Is ALON the Future of Construction?
Science fiction fans have waited decades for a galactic-inspired material that combines the strength of metal, the weightlessness of plastic, with the sleek look of glass. Oh, and it would be nice if this material could also stop a speeding bullet on impact. Like many amazing technologies being developed, we may see this material commonly used in our lifetime. In fact, it’s already being put into practice in certain niches.
As Orlando construction lawyers, although our expertise is in the construction law side of the industry, we often marvel at modern-day inventions that can assist our construction industry professionals with the resources they need to build mind-blowing structures. With so many exciting new technologies entering the workforce, construction projects are becoming more sophisticated than ever before and also discovering new and safer methods to create these enhanced structures.
If you are in need of legal consulting, please speak with one of our Orlando construction attorneys today. If you are not in need of our services at this time, read on about a new and exciting technology called aluminum oxynitride or “ALON.”
The Development of ALON
ALON is considered a “polycrystalline transparent ceramic” that is produced from combining aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen. ALON is best known for several of its applications in the military defense industry as a crystal-clear solution to armored windows for vehicles, lenses for combat zone optics, and as “seeker domes” or transparent domes surrounding the top portion of ballistic missiles. Several military defense companies are also currently working on armor designs for the material as well.
Manufacturing ALON for the Construction Industry
Besides it’s amazing space-age qualities, ALON has two other amazing benefits. The material undergoes a molding process called “isostatic pressing” in which it transforms from a powdery substance to a rubber mold with the workability to take the form of the desired design. This fusing process can create materials of all shapes and sizes. The other excellent benefit is, as it states in its own patent, the material “shows no chemical or physical property change after heating in air (atmosphere) at 1100° C.” This means it’s extremely resilient.
The only downside currently is implementing an affordable way to produce this innovative new material. Imagine a day though in the distant future with crystal-clear cruise ships traveling across the ocean, translucent airplanes buzzing through the sky, and brilliant transparent buildings or glass houses we call home.
If you would like to speak with one of our Orlando construction attorneys, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.