DAI Plans to Expand Molded Core Capacity
DAI is in the process of increasing capacity in its molded core business unit. As part of the capacity expansion plan it is procuring a new 220 ton state of the art high pressure injection machine. The plan also includes adding additional kilns wh... Read More
DAI Adds to Engineering Staff
DAI is proud to announce the hiring of its newest engineer Mitchell Ruffin. Mitch comes to DAI with over twenty years of lab and engineering experience in various manufacturing industries. Most recently Mitch served as process engineer for a resin ... Read More
DAI Implements 6S Program
As part of its continuous improvement efforts, DAI has implemented a 6S program in its manufacturing operation. The process was kicked off this week when a core team composed of Glen Siders, Tom Daley, Larry Maniccia, and Rick Hervey was formed to l... Read More
DAI Implements Improved NPI (New Product Introduction) Process
Earlier this year the DAI management team reviewed the effectiveness of the organizations RFQ / new job start up process. During this thorough review several opportunities for improvement were identified. The team held a series of meetings to desi... Read More
Laboratory Services
As a leader in customer service, DAI provides its customers as well as third parties access to its state of the art materials testing lab. Our lab specializes in measuring the behavior and properties of ceramic materials. Physical, thermal, and mechanical property measurements are available to help assist with product development, quality control and failure analysis.
Our lab is staffed with experienced engineers and technicians who understand and are responsive to the needs of its customers. Standardized procedures are employed on calibrated equipment. Our test procedures conform to industry standards.
Thermal Dilatometric Analysis (TDA)
Often called "dilat
ometry", a dilatometer measures the dimensional change of a material as a function of temperature. This test determines both reversible and irreversible changes in length (expansion and shrinkage) during heating and cooling, and pinpoints where reactions occur that cause expansion or contraction. The dilatometer is used to determine Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), softening point, glass transition temperature, crystalline transformation, phase transition, shrinkage, sintering rate, and isothermal creep. Our instrument can measure dimensional changes between room temperature and 1600°C (2912°F).
Particle Size Distribution (PSD)
Particle size has a major effect on both physical and mechanical properties of materials. It can also have a significant impact on slurry behavior when blended into aqueous and non-aqueous systems. Analyzing powders provides a means of measuring the distribution for the purpose of quality control and comparison to a desired distribution.
High Temperature Sintering and Testing
DAI's three laboratory furnaces provide tremendous flexibility for firing/sintering oxide based ceramics in air atmosphere. State of the art controls assure extremely uniform temperature throughout the firing load. Whether you want to test fire a small quantity of sample pieces on a custom thermal schedule or perform standard refractoriness (slump) testing DAI can help with all your firing needs. Runs can be made to 1700°C (3092°F) using ramp rates as high as 300°C per hour. Call to inquire about sample size limitations.
Apparent Density, Bulk Density, and Apparent Porosity
Our technicians use the Archimedes method to determine apparent density, bulk density and apparent porosity on both regular and irregular shaped ceramics. This test is useful for characterizing unknown or test specimens or for standard quality control of known production samples. Test results provide useful information on the consistency of batch to batch sintering and microstructure.