Lindberg/MPH ships aluminum immersion holding furnace to automotive supplier
November 25, 2015
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Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., announces the shipment of an electric immersion aluminum holding furnace for a leader in the automotive parts industry to maintain aluminum at the required temperature for die casting. The aluminum holding capacity of the furnace is 2400 lb.
This furnace utilizes Lindberg/MPH patented board lining and high-efficiency immersion tubes/heaters. Dual air-over-oil lifting tanks ensure smooth opening and closing of the fill well cover. A cast fill well was added to the furnace shell using a castable virtually inert to aluminum. A pneumatically lifted, insulated center chamber cover saves energy and a multi-colored stack light indicates molten metal level. A safety disconnect switch to de-energize power to the heating elements was also included.
In addition to melting and holding furnaces for nonferrous alloys, 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.
www.lindbergmph.com
Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., announces the shipment of an electric immersion aluminum holding furnace for a leader in the automotive parts industry to maintain aluminum at the required temperature for die casting.
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Can-Eng receives contracts for continuous mesh belt furnace systems
November 18, 2015
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Can-Eng Furnaces Intl. Ltd., Niagara Falls, Ontario, recently received four contracts for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of its 6000 lb/hour continuous mesh belt atmosphere furnace system. They are designed to provide atmosphere hardening and tempering of high-volume fasteners, and include computerized loading, a mesh-belt controlled-atmosphere hardening furnace, oil quench, pre- and post-wash, and enhanced part tracking.
Furnaces are integrated with a state-of-the-art combustion system that features advanced burner technology. All are fitted with modern radiant tube heating that provides improved efficiencies and reduced emissions.
Can-Eng's Level 2 automation tracks product status and collects detailed process data that is used for continuous process improvement, equipment diagnostics, processing cost analysis, and inventory management.
The systems are fully compliant with the requirements of AIAG CQI-9 Heat Treatment System guidelines.
www.can-eng.com
Can-Eng Furnaces Intl. Ltd., Niagara Falls, Ontario, recently received four contracts for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of its 6000 lb/hour continuous mesh belt atmosphere furnace system.
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Nucor to acquire Gerdau’s cold-drawn steel bar assets in Ohio and Georgia
November 11, 2015
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Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., has agreed to acquire Gerdau Long Steel's Bright Bar assets located in Orrville, Ohio, and Cartersville, Georgia, which manufacture cold-drawn steel bars and have a combined production capacity of 75,000 tons per year.
"This acquisition advances Nucor's strong competitive position in cold-finished bar and increases our downstream participation in this important channel to market," says John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO, and President of Nucor. "This acquisition improves our geographic coverage and expands our range of products in this market segment.
Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the United States and Canada. Products include carbon and alloy steel – in bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel pilings; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold-finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating and expanded metal; and wire and wire mesh.
Through the David J. Joseph Company, Nucor also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, and HBI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler.
http://www.nucor.com
Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., has agreed to acquire Gerdau Long Steel’s Bright Bar assets located in Orrville, Ohio, and Cartersville, Georgia, which manufacture cold-drawn steel bars and have a combined production capacity of 75,000 tons per year.
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Ambrell launches Ekoheat with VPA for improved induction processes
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Ambrell, Scottsville, N.Y., has launched a line of Ekoheat products featuring Versatile Performance Architecture (VPA), which enables a product to integrate into manufacturing systems, or to function as a stand-alone induction heating solution. The Autoscan capability includes easy-to-use functionality to scan a new application and auto-set the starting frequency, and then recommend RF setup parameters.
The products include soft-start circuitry, a safety feature that eliminates the risk of tripping up other equipment when a power supply is turned on. System power is tightly controlled on start-up to minimize transient spikes and electrical noise.
Ekoheat VPA includes a universal printed circuit board that can be used across the entire product line. This means fast availability of service repair and replacement parts, assuring business continuity and long-lasting product life. Regardless of system size and frequency, common PCBs are integrated into the designs. A single board-set addresses multiple systems, thereby minimizing inventory and eliminating model-specific versions.
These products are enabled for remote diagnostics and data collection with industrial Ethernet communication capabilities. In the industrial and automation environment, networking is fully supported using Ekoheat VPA's chosen gateway and includes CIPs (Common Industrial Protocols) such as EthernetIP, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET protocols.
www.ambrell.com
Ambrell, Scottsville, N.Y., has launched a line of Ekoheat products featuring Versatile Performance Architecture (VPA), which enables a product to integrate into manufacturing systems or to function as a stand-alone induction heating solution.
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Titanium strength and ductility grow when large grains are added to microstructure
Source: ASM International
A team from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences announces that titanium strength and ductility are both increased when large grains are added to an ultrafine-grain matrix.
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Heat treat 2015 finishes with a “bang!”
November 2, 2015
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The ASM Heat Treating Society Conference and Exposition (Heat Treat 2015) took place in late October in Detroit. The three-day event, co-located with the American Gear Manufacturer's Association Gear Expo, attracted over 7000 heat treating and gear professionals from all over the world, including an equipment exhibition featuring 202 companies in 288 booths. The show featured top-notch technical programming as well as several new initiatives such as live equipment demonstrations on the show floor and a "hot" new social event that lit up the Detroit sky as well as local social media.
The technical program at Heat Treat featured more than 140 oral and poster presentations, including a new Applied Technology track focused on practical applications for operators. Jonn Nebbe, a metallurgical engineer at Eaton Corp., said, "Learning about the academic side of things is nice, but learning practical applications that you can take back to the shop floor? That's what I'm here for."
Attendees also enjoyed a plenary session from Dr. Alan Taub, chief technical officer of the newly established American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, who discussed the LIFT (Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow) consortium. The conference program also featured an expert-led panel on "New Development and Opportunities in Heat Treating" focused on technology needs and new disruptive technology within the industry. Finally, the popular Master Series lectures educated attendees on specific technical subjects such as the past and future of martensitic steels, bainite transformation in steel, and the Holloman-Jaffe parameter.
Local high school students got to participate in the ASM Materials Education Foundation "Mini Materials Camp" on the show floor during Heat Treat. Eight presenters gave hands-on science demonstrations to over 150 students in the mini-camp, including heat treating bobby pins and paper clips and the principle of diffusion at work in brassing a penny. College students also took part in the free "This is Heat Treat" student program, which included a special 35 and Under Keynote Breakfast and a student networking mixer on the show floor.
On the networking side of the event, attendees had many opportunities throughout the week to meet and catch up with old friends. Exhibitors and attendees were treated to a networking reception on Tuesday evening featuring local brews and appetizers on the show floor, and several refreshment and dessert breaks throughout the week. The main event however, the first-ever Heat Treat social event called "The Heat Is On," was held Wednesday evening at Waterview Loft at Port Detroit. Guests were treated to flame twirlers, local craft beer, and Detroit-style food. The evening was capped off by a fireworks display on the Detroit River, which surprised both guests and locals who happened to catch the show. The "mystery" fireworks caused quite a stir on social media and the news.
Attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors were positive about the direction that Heat Treat is going. "There is a new energy to this event," says Stephen Kowalski, president of the ASM Heat Treating Society and president, Kowalski Heat Treating. "The organizers are doing some exciting things with the programming, and the social event really was above and beyond all expectations and certainly had the local and international media on fire. Even if you have been to Heat Treat before, come again in 2017 – you won't be disappointed."
Chuck Faulkner, Market Development Manager, Heat Treatment & Metal Forming at Houghton International, says that Heat Treat is the must-attend event for the heat treating industry. "This show is one our company doesn't miss. We will be back in 2017."
Heat Treat 2017 will take place in Columbus, Ohio, on October 24-26, 2017. Space is limited and is expected to sell out. To reserve exhibit space, contact Christina Sandoval, global exhibition manager a [email protected] or 440.338.5151 ext. 5625.
The ASM Heat Treating Society Conference and Exposition (Heat Treat 2015) took place in late October in Detroit. The three-day event, co-located with the American Gear Manufacturer’s Association Gear Expo, attracted over 7000 heat treating and gear professionals from all over the world, including an equipment exhibition featuring 202 companies in 288 booths.
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Lincoln Electric to invest $30 million to build Welding Technology Center
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The Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, Ohio, announces that it is investing approximately $30 million in a new Welding Technology Center on its campus in Euclid, Ohio. The new 130,000-ft.2 center will double Lincoln's welding education capacity to 180 welding booths, and will include high-tech classroom and seminar spaces. It will also showcase and integrate Lincoln Electric's latest technologies and solutions into a comprehensive welding curriculum.
The Center will focus on the training of welding educators and industry leaders to address the rising demand for welding education and career pathways in welding and advanced manufacturing. Construction is expected to begin in early 2016 with an opening anticipated in 2017 – marking the centennial anniversary of Lincoln's legacy welding school, the longest-running welding school in the United States.
"This investment reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of welding innovation and education," says Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln Electric's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The increased demand from customers, the skilled trades, and technical schools to help develop the next generation of industry-ready welders has accelerated our investment in education."
www.lincolnelectric.com
The Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, Ohio, announces that it is investing approximately $30 million in a new Welding Technology Center on its campus in Euclid, Ohio.
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Ipsen predictive maintenance for heat treating furnaces cuts costs, optimizes operations
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., displayed the Titan 2.0 heat treating vacuum furnace and PdMetrics software platform for predictive maintenance at ASM International's Heat Treat 2015 conference. PdMetrics helps optimize operations while avoiding unnecessary costs and unplanned downtime. Ipsen also featured the Atlas batch atmosphere furnace line, which provides intelligent interfaces, advanced controls, and ease of integration.
The Titan 2.0 vacuum furnace incorporates years of customer feedback to deliver improved, user-friendly features, all while maintaining a global platform, small footprint, and short delivery times. It features intelligent silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCR) for efficient heating control with enhanced communication and diagnostic features. It also utilizes an integrated framework with a rigid, all-metal design that protects equipment from the surrounding work environment and provides a versatile platform for mounting accessories.
PdMetrics software platform for predictive maintenance utilizes proprietary sensors and control algorithms to determine the appropriate timing for replacing parts and servicing equipment. By monitoring critical data and key parameters such as temperature, vibrations, and pressure, users are able to improve the health and integrity of several systems: the hot zone, pumping system, cooling system, and vacuum integrity.
The stand-alone interface screen is capable of integrating with multiple furnaces; Furnace part replacement notifications are based on usage and wear characteristics; Smart connectivity allows users to receive alerts via email and/or text message; Diagnostic Helper provides access to weather station, leak diagnostics, vacuum level and more; Technical support via Ipsen's Service Cloud allows Ipsen experts to quickly access the necessary data
Two Ipsen experts presented papers at the conference. Aymeric Goldsteinas, Product Development Manager, presented "Growth of Predictive Maintenance and its Effect on Future Furnace Performance." Nathan Durham, Electrical Solutions Manger, presented "Obtaining Nadcap Accreditation: Helping You Pass Your Audit." Read the full technical papers at www.IpsenUSA.com/Articles.
www.IpsenUSA.com/Products
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., displayed the Titan 2.0 heat treating vacuum furnace and PdMetrics software platform for predictive maintenance at ASM International’s Heat Treat 2015 conference.
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Vaporized foil actuator welding produces bonds 50% stronger
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Engineers at Ohio State University, Columbus, report that they have developed vaporized foil actuator (VFA) welding, a technique that consumes 80% less energy than conventional techniques, yet produces bonds that are 50% stronger. In VFA, a high-voltage capacitor bank creates a very short electrical pulse inside a thin piece of aluminum foil. Within microseconds, the foil vaporizes, and a burst of hot gas pushes two pieces of metal together at speeds approaching thousands of miles per hour.
The pieces don't melt, preventing the formation of a seam of weakened metal between them. Instead, the impact directly bonds the atoms of one metal to atoms of the other. Seen under a high-powered microscope, the bond often features delicate curlicues in spots where veins of both materials extend outward and wrap around each other.
The technique needs less energy because the electrical pulse is so short, and because the energy required to vaporize the foil is less than that required to melt the metal parts.
So far, the engineers have successfully bonded different combinations of copper, aluminum, magnesium, iron, nickel, and titanium. They have created strong bonds between commercial steel and aluminum alloys--a feat which is impossible normally. Also, high-strength steel and aluminum join together with weld regions that are stronger than the base metals.
Glenn Daehn, a Fellow of ASM and professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State, who helped develop the new technique, explained the new process in a keynote address at the ASM Materials Science & Technology 2015 meeting recently in Columbus.
www.osu.edu
Engineers at Ohio State University, Columbus, report that they have developed vaporized foil actuator (VFA) welding, a technique that consumes 80% less energy than conventional techniques, yet produces bonds that are 50% stronger.
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New welding technique welds “unweldable” metals
October 29, 2015
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Engineers at The Ohio State University, Columbus, developed a new welding technique that consumes 80% less energy than a common welding technique, yet creates bonds that are 50% stronger. The new technique could have a huge impact on the auto industry, which is poised to offer new cars which combine traditional heavy steel parts with lighter, alternative metals to reduce vehicle weight.
Despite recent advances in materials design, alternative metals still pose a challenge to manufacturers in practice. Many are considered unweldable by traditional means, in part because high heat and re-solidification weaken them, said Glenn Daehn, professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State, who helped develop the new technique.
"Materials have gotten stronger, but welds haven't. We can design metals with intricate microstructures, but we destroy the microstructure when we weld," he says. "With our method, materials are shaped and bonded together at the same time, and they actually get stronger." Daehn explained the new process in a keynote address at the Materials Science & Technology 2015 meeting recently in Columbus.
In a common technique called resistance spot welding, manufacturers pass a high electrical current through pieces of metal, so that the metals' natural electrical resistance generates heat that partially melts them together and forms a weld. The drawbacks: generating high currents consumes a lot of energy, and the melted portions of metal are never as strong afterward as they were before.
Over the last decade, Daehn and his team have been trying to find ways around those problems. They've amassed more than half a dozen patents on a system called vaporized foil actuator (VFA) welding. In VFA, a high-voltage capacitor bank creates a very short electrical pulse inside a thin piece of aluminum foil. Within microseconds (millionths of a second), the foil vaporizes, and a burst of hot gas pushes two pieces of metal together at speeds approaching thousands of miles per hour.
The pieces do not melt, so there is no seam of weakened metal between them. Instead, the impact directly bonds the atoms of one metal to atoms of the other. Seen under a high-powered microscope, the bond is actually quite beautiful, and often features delicate curlicues in spots where veins of both materials extend outward and wrap around each other. The technique uses less energy because the electrical pulse is so short, and because the energy required to vaporize the foil is less than what would be required to melt the metal parts.
So far, the engineers have successfully bonded different combinations of copper, aluminum, magnesium, iron, nickel and titanium. They have created strong bonds between commercial steel and aluminum alloys—a feat which is impossible normally. Also, high-strength steel and aluminum join together with weld regions that are stronger than the base metals.
The technique is powerful enough to shape metal parts at the same time it welds them together, saving manufacturers a step. Daehn and his team now want to join with manufacturers to further develop the technology, which will be licensed through Ohio State's Technology Commercialization Office.
This project is funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and was one of the first to participate in I-Corps@Ohio, a new collaboration modeled after and approved by NSF's successful I-Corps commercialization program. Ohio is the first to have a statewide collaboration that is based on the NSF model, yet fully funded by the state. The program is funded and supported by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The Materials Science & Engineering annual meeting is organized by the American Ceramic Society, the Association for Iron & Steel Technology, ASM International, and the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.
Image caption — Microscope view of steel (top) welded to aluminum alloy (bottom) using a new technique developed at The Ohio State University. Courtesy of Glenn Daehn/OSU.
Engineers at The Ohio State University developed a new welding technique that consumes 80% less energy than a common welding technique, yet creates bonds that are 50% stronger—creating a huge impact on the auto industry.
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