High Temp Composite Bushing
Loukus Tech, through an ARPA-e funded project, developed novel metal matrix composite bushing materials. These bushing materials were designed and built using consistent and controllable furnace temperatures (+/- 2 degrees F) up to 3000F (1650C) with integrated servo control winders and sizing applicators.
Process Set-up
We initially set up the bushing die with machinable alumina and fired the assembly before being used in the furnace. For the furnace set-up process, we loaded 2 pounds of glass into the reservoir with magnesia glue to seal the container.
Glass Melt Process
At ~1300C, the glass melts but cools before leaving the bushing tip, creating a bulb. To solve this problem, we developed an independently-heated bushing to maintain glass flow from the bushing tip, allowing us to draw fiber at ~20ft/sec.