Researchers at Cambridge University, England, announce that they have designed a class of iron alloys in which a high density of strong interfaces can be created by heat treatment alone. In this nanostructure-controlled high-strength bainitic steel, the thickness of bainitic ferrite platelets is controlled between 20 and 50 nm. Nanostructured super bainitic steel achieves the extremely high strength of 2.5 GPa by heating at 200°C for ten days.

Wall Colmonoy, Madison Heights, Mich., announces its turnkey roller coating solution, an automated, cost-effective brazing paste application process for large-tolerance non-flat surfaces such as those on catalytic converters. The R&D department works directly with customers to develop the right customized paste, a blend of Nicrobraz filler metal powders mixed with gel S’ Binder , for specific applications.

NASA’s microgravity materials science program supports materials research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). The orbital conditions on the ISS provide an environment where gravity-driven phenomena such as buoyancy-driven fluid flows and sedimentation are nearly negligible. NASA is planning to hold a workshop on its microgravity materials science program on January 7-8 in the Washington, D.C. area.

Alcoa, Pittsburgh, and VSMPO-AVISMA Corp., Russia, have agreed to join forces to meet growing demand for high-end titanium and aluminum products for aircraft manufacturers worldwide. Once formed, the joint venture will combine Alcoa’s expertise in manufacturing value-add products with VSMPO-AVISMA’s global leadership in titanium production to manufacture high-end aerospace goods, such as landing gear and forged wing components, at Alcoa’s plant in Samara.

As a focused speck of light in the lab of Oscar Abilez at Stanford University, Calif., shines on a cluster of heart cells, they expand and contract-demonstrating the rhythm of a heart can be controlled using just light. Currently, four million Americans suffer from some degree of cardiac arrhythmia, wherein a person’s heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or at irregular intervals. Such heart rhythm problems can cause a shortness of breath, fainting and, in worst-case scenarios, death.

Mack Trucks Inc., Greensboro, N.C., has developed a completely new wheel suspension in which conventional leaf springs are replaced by two Y-shaped components made of advanced high-strength steel. It results in improved roll stability, as well as reduced braking distance and bogie weight.  Tire wear is considerably reduced, which leads to major improvements in transport economy and environmental performance.The component is a finalist in the SSAB Swedish Steel Prize competition.

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that it was recognized as Associate Member of the Year by the Metal Treating Institute at its annual Fall Meeting held Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas. Each year, MTI recognizes the supplier within its membership that has exemplified the highest levels of support and service to MTI members and the Institute with their expertise, service, and commitment to the mission and objectives of the Metal Treating Institute.

Solar Atmospheres of California (SCA), Fontana, is now an approved supplier for Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine manufacturers. In addition to these prime approvals, SCA has expanded its Boeing approvals to include BAC 5616, BAC 5617, BAC 5619, DPS 5.00 LOW, DPS 5.00 HIGH, and DPS 6.33. Solar’s Southern California facility was built to service the aerospace industry.

Schuler Group, Canton, Mich., offers a heat-treating technology called press-hardening to increase the strength of steel parts.  In this technology, blanks or pre-formed parts are heated in a furnace to a temperature of 930°C, then placed into the press as quickly as possible, within just 10-12 seconds. The press remains closed for a few additional seconds during the forming process. During this time, the parts are cooled and hardened.   The cycle times range from 8 to 30 seconds.

Lake City Heat Treating, Warsaw, Ind., introduces new literature featuring its hot isostatic pressing and vacuum heat treating services. The company  specializes in vacuum heat treating of stainless steels, cobalt and nickel alloys, and vacuum heat treatable steels. Cryogenic, hot isostatic pressing, and tempering services also offered. The literature includes photos of the company’s equipment and descriptions of its capabilities and services, as well as contact information.

Using ultra-fast laser pulses, a team of researchers led by University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, assistant professor Vanessa Huxter made the first detailed observation of how energy travels through diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers-promising candidates for a variety of technological advances such as quantum computing.

Alcoa, Pittsburgh, will invest $275 million over the next three years to expand and convert capacity at its rolling mill in Alcoa, Tenn. The project will convert some of the plant’s can sheet capacity to high-strength automotive aluminum, as well as install incremental automotive capacity. The Tennessee expansion is scheduled to be completed by mid-2015. Much of the volume for the automotive expansion is already secured under long-term supply agreements.