Industrial Design Archives - ASM International

Microstructure on demand for additive manufacturing

Fraunhofer ICON Project “UltraGRAIN” demonstrates local microstructure control in metallic components during laser-based directed energy deposition, using pulsed-laser-induced melt pool excitation with potential for tailored products.

New editors for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions

ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), Warrendale, Pa., announced two new editors for the Metallurgical and Materials Transactions journals: Steven J. Zinkle, FASM, of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Sridhar Seetharaman of the University of Warwick. Zinkle Named Editor for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions E Steven J.

Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron to merge and form new company

Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., and Tokyo Electron Ltd., Japan, announce a definitive agreement to merge into a new company whose name has not been released. This combination brings together complementary leading technologies and products to create an expanded set of capabilities in precision materials engineering and patterning. The companies expect the transaction to close in mid to second half of 2014.

Ipsen supports Siemens AG with modernization of high-vacuum furnaces for energy infrastructure expansion

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announced that it has successfully modernized its VHFC high-vacuum furnaces for Siemens AG, marking a significant milestone in their shared mission to enhance sustainability and efficiency in energy infrastructure. The project supports Siemens’ strategic efforts to expand medium and high-voltage grids globally, a key component of the energy transition and the broader push for electrification.

As part of this initiative, Ipsen is delivering three new VHFC-1000x1200x1000 (HV) high-vacuum brazing systems to Siemens’ production facilities in Goa, India, and Wuxi, China. The Goa facility will receive two systems, while the Wuxi facility will add one. All systems are manufactured in Germany and are critical to the production of vacuum interrupters, which are core components of switchgears used in power distribution networks.

These vacuum brazing systems play a pivotal role in enabling the switch from gas-insulated disconnectors to vacuum interrupters, effectively eliminating the use of fluorinated gases. This shift significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global environmental protection goals.

Ipsen’s collaboration with Siemens reflects their joint commitment to supporting the expansion of renewable energy and sustainable energy infrastructure worldwide. The increased production capacity provided by these systems underscores the importance of advanced technology in achieving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

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NEOTech acquires advanced 3D computed tomography equipment for enhanced process validation and failure analysis

NEOTech, Chatsworth, Calif., a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services, design engineering, and supply chain solutions in the high-tech industrial, medical device, and aerospace/defense markets, announced a significant investment in and acquisition of state-of-the-art three-dimensional Computed Tomography scan equipment for its engineering laboratory.

GKN to build functional metal parts for Volkswagen with HP Metal Jet 3D printer

GKN Powder Metallurgy, Cinnaminson, N.J., announces a strategic collaboration with HP Inc. in which GKN will be the first to deploy the just-launched HP Metal Jet, based on binder jetting technology, into its factories to produce functional metal parts for auto and industrial leaders, including Volkswagen and Wilo, and for companies around the world.

Copper’s Conductivity and Antimicrobial Properties Inspire Renewed Interest

There is a growing interest in copper’s antimicrobial benefits for surface applications to possibly reduce the spread of COVID-19. In this digital-first article from Advanced Materials & Processes, ASM International’s flagship magazine, Harold T. Michels, consultant and retired senior vice president, Copper Development Association, Manhasset, N.Y., details the antimicrobial features of copper and its alloys. Paired with his research is a review of the metal’s other properties, which make it suitable for a range of uses. With content based on the peer-reviewed, internationally revered ASM Specialty Handbook: Copper and Copper Alloys, this article provides vital information to consider when determining whether to use copper for an application.

A new era for metal powders

Metalysis, U.K., developed new complex metal powder alloys that offer significant material characteristics for the latest aerospace applications.

Sintx Technologies awarded multi-year DARPA contract to develop CMCs and high temperature coatings for turbine engines

Sintx Technologies, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, an original equipment manufacturer of advanced ceramics, received a three-year Phase II award of $1.5 million issued by DARPA to develop, design, and characterize thermal-environmental barrier coatings for functionally graded high temperature ceramic matrix composites.

FormFactor launches new high-power semiconductor wafer probing system for automotive, renewable energy, and industrial applications

FormFactor, Livermore, Calif, launched the TESLA300 high-power semiconductor probing system designed specifically for IGBT and power MOSFET device measurements on 300mm wafers.

Using modern flame spray technology to metallize capacitors, or schoopage

Saint-Gobain, Worcester, Mass., offers the Master Jet Auto IV thermal flame spray gun, flame spray technology with a proprietary cooling system that can achieve low heat input that is crucial to avoid heat build-up and distortions in metalized film coatings.

QuesTek’s Ferrium N63 answers one of aerospace’s biggest challenges

Through Navy Phase I and Phase II SBIR programs, QuesTek Innovations LLC, Evanston, Ill., developed Ferrium N63, a nitridable stainless steel alloy for bearing, gear, and other wear-critical applications, that demonstrates a unique combination of high-surface hardness, fatigue life, thermal resistance, core strength and ductility, including down to cryogenic temperatures.

Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science

The Franklin Institute seeks nominations for the 2023 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science of individuals who have made significant scientific or engineering contributions that improve the safety, sustainability, and resilience of civil infrastructure.

Ametek announces three acquisitions

Ametek Inc., Berwyn, Pa., announced it has completed three acquisitions: Magnetrol International, Aurora, Ill.; Crank Software, Ottawa, Canada; and EGS Automation, Donaueschingen, Germany.

Development and Validation of High-Performance SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Coatings for High-Touch Surfaces

A joint Canadian project aims to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and future epidemics with cold sprayed, copper-based coatings. In this digital-first article from Advanced Materials & Processes, ASM International’s flagship magazine, a team from industry, academia, and government in Canada outline their research, plan, and timeline for the widespread adoption of antiviral coatings that could limit the transmission of viruses on high-touch surfaces.

Can Copper Help Fight COVID-19?

Experts in the fields of metallurgy and microbiology say that copper can be a powerful weapon in the current fight against COVID-19. They believe it can also help curtail future pandemics if utilized properly. In this digital-first article from Advanced Materials & Processes, ASM International’s flagship magazine, the authors recommend the expanded use of copper alloys in public spaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Can-Eng awarded contract for high-capacity mesh belt austemper heat treatment system

Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd., Niagara Falls, Ontario, announces that it has been awarded a contract from Oregon Products for a continuous high-capacity mesh belt austemper heat treatment system for its saw chains and other forestry cutting products.

Super Systems completes heat treating modernization of Milacron manufacturing facility

SuperSystems Inc., Cincinnati, recently completed major upgrades to the heat treating assets at Milacron LLC in Mt. Orab, Ohio, installing the latest furnaces and equipment, state-of-the-art controls, and modern SCADA infrastructure.

Cree to invest $1 billion to grow its Wolfspeed silicon carbide and GaN-on-SiC business

Cree Inc., Durham, N.C., announces plans for a $1 billion investment to its headquarters in Durham to expand the company’s silicon carbide materials capabilities and wafer fabrication capacity.

United States Steel to invest a billion dollars in new plant

United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, announces that it will invest more than $1 billion to construct a new sustainable endless casting and rolling facility at its Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa., and a cogeneration facility at its Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pa., both part of the company’s Mon Valley Works.

Norsk Titanium, SAE International develop first directed energy deposition specifications

Norsk Titanium, Plattsburgh, N.Y., and SAE International announce the release of the first specifications for direct energy deposition additive manufacturing.

Specialty Steel Works invests in advanced process technologies at its Indiana bar plant

Specialty Steel Works Inc., Hammond, Ind., announces a multimillion dollar investment in new high-performance equipment and infrastructure at its Niagara LaSalle Corporation Cold Finish Steel facility in Hammond.

Ipsen Titan vacuum furnace to heat treat cutter blades for Vietnam division of U.S. company

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., reports that Zenith Cutter, an Illinois manufacturing company, has purchased a Titan H6 vacuum furnace with two-bar gas quenching for its sister company Metkraft in Vietnam to process its industrial knives, cutter blades, and related accessories.

ON Semiconductor to invest $51 million in Pennsylvania semiconductor plant expansion

ON Semiconductor, Phoenix, Ariz., plans to invest $51 million to support expansion of its facility in Mountain Top, Pa., which specializes in the manufacture of semiconductor discrete devices for power management applications across a wide variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, communication, and computing.

Oerlikon acquires three coatings and materials firms to expand its technology portfolio

Oerlikon, Switzerland, announces that it has acquired Primateria AB in Sweden, and has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of DiaPac LLC and Diamond Recovery Services Inc. in the United States.

Soft magnetic steel combines low coercivity with high permeability and resistivity

Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, Pa., has developed Cartech Hypocore, a new soft magnetic steel that offers performance benefits between those found in Carpenter’s high-performance Hipercore family of high-cobalt magnetic alloys, and those of commercial silicon-based alloys.

NIST releases guide to fractography of ceramics and glasses

NIST, Gaithersburg, Md., has released a new, expanded edition of the NIST Recommended Practice Guide, “Fractography of Ceramics and Glasses” (NIST Special Publication 960-16e2), a guide developed to help engineers and scientists analyze the patterns in fractures of ceramics and glasses.