Atomic structure model enables prediction of metal combinations that can form metallic glasses
September 23, 2015
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Australia's University of New South Wales (UNSW) announces that a research team has developed a method for predicting the combinations of metals that can form metallic glass alloys The method has enabled researchers to successfully predict more than 200 such alloys based on magnesium, silver, copper, zinc, and titanium. The photo shows magnesium-based bulk metallic glass castings.
The team includes Prof. Kevin Laws and Prof. Michael Ferry of the UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering, and ASM Fellow Dr. Daniel Miracle, Chief Scientist in the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
They describe the method in "A Predictive Model for Metallic Glasses," published Sept. 15 in the journal Nature Communications. Here is the abstract:
"Great progress has been made in understanding the atomic structure of metallic glasses, but there is still no clear connection between atomic structure and glass-forming ability. Here we give new insights into perhaps the most important question in the field of amorphous metals: How can glass-forming ability be predicted from atomic structure?
"We give a new approach to modelling metallic glass atomic structures by solving three long-standing problems: we discover a new family of structural defects that discourage glass formation; we impose efficient local packing around all atoms simultaneously; and we enforce structural self-consistency.
"Fewer than a dozen binary structures satisfy these constraints, but extra degrees of freedom in structures with three or more different atom sizes significantly expand the number of relatively stable, ‘bulk' metallic glasses. The present work gives a new approach towards achieving the long-sought goal of a predictive capability for bulk metallic glasses."
The new structural model predicts the most stable binary metallic glass topologies, which allows scientists to predict the metal combinations that will have glass-forming ability.
"We will also be able to engineer these materials on an atomic scale so they have the specific properties we want," says Prof. Laws. "We can start to create many new useful metallic glass types and begin to understand the atomic fundamentals behind their exceptional properties."
https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/futuristic-alloys-three-times-stronger-steel-yet-malleable-chewing-gum
Australia’s University of New South Wales announces that a research team has developed a method for predicting the combinations of metals that will produce metallic glass alloys.
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Constellium to invest $35 million in Ravensport plant for advanced aluminum alloys
September 15, 2015
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Constellium N.V., Amsterdam, announces that it will invest $35 million at its Ravenswood aluminum plant in West Virginia to improve quality and increase output production across the entire product range. In particular, a new 800 Kt pusher furnace will increase pre-heating capacity, and will be primarily dedicated to the manufacture of advanced aluminum alloys.
"The pusher furnace will be a breakthrough for our plant in terms of homogenization capacity," emphasized Buddy Stemple, CEO of Constellium Rolled Products LLC. "Moreover, it demonstrates the confidence and value we place in the expertise of our employees and the confidence the group has in the Ravenswood plant, which is helping us pave the way for sustainable growth in the future."
Constellium's Ravenswood plant is one of the world's largest facilities for the manufacturing of rolled aluminum products, offering customers the world's most powerful plate stretcher and one of the world's largest cold rolling mills. The plant supplies aluminum to a wide range of international industries, including leading aerospace, marine vessels, and military vehicle manufacturers.
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority has approved financing of $15 million of Constellium's investment. "We are pleased to partner with the WVEDA and the State of West Virginia in this significant investment in Ravenswood," says Mr. Stemple.
www.constellium.com
Constellium N.V., Amsterdam, announces that it will invest $35 million at its Ravenswood aluminum plant in West Virginia to improve quality and increase output production across the entire product range.
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Alcoa to invest $60 million to develop its Ampliforge 3D-printing plus forging process
September 9, 2015
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Alcoa, Pittsburgh, is investing $60 million in its R&D center to accelerate the development of advanced 3D-printing materials and processes. Its Ampliforge process combines advanced materials with additive and traditional manufacturing processes. For example, Alcoa engineers could design and 3D-print a nearly complete part, then increase the strength of the final part with a traditional manufacturing process such as forging.
The company says that the process can enhance the properties of 3D-printed parts by adding such properties as higher toughness and strength, versus parts made solely by additive manufacturing. Furthermore, the Ampliforge process is said to significantly reduce material input and to simplify production compared with traditional forging processes. Alcoa is piloting the technique in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Alcoa will produce materials designed specifically for a range of additive technologies to meet increasing demand for complex, high-performance 3D-printed parts for aerospace and other high-growth markets such as automotive, medical, and building and construction. The $60 million expansion is under construction at the Alcoa Technical Center near Pittsburgh.
Alcoa's materials scientists will produce proprietary aluminum, titanium, and nickel powders designed specifically for 3D-printing. These powders will be tailored for various additive manufacturing processes to produce higher-strength 3D-printed parts, and to meet other quality and performance requirements.
With the industry's longest-running history of certifying aerospace components and qualifying processes, Alcoa will use its testing and process control expertise to overcome challenges with certifying new 3D-printed parts, starting with aerospace applications.
Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016. The project will create more than 100 full-time positions—including materials specialists, design experts, and process and inspection technologists—by 2017, and approximately 45 temporary jobs during construction.
www.alcoa.com
Alcoa, Pittsburgh, is investing $60 million in its R&D center to accelerate the development of advanced 3D-printing materials and processes.
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Contour Hardening receives ISO/TS certification of heat treating facility in Mexico
September 8, 2015
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Contour Hardening Inc., Indianapolis, the developer of patented Micropulse induction heat treating technology, announces the recent ISO/TS 16949:2009 certification of its heat-treating service facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. The company's U.S. heat-treating facility has been ISO/TS 16949:2009 certified since 2004, and the new designation for its Contour Hardening Operaciones S.de R.L. de C.V. provides greater levels of convenience, capability, and cost-effectiveness.
The rapid expansion of vehicle and related component manufacturing in Mexico has resulted in a local deficit of TS-certified suppliers in general, and induction heat treating process service providers specifically. With its new TS certification, Contour Hardening will have rare, in-country capabilities to deliver direct-to-line parts, components, and assemblies that meet the industry's mandated heat-treating standards.
The Micropulse Process rapidly hardens gear teeth and other irregularly shaped parts requiring a high degree of case-depth hardening and pattern accuracy. Contour Hardening's patented processes have dramatically altered the traditional methods of heat treating gears and other irregularly shaped, complex parts that demand rigorous dimensional integrity. Parts heat-treated by CHI's patented processes exhibit less distortion, provide higher strength and durability, and enable parts with quality superior to that of other heat-treating methods.
Patented Micropulse induction heat-treating equipment is built to ISO standards and has been the industry's gold standard since Contour Hardening invented the technology almost 30 years ago. Today, the company's Micropulse equipment continues to process parts for virtually every major automotive manufacturer in the world.
By offering ISO/TS 16949:2009 certified contract processing, the company enables suppliers to meet stringent OEM heat treating requirements, while avoiding the initial capital expenditures associated with equipment and staffing. Once mature production volumes have been realized, suppliers can purchase the same Micropulse equipment that has been successfully processing their parts.
http://www.contourhardening.com
To view videos of the Micropulse Process, please visit:
http://www.contourhardening.com/videos.html
Contour Hardening Inc., Indianapolis, the developer of patented Micropulse induction heat treating technology, announces the recent ISO/TS 16949:2009 certification of its heat treating service facility in Guanajuato, Mexico.
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Seco-Warwick Allied commissions two aluminum melting and holding furnaces
August 31, 2015
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Seco-Warwick Allied, India, recently commissioned two 60-metric-ton aluminum melting and holding furnaces for Hindalco Industries Ltd. The furnace design was prepared in conjunction with Seco-Warwick Corp. (USA). The furnaces are electrically heated with a hydraulic mechanism for tilting, and are designed for a melting rate of 1.3 metric tons per hour (minimum) each.
High inputs of fuel are required when melting aluminum; smaller amounts are required for holding the molten metal. Special attention is given to combustion control of fuel/air mixtures, furnace pressure, and temperature. Each system is equipped with solid state safety protection, high-temperature limits, and an alarm system.
The furnaces feature rugged steel construction reinforced with structural members at various key points. Points of localized stress such as door openings, tap and drain locations, and openings into external wells, receive additional reinforcement.
Burner placement is carefully analyzed to provide maximum coverage while providing the fastest melt rate possible. Special care is taken to select the correct burner so that just enough heat is applied to the furnace to do the job, but not too much as to cause problems with metal quality, high metal loss, or short furnace lining life.
The furnaces have been provided with doors for charging of solid metal or for skimming, and a door for charging of liquid metal by overhead crane. The scope of supply includes the furnace with heating, hydraulic system, PLC, and SCADA, with launders to feed an ingot casting machine. The launders lids have been designed for operation through a pneumatic cylinder arrangement.
Hindalco Industries Ltd., the flagship company of the Aditya Vikram Birla Group, seeks to be the growth engine of the group in the nonferrous metals business. A $41 billion corporation, the Aditya Birla Group is in the league of Fortune 500.
www.secowarwick.com
Seco-Warwick Allied, India, recently commissioned two 60-metric-ton aluminum melting and holding furnaces for Hindalco Industries Ltd.
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“The Heat Is On:” New social event at Heat Treat 2015
August 26, 2015
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The ASM Heat Treating Society, Materials Park, Ohio, is pleased to announce that a new social event will be held at Heat Treat 2015 in Detroit.
This party overlooking the waterfront will feature dinner, an open bar, "hot" fire-related entertainment, and much more. It will take place on Wednesday, October 21st from 7-10 pm. Cost will be $60 per person, and tickets are available to purchase when you register.
Kelly Thomas, Senior Manager of Global Events at ASM International, is looking forward to a memorable evening. "Since the Heat Treating Society started in Detroit, it's only fitting that we present the first Heat Treat Conference networking event there."
To register for "The Heat Is On," simply add it to your conference registration.
Organized by ASM International, the biannual Heat Treat Conference is recognized by industry, academia, and government professionals as the premier heat treating gathering in North America. This year it is taking placing in Detroit, a city with deep roots in heat treating and the birthplace of the ASM Heat Treating Society.
To register for Heat Treat 2015 and "The Heat is On," visit asminternational.org/heattreat
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.
To learn more about ASM International, visit www.asminternational.org.
About The ASM Heat Treating Society
HTS, an Affiliate Society of ASM International formed in 1994, is the world's largest network of heat treaters. HTS members work to provide events and services to serve their worldwide membership of captive and commercial heat treaters, equipment manufacturers, researchers, governments and technicians. HTS members have their own unique leadership and agenda to serve the global heat treating community, and are dedicated to: Bringing heat treaters together to discuss heat treating challenges; providing the technical information, knowledge and education needed by all heat treaters; serving as a central clearinghouse for information of value to heat treaters; and interfacing with all organizations that serve heat treaters.
To learn more about HTS, visit www.asminternational.org/hts3-new
The ASM Heat Treating Society, Materials Park, Ohio, is pleased to announce that a new social event will be held at Heat Treat 2015 in Detroit.
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Allcast to add 29,000 square feet of aluminum die-casting capability
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Allcast LLC, Allenton, Wis., announces a $14 million, 29,000-square-foot addition to its current aluminum diecasting facility in the Town of Addison. Construction of the first phase, a 14,420-square-foot foundry expansion, is expected to be completed by October. The company provides a variety of precision aluminum tool and die services, including casting capabilities ranging from 400 to 1800 tons, CNC machining, drilling, tapping, grinding, turning, heat-treating, deburring, and finishing. It serves numerous blue-chip companies in the lighting, automotive and transportation, recreational vehicle, consumer goods and equipment, and industrial markets.
"We are very excited to be able to continue to grow and expand our operations here in Washington County," said Mark Magnarini, Allcast president and chief executive officer. "Wisconsin has always had a rich history in manufacturing, including tool and die and high-pressure die-casting, which has allowed Allcast to develop a very talented and dedicated team of people here. When we assessed our options for expansion in other geographic locations, it was the combination of our team of people and the tremendous support we received from the state, county, and local resources that provided us with a clear competitive advantage to expand here at home in Wisconsin."
www.allcastinc.com
Allcast LLC, Allenton, Wis., announces a $14 million, 29,000-square-foot addition to its current aluminum diecasting facility in the Town of Addison.
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Lake City acquires new vacuum furnace from VFS
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Lake City Heat Treating Corp., Warsaw, Ind., announces that it has acquired a new vacuum furnace, bringing the company's vacuum heat treating line to seven. The furnace features 6-bar capabilities, with a variable-speed 200 HP cooling blower. The VFS Model HIQ3836-6 furnace can achieve vacuums of 10−6 torr and process temperatures up to 2400°F with a work load size up to 24 x 24 x 36 in.
With this new furnace, LCHT now offers nitrogen as well as argon quench. These capabilities allow the company to process customer requirements to exact specifications. Lake City provides heat treating services for the aerospace, medical, and other quality-critical industries. It specializes in bright aging, hardening, annealing, and stress relieving of many different alloys, including nickel, cobalt, and titanium.
It provides aerospace heat treating, medical heat treating, and other state-of-the-art vacuum heat treating services for quality critical industries. Stainless steel tempering and other bright processing technologies are also available.
www.lakecityheattreating.com
Lake City Heat Treating Corp., Warsaw, Ind., announces that it has acquired a new vacuum furnace, bringing the company’s vacuum heat treating line to seven.
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Vac Aero launches series of articles on vacuum pump technology
August 16, 2015
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Vac Aero, Burlington, Ontario, announces that it will publish a new monthly column on vacuum pump technology in its "What's Hot" newsletter. It will be written by vacuum heat treating expert Dan Herring, The Heat Treat Doctor, in collaboration with Edwards Vacuum, and will offer helpful tips and techniques on vacuum pumping systems.
Titled "Practical Vacuum Pump Practice with Dan Herring," the purpose of this column is to inform, educate, and answer questions for anyone who owns and operates vacuum equipment or is thinking of doing so. Dan will draw upon his vast experience as well as work with leading Edwards' experts in the field of vacuum technology to provide examples of the concepts being discussed.
It will focus on commercial and captive heat treaters; engineers, metallurgists, maintenance personnel, supervisory staff, heat treat operators, quality control and quality assurance personnel, and anyone else who is interested in the subject of vacuum pumping and vacuum processing.
The first article will appear in the September 15th "What's Hot!" newsletter. This exclusive publication was launched back in September 2007. It contains hundreds of archived articles that can now be found in the "Resources" section of the Vac Aero website, where anyone can sign up for the monthly newsletter.
www.vacaero.com
Vac Aero, Burlington, Ontario, announces that it will publish a new monthly column on vacuum pump technology in its “What’s Hot” newsletter.
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Companies to jointly develop carbon fiber for lighter cars
August 13, 2015
Source: ASM International
The Ford Motor Co. and DowAksa signed a joint development agreement to formally advance research on cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing of automotive-grade carbon fiber.
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