Remember this name: Gary Cola. He’s a metallurgist who is pushing the envelope of modern technology, all thanks to Flash Bainite. A while back Mr. Cola took his Bainite to the University of Ohio, making a few staggering claims. According to him, Flash Bainite is 7% stronger than standard steel. Could it be the fabled Rearden Metal of legend?
It’s not Rearden metal, but it did check out when tested. Flash Bainite is stronger than contemporary steel. It’s more efficient, even, and has potential in a variety of industries be it automaking or defense.
According to the Flash Bainite official site:
Flash Bainite is the Strongest, Most Ductile, Lean Alloyed, Readily Weldable, Least Expensive Ultra Strength METAL known to man. A50 tensile ranges from 1100 to 2080MPa (160-302ksi) with 8 to 9% elongation. Total elongation up to 10-11% is not uncommon. Flash 4130 at 1900MPa and 9% elongation exceeds titanium-6Al-4V’s strength to weight ratio making it pound per pound stronger at only 56% the volume. Flash4130 is just 10% the cost of Ti-64.
“Off the shelf” plate and tubing can be made into Flash Bainite. Triple the strength of Chrome Moly, Flash 4130 is pound for pound 2X stronger than the best aluminums. If you are “lightweighting” structure with aluminum, Flash Bainite will do a better job at less weight and lower cost.
That’s it. A minor revolution has transpired. A new age is upon us. Remember it and remember the name Gary Cola.