Aided by funding from NASA and using methods similar to 3D printing, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, are running computer simulations of processes that could lead to stronger, more durable materials for the space agency. The researchers plan to fabricate some of these new materials soon, says Frank Liou, director of the Laser Aided Manufacturing Process (LAMP) Laboratory and the Michael and Joyce Bytnar professor of product innovation and creativity.
Continue readingLaser diffraction particle-sizing instrument added to NSL Analytical testing capacity
NSL Analytical Services, Cleveland, Ohio, recently added the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle sizing instrument from Malvern Instruments Ltd. to its arsenal of testing equipment. This instrument enables measurement of particle sizes from 10 nm to 3.5 mm with better than 1% accuracy. The analyzer provides the ability to evaluate powder samples, emulsions, and suspensions in a variety of different dispersion liquids.
Continue readingHVAF tungsten carbide is studied as alternative to hard chromium coating
Tungsten Carbide Deposition Processes for Hard Chrome Alternative: Preliminary Study of HVAF vs. HVOF Thermal Spray Processes C. Lyphout, University West, Production Technology West; J. Kitamura, K. Sato, J. Yamada, Fujimi Incorporated; S.
Continue readingNitinol Devices & Components provides Nitinol components in a wide range of forms
Nitinol Devices & Components Inc., Fremont, Calif., produces an expansive array of components for the medical device and industrial markets. Products range from simple and delicate wire forms, to complex and unique laser cut designs. Materials are available in wire, strip, sheet, tubing, and bar for development, testing, and high-volume production needs.
Continue readingPartnership formed to improve aircraft component design
Working with national laboratories, universities and industry, the Air Force is ensuring it stays on the cutting edge of global security by creating a new engineering paradigm to improve the safety and fuel-efficiency of aircraft. Materials research engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lemont, Ill.
Continue readingMiba Sinter investing $7 million to expand auto parts plant in Ohio
Miba Sinter USA LLC, McConnelsville, Ohio, has invested $7 million to double the size of its sintering plant by February 2014. A division of the Miba Group, Miba Sinter offers upper end, highly technical, sintered solutions for the automotive industry. It produces complex parts by means of its sophisticated iron powder sintering process. Sinter produces parts for Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, and Volkswagen, among others.
Continue readingSeco-Warwick aluminum annealing furnace features compact design, low operating cost
Seco-Warwick, Meadville, Pa., has received an order for an aluminum annealing furnace that features a simple, compact design and an innovative loading system that does not require power. The simple design ensures reliability and low operating costs. A unique system for loading and unloading does not require electricity and can be operated manually by one person. It does not require expensive foundations and permits the furnace to be placed directly on a shop floor.
Continue readingHigh strength, vibration resistant lockbolt fastening system
Alcoa Fastening Systems, Waco, Tex., introduces the BobTail HuckBolt, representing the most advanced fastening technology to date. Recognized as the next-generation lockbolt, the Huck BobTail delivers 5 times the fatigue strength of conventional nuts and bolts, and is engineered to provide the highest level of strength, reliability, and vibration-resistant performance even in the most extreme environments.
Continue readingNIST and ASM International to Collaborate on Structural Materials Data Demonstration Project
The NIST Material Measurement Laboratory, Gaithersburg, Md., and ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, through its Computational Materials Data Network, formed a collaboration: the Structural Materials Data Demonstration Project. The project will establish a data repository focused on metallic structural materials, leveraging the overlapping interests and strengths of the two organizations.
Continue reading27th ASM Heat Treating Society Conference Reports Strong Attendance and a Sold Out Expo Floor
The 27th ASM Heat Treating Society Conference and Exposition (Heat Treat 2013) concluded this week with a strong attendance from the Heat Treating community and a sold out crowd of exhibitors on the show floor. Heat Treat 2013 was held in Indianapolis at the downtown convention center September 16-18. The event attracted over 2000 people from the heat treating community, marking a 16% attendance increase from 2011 and 28% increase from 2009.
Continue readingImproved hydrophobic materials boost power plant efficiency
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, say they found a way to improve the efficiency of steam condensation-the key to worldwide production of electricity and clean water. It has been known for years that making steam-condenser surfaces hydrophobic could improve the efficiency of condensation by causing the water to quickly form droplets. But most hydrophobic materials have limited durability, especially in steamy industrial settings.
Continue readingTriton receives funding to build fiber-reinforced aluminum production facility
Triton Systems Inc., Chelmsford, Mass., announces that its Composites Division and its partner Specialty Materials Inc., Lowell, Mass., have received MassVentures 2013 START Stage I funding for its FRA Composites technology. FRA (fiber-reinforced aluminum) is a high-strength aluminum alloy randomly reinforced with chopped ceramic (alumina-silicate) fibers. Compared to steel and cast iron, it has equivalent or better resistance to various forms of wear, but is 1/3 the density of ferrous alloys.
Continue readingNitrex installs nitriding/nitrocarburizing system at Korean heat treater
Nitrex Metal Inc., Quebec, Canada, has installed a nitriding/nitrocarburizing system at Dongwoo HST Ltd., Korea. Primarily for processing Hyundai ring gears, it includes three Nitreg-based nitriding technologies for a variety of steel types with process recipes for each product application. Along with the increase in the ring gear business, Dongwoo is expanding to meet the growing demand in Korea for advanced heat treatments with superior capabilities.
Continue readingOptomec launches low-cost 3D printer for metal additive manufacturing
Optomec Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., launches a low cost metal 3D printer named the LENS 450. The system was developed specifically in response to growing industry interest in 3D printing of metals, including the need to train a new generation of workers in metal additive manufacturing technology. The first delivery will be to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where it will be used in its new Advanced Manufacturing education program.
Continue readingSeco-Warwick to discuss heat treatment of H11/H13 tools at ASM Heat Treat Expo
Seco-Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announces a technical presentation on the heat treatment of H11/H13 molds, dies, and tools to be held at the upcoming ASM Heat Treat Expo. The paper will address NADCA, Ford, and GM requirements and demonstrate the differences between them. The technical content of this presentation is based on trials in a single-chamber vacuum furnace equipped with a dynamic cooling system in a high pressure quench ranging from 15 to 25 bar.
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