Alcoa awarded U.S. Army contract to reduce weight of combat vehicles
March 9, 2016
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Alcoa, Pittsburgh, announces that it has been awarded a five-year contract from the U.S. Army worth up to $50 million for R&D projects focused on developing innovative lightweighting solutions for ground combat vehicles such as tanks.
The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) awarded Alcoa Defense a "Ground Vehicle Light-Weighting" contract to support efforts to accelerate technology research and development, and to provide engineering solutions for Department of Defense ground vehicles and intelligent ground systems.
"This agreement with TARDEC builds on Alcoa Defense's decades-long partnership with the U.S. Army to advance military ground vehicles," said Eric Roegner, President of Alcoa Defense. "Alcoa's lightweight solutions have improved troop protection while reducing vehicle weight and assembly time. We look forward to building on our successful track record to help develop the next generation combat vehicle."
Alcoa's first "work directive," or project funded under the contract, is an initiative to advance Alcoa-developed aluminum weld wire alloys. These alloys have already been proven to increase the strength of welded joints—typically the weakest point on a vehicle—as well as reduce corrosion of those welded joints on combat vehicles. Under potential future work directives, Alcoa will provide material research, development, engineering, testing, and evaluation efforts related to ground vehicle lightweighting. These research and development efforts will address aluminum forming technology, fastening and joining, modeling and simulation, armor development, material development, material fabrication, energy conservation, and coating and corrosion technology.
Alcoa has built a strong track record of partnering with the U.S. Army to develop solutions that advance the performance of ground combat vehicles. In 2013, Alcoa announced a joint Alcoa-U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) initiative to manufacture the world's biggest single-piece forged aluminum hull for combat vehicles—the largest closed die forging ever made. This game-changing forging replaces the lower hull of a combat vehicle, significantly improving survivability over traditional welded hulls. In Army testing, the monohull has performed exceptionally well in mitigating the effects of blast events, such as those caused by improvised explosive devices.
www.alcoa.com/defense.
Alcoa, Pittsburgh, announces that it has been awarded a five-year contract from the U.S. Army worth up to $50 million for R&D projects focused on developing innovative lightweighting solutions for ground combat vehicles such as tanks.
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Northrop Grumman selected to build B-21 stealth bomber
March 8, 2016
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Northrop Grumman, Falls Church, Va., has released this artist's rendering of its B-21 stealth bomber, selected last year by the United States Air Force as the Long Range Strike Bomber of the 21st century. It is expected to fly at high subsonic speeds and to be powered by four turbofan engines. The program recently entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, and the Air Force plans to field the initial capability of the aircraft in mid-2020s.
Northrop Grumman built the flying wing B-2 Spirit bomber fleet (which consists of only 21 aircraft) 25 years ago, and has maintained and upgraded the aircraft ever since. The company also recently built the X-47B flying-wing naval unmanned combat aircraft demonstrators.
The Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) is intended to be a heavy-payload stealth aircraft capable of carrying thermonuclear weapons, with the first aircraft planned for the mid-2020s. The Air Force plans to purchase 80 to 100 aircraft at a cost of $550 million each.
At the 2016 Air Warfare Symposium last month in Orlando, the LRS-B was formally designated as the B-21, the 21st century's first bomber. It is a fifth-generation global precision attack platform that will give the United States networked sensor-shoot capability for faster response and greater accuracy than ever possible before. The head of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command expects that 100 B-21 bombers would be the minimum ordered, and he envisions some 175 to 200 bombers in service. Initial operating capability is expected to be reached in the mid-2020s.
The U.S. Air Force current bomber fleet of B-1Bs, B-52s, and B-2s average 34 years old, and the new B-21 is expected to replace all but the Northrop B-2A through the mid-2030s. It will supplement the B-2 fleet and could allow the Air Force to retire its fleet of B-52s. These bombers first flew in 1952, and the B-52 is on track to become the first aircraft to operate for more than 100 years. The Air Force goal is 175 to 200 bombers, of which at least 100 will be the B-21 plus the 21 B-2 aircraft.
www.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman, Falls Church, Va., has released this artist’s rendering of its B-21 stealth bomber, selected last year by the United States Air Force as the Long Range Strike Bomber of the 21st century.
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Solar Atmospheres partners with Pressure Technology for aircraft parts
March 2, 2016
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Solar Atmospheres, Hermitage, Pa., announces that it now partners with Pressure Technology Inc. (PTI), Concord, Ohio, to provide heat treating of aircraft parts after they have been hot isostatically pressed to high density at the PTI facility. With the escalation of additively manufactured components being printed, and the increased production of engine blade manufacturing to support newer more efficient aircraft, hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) is in more demand for the densification of many materials.
Over the years, Solar Atmospheres and PTI have understood the complementary synergies between the two companies. As an added value service, parts that require heat treat processing after HIP will be picked up by Solar from the PTI facility at no charge.
According to Michael Johnson, Sales Manager for Solar's Hermitage facility, "As both vacuum heat treating and HIPing are gaining popularity, by providing the customer with both state-of-the-art services as one, we can offer quicker turnaround time and savings on shipping costs."
www.solaratm.com
www.pressuretechnology.com
Solar Atmospheres, Hermitage, Pa., announces that it now partners with Pressure Technology Inc. (PTI), Concord, Ohio, to provide heat treating of aircraft parts after they have been hot isostatically pressed to high density at the PTI facility.
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UTC Aerospace Systems opens $8 million advanced materials laboratory in Connecticut
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UTC Aerospace Systems, Windsor Locks, Conn., has opened an $8 million, 20,000 ft2 state-of-the-art Materials and Process Engineering laboratory to support research, engineering, and production of advanced materials for aerospace applications. Lab capabilities include additive manufacturing to build metal and plastic parts. The lab will develop high-temperature materials such as carbon-carbon and silicon carbide-based composites for applications such as aircraft brakes. The lab will also focus on nanomaterials to develop light-weight metal-matrix and polymer-matrix composites for a variety of applications across UTC Aerospace Systems.
UTC Aerospace Systems also announces establishment of the Materials Engineering Center of Excellence at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). The agreement includes a five-year, million-dollar commitment to work with UCONN in the areas of additive manufacturing, high-temperature composites, thermoplastics, and other advanced materials. UTC Aerospace Systems will provide opportunities to rising UCONN sophomores and juniors to work in the new MPE lab and learn alongside UTC Aerospace Systems engineers and scientists in the areas of materials and manufacturing technologies for future aircraft.
"We are very excited about the new MPE lab, which will transform the way engineers and scientists collaborate to produce innovative solutions using a spectrum of material and manufacturing combinatorial techniques," said Mun Choi, Provost at the University of Connecticut. "The Center of Excellence we've established will provide our students with a unique learning experience by working in the lab with talented engineers."
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base, with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.
www.utc.com
www.utcaerospacesystems.com
UTC Aerospace Systems, Windsor Locks, Conn., has opened an $8 million, 20,000 ft2 state-of-the-art Materials and Process Engineering laboratory to support research, engineering, and production of advanced materials for aerospace applications.
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Alcoa to supply aluminum, aluminum-lithium, and titanium parts to Boeing
February 25, 2016
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Alcoa, Pittsburgh, announces a long-term supply agreement with Boeing for multi-material aerospace parts for the 777X, Boeing's newest commercial airplane; the 737 MAX, scheduled for first delivery in 2017; and the 787 Dreamliner. The deal draws on capabilities gained through the Firth Rixson acquisition and the new aluminum-lithium facility in Lafayette, Indiana. Under the new agreement, Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions will supply differentiated components for Boeing's airplanes, including the wing, fuselage, and landing gear.
These include advanced titanium landing gear parts and complex titanium nacelle fittings for the 737 MAX, made using specialized presses gained through the Firth Rixson acquisition; Boeing's first-ever aluminum-lithium extrusion produced at Alcoa's Lafayette facility for the 777X cargo floor, helping save weight and improve corrosion resistance; and large, near-net-shape parts that improve the efficiency and help reduce the costs of Boeing's in-house machining.
This transaction is the fourth multi-year agreement recently announced with Boeing. In December 2015, Alcoa announced long-term supply contracts with Boeing for fastening systems and titanium seat track assemblies. In September 2014, Alcoa announced a significant Boeing contract win which established Alcoa as a sole supplier of wing skins on all of Boeing's metallic structure airplanes.
Alcoa has secured approximately $10 billion in aerospace contracts since the start of 2015, including the Boeing transactions, drawing on the Company's growing aerospace portfolio.
www.alcoa.com
Alcoa, Pittsburgh, announces a long-term supply agreement with Boeing for multi-material aerospace parts for the 777X, Boeing’s newest commercial airplane; the 737 MAX, scheduled for first delivery in 2017; and the 787 Dreamliner.
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MetalMaster furnace processes catalytic converter parts for a variety of industries
February 24, 2016
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., recently shipped a horizontal-loading MetalMaster vacuum furnace with two-bar gas quenching to a company in the Southwest United States for processing catalytic converter products, which are then used by such industries as aerospace, automotive and power generation. Ideal for brazing and other high-vacuum applications, this vacuum furnace line performs distinctively well with thin section parts and lighter pieces.
This customized furnace features a 36 x 36 x 72-inch graphite work zone, with a carbon steel gas distribution plenum and graphite heating elements, as well as a 3000-pound load capacity. It operates at temperatures of 1000 to 2400°F with ±5°F temperature uniformity.
The furnace is also equipped with a 35-inch diffusion pump and Ipsen's CompuVac control system. In addition, this MetalMaster furnace is capable of meeting applicable AMS 2750E requirements and providing tight temperature tolerances with DigiTrim control settings. It features an open heating element detection system, as well as a specially engineered heat exchanger and turbine blower that are designed to optimize gas flow for more efficient cooling.
The MetalMaster design has maintained ultimate performance and reliability for more than 45 years, with 500+ installations worldwide. It delivers the cleanliness and uniform cooling that customers request, while also providing a cost-effective, versatile, and adaptable vacuum furnace system. MetalMaster furnaces may also be ordered with several high-productivity options, including specialized instrumentation, increased pumping capability, and material handling systems.
www.IpsenUSA.com/MetalMaster
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., recently shipped a horizontal-loading MetalMaster vacuum furnace with two-bar gas quenching to a company in the Southwest United States for processing catalytic converter products, which are then used by such industries as aerospace, automotive and power generation.
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Bodycote breaks ground for aluminum solution treatment furnace in California
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Bodycote, England, held a ground breaking ceremony in February for a new aluminum solution treatment capability at its location in Westminster, California. With this new capability, Bodycote will be able to process aluminum alloy structures up to 21 feet in length at 1100°F, in multiple types of quench media. This new furnace, scheduled to be in service by the end of third quarter this year, will allow the treatment of large aerospace and commercial forgings weighing up to 20,000 pounds.
The mechanical properties of heat treatable aluminum alloy components can be optimized by the selection of an appropriate solution and age process sequence. For certain alloys, corrosion resistance can, for example, be improved at the expense of strength and vice versa.
Depending on the alloy and cross section at the time of solution treatment, various cooling methods can potentially be utilized to reduce distortion.
Solution treating is typically performed in the 842 to 1067°F range in air, followed by rapid quenching into cold water, hot water, boiling water (-T61 temper), water-polymer (glycol) solution, water spray, or forced air. Natural aging to the T4 temper will occur at ambient temperature for 2XXX, 6XXX, 2XX and 3XX alloys, with most reaching a stable temper after 96 hours. Artificial aging in the 199 to 473°F range is utilized to meet the T6 and T7X tempers.
Immediately after quenching from solution treating, all alloys are relatively soft and can be moderately formed or straightened if performed within a couple of hours. These alloys will naturally age harden at ambient temperature, with their hardness gradually increasing with time following quenching. This can be suppressed by refrigeration below about 0°C (32°F) if it is desired to form or straighten the material more than a couple of hours after quench. Cooling to below about minus 23°C (minus 10°F) or colder is required to retain the As-Quenched (AQ) temper for prolonged storage times beyond a few days.
For maximum formability prior to solution treating and ageing, these alloys must be fully annealed to produce a stable dead soft O temper by heating in the 400 to 425°C (752 to 797°F) range, then slow cooling (28°C or 50°F per hour or slower) to below 235°C (455°F), formed, then solution is treated and aged.
Wrought alloys in the 2XXX (Al-Cu), 6XXX (Al-Mg-Si), 7XXX (Al-Zn-Mg-Cr) and 8XXX (Al-Li) series and cast alloys in the 2XX (Al-Cu), 3XX (Al-Mg-Si-Cu) and 7XX (Al-Zn) series can be solution treated and aged.
Bodycote continues to invest in regional aerospace manufacturing markets across the United States in support of aerospace prime manufacturers and their supply chains.
www.bodycote.com
Bodycote, England, held a ground breaking ceremony in February for a new aluminum solution treatment capability at its location in Westminster, California.
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Registration opens for aerospace materials show
February 23, 2016
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ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that early bird registration is open for the 27th AeroMat Conference and Exposition May 23-25 in Bellevue, Washington. AeroMat is the premier aerospace materials and processing conference in the world presented by top technology leaders in the industry. It includes an exposition of aerospace products and services from over 40 companies and organizations.
With over 125 presentations on multiple content areas, the Technical Program of the 2016 conference is one of the top reasons aerospace professionals attend AeroMat. Additive manufacturing, advanced aluminum alloys, integrated computational materials engineering, and many more topics will be covered. Additive manufacturing in particular will be covered extensively, with a track every day, including a parallel one on Wednesday morning.
Daily plenary sessions on the show floor at AeroMat will complement the technical programming and provide attendees a well-rounded view of the industry. Four talks from industry experts are scheduled, the first being "Redefining Natural Resources" from Chris Lewicki, President and Chief Engineer at Planetary Resources Inc. Other talks include a look into European launcher developments from Stefano Bianchi of the European Space Agency; a history of Boeing from corporate historian Mike Lombardi; and the future of aerospace metals from Dr. Daniel Miracle of the Air Force Research Laboratory.
"This year's AeroMat is a must-attend for anyone in the aerospace industry," says Conference Chair Dr. Michael Shemkunas of Boeing. "I really encourage those involved in aerospace materials and processing to join us in Bellevue to learn about where the industry is going. The programming will be current and informative, we have great companies in the expo hall, and the networking will be fantastic."
The AeroMat exposition will cover three days and include top companies in the aerospace industry. Exhibit spaces and sponsorships are still available. Contact Christina Sandoval, Global Exhibition Manager at ASM International at 440.338.5151 ext. 5625 or [email protected]
ABOUT ASM INTERNATIONAL
As the world's largest association of materials-centric engineers and scientists, ASM International is dedicated to informing, educating, and connecting the materials community. A member and volunteer based organization, ASM serves as a central resource that gathers the latest applied information from the field and disseminates it back to industry, academia, and government through published content, classes, conferences, expositions, and local chapter engagement.
www.asminternational.org
ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that early bird registration is open for the 27th AeroMat Conference and Exposition May 23-25 in Bellevue, Washington.
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U.S. stainless steel sheet and strip producers file antidumping petitions against China
February 17, 2016
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AK Steel Corp., ATI Flat Rolled Products, North American Stainless, and Outokumpu Stainless USA, the four principal U.S. producers of stainless steel sheet and strip, have filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions charging that unfairly traded imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from the People's Republic of China are causing material injury to the domestic industry.
The antidumping margins alleged by the domestic industry range from 53.69 to 83.24% ad valorem (according to value). The domestic industry's countervailing duty petition alleges that the Chinese government has provided significant subsidies to Chinese producers. The petitions were filed concurrently with the United States Department of Commerce and the United States International Trade Commission.
The domestic industry filed its petitions for relief in response to large and increasing volumes of low-priced imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from China over the past three years that have injured U.S. producers. The volume of imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from China has increased by 133% since 2013. Chinese products accounted for 81.2% of the total increase in U.S. stainless steel sheet and strip imports during the past three years.
The petition alleges that Chinese producers have injured the domestic industry by selling their stainless steel sheet and strip at unfairly low prices that significantly undercut domestic market prices. As a result of this unfair competition, the domestic industry has suffered declines in sales, production, employment, prices, and profits.
Commerce Department and U.S. International Trade Commission will now begin their preliminary investigations, which are expected to be finalized during the first quarter. The entire investigative process will take approximately one year, and it is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2017.
www.outokumpu.com/en/stainless-news/outokumpu-news
AK Steel Corp., ATI Flat Rolled Products, North American Stainless, and Outokumpu Stainless USA, the four principal U.S. producers of stainless steel sheet and strip, have filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions charging that unfairly traded imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from the People’s Republic of China are causing material injury to the domestic industry.
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Light industrial heat treating furnaces designed for testing facilities and labs
February 16, 2016
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Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., offers a light industrial furnace line that is ideal for smaller-scale operations such as testing facilities, laboratories, and small industrial plants. Like all of the Lindberg/MPH products, these furnaces are designed to maintain uniform heat distribution by utilizing the latest in heating and insulation technology. The light industrial furnaces can be used for a variety of applications including but not limited to annealing, aging, carbon firing, ceramic firing, hardening, sintering, brazing, preheating, solution treating, and stress relieving.
Standard sizes allow for quick delivery, and stackable models are a perfect fit for facilities with limited floor space. Available options include furnace stands, advanced controls, and quench tanks and baskets. The light industrial furnace line also comes with the Lindberg/MPH exclusive three-year warranty. This warranty is one of the longest within the industry today. It provides coverage for all components less standard wear and tear. In addition, the labor supplied is also warrantied if there is a defect in workmanship.
Lindberg/MPH is a leading manufacturer of standard and custom industrial heat treat furnaces, including pit, box, IQ, and belt type for the ferrous and non-ferrous markets. Lindberg/MPH customers cover a wide range of industries including aerospace/military, automotive, commercial heat treating, energy/oil, electronics and the forging markets. Founded in 1917, the company has more than 75,000 industrial furnace installations worldwide and their equipment is backed by a full range of customer support services and the most extensive replacement parts inventory in the industry. Lindberg/MPH is a proven leader in the thermal processing industry, with a long track record of proven policies and management practices.
Lindberg/MPH is owned by Thermal Product Solutions (TP"), a leading American manufacturer of custom industrial ovens used for heat treating, finishing, drying, curing, manufacturing automation and process control. TPS is a global leader in thermal processing products and test solutions with brands including Baker Furnace, BlueM, Gruenberg, Tenney, Lindberg, MPH, and Wisconsin Oven.
www.lindbergmph.com
Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., offers a light industrial furnace line that is ideal for smaller-scale operations such as testing facilities, laboratories, and small industrial plants.
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