One Minute Mentor: Distortion of Corrosion-Resistant Plastic Mold Steels

Corrosion-resistant plastic mold steels are usually tempered at lower tempering temperatures than hot-work, high-alloyed cold-work, or high-speed steels. A comparison of different types of corrosion-resistant plastic mold steels with the widely used cold-work tool steel D2 with the same dimensions as in the previous example for cold-work tool steels for such heat treatment conditions can be seen in the figure and shows that all steels show a similar low dimension change in width. Regarding the thickness of the plates there is a significantly higher increase for the ledeburitic cold-work tool steel. Vacuum heat treatment with high-pressure gas quenching leads to a similar amount of distortion as salt bath heat treatments but again shows significant scatter.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 13. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

One Minute Mentor : Phase Transformations in Numerical Simulation

Heat treatment of tool steels means several phase transformations. Every phase transformation must be described by start amount, end amount, and kinetics (change of phases depending on temperature and time). Start and end amount can be calculated with different thermodynamic software. For example, Thermocalc is well validated for tool steels. The most common method for determining the transformation kinetics of main phases (e.g. ferrite, austenite, martensite, bainite) is to use dilatometric investigations. TTT (time-temperature-transformation) diagrams obtained from dilatometer measurements can be easily implemented in HTS software. An example is shown in the figure. 

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 14. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Ipsen USA launches service HUB Model for improved customer support

Ipsen USA, Cherry Valley, Illinois, announced the launch of its new Service HUB model, aimed at enhancing customer support across the United States. The HUB system, developed over the past two years under the leadership of Ipsen Global CEO Geoffrey Somary and currently overseen by Chief Service Officer John Dykstra, is now fully operational across the Midwest and Southeastern regions.

The HUBs are designed to offer quicker response times, with dedicated teams that provide tailored service for customers in close geographic proximity. This model allows Ipsen to optimize service efficiency, reducing downtime for heat-treating operations and improving customer experience.

In addition to benefiting customers, the HUB model also enhances the work-life balance of Ipsen’s Field Service Engineers (FSEs) by reducing travel time. The initiative is led by Lu Chouraki, Manager of Business Development, who emphasized the goal of minimizing response times and improving support for customers facing operational outages.

This strategic shift reflects Ipsen’s commitment to service excellence, offering personalized, regional expertise that both empowers its team and delivers enhanced support to customers.

Read further here. 

Nitrex celebrates 40 Years of innovation in heat treatment solutions

Nitrex, Quebec, announced that it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of growth and innovation in the heat treatment industry. Founded in 1984, Nitrex has evolved from a pioneer in controlled nitriding to a global leader offering end-to-end heat treatment solutions. The company’s technological advancements have expanded its capabilities to encompass metallurgy, engineering, process optimization, and automation.

Since 2019, under the current leadership, Nitrex has broadened its portfolio to include advanced vacuum furnaces and introduced technology for improved brake rotor performance. The company has also launched digital platforms such as QMULUS, aimed at optimizing customer processes and boosting operational efficiency.

In addition to its own milestone, Nitrex is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its UPC-Marathon office in Germany, recognizing the long-standing contributions and achievements of its global team. These anniversaries reflect Nitrex’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.

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Dean Schauer appointed chairman of the board at Confluent Medical Technologies

Confluent Medical Technologies, Scottsdale, AZ, announced that Dean Schauer has been appointed Chairman of the Board, effective September 9, 2024.

Schauer, who has served as the company’s CEO for over a decade, will now take on the additional role of Chairman while continuing his responsibilities as CEO and President. Schauer expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by investors and employees, stating, “I am honored to guide the company into the next phase as we continue to deliver value to our partners and the patients they serve.”

Under Schauer’s leadership, Confluent has seen significant growth, with revenue more than quadrupling. His appointment aligns with the company’s strategic goals to enhance its materials science capabilities and expand customer partnerships. Earlier this year, Confluent welcomed Sandy Stojkovski and Brian Yoor to the board, further strengthening its leadership team. TPG, a global asset management firm, invested in Confluent in 2022, underscoring confidence in Schauer’s leadership.

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Integer rings opening bell at New York Stock Exchange

Integer, Plano, TX, announced that its Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors had the honor of ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

The event marks a significant moment for Integer as the company continues its growth trajectory, focused on better serving customers and improving patient outcomes worldwide. The recognition reflects Integer’s commitment to innovation and progress in the medical device industry.

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Enovis opens new global business technology center in Lisbon to support growth

Enovis, Portugal, announced the opening of its new business technology center in Lisbon, Portugal. The Enovis Global Business Technology Centre will support the company’s international Prevention & Recovery (P&R) group, focusing on automation, digital capabilities, and integrating artificial intelligence to enhance workflows and improve customer experiences.

The center will accommodate 100 employees, with plans to recruit 40 by the end of 2024 to manage finance and business operations, as well as serve as a digital platform for supply chain, sales, and customer experience applications. The center, led by Elisabeth Drouffe, will also be a space for Kaizens, training sessions, and international events. Initially, it will serve most European countries and potentially Canada in the future.

Cathal O’Donnell, president of International P&R at Enovis, stated, “Lisbon was the perfect choice with its vibrant tech scene, multicultural talent, and great quality of life.”

Since 2019, Enovis has made 20 acquisitions and established market-leading positions in various medical technology fields. The new centre aims to provide strategic advantages and support the company’s global expansion in key innovation areas.

Filipe Santos Costa, chairman & CEO of AICEP, Portugal’s Trade & Investment Agency, welcomed Enovis, highlighting Portugal’s robust digital infrastructure and position as a European tech hub.

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Norman Noble wins NTMA Superior Safety Award

Norman Noble, Highland Heights, OHIO, has been awarded the Superior Safety Award by the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) for its performance in 2023. The award recognizes Norman Noble’s outstanding safety record, which is among the best in the industry according to Gillen Young, NTMA Chairman of the Board.

Norman Noble uses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in their Daily Management System to track progress towards health, safety, and environmental goals. These KPIs include the number of lost time claims, recordable injuries, first aid incidents, days of restricted work activity, and near misses.

Julie Bennett Lowry, Director of Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety at Norman Noble, highlighted the company’s commitment to employee health and safety. “The Norman Noble team has made tremendous progress over the past 20 years in Environmental, Health, and Safety fields. Achieving zero lost time claims in 2023 led to this recognition by the NTMA for Superior Safety Performance. As of May 9, 2024, Norman Noble has achieved over 736 days without a lost time claim.”

Norman Noble, Inc., established over 75 years ago, is family-owned and specializes in ultra-precision micromachining of medical implants. The company is renowned for producing nitinol-based implants with sub-miniature precision. They comply with FDA regulations and ISO 13485, offering advanced processes like athermal laser machining, laser welding, Swiss turning and milling, and more.

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Furukawa Electric announces reorganization of metal wire business

Furukawa Electric, Japan, announced the reorganization of its metal wire business. The reorganization involves Furukawa Electric and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Furukawa Electric Industrial Cable Co., Ltd. (the Integrated Company), KANZACC CO., LTD., Riken Electric Wire Co., Ltd., and Okano Cable Co., Ltd.

Due to challenges in the shrinking Japanese metal wire market, Furukawa Electric aims to integrate its divisions to maximize synergy effects and increase corporate value. This reorganization will involve multiple steps effective from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025.

On April 1, 2025, KANZACC will merge into the Integrated Company. Following this, on October 1, 2025, the Company will execute an absorption-type split, transferring its metal wire business to the Integrated Company. Additionally, Riken Electric Wire and Okano Cable will transfer their metal wire businesses and related subsidiaries to the Integrated Company on the same date.

This strategic move aims to address talent shortages and facility renewal costs, ensuring efficient operations and rapid decision-making. Furukawa Electric expects minimal impact on its consolidated financial results from this reorganization. The company will maintain its name, address, leadership, business outline, capital stock, and fiscal year end post-reorganization.

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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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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/

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.

Read further here.

Process and parameters for laser assisted localized heat treatment in manufacturing applications

University of Azurem, Portugal, presents information and results relevant for the development of a laser heat treatment process suitable to improve manufacturing in high strength steel and high strength aluminum alloys.

The challenges with manufacturing of such materials include springback effect and localized fracture. The study details heat cycle and their effect in metallurgical state and mechanical properties. Such laser induced heat treatment process is intended to improve the forming behavior of metal parts in challenging metal forming conditions, in particular for the delay or avoidance of localized fracture. Results for strength, hardness and elongation properties are presented. It was concluded that it is possible to locally modify yield strength and hardness using process duration suitable for industrial applications. Suitable process temperature ranges and target heat cycles were identified. 

A positive effect of material softening was observed in both hardness and strength properties. However, in some cases a reduction of ductility is apparent which must be considered for targeted industrial applications. The dimension of the heat-affected zone was also considered as design variable for the industrial process development. Preliminary results were obtained in a development forming tool.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09544054221135684

One Minute Mentor: Vacuum Furnaces

Driven by the development of new tool steels—which were property-wise tailor made for applications such as aluminum die casting, drilling, and tools and dies for the plastic industry—but also due to rising dimensions of the tools, the demands on vacuum-hardening technology have changed in recent decades. One of the most important considerations that must be met is the accomplishment of highest dimensional stability with optimal microstructural properties and minimal change of the surface of the workpieces. Minimizing exposure to air during the heat treatment by reducing the quantity of oxygen in a heat treatment furnace, as with creating a vacuum, is an excellent method for preventing changes in surface appearance and chemical composition.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 14. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

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

Sudosilo S.A. commissions new Nitrex installation

Nitrex, Quebec, is helping Sudosilo S.A., a leading commercial heat treatment service provider in South America, bring premier nitriding to the Argentine industrial sector with the recent commissioning of a turnkey installation. This newly operational nitriding system, represents a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Argentina, offering third-party heat treatment services to the region.

At the forefront of technological advancement, Sudosilo has embraced cutting-edge technologies to cater to various sectors, including aluminum injection, aluminum extrusion, forging, and oil applications. The integration of a NITREX system into its operations is set to establish a new benchmark for quality and precision in nitriding treatments.

The new Nitrex system adheres to CQI-9 guidelines for automotive heat treatment processes and NADCAP requirements for aerospace applications. This aligns Sudosilo with international standards, positioning the company to meet the exacting demands of both Argentine and South American markets for quality, innovation, and unparalleled service. 

The successful commissioning of the turnkey system, featuring a pit-type furnace model NX-1015 with Nitreg® controlled nitriding, Nitreg®-C controlled nitrocarburizing, and ONC® post-oxidation process technologies, was completed in November 2023. These advanced technologies ensure a uniform case depth and precise management of nitriding/nitrocarburizing/oxidation layer formation, optimizing the mechanical properties of tooling and dies. Nitreg® and Nitreg®-C contribute to enhancing surface hardness and fatigue resistance, while ONC® improves corrosion resistance. Notably, the system eliminates the need for post-finishing operations and boasts a substantial load capacity of 4400 lbs. (2000 kg). Marathon Systems Control, serving as a Nitrex representative for Latin America, played a pivotal role in expertly executing the system installation and finalizing the process validation.

https://www.nitrex.com/

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

Harper Furnace Technology enables high performance silicon anodes

Harper Furnace Technology, Buffalo, NY, announced the development of high temperature thermal process solutions to enable production at several silicon anode battery material companies in 2024. Silicon anode material offers significantly higher specific capacity than traditional graphite anode materials enabling higher power density, faster charge times and smaller carbon footprint than current batteries. 

 

Harper has entered engineering design and equipment supply contracts for pilot and production scale equipment with its USA-based customers, many of whom are funded in part by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Harper technology includes indirect electrically heated, continuous rotary, vertical and horizontal conveyor furnace systems for each customer’s unique thermochemical processes. The Harper furnaces include tight control of the process atmosphere enabling safe and reliable continuous operation, are rated for temperatures between 800˚C and 1,800˚C and will have capacity up to 1,000 metric tons per year. Beyond the pilot-scale equipment projects, Harper is actively engineering the next generation of equipment solutions for these customers whose commercial scale plants will require capacity of 20,000 – 40,000 metric tons per year for the electric vehicle (EV) market.

 

https://www.harperintl.com/

Solar Atmospheres of Michigan achieves Nadcap accreditation for laboratory

Solar Atmospheres, Chesterfield, MI, has successfully achieved Nadcap AC7101/4 accreditation for their captive metallography laboratory. 

 

The accreditation will allow the Chesterfield plant to continue testing for microhardness, surface contamination, intergranular oxidation and grain size which were all previously completed at the Warren facility. In addition to continued testing capabilities, the addition of new metallographic preparation equipment and metallography software will expand Chesterfield’s R&D capabilities and assist in new product development.

Plant metallurgist Greg Scheuring states, “This was the next step in moving operations from Warren to Chesterfield. To limit downtime and maintain on-time delivery, we gave ourselves a week to make the move and conduct the audit. It was an extremely abbreviated time for such a task but personnel at both facilities pulled together to make it happen. Now the audit is complete with no findings, and we are back up and running. Stellar teamwork all around!”

 

https://solaratm.com/solar-atmospheres-of-michigan-achieves-nadcap-accreditation-for-laboratory/

Constellium to showcase cutting-edge solutions for aluminium automotive structures at CES 2024

Constellium, Paris, exhibited its latest innovations in aluminium Automotive Structures at CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 9-12. A leading supplier of advanced lightweight aluminium automotive components, Constellium highlighted its sustainable solutions for automakers and consumers. 

Constellium showcased a diverse range of aluminium solutions designed to address the industry’s growing demand for lightweight materials and more sustainable solutions. These components contribute to enhanced vehicle performance and play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the global trend toward eco-friendly mobility. Among the products displayed are:  

  • Innovative Crash Management System for electric vehicles
  • Structural Sill providing stiffness and crash resistance
  • Lightweight Battery Enclosure solutions
    • Laser-Welded Battery Enclosure for Cell-to-Module applications
    • Adhesive-Bonded Battery Enclosures for Cell-to-Module or Cell-to-Pack applications
    • Structural Battery Enclosure for Cell-to-Pack or Cell-to-Body applications 

Read further here.

Nitrex Partners with Telfer School of Management

Nitrex, Quebec,  announced a collaboration with the Telfer School of Management, with the aim of nurturing innovation and cultivating the next generation of visionaries through the new PhD scholarship in Digital Transformation and Innovation (DTI). 

Nitrex said that this partnership echoes their commitment to driving digitalization, not only within the heat treat industry but also within academia. They added that this scholarship marks a significant leap in empowering brilliant minds to spearhead groundbreaking research, shaping the future technological landscape of industrial manufacturing.

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Quintus hot isostatic press powers new UK HIP centre

Quintus, Västerås, Sweden, has supplied a Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) to Wallwork Group’s new HIP Centre stated to open in Bury, North Manchester, England, in September 2023. The press is the model QIH 173L M URC, equipped with Quintus’ proprietary uniform rapid cooling (URC), a feature that delivers the high material uniformity required of parts designed formission-critical applications, while enabling increased productivity with optimal temperature control.

Operating at a maximum temperature of 1250°C (2282°F) and pressure of 207 MPa (30,000 psi), the technologically advanced press has a work zone measuring 800 mm (34.6 inches) in diameter and 2550 mm (100.4 inches) high, and a capacity of over 7000 kg (15,432 lbs) per cycle.

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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

One Minute Mentor: Salt Bath Furnaces

The salt bath method of hardening is predominant with high-speed steel tools. With correct operating conditions, tools can be heat treated without carburization, decarburization, and scaling. The surface will be fully hard with a minimum of distortion. The four types of salt baths generally used are preheating baths, high-temperature baths, quenching baths, and tempering baths.

Molten salts of various compositions are well adapted to all operations in the heat treatment of tool steels. For tools that cannot be ground after hardening or for tools that require an excellent surface condition and the maintenance of sharp edges, salt bath heating provides excellent results. These salt baths contain different compositions of BaCl2, NaCl2, and KCl as well as additional additives to avoid decarburization. The higher the working temperature, the higher the content of BaCl2 usually is. Higher additions of CaCl2 are typically used in salt baths for the quenching step.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 2.

R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014, https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Rolled Alloys celebrates 70 years in the thermal processing industry

Rolled Alloys, Windsor, Conn., is celebrating 70 years in the thermal processing industry. 

The company was founded in 1953 by introducing RA330 as a wrought replacement to cast HT.

Due to RA330’s versatility and availability, it remains the most widely used wrought alloy by commercial heat treaters. Although RA330 exhibits excellent features, there may be better choices for an application. With this being the case, we offer a wide range of heat-resistant alloys to best suit the needs of your application.

Besides this, RA 602 CA is an alloy developed specifically for the highest temperature process, requiring strength and resistance to atmospheres. 

One last alloy worth discussing is RA253MA. RA253MA is a lean, heat-resistant stainless steel with high strength and oxidation resistance. With excellent high-temperature properties and low nickel content, RA253MA is a cost-effective material that thermal processors frequently utilize for open-air applications.

https://www.rolledalloys.com/70-years-in-the-thermal-processing-industry/\

Wisconsin Oven ships curing conveyor oven to aerospace industry

Wisconsin Oven Corporation, East Troy, Wis., has announced the shipment of one belt conveyor oven that will be used for curing polystyrene on aluminum parts for the aerospace industry.

This industrial conveyor oven has a maximum temperature rating of 300° F and interior chamber dimensions of 5’4” W x 8’4” L x 6” H. The recirculation system is designed with a top-down airflow configuration and utilizes a 10,000 CFM @ 10 HP blower. Guaranteed temperature uniformity of ±10° F at 210° F was documented with a temperature uniformity test.

The conveyor system is a continuous belt style and utilizes an Allen-Bradley variable frequency drive that allows for speed adjustments. A digital screen on the control panel door displays the conveyor speed during operation. The oven temperature and conveyor speed are controlled by a Watlow F4T digital controller located on the control panel door with PID control and adaptive turning.

Read further here.

Special fasteners to be processed in a Seco/Warwick vacuum furnace

Seco/Warwick, Meadville, Pa., will deliver a  Vector vacuum furnace to a plant producing highly advanced fasteners for the largest manufacturers in the aerospace industry. 

The machine will process self-locking nuts, nut plates, barrel nuts, stud nuts, spline nuts, clamp nuts, as well as a wide range of washers and flanges. The Italian Partner is an innovator in the field of comprehensive fastening solutions. The Vector furnace will become part of a modern production plant, increasing not only its efficiency, but also guaranteeing thermally treated fasteners of the highest quality.

The furnace on order is a standard solution perfectly suited to aviation industry needs. Thanks to a very refined design without any additional modifications, the furnace will perform at high operating temperatures, up to 1300°C.

The furnace on order is equipped with a dew point sensor for each of the gases. It is a system solving one of heat treatment’s very critical requirements, which is to control the quality/purity of the gas used during the process. Vector also features a partial pressure control system which helps prevent evaporation and sublimation of alloying elements from the load surface during the vacuum heat treatment.

Read further here.