Confluent announces significant investment in ATI nitinol melt expansion

Confluent, Scottsdale, AZ, announced a partnership with ATI to invest over $50 million in expanding ATI’s Nitinol melt and materials conversion infrastructure. This investment will more than triple ATI’s melt capacity for medical Nitinol, with Confluent becoming ATI’s fulfillment partner. Confluent will provide value-added services and order fulfillment for ATI’s medical Nitinol mill products.

Dean Schauer, CEO and president of Confluent, highlighted the demand growth in the Neurovascular, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart, Peripheral Vascular, and Orthopedic device markets, which is driving an 18% growth rate (CAGR) in Nitinol demand. Schauer emphasized that the industry has struggled to support this growth due to the substantial equipment and infrastructural costs needed to increase supply chain capacity. Confluent’s investment aims to provide the necessary mid-term and long-term melt and conversion capacity to meet this demand, ensuring a reliable supply chain for OEM customers.

Rob Foster, president of ATI’s Specialty Alloys & Components business, expressed appreciation for Confluent’s investment and trust in ATI’s expertise. Foster noted that this partnership would ensure a stable supply of Nitinol, crucial for the industry’s growth. The expansion at ATI’s Millersburg, Oregon facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

With these expanded capabilities, Confluent will continue to offer a reliable supply chain, delivering a comprehensive range of medical Nitinol services, including mill products, hollows, tubes, wires, and components.

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One Minute Mentor: Plasma Nitriding Equipment

Cold-walled (double-walled water-cooled) systems were the first generation of plasma nitriding furnaces. This technology is also a vacuum-based process but employs the principle of glow discharge to provide energy for heating and nitriding at one time. Therefore, the independent control of the temperature stability and the nitriding intensity is not possible because both processes are using the same energy source—the plasma.

The hot-wall plasma nitriding furnaces, the next generation of cold-wall ion nitriding systems, are mainly used and built now. This system ensures optimal nitriding quality by fulfilling the highest demands on temperature and nitriding process control. The big advantage of this technology is the separation of the control of the heating and the plasma nitriding parameters. The heating and temperature control of hot-wall plasma nitriding furnaces is realized by several independent heating/cooling zones, which guarantees optimal temperature homogeneity

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 26. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

The aviation industry chooses Seco/Warwick vacuum furnaces

Seco/Warwick, Meadville, PA announced that their previous furnace with an aviation industry client will be retired and replaced by a new, economical, and versatile furnace for brazing jet engine parts.

Seco/Warwick has been a recognized metal heat treatment equipment manufacturer for decades. In fact in many plants, units were manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. The partners are gradually replacing these units with modern solutions, continuing to be loyal to the SECO/WARWICK brand.

“The aviation industry is a very important partner that has been cooperating with Seco/Warwick for decades. This is proof of satisfaction with the products we create, but also an expression of trust. Long-term, strategic, good relationships are key. Our furnaces are designed to operate without failure for many, many years, as evidenced by the replacement of this furnace after so many years,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Furnaces Segment at Seco/Warwick Group.

The new solution is based on a standard Vector vacuum furnace with a working space of 900x900x1200 mm, equipped with screen insulation and metal heating elements. It has been specifically adapted to meet the unique needs of the aviation industry, capable of heat treating complex jet engine components such as gears and main shafts.

This latest advancement underscores Seco/Warwick’s dedication to innovation and excellence, ensuring their continued partnership with the aviation industry for years to come.

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Steel Dynamics announces leadership appointments

Steel Dynamics Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., announced leadership appointments for James Anderson and Chad Bickford. Mark D. Millett, Chairman and CEO, expressed his excitement, praising their leadership qualities and positive influence within the company. Millett highlighted their commitment to the company’s core values of safety, performance, and innovation, and their focus on prioritizing personnel.

James Anderson has been named Senior Vice President of the Long Products Steel Group, effective May 1, 2024. Anderson, who will report to Barry Schneider, President and COO, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including leading the Steel Fabrication business and serving as COO of New Millennium Building Systems. His new role will see him overseeing operations that include four EAF long product steel mills and various smaller facilities, together capable of shipping nearly five million tons of steel annually.

Chad Bickford will take over Anderson’s former position as Vice President of the Steel Fabrication Group, New Millennium Building Systems. Bickford, who also reports to Schneider, transitions from his recent role managing the Butler Flat Roll Steel Division. His extensive background in steel fabrication operations and leadership, including a stint as General Manager at the Virginia steel fabrication facility, prepares him well for his new responsibilities overseeing seven manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Mexico.

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Seco/Vacuum awarded nine-furnace contract

Seco/Vacuum, Meadville, Pa., announced it has secured a record-breaking contract for nine furnaces in June. The order includes three Vector vacuum Furnaces and six tempering furnaces, along with necessary auxiliary systems, marking a significant expansion for a returning heat-treat partner that already operates twelve Seco/Vacuum furnaces across North America.

The new furnaces are part of the heat-treater’s strategic shift from atmospheric heat treatment to vacuum processes. This transition aims to modernize their facilities, offering cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective operations. Vacuum processes also allow for finer control and reduce the carbon footprint, aligning with contemporary environmental standards.

The Vector® furnaces, known for their versatility in heat-treating processes like hardening, tempering, and brazing, will primarily be used for hardening due to their high-pressure gas quench capabilities. These furnaces ensure high uniformity and consistency in heat-treated parts, with enhanced batch processing speed and reduced energy and gas usage.

The accompanying Tempering Furnaces, designed for efficient atmospheric tempering, feature convection heating for faster process temperatures and smoother workflow integration, crucial during the often-congested tempering stage.

To support the intensive hardening cycles of the Vectors, six tempering furnaces were chosen to maximize throughput and efficiency. Each furnace, both vectors and temperers, are front-loading with a capacity of 3,300 lbs and dimensions of 36 x 36 x 48 inches.

The full modernization will require a temporary shutdown of existing operations. Seco/Vacuum will mitigate downtime by also acting as the general contractor, overseeing the installation of furnaces, systems, and necessary infrastructure, ensuring a swift resumption of operations with new capabilities.

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Can-Eng announces expansion with subsidiary Evergreen Kiln Technologies

EvergreenKilnTechnologies, LLC, based in Niagara Falls, USA, together with Suzhou Kilnpartner Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd., based in China, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the burgeoning needs of the North American Lithium-ion battery market. This alliance is poised to offer battery material producers advanced Kiln System solutions tailored for the production of cathode (LFP, NMC) and anode active materials.

As part of the arrangement, EvergreenKilnTechnologies LLC will function as a subsidiary under Can-Eng Furnaces International LTD., leveraging Can-Eng’s extensive 60-year expertise in designing and developing bespoke thermal processing systems.

The partnership extends across various domains, including marketing, brand collaboration, technology development, production, engineering, and after-sales services. The primary objective is to innovate thermal processing methods for battery powders, ensuring that the collaborative venture can deliver superior kiln solutions to clients across North America.

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Preparation and high-temperature oxidation resistance of zirconium alloys

Researchers from the National Engineering Research Center for Instrument Functional Materials and Chongqing University, both in Chongqing, China, have highlighted the pivotal role of zirconium alloys in nuclear power systems. Their latest paper reviews the significant advancements in coating technologies for zirconium alloy fuel cladding, a crucial component in nuclear reactors. The study discusses various preparation methods, types of coatings, and their efficacy in resisting high-temperature oxidation—a key challenge for fuel cladding materials. This comprehensive review aims to serve as a critical reference in advancing the surface coating technology of fuel cladding zirconium alloys, promising enhanced performance and safety in nuclear power applications.

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Ipsen wins German Innovation Award 2024

Ipsen, Kleve, Germany, has been honored with the prestigious German Innovation Award 2024 by the German Design Council for its Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace. In a competitive field of 520 submissions from 23 countries, Ipsen’s innovative approach stood out, earning accolades from an interdisciplinary jury of experts for its user-centric design and significant added value.

The Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace represents a new standard in quality and innovation, addressing the dual challenge of high-quality heat treatments and low CO2 emissions. The furnace’s unique ability to operate using both hydrogen and green electricity ensures a 100% CO2-neutral process, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for customers.

This award highlights Ipsen’s commitment to intelligent innovations that meet the evolving needs of its customers while promoting sustainability. The recognition of the Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace underscores the company’s dedication to delivering advanced, user-focused technologies that contribute to a greener future.

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One Minute Mentor: Gas Nitriding Equipment

Gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing can be processed in horizontal or vertical chamber furnaces with refractory insulation. However, to allow a quick change of the atmosphere and to avoid influences resulting from previous processes in the same furnace, retort furnaces are preferred.

To enable an acceptable production capacity, large vertical retort furnaces are used. Figure 23 shows a schematic sketch of a vertical retort furnace with a compensator for sealing against atmosphere. Nowadays large horizontal retort furnaces are also used. Horizontal retort furnaces of different size and execution are preferred for nitrocarburizing processes. Figure 24 shows a schematic of a typical horizontal retort furnace. Similar to the vertical execution, a good circulation of the process gas is needed to get uniform results, which can be reached by the use of a muffle and a high circulation rate. Indirect cooling is performed with an external cooling fan, blowing cold air along the retort. Other designs allow direct cooling of the process gas with an external heat exchanger.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 23. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Nitrex announces second endoflex generator order from South American automotive company

Nitrex, Quebec, announced that an automotive company in South America has placed a follow-up order for a second EndoFlex generator from UPC-Marathon, a Nitrex company. Following the successful installation of a 200 m³/h EndoFlex unit last year, the new generator, with a similar capacity, aims to enhance stability, ensure consistent composition and gas flows, and prioritize top-tier quality in automotive gear boxes while achieving efficiencies in heat treatment operations.

Before adopting the EndoFlex solution, the manufacturer relied on four outdated generator units, each with a capacity of 70 m³/h and consuming 80 kW of power. Remarkably, with the same 80 kW of power consumption, the EndoFlex generator delivers an impressive 200 m³/h capacity. This transition represents not only a remarkable 75% reduction in power consumption but also a significant boost in efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the customer.

The shift to EndoFlex also signifies a substantial contribution to operational efficiency and sustainability efforts. The new generator streamlines maintenance procedures, adheres to stringent quality standards, and reduces CO2 emissions. EndoFlex’s precision control over gas quality and production for the neutral hardening furnace enhances product quality, reduces operating costs, and optimizes energy consumption. By automatically adjusting gas production to match real-time furnace demand, EndoFlex effectively eliminates overproduction and waste.

This order underscores the automotive company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced productivity and sustainability in their operations.

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SECO/WARWICK finds the way to complete successful projects in Brazil

Seco/Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announced a significant milestone in its operations in Brazil. The company has successfully implemented a solution for Nitrion do Brasil, a leading commercial heat treater in South America, in their new production hall to manage the increasing order volume. This achievement underscores the strong synergy between SECO/WARWICK and its strategic partner in the region, Combustol.

SECO/WARWICK’s presence in Brazil has seen dynamic sales growth and promising market forecasts, driven by their popular Vector single-chamber vacuum furnaces. These furnaces are highly favored by commercial heat treaters in the region for their ability to enhance the hardening process and improve economic efficiency. The successful collaboration with Combustol has been instrumental, providing not only sales support but also service activities and the supply of spare parts, which has given SECO/WARWICK a competitive edge.

The Vector vacuum furnace ordered by Nitrion do Brasil is designed to address the challenge of hardening larger elements, thanks to its spacious working area. This feature enhances process economics through energy savings and increased efficiency of the graphite chamber, while also ensuring process cleanliness and speed. The furnace’s convection heating system improves heat transfer efficiency at lower temperatures, and its directional cooling system allows for effective cooling of parts with complex shapes.

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Constellium has announced new initiative to boost circularity of beverage cans

Constellium, Paris, has announced an initiative to enhance the circularity of beverage cans. In collaboration with three leading flat-rolled aluminium manufacturers and members of the European Aluminium Packaging Group (EAPG) – Elval, Novelis, and Speira – Constellium has signed an agreement to embark on a standardization project aimed at maximizing the recycled content in beverage cans. This initiative is a significant step towards substantially lowering carbon emissions by focusing on the increased recyclability of the can end.

This collaborative effort underscores the aluminium industry’s commitment to sustainability. By increasing the recycled content in beverage cans, the project aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with aluminium production. The focus on recyclability and circularity not only benefits the environment but also sets a new standard for sustainability within the industry.

By prioritizing these eco-friendly practices, Constellium and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable future in aluminium production, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in achieving environmental goals.

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Researchers overcome manufacturing challenges in aluminum alloys with nano-treatment

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of metal additive manufacturing (AM), specifically with Al–Cu alloys like AA2024, which are prevalent in the aerospace and automotive industries. 

These alloys are known for their high strength and good fatigue resistance but have been notoriously difficult to work with in additive manufacturing due to issues like hot cracking and other solidification defects.

The UCLA team has successfully developed a nano-treated AA2024 deposition that incorporates TiC nanoparticles, leading to a groundbreaking enhancement in the manufacturing process. This new method allows for the additive manufacturing of AA2024 without the occurrence of cracks, a common issue that has hindered broader adoption of these materials in high-precision sectors.

Microstructural analysis conducted by the researchers reveals that the TiC nanoparticles not only reduce the susceptibility to hot cracking but also refine and homogenize the grain structure of the alloy. The grains were significantly refined to an average size of 23.2 ± 0.4 μm. This refinement contributes to the material’s enhanced properties, including its mechanical performance.

These findings highlight the potential of nano-treatment techniques in overcoming the longstanding challenges associated with high-strength aluminum in additive manufacturing. This advancement not only paves the way for more reliable production of critical components in aerospace and automotive applications but also promises to expand the capabilities and applications of metal additive manufacturing technology.

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One Minute Mentor: Salt Bath Nitrocarburizing Equipment

Modern salt bath nitrocarburizing units can be arranged as fully automated and contained lines and usually consist of an air-preheating furnace, one or several salt bath nitrocarburizing furnaces, which can either be heated electrically or by gas combustion, and a cooling unit that can be an oxidizing salt bath. Such oxidizing posttreatment builds up a thin and dense oxide layer on top of the compound layer that significantly increases the corrosion resistance. 

Online monitoring of the chemical composition is not required due to the high stability of the melt and the automatic supply of refill salt and regenerators. The nitrocarburizing line usually ends with three- to four-step washing cascades that also act as a regeneration system for the salt.

Gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing is the most sensitive process regarding passivation effects typical for medium- to high-alloy tool steels. Therefore special attention must be paid to cleaning and pretreatment processes such as preoxidation, controlled oxinitriding, or the use of chemicals such as hydrazine. On the other hand, gas processes have the best accessibility for boreholes and thin gaps.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 21. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

 

Solar Atmospheres acquires Certified Metal Craft Inc.

Solar Atmospheres, El Cajon, CA, , has announced the acquisition of Certified Metal Craft (CMC) based in El Cajon, California. This move marks Solar Atmospheres’ sixth nationwide location and enhances its presence on the West Coast.

Founded nearly 55 years ago, CMC has been a reputable and trusted service provider in the Southern California region, specializing in various heat treating processes including Vacuum, Aluminum, Atmospheric, Endothermic, Salt Bath, and Cryogenic processing. The company’s dedication to quality has earned it a Nadcap accreditation and a robust portfolio of customer and prime approvals in the Aerospace, Medical, and Commercial sectors.

This expansion not only solidifies Solar Atmospheres’ commitment to providing top-notch heat treating and brazing solutions but also underscores its industry-leading approach of integrity and honesty in all business dealings. The integration promises to bolster Solar’s operational capabilities and enhance its service offerings across the West Coast, ensuring that the company remains the “go-to” choice for clients in the sector.

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Nextracker and JM Steel expand Pennsylvania facility to boost U.S. solar energy supply chain

Nextracker, Philadelphia, PA, has announced a major expansion at their Leetsdale, Pennsylvania steel facility, in collaboration with JENNMAR subsidiary JM Steel. This expansion has successfully tripled the factory’s capacity to support the growing demand for solar energy in Pennsylvania and the broader mid-Atlantic region.

The Leetsdale facility, originally built during World War II to produce materials for tank landing ships, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub for critical steel components needed for solar projects. With the completion of the latest enhancements, the facility now boasts a production capacity of 4 GW, significantly bolstering the U.S. supply chain for renewable energy.

The expansion not only increases the facility’s output but also underscores JENNMAR’s commitment to the solar energy sector, with investments surpassing $100 million over the past four years. Tony Calandra, CEO of JENNMAR, highlighted the historic nature of the site and its significance to the community, “We are proud to announce the expansion of this historic steel factory in Pittsburgh—which we have been honored to call our home for more than 100 years. This partnership with Nextracker allows for significant investment in advanced manufacturing and brings high-quality jobs back to our communities.”

The project has created 60 new manufacturing jobs and is a key component of Nextracker’s strategy to enhance its U.S. manufacturing footprint, which has seen the company add 20 new or expanded U.S. manufacturing facilities since 2021. The expanded capacity allows Nextracker to supply over 25 GW of U.S. solar tracker capacity annually.

The expansion represents a strategic step towards securing a robust U.S. supply chain in solar energy, critical to meeting the energy demands of the future and enhancing the economic and environmental health of the region.

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ACME spearheads eco-friendly transition in district heating across the EU

ACME, Canada, is spearheading the Eurpean Union’s transition from fossil fuel systems to advanced, high-efficiency electrode boilers. This transition not only promises a significant reduction in carbon emissions but also enhances the energy efficiency of district heating networks across the EU.

District heating, crucial for centralized heat generation and distribution in urban areas, is undergoing a transformation with the installation of cutting-edge electrode boilers. These boilers are praised for their ability to operate on electricity derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy use.

Robert Presser, vice president of Acme Engineering, explains the technological superiority of electrode boilers, “Unlike traditional gas or oil-fired boilers, electrode boilers can achieve full capacity in about 90 seconds with a 100% turndown ratio, ensuring that no energy is wasted. This rapid responsiveness, coupled with the absence of combustion, makes these boilers highly efficient and environmentally friendly.”

The electrode boilers utilized in these upgrades, such as Acme’s CEJS and CEJW models, are capable of converting nearly 100% of electrical energy into heat, eliminating losses typically associated with stack or heat transfer. With capacities ranging from 6MW to 68MW, these boilers are designed to meet the rigorous demands of large-scale heating needs while occupying minimal space.

Presser also highlights the economic and operational benefits of these boilers, “Electrode boilers are not only cleaner but also more compact and easier to install compared to conventional systems. They require fewer components and minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs and enhancing reliability.”

EU municipalities and businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of integrating these advanced technologies into their district heating frameworks. As the effects of climate change intensify, the shift towards these efficient, renewable-energy-powered systems is seen as critical in meeting both current and future energy needs while adhering to stringent decarbonization targets.

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One Minute Mentor: vacuum furnace setup

A simple but most effective and very flexible vacuum furnace setup, the single-chamber furnace, consists of one chamber in which the workpiece is both heated (convectively, through vacuum heating) and cooled. Cooling or quenching is accomplished by a closed-loop cooling system.

The pressure vessel is filled with inert gas. This gas is circulated inside the chamber, blowing the inert gas across the workpieces to pick up heat and for further recooling across an internal or external heat exchanger. In order to quench rapidly enough to obtain the desired microstructure of tool steels in various sizes and shapes, it is necessary to increase the pressure and/or flow patterns of the quench gas (usually nitrogen). This is accomplished by high-velocity, high-pressure blowers that have reported cooling gas pressures of up to 20 bar. Turbine powers up to 450 kW are necessary to handle these quenching processes.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 15. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Can-Eng commissions mesh belt furnace overseas

Can-Eng Furnaces, Niagara, Ontario,  has commissioned a continuous mesh belt heat-treat system for the production of high-quality automotive fasteners in Italy.

This project in the Piedmont region of Italy was one of four installation locations for this globally recognized producer of specialty automotive fasteners that span from Europe, South America, Mexico, and the United States of America.

Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd was chosen to supply its state-of-the-art systems based on proven reliability, efficiency, and soft-part-handling features — hallmarks of Can-Eng’s mesh belt furnace systems. The new, high-volume fastener system features energy efficient combustion and waste heat recovery systems, atmosphere-controlled mesh belt hardening system, oil quench, post wash system, temper furnace, soluble oil system, bi-directional conveyor discharge, and Can-Eng’s Level 2 SCADA system. Can-Eng’s PET™ system provides the user with access to vital Industry 4.0 data which includes product traceability, detailed process data for continuous process improvements, comprehensive equipment diagnostics, cost analysis, and inventory management.

https://thermalprocessing.com/news/can-eng-commissions-mesh-belt-furnace-overseas/

Kuźnia Jawor installs Nitrex forging systems

Nitrex, Quebec, has announced that Kuźnia Jawor S.A, a European company specializing in the production of hot forged and CNC machined components for the automotive, machinery, mining, and piping industries, has installed a Nitrex nitriding system and a vacuum hardening furnace.

 Located in the southwestern region of Poland, Kuźnia Jawor has solidified its position as a leading provider of forged and CNC automotive parts within Poland, as well as mining parts in international markets such as Czechia and Türkiye.

Kuźnia Jawor leverages its in-house capabilities to design and manufacture forging tools, a crucial element of the production process. This is necessary for obtaining repeatable strength parameters in steel and ensuring their resistance to geometric changes or abrasive wear, factors that are addressed through heat treatment. Building on this foundation, the company recently revamped its heat-treating operations by introducing cutting-edge equipment and technologies, aiming to streamline operations for improved efficiency and to elevate the quality of its forged and machined products. The current production line has been designed using a Nitrex nitriding system and a vacuum hardening furnace.

https://www.nitrex.com/en/kuznia-jawor-elevates-forging-expertise-with-nitrex-installation/

Solar Atmospheres awarded Lockheed Martin space systems approval

Solar Atmospheres, Greenville, SC, has announced that it has been awarded Lockheed Martin Space Systems approval. With this approval, now all five Solar Atmospheres facilities are an option for our customers with Lockheed Martin requirements for thermal processing services.

Steve Prout, President of Solar Atmospheres’ Greenville facility states: “We are proud to once again provide our customers in the Southeastern U.S. with another regional option for aerospace and defense thermal processes, saving them time and money while continuing to deliver the high level of quality required.”

With the ability to support vacuum thermal processing needs ranging from development cycles to 50,000 pound loads at temperatures of up to 2400°F, Solar Atmospheres provides AS9100 and Nadcap quality accredited heat treatments, providing our customers with the confidence their product is being processed as specified.

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Norman Noble introduces Noble DryEPolish

Norman Noble,  Highland Heights, Ohio,  introduced Noble DryEPolish to innovate the finishing process of nitinol-based medical implants. Noble DryEPolish has the ability to deburr, smooth, and polish intricate features on metallic-based implants made from nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt chrome.

Norman Noble’s COO, Chris Noble said, “We are one of the first contract manufacturers to utilize this technology for finishing. Noble DryEPolish has many advantages over our current deburring, cleaning, electropolishing, and passivation methods. I want to thank our finishing process development team for its research and diligent testing in its quest to improve our capabilities.”

Noble DryEPolish is a dry electropolishing system for high performance nitinol next-gen implant designs. The system can improve corrosion resistance and custom polishing on selective part geometry to meet functional requirements. Noble DryEPolish encompasses the benefits of mechanical and electro-chemical processes in one single process. Straight channels or right and obtuse angles with a minimum diameter of 4 mm can be internally polished. Noble DryEPolish also increases efficiency and quality through single operation full batch processing, resulting in decreased variation from part to part. Lastly, it can provide equivalent or better surface finish results compared to traditional liquid electropolishing, with less material removal, allowing for better preservation of geometry, lower surface roughness, and improved corrosion resistance.

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Cirtec Medical opens West Coast Center of Excellence

Cirtec Medical,  South Burlington, Vt, is scheduled to open its new state-of-the-art Medical Device Design & Manufacturing Facility in Santa Clara, CA, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The opening of this center represents a  milestone in the medical device industry, highlighting Cirtec Medical’s commitment to innovation and advancement in healthcare technology. The facility will showcase the latest in medical device development across several key areas, including cardiovascular, neurologic, active orthopedics, and precision components. Through hands-on demonstrations, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the forefront of medical technology and its application in improving patient care.

The Santa Clara facility is designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation among Cirtec Medical’s teams of engineers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. By investing in this advanced manufacturing and design center, Cirtec Medical aims to accelerate the development of medical devices that address pressing healthcare challenges. This initiative not only underlines Cirtec Medical’s role in pushing the boundaries of medical device technology but also contributes to the local economy by creating new jobs in the high-tech sector. The opening of this facility marks an important step forward in the company’s mission to enhance patient outcomes through technological innovation.

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JM included on leaderboard for raising level of climate action across value chain 

Johnson Matthey, UK, a global leader in sustainable technologies, has been included on the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard.  

The leaderboard highlights companies proactively working with suppliers to ensure climate change action cascades down their supply chains, through supplier engagement, governance, Scope 3 emissions accounting and target-setting. Only the highest-rated companies around the world are celebrated.

JM’s chief sustainability officer, Anne Chassagnette, said: “We are committed to working closely with our suppliers to strengthen sustainability throughout our supply chains.   

“Being recognized on this leaderboard highlights JM as a company that proactively drives environmental action at every opportunity. There’s still work to do across our value chain, but we are making great progress, with thanks to all our colleagues who are pushing our sustainability strategy forward.”  

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Ipsen Launches “Ipsen Connect,” to Streamline Customers’ Operations

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, IL, announced a new digital gateway, Ipsen Connect. The customer service portal simplifies access to essential resources, including order history, service requests, and furnace documentation.

Key features of Ipsen Connect include:

  • Convenient part management: Request or reorder parts, view order history, and access furnace documentation seamlessly.
  • Streamlined service requests: Schedule maintenance, troubleshooting, or calibration appointments in just a few clicks.
  • Best practices and expert insights: Access troubleshooting guides, online training videos, and answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Real-time updates: Keep your operations informed and on track with live updates, including order status, active quotes, planned maintenance, and scheduled service appointments.

https://ipsenglobal.com/knowledge-center/ipsen-launches-a-cutting-edge-digital-platform-ipsen-connect-to-streamline-customers-operations/

Constellium Ravenswood to receive $75 million for zero carbon technology

Constellium, Ravenswood, WV, announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $75 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP). This investment will help fund the implementation of breakthrough low-to-no emissions technologies in Constellium’s Ravenswood facility, supporting the decarbonization of the casthouses, the plant’s most energy intensive operation.
This investment will support the installation of low-emissions SmartMelt furnaces that can operate using a range of fuels, including clean hydrogen, paving the way towards a zero carbon casthouse. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the project is expected to help maximize recycled scrap intake, and to improve worker safety with the introduction of a hands-free casting process.
The project will also contribute to the local communities around Ravenswood with a dedicated budget to build a new training and wellness center for all employees and an onsite childcare, and to provide financial and technical resources for local schools and universities.
Constellium Ravenswood will now enter negotiations on the specific terms of the investment, including operational milestones, and timing of access to funds throughout the life of the project, estimated to be approximately five years. The final details of the project investment are subject to these negotiations.

https://www.constellium.com/news/constellium-ravenswood-selected-by-us-doe-to-receive-usd75million-investment

One Minute Mentor: High performance line with hydrogen quenching

For stainless martensitic grades and carbon steel up to certain thickness, the two-stage molten metal quenching is successfully converted into hydrogen quenching with big advantages in quality, including oxide-free and lead-free surfaces. Cooling gradients of up to 300 K/s are possible. Martensitic chromium steels with 13% Cr and 0.2 to 0.4% C are used to manufacture various stainless steel components, knives, and tools, as well as parts for the cutlery industry.

 

A special application for producing high-quality heavy-duty strapping band in bainitic condition is a line with high throughput and low-energy consumption. The steel grade AISI 1536/DIN EN 36Mn5 is usually preheated to approximately 400 °C (750 °F) in a compact two–stage molten metal quench, acting as the secondary winding of the transformer fed. The strip is raised to austenitizing temperature at 900 °C (1650 °F) and then quenched in the molten lead/bismuth. The thermal energy dissipated during quenching is used to preheat the incoming strip.

 

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 12. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958