One Minute Mentor: Distortion of High-Speed Steels

High-speed steels show a typical distortion behavior depending on the heat treatment parameters. The figure shows the change in length of cylindrical bars (diameter = 20 mm, or 0.8 in.) and length = 140 mm, or5.5 in.), with rolling direction longitudinal to the sample) for various heat treatment conditions with austenitizing, salt bath quenching, and double tempering.

Quenching and tempering up to 500 °C (930 °F) results only in very small changes in length (either growth or shrinking). Higher tempering temperatures lead to a transformation of the retained austenite into martensite and a corresponding growth in length. For typical tempering temperature of 560 °C (1040 °F) changes in length of about 0.2% take place. Additional alloying with Co (5%) leads to slightly higher changes in length. The effect of an additional third tempering shifts the curve slightly to the left, whereas oil quenching leads to a slight reduction of the change in length.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 9. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Bodycote presented aerospace materials solutions at Farnborough International Airshow

Bodycote, Macclesfield, U.K., participated in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, held this summer.

Bodycote showcased its advanced thermal processing solutions specifically designed for the aerospace industry. The airshow, a key event for aerospace innovation, emphasizes themes like sustainability, future flight, and workforce development, providing Bodycote with a platform to highlight its role in enhancing the performance and reliability of aerospace components.

At the event, visitors could explore Bodycote’s range of services, including heat treatment, metal joining, and specialized thermal processes such as hot isostatic pressing and thermal spray coatings. These processes are essential for improving the properties of metals and alloys in aerospace applications, helping them withstand the stringent requirements of the industry.

Bodycote’s presence at the Farnborough Airshow underscores its expertise and ongoing commitment to fostering collaborations that drive progress in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors.

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Constellium celebrates the grand opening of its new recycling center in France

Constellium, Paris, announced the grand opening of its new advanced recycling center in Neuf-Brisach, France. The €130 million investment, supported by a grant from the France Relance investment program, is aimed at boosting Constellium’s presence in the automotive and packaging industries while fostering a circular, sustainable economy. The new facility will increase the plant’s recycling capacity for automotive and packaging products by up to 75%, adding 130,000 metric tons of capacity.

With the expanded capabilities, the Neuf-Brisach plant expects to raise the recycled content of its products, meeting the growing demand for sustainable materials. This investment brings Constellium’s global recycling capacity to approximately 735,000 metric tons and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400,000 metric tons, aligning with the company’s goal of a 30% emissions intensity reduction by 2030 and increasing recycled input to at least 50% by the same year.

The facility incorporates energy-efficient technologies designed to minimize environmental impact, including reduced water consumption and air emissions, and biodiversity studies were conducted to protect the local ecosystem during construction.

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SECO/WARWICK supplies vacuum furnaces to Huake Casting Control Technology Co., Ltd.

SECO/WARWICK, Meadville, PA, will provide a horizontal vacuum heat treatment furnace equipped with a graphite heating chamber and a 15 bar absolute gas quenching system. The furnace will be used by the Chinese manufacturer to produce components for the aviation and energy industries.

The Vector furnace, known for its versatility and modular design, is a widely used solution in over 70 countries. It offers a broad range of heat treatment processes, making it adaptable to specific manufacturing needs. Its low energy consumption and minimal emissions make it environmentally friendly, aligning with SECO/WARWICK’s commitment to sustainability.

The furnace also guarantees precise, repeatable results due to uniform temperature control, ensuring high-quality components and surface protection. Vector furnaces are popular for metal heat treatment worldwide, particularly for industries requiring precision and reliability.

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Lindberg/MPH ships aluminum melting and holding furnace

Lindberg/MPH, Mich., has announced the shipment of a gas-fired reverberatory aluminum melting and holding furnace equipped with a preheat hearth. The furnace, designed for manufacturing aluminum parts, boasts a melt rate of 10,000 pounds per hour and a maximum temperature rating of 1450°F. It has a holding capacity of 85,000 pounds, based on 155 pounds per cubic foot of molten aluminum.

The furnace features a vertically rising air-operated door for loading the preheat hearth and a full-width cleanout door at the rear for unloading. Designed with an elevated base, it includes a bottom-mounted magnetic stirring mechanism and an air pressure pump well for dispensing molten aluminum. This configuration allows the furnace to remain idle for extended periods without significant temperature variation.

Temperature control is managed by three controllers, while flame supervision equipment ensures safety, including forced-air purging and automatic shutdown in case of system failures.

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One Minute Mentor: Improving the Homogeneity of the Distortion Behavior

Controlling out-of-roundness is important for certain precision applications, such as class C and D cutting hobs made of high-speed steels. Class C and D hobs must be held close to size limits because they are not ground to size after heat treatment, but rather are used in the unground condition.

Normal size distortion in hardening and tempering can be accommodated by making the tool slightly oversize or slightly undersize, as required, before heat treating. High-speed steel bars, however, have been observed to go out-of-round as much as 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) during heat treatment. The pattern of size distortion shown in Fig. 8 can occur. It appears to be related to the initial shape of the cast ingot and to the specific primary-mill processing used to reduce the ingot into bars.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 8. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Metex Heat treating announces acquisition of Exactatherm Ltd

Metex Heat Treating, Mississauga, ON, has announced the acquisition of Exactatherm Ltd, a specialist in heat treating for the aerospace, stainless, and tool steels industries. This acquisition is a key part of Metex’s strategy to expand its capabilities and provide comprehensive solutions to clients across the automotive, aerospace, nuclear, commercial, and tool and die sectors.

With this acquisition, Metex will leverage Exactatherm’s industry expertise alongside its own advanced technologies, further strengthening its market position. Exactatherm will continue to operate as a separate entity under the Metex group, maintaining its established reputation for delivering high-quality services.

“This acquisition reinforces our commitment to providing unmatched solutions to our customers,” said Surjit Bawa, President of Metex Heat Treating Ltd. “Together, we will build on our shared strengths and create new opportunities for growth.”

Metex Heat Treating was founded in 1983 and has grown to be the largest heat treater in Canada, specializing in various heat treatment process

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Wisconsin Oven ships small batch oven to Canadian manufacturer

Wisconsin Oven, East Troy, WI, announced the international shipment of an electrically heated small batch oven to a Canadian manufacturer of automotive components. The oven, designed for curing parts, has a maximum temperature rating of 650°F and chamber dimensions of 4’ W x 4’ L x 4’ H. Prior to shipment, the oven’s temperature uniformity of ± 10°F was verified through a nine-point profile test conducted in an empty chamber under static conditions.

The unit features patented high-efficiency panel seams for improved insulation, a 4” thick insulated floor, and two carbon steel shelves for part loading, each rated for 5 pounds per square foot. It utilizes combination airflow for optimal heating rates and uniformity, with temperature controlled by a Watlow F4T digital controller, featuring a touch screen, PID control, and Ethernet communication.

The oven also includes a process timer with an audible alarm, ensuring consistent curing and part quality.

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Ipsen announces launch of field service engineer academy

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, IL, has announced the launch of its Field Service Engineer (FSE) Academy, a 20-week training program aimed at strengthening the Ipsen Customer Service (ICS) Team. The program includes both classroom instruction at the company’s TDC facility in Cherry Valley, Illinois, and hands-on field training with veteran technicians. While primarily designed for new hires, experienced engineers can also participate, with regional service managers directing them to specific modules based on their skill level assessments.

The academy will focus on the fundamentals of vacuum furnace repair, giving technicians a comprehensive understanding of Ipsen’s equipment and customer applications. Technical Training Lead Cavan Cardenas noted, “From day one, we want our technicians to grasp how our products work and their purpose in the field.”

In addition to technical training, the program will develop soft skills and address the demands of a service-driven role, preparing recruits for a dynamic, on-the-road service environment.

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Constellium announces significant weight savings in EV Battery enclosures through ALIVE project

Constellium, based in Paris, announced that its collaborative research project, Aluminium Intensive Vehicle Enclosures (ALIVE), has achieved weight savings of 12 to 35 percent for electric vehicle (EV) battery enclosures. The project, led by Constellium’s University Technology Center at Brunel University London, focused on optimizing the design and manufacturing processes for structural aluminum enclosures in EVs.

Launched in 2020, the £15 million initiative was partially funded by the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The project involved six industrial partners, including BMW, Volvo, and Innoval Technology, along with university technology partners from Brunel University London and the University of Warwick.

The ALIVE team developed new aluminum designs using Constellium’s high-strength alloys, HSA6® and HCA6®, while implementing advanced joining and forming technologies. Full-scale prototypes were produced and successfully passed rigorous testing for performance, safety, and fire resistance. The project also generated cost models to support future industrialization of the designs.

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