Constellium to build two casthouses to triple production of Airware aluminum
April 9, 2014
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Constellium, Paris, plans to build two new casthouses for its Airware aerospace aluminum products at its plant in Issoire, France. These two additional casthouses will allow Constellium to nearly triple its production of advanced solutions based on its Airware technology, which was selected to be part of major new aerospace programs including the Airbus A350 XWB, Bombardier's CSeries, and SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launcher.
One of the two new casthouses is part of the initial $71 million investment announced in 2013. Constellium plans to make an additional investment of about $59 million to build a second new casthouse and Airware-specific recycling capacity.
Building on the experience of the first casthouse inaugurated in March 2013, which is already producing Airware at an industrial scale, the two new state-of-the-art casthouses are expected to start and ramp-up production in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Airware technology is considered a true game changer as it demonstrates a unique combination of strength, lightness, and improved corrosion resistance. Taking advantage of lower alloy density and improved material properties, Airware enables the re-design of structural parts and allows aircraft manufacturers to reduce the weight of aerospace components by up to 25%. It also eases the production of complex parts, guarantees higher durability due to its greater resistance to metal fatigue and corrosion, and contributes to the development of a more sustainable aerospace industry due to its infinite recyclability.
www.constellium.com
Constellium, Paris, plans to build two new casthouses for its Airware aerospace aluminum products at its plant in Issoire, France.
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James Webb space telescope relies on beryllium mirrors
March 26, 2014
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NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., is building the James Webb space telescope, whose unique beryllium mirror system will enable it to examine the earliest times of the universe when launched in 2018. The primary mirror is about 21 feet across, and is composed of 18 segments. Each segment is made of reflective gold-coated beryllium supported by a beryllium frame.
The beryllium mirror substrate is the part of each mirror segment that acts as a mirror. Each substrate is nearly two inches thick with a highly-polished and exquisitely smooth "front" reflective side and a "back" side that is precision machined into a sort of egg crate-looking structure to make it lighter weight than it would be if solid. The reflective surface is polished to an "average" roughness of only 20 nanometers (i.e., 20 billionths of a meter) and coated with a microscopically thin layer of pure gold to maximize its ability to reflect infrared light. Beryllium is the material of choice because is it extremely stiff and lightweight, and it behaves very stably and predictably at Webb's extremely cold operating temperatures.
The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo. Ball is the principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman for the optical technology and lightweight mirror system. Ball Aerospace also developed the secondary mirror, tertiary mirror and fine-steering mirror.
"The complexity of the mirror assemblies comes from the fact that they are designed to be very lightweight, work at cryogenic temperatures below -400°F, survive launch vibration and forces, be align-able on-orbit via actuators, and then stay aligned for up to two weeks as though they are a single large mirror," said Lee Feinberg, NASA Optical Telescope Element Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Flight Center.
For much more information, visit
http://nasasearch.nasa.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=nasa&query=webb+space+telescope
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., is building the James Webb space telescope, whose unique beryllium mirror system will enable it to examine the earliest times of the universe when launched in 2018.
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Lockheed Martin opens materials and thermal sciences R&D lab in Palo Alto
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The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center, Palo Alto, Calif., has opened an Advanced Materials & Thermal Sciences Center for research and development. Engineers will focus on 3-D printing, thermal sciences, nanotechnology, and high temperature materials.
With 82,000 square feet of floor space, it will house 130 engineers, scientists and staff. Advanced materials include CuantumFuse nano-copper, which promises to make more reliable electrical connections in space and other applications. The new microcryocooler is said to be the smallest satellite cooler ever developed.
This building replaces two other buildings that are each 50 years old, and will save $1 million in annual maintenance costs and cut energy costs by more than 60% percent.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
www.lockheedmartin.com
The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center, Palo Alto, has opened an Advanced Materials & Thermal Sciences Center for research and development.
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QuesTek to serve as research partner for lightweight materials innovation institute
March 11, 2014
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QuesTek Innovations, Evanston, Ill., announces that it has been selected as a research partner by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) solicitation. It is led by the collaboration between the Edison Welding Institute, the University of Michigan, and the Ohio State University. This institute brings together the collaborative partnership of the federal government and a Detroit-based consortium of more than 50 universities, non-profits, and companies from around the country, including QuesTek Innovations LLC as a research partner.
The effort addresses a critical need for affordable and high-performance lightweight metals, as well as advances in their associated design and manufacturing processes, that will benefit large sectors of the U.S. economy such as metal production, casting, and metalworking.
QuesTek's Chief Science Officer, Dr. Gregory B. Olson, will serve as the leader of "Novel Materials," one of 15 key technology development pillars that bring together experts within the respective fields. Dr. Jason Sebastian, QuesTek's Manager of Technology and Product Development, will serve as one of seven experts in the technology development area of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME). QuesTek's unique role and expertise will contribute to the innovative "ecosystem" that draws together the full spectrum of capabilities and spans the entire value chain of lightweight manufacturing.
QuesTek has been developing new breakthrough alloys since 1997 using ICME methodologies and its Materials by Design technology. Four QuesTek high performance steels (Ferrium M54, Ferrium S53, Ferrium C61 and Ferrium C64 steels) were successfully developed and licensed to Carpenter Technology. These Ferrium steels are displacing materials that have been used for decades in demanding applications such as aircraft landing gear, arresting hook shanks and hook points; and helicopter power transmission gears and rotor shafts. The steels also serve oil and gas applications and other industries. In addition, novel alloys based on Al, Ni, Co, Cu, Mo are being designed and developed by QuesTek, based on ICME ensuring successful design and accelerated implementation.
Other members of ALMMII with whom QuesTek will be closely collaborating include Northwestern University, Thermo-Calc, Boeing Company, General Electric, and Lockheed Martin.
www.questek.com
QuesTek Innovations, Evanston, Ill., announces that it has been selected as a research partner by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) solicitation.
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Ambrell induction heating equipment enables fast repeatable heating for aerospace manufacturers
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Ambrell, an Ameritherm Company, Scottsville, N.Y., designs fast, repeatable, controllable, noncontact heating equipment with a minimal footprint that makes it an ideal solution for aerospace manufacturers. Induction heating is used for decarburization, brazing, and preheating, among other applications, during the manufacture of fasteners, turbine blades, and much more. It provides the ability to increase production and boost quality within the aerospace industry.
Additionally, Ambrell offers monitoring and logging of temperature and other key operating parameters via eView induction heating software. This software often helps suppliers to meet aerospace manufacturer specifications for parts. One such example is numerous aerospace fastener suppliers using eVIEW to meet data logging requirements.
Ambrell also offers free application testing in its Applications Lab. From the testing, engineeers determine the optimal system for the client's application, accounting for their parts and required heating time. Systems from 1 kW to over 1 MW enable a solution whether the application is large or small.
Ambrell will be exhibiting and demonstrating its induction heating solutions for aerospace at MFG4 in Hartford, Conn., May 6-8 in booth 1208.
www.ambrell.com
Ambrell, an Ameritherm Company, Scottsville, N.Y., designs fast, repeatable, controllable, noncontact heating equipment with a minimal footprint that makes it an ideal solution for aerospace manufacturers.
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Aviation seating to be made of magnesium for the first time
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Magnesium Elektron, England, announces the first use of its proprietary Elektro 43 alloy in aviation seating. Zim Flugsitz GmbH, a German manufacturer of seating for the aerospace industry, is now producing seats with major structural components made from Elektron 43. The new seats will provide a significant weight reduction compared to aluminum alloys, while retaining strength and ductility. The first new seats are scheduled to enter service later in 2014 in a low-volume non-commercial aviation platform.
"The use of our Elektron 43 magnesium alloy has enabled Zim Flugsitz to surpass their weight-reduction targets and improve the fuel efficiency and endurance in this new application," says Steve Montisci, European Technical Sales Manager, Wrought Products. "This project is an important step and will demonstrate the benefits that Elektron magnesium alloys can bring to future lightweighting strategies for commercial aircraft designers and operators."
Magnesium Elektron alloys have been widely used in military aircraft for many years, as well as in critical engine components for civil aircraft. During the past decade, Magnesium Elektron has been working with regulatory agencies, aircraft manufacturers, and seat manufacturers around the world to gain acceptance for magnesium in civil aircraft interiors, including changing provisions of SAE standard AS8049 so that magnesium can be approved for commercial aircraft with 20 seats or more.
In June 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced: "With the results of the Magnesium Full Scale Testing and the progress demonstrated in the development of the lab scale test method, the FAA would now allow magnesium in aircraft seats, providing the requirements and conditions as set out in the Special Conditions are satisfied."
The FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the aircraft industry continue their work to finalize the framework of the Special Conditions route for commercial aircraft applications.
www.magnesium-elektron.com
Magnesium Elektron, England, announces the first use of its proprietary Elektro 43 alloy in aviation seating.
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Tecnalia achieves NadCap accreditation for testing and surface treatments
March 5, 2014
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Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain, has received Nadcap accreditation, which recognizes the company´s technical competence as a testing laboratory for control of surface treatment baths and also as testing on metal materials – mechanical, metallography and corrosion testing – in the aeronautical sector.
Nadcap accreditations constitute an international recognition of technical competence and reliability to provide products and services in the aeronautical sector.
This accreditation is granted by the Performance Review Institute (PRI), a worldwide organization comprising the main aircraft manufacturers: Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, GE Aviation. The main objective is to develop programs and services designed to improve product manufacturing processes and quality processes in the aeronautical sector.
The PRI guarantees the unbiased assessment of these products and services, ensuring that the suppliers of the aeronautics sector can meet the complex requirements of their customers.
Although Tecnalia already has Airbus authorization, it is now an internationally recognized, independent and impartial organization.
Tecnalia´s technological services in the aerospace sector, in which it has been working for the last 20 years, comprise characterization of materials, nondestructive testing (NDT), failure analysis, materials assessment and diagnosis, welding processes, and comprehensive outsourcing of calibration.
"The NadCap accreditation is an important step in our strategy for specialization within the business of materials characterization and in generating new business opportunities for our clients," said Jose Miguel Iturrioz, Head of Tecnalia's Materials Services Area.
http://www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Berri_Kod=4941&hizk=I
Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain, has received Nadcap accreditation, which recognizes the company´s technical competence as a testing laboratory for control of surface treatment baths and also as testing on metal materials – mechanical, metallography and corrosion testing – in the aeronautical sector.
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Titanium 2014 call for papers
March 4, 2014
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The International Titanium Association (ITA), Denver, Colo., has issued a "Call for Papers" to be presented at TITANIUM 2014, Sept. 21 – 24 at the Hilton Chicago. Interested presenters should submit abstracts by June 16 to [email protected] for consideration by the conference organizing committee. Instructions are located in the Industry Events section of the ITA website at www.titanium.org.
Sufficient detail for fair evaluation of the proposed paper and presentation should be included, along with an indication of the most appropriate session: Raw Materials; Alternative Energy; Commercial Aerospace; Military/Defense; Automotive; Medical; Industrial Markets; Economy/Finance; Energy Exploration and Production; Manufacturing Technology; New Materials; Consumer Markets; Architectural; Welding & Joining; Medical Applications.
Jennifer Simpson, executive director of the ITA, also announced that "early bird" registration is now available now through April 15th.
TITANIUM USA 2014 is designed to suit the needs of titanium industry professionals, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders. The gathering offers a full spectrum of information on the latest business, technology, and market trends and developments in the global titanium industry. It provides an excellent forum for expert discussions, continuing education, networking opportunities and more.
Conference attendees typically hold executive positions in areas such as management, sales and marketing, product development, procurement, engineering and design, purchasing and quality control. Last year TITANIUM 2013, held in Las Vegas, drew a record attendance of 1180 guests from 28 countries.
www.titanium.org
The International Titanium Association (ITA), Denver, Colo., has issued a “Call for Papers” to be presented at TITANIUM 2014, Sept. 21 – 24 at the Hilton Chicago.
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Materion introduces zirconium-base metallic glass alloys
February 19, 2014
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Materion Corp., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, has introduced a bulk metallic glass product line based on zirconium. Also known as Vitreloy, or Liquidmetal alloys, they are now available from Materion in volume quantities. Bulk metallic glasses are amorphous alloys derived from unique alloy combinations whose disparate atoms retain a random structure when they solidify. As a result, these alloys can be formed into a finished product as if they were plastic.
Amorphous alloys have unique properties, including very high specific strength (often twice that of titanium and stainless steel), relatively high hardness (> 50 Rc), high elastic range (~2%), and unparalleled corrosion resistance. Amorphous alloys often enable lower production costs because they require fewer steps than conventional crystallline metals.
Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., is a leading developer of bulk metallic glass technology. Materion is a Certified Liquidmetal Partner (CLP) for the production of BMGs. Materion's BMG alloys are also available for Liquidmetal and its licensees under their respective Liquidmetal alloy trade names, LM1b, LM105, LM601, and LM106a.
www.materion.com
Materion Corp., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, has introduced a bulk metallic glass product line based on zirconium.
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Allegheny Technologies acquires Dynamic Flowform for capabilities in the aerospace and oil/gas industries
February 12, 2014
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Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, has acquired Dynamic Flowform Corp., Billerica, Mass., which fabricates thin-walled tubular components in net or near-net shapes by a precision flowforming process. Multiple alloy systems are flowformed, including nickel-base alloys and superalloys, titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium alloys, and specialty and stainless alloys. Major markets are Aerospace and Defense, and Oil and Gas/Chemical Process Industry.
Some examples of Dynamic Flowform's major products include: airframe and jet engine components, and oil and gas drilling and completion tools from hollows.
"The acquisition of Dynamic Flowform is consistent with our strategy to create value by expanding our capabilities to produce specialty materials parts and components," said Rich Harshman, ATI's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Dynamic Flowform is a technology leader in the manufacture of unique parts and components using the alloy systems that are core competencies of ATI. The innovative and entrepreneurial Fonte family established Dynamic Flowform and has successfully operated and grown the business for nearly 40 years. We are pleased and proud to welcome Matt and Nick Fonte to the ATI team."
"This acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to ATI," he says. "We have identified significant growth opportunities for Dynamic Flowform's products, especially in the Aerospace and Oil and Gas markets. These opportunities are expected to benefit from ATI's existing global marketing and sales capabilities, and ATI's supply chain experience and relationships with OEMs."
www.ATImetals.com
Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, has acquired Dynamic Flowform Corp., Billerica, Mass., which fabricates thin-walled tubular components in net or near-net shapes by a precision flowforming process.
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