High carbon steel/Inconel 718 bimetallic parts produced via Fused Filament Fabrication and Sintering

The possibility of producing high carbon steel/Inconel 718 bimetallic parts via Fused Filament Fabrication and Sintering is explored. Compatibility of the two alloys with particular attention to elements interdiffusion through the interface as well as the effect of the deposition strategy were analyzed. Microstructural features, relative density and parts shrinkage were investigated, as well. Although first-tentative process parameters values were not sufficient to reach an acceptable material densification, a good bonding between Inconel 718 and carbon steel was observed, suggesting the potential to obtain sound bimetallic parts with a great range of material properties. Due to a difference in densification kinetics, sintering temperature was revealed to be the most critical process parameter to optimize to minimize porosity

Remotized Control of Power Electronic Devices Exploiting a Plastic Optical Fiber Photonic Bus

The Internet of Things paradigm and the ubiquitous diffusion of Power Electronic Converters in many fields of application are suggesting the possibility of new ICT services associated to advanced power conversion. This work investigates the feasibility of shared centralized control and communications units able to control and synchronize different power converters, enabling real-time control and telemetry with a cloud approach on the Internet. Our research is focused on defining a proper communication bus making communications between devices and their remote control and telemetry possible in such a challenging environment

A New Methodology for the Digital Planning of Micro-Implant-Supported Maxillary Skeletal Expansion

Introduction: Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances utilize the skeletal anchorage to expand the maxilla. One type of MARPE device is the Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE), which presents four micro-implants with bicortical engagement of the palatal vault and nasal floor. MSE positioning is traditionally planned using dental stone models and 2D headfilms. This approach presents some critical issues, such as the inability to identify the MSE position relative to skeletal structures, and the potential risk of damaging anatomical structures. Methods: A novel methodology has been developed to plan MSE position using the digital model of dental arches and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A virtual model of MSE appliance with the four micro-implants was created. After virtual planning, a positioning guide is virtually designed, 3D printed, and utilized to model and weld the MSE supporting arms to the molar bands. The expansion device is then cemented in the patient oral cavity and micro-implants inserted. A clinical case of a 12.9-year-old female patient presenting a Class III malocclusion with transverse and sagittal maxillary deficiency is reported. Results: The midpalatal suture was opened with a split of 3.06 mm and 2.8 mm at the anterior and posterior nasal spine, respectively. After facemask therapy, the sagittal skeletal relationship was improved, as shown by the increase in ANB, A-Na perpendicular and Wits cephalometric parameters, and the mandibular plane rotated 1.6\ub0 clockwise. Conclusion: The proposed digital methodology represents an advancement in the planning of MSE positioning, compared to the traditional approach. By evaluating the bone morphol-ogy of the palate and midface on patient CBCT, the placement of MSE is improved regarding the biomechanics of maxillary expansion and the bone thickness at micro-implants insertion sites. In the present case report, the digital planning was associated with a positive outcome of maxillary expansion and protraction in safety conditions