Al-Fe Heat Treating, Fort Wayne, Ind., is investing millions of dollars in its plant in Saginaw, Mich., as part of Al-Fe’s alliance with Ford to process structural parts for the all-new military grade aluminum alloy and high-strength steel F-150. To replace heavier steel stampings with lightweight aluminum, Ford needed a solution for heat treating aluminum parts to the required mechanical properties while controlling and minimizing distortion. Al-Fe Heat Treating is providing that solution, by investing $7-10 million dollars in its Saginaw plant to build a state-of-the-art heat treating system that utilizes Precision Air Quenching.
The stampings will be manufactured by a Tier One stamping supplier to Ford. Al-Fe is also partnering with Can-Eng International to upgrade and customize the controls on Al-Fe’s continuous solution furnace, as well as build and install the Precision Air Quench system. In addition, Can-Eng will assist in adapting the configuration of the automated conveyors, delivering the parts immediately to Al-Fe’s existing continuous age oven, thereby completing the artificial aging process.
This truck will be one of the first to offer lightweight design, increasing fuel efficiency while still maintaining strength. In an effort to meet increased MPG standards, the projected aluminum content in vehicles will increase from 343 pounds currently to 550 pounds by 2025. From engine blocks to impact beams, aluminum will be a vital component of all vehicles going forward. However, using lighter weight aluminum in engines and vehicle frames necessitates a unique method of heat treating, one that minimizes torque, distortion, and cracking, while still maintaining part integrity.
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