometries on the extrusion length is determined. The results reveal the nature of the flow process as creeping flow. Profile lengths of up to 50 cm are achieved using a 2-mm diameter die with a tapered length which theoretically results in a zero effective die length.