One Minute Mentor: Transformation behavior of Austenite

The transformation behavior of retained austenite in M2 steel was examined under varying tempering conditions. The steel was initially subjected to interrupted quenching at 105 °C (225 °F), a process that elevated the retained austenite content to approximately 55 vol %, compared to the typical 25 vol % observed after direct quenching to room temperature. This was followed by tempering at 565 °C (1050 °F), without intermediate cooling. Results indicated that double tempering was significantly more effective than single tempering at transforming retained austenite under these conditions. Furthermore, repeated tempering cycles accelerated the complete transformation of retained austenite, achieving full conversion in a shorter total processing time than single-stage tempering.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 5.Jon L. Dossett; George E. Totten, Control of Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014 https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.9781627081689

Constellium and renault group complete r&d project advancing lightweight aluminium solutions

Constellium, Paris, announced the successful completion of the “ISA3” R&D project, an initiative launched in 2021 to advance lightweight aluminium solutions for automotive applications. Conducted in collaboration with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure, and the University of Lorraine, the project was supported by a grant from the France Relance investment program. The research focused on developing cost-efficient, recyclable aluminium components to enhance vehicle performance and sustainability.

A key achievement of the project was the development of a lightweight aluminium door in partnership with Renault. Utilizing Constellium’s proprietary uni-alloy 6xxx rolled and extrusion-based solutions, the door design achieved a 14% weight reduction compared to existing aluminium doors used in compact battery electric vehicles. By employing a single alloy series, the project streamlined closed-loop recycling, reducing the door’s overall carbon footprint. This innovation resulted in a 33% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP), reinforcing the project’s emphasis on sustainability.

Beyond material advancements, the project also explored more efficient and flexible production processes to enhance performance while optimizing costs. Ludovic Piquier, senior vice president, manufacturing excellence and chief technical officer at Constellium, emphasized that the results highlight the company’s commitment to providing sustainable, high-performance aluminium solutions for the automotive sector.

Patrice Belliard, expert in flat products at Renault Group, noted that the project demonstrated how aluminium can support both weight reduction and cost efficiency in automotive manufacturing. Mathilde Chabin, manufacturing product director at ESI Group, added that the use of advanced pre-certification and validation technologies eliminated the need for physical prototypes, accelerating innovation while reducing costs and environmental impact.

The completion of Project ISA3 underscores the potential of aluminium to contribute to the automotive industry’s decarbonization efforts while delivering economic and environmental benefits.

Read further here. 

ALD develops a new powder recycling process for a sustainable circular economy

ALD Vacuum Technology, Germany, has developed an additive manufacturing solution, the EBuild 850 that can process powder with a wide distribution, enabling it to be used not only in industrial-scale part production, but also in powder recycling efforts. 

Using selective electron beam melting to create powder-filled ingots, ALD achieves an unprecedented build rate of over 1000 cm³ per hour. These ingots can be seamlessly converted into new powder, for example in ALD’s EIGA Premium systems, promoting a sustainable circular economy.

ALD’s approach not only reduces waste, but also offers versatile options for downstream processes. The powder-filled solid cased ingots are much safer to handle and process than loose powder. This flexibility increases the overall efficiency of the recycling process and enables integration into established processing routes.

By adopting ALD’s innovative approach, industries can now achieve economical production while contributing to a circular economy. ALD remains committed to driving sustainable practices within the industrial sector, paving the way for a greener future.

Read further here.

Constellium’s leadership development program receives Silver Award

Constellium, Paris, has received the Brandon Hall Group Silver Award in the “Best Unique or Innovative Leadership Development Program” category. 

This award recognizes the excellence of the Leadership Development Program, a  global learning and development initiative aimed at giving mid-level leaders a broader vision of the business outside of their functions and local market, and to equip them with tools to reflect on their leadership style and inspire their teams. 

The leadership program is a nine-month journey that includes a combination of in-person sessions, virtual individual coaching, team pod sessions, and a 360-degree assessment. 

Entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based on these criteria: 

The 2023 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards recognizes best practices for initiatives in Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Sales Performance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and the Future of Work.

Read further here