Struers introduces high-capacity Rockwell and entry level Vickers hardness testers
May 14, 2017
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Struers, Cleveland, Ohio, announces that it will launch nine new Duramin hardness testers this year, beginning with the Duramin-170, a high-capacity hardness tester; and the Duramin-4, an entry level Vickers hardness tester.
The new Duramin range is said to represents the latest generation of highly successful hardness testers. With 30 years of experience within hardness testing, Struers is committed to constant improvement by listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs.
The Duramin-170 is a dedicated Rockwell tester with a load range between 1.0 and 250 kgf. It is suitable for fully automatic Rockwell testing, Jominy testing, and Rockwell testing of large samples. This is a high capacity Rockwell tester, with a motorized test head, optional motorized XY-stage, and an embedded PC. Duramin-170 is particularly suitable for Rockwell testing of large or tall samples or for fully automatic Jominy testing.
Duramin-4 is a manual micro and micro/macro hardness tester. This entry-level range of microhardness testers primarily targets Vickers testing, but can also be used for Knoop and Brinell testing. The Duramin-4 testers are equipped with a combination of manual and automatic features to ensure easy operation. Duramin-4 is available in two load ranges; 10 gf to 2.0 kgf, and 1 kgf to 62.5 kgf. It has an automatic six-position turret, manual XY-stage and Z-axis, and manual indent evaluation via an eyepiece.
www.struers.com
Struers, Cleveland, Ohio, announces that it will launch nine new Duramin hardness testers this year, beginning with the Duramin-170, a high-capacity hardness tester; and the Duramin-4, an entry level Vickers hardness tester.
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Siemens and Chromalloy form joint venture to cast turbine blade components
May 13, 2017
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Siemens AG, Germany, and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., have entered a partnership to form a new joint venture called Advanced Airfoil Components, which will cast turbine blade and vane components for power generation. Both partners are investing approximately $130 million in combined value to create a new production facility in the United States.
The location is being finalized, and multiple southern states are under evaluation. Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place later this year, and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018. The stand-alone manufacturing plant will supply only to Siemens. Start-up part qualifications and production shipments are in process at Chromalloy's existing facility.
"The decision to form a joint venture and a new production facility continues our strong commitment to the United States as a business location," says Willi Meixner, CEO of the Siemens Power and Gas Division. "Siemens and Chromalloy already have a long-lasting supplier relationship, and our new joint venture will exclusively supply Siemens with casting components for our gas turbines. We will continue our established key casting supplier partnerships and all the existing long-term agreements will be executed."
"Continuing to build our partnership is very important and shows the value we place in each other's capabilities and expertise," says Chromalloy president Carlo Luzzatto. "Chromalloy continues to be a leader in providing innovative, high-technology manufacturing capabilities for gas turbine engines. And we are going to bring those capabilities to help create and grow this new business with Siemens."
Siemens has more than 60 manufacturing sites and approximately 50,000 employees in the United States, where Siemens has invested $40 billion over the past 15 years.
www.siemens.com/press/PR2017050293PGEN
www.chromalloy.com
Siemens AG, Germany, and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., have entered a partnership to form a new joint venture called Advanced Airfoil Components, which will cast turbine blade and vane components for power generation.
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One Minute Mentor: Solubility of Nitrogen in Expanded Austenite
May 12, 2017
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The graph shows the solubility of nitrogen in expanded austenite (γN) as a function of the imposed nitrogen activity (aN) in a gas mixture of NH3 and H2 for the stainless steels and temperatures indicated in the legend.
Fully nitrided and denitrided conditions are indicated by aN = ∞ and aN = 0, respectively. The master curve can be applied for estimating the surface content of nitrogen for a gas mixture of known nitrogen activity aN = K(T) · K, with K(T) the temperature-dependent equilibrium constant of ammonia dissociation.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Low-Temperature Surface Hardening of Stainless Steel ⇒ Physical Metallurgy of Expanded Austenite
The graph shows the solubility of nitrogen in expanded austenite (?N) as a function of the imposed nitrogen activity (aN) in a gas mixture of NH3 and H2 for the stainless steels and temperatures indicated in the legend.
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Retech Systems develops hybrid plasma arc melting system for titanium aluminides
May 10, 2017
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Retech Systems LLC, Ukiah, Calif., reports that, after years of research and development between Retech and partner Ti-Solutions GmbH of Germany, Retech has been granted patents for a hybrid plasma-arc melting plus cold-wall induction system for titanium aluminides. The single-operation process converts raw materials into ingots that exhibit excellent homogeneity and a fine crystalline structure. This system solves a number of the typical issues associated with conventional melting and, ultimately, the atomization of titanium aluminide powders.
On May 18 at the ITA Europe 2017 conference in Amsterdam, Retech engineers will present "Advances in the Systems and Processes for the Production of Gamma Titanium Aluminide Bars and Powder." The paper will focus on the successful system and process development for ingots with lengths up to 1000 mm and diameters 53, 80, 100, and 200 mm. Additionally, the company's experience with powder production equipment and associated processes for selected gamma titanium aluminide alloys will be presented.
All developments have focused on cost-effective production for both product forms and, as such, an economic analysis will also be discussed.
"This is another example of Retech's commitment to developing real, viable solutions to the problems of today while being focused on tomorrow," says Rob Haun, Director of Product Development. "These systems and the process knowledge further support our efforts to facilitate the continued implementation of titanium aluminides in markets from jet engines to automotive turbochargers."
Retech, a Seco Warwick Group company, actively works with partners and customers to develop equipment and process solutions to meet and exceed expectations; this includes upstream elements as well as downstream components.
www.retechsystemsllc.com
Retech Systems LLC, Ukiah, Calif., reports that, after years of research and development between Retech and partner Ti-Solutions GmbH of Germany, Retech has been granted patents for a hybrid plasma-arc melting plus cold wall induction system for titanium aluminides.
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Baker Furnace heavy-duty industrial oven pre-heats aluminum ingots
May 5, 2017
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Baker Furnace, Brea, Calif., announces the shipment of a gas-fired batch oven for pre-heating large aluminum ingots that will be forged into aerospace parts at an aluminum forging company. The batch oven chamber is designed to withstand the impact of aluminum ingots weighing over 3000 pounds as a forklift operator drops the aluminum ingots into the oven chamber.
This oven has a maximum temperature rating of 1000°F, and work chamber dimensions of 14x11x6 feet. After pre-heating to 1000°F, the ingots are removed from the oven and placed in a forging press that forms the aluminum into the specified shape.
"For this project, we needed to pay special attention to the chamber and floor design to ensure that no damage would occur from the impact of the aluminum ingots being loaded," says Tim Bacon, VP Business Development. "A ten-inch thick hard castable refractory floor was one of the design features to make sure the oven could withstand the loading process."
http://bakerfurnace.com
Baker Furnace, Brea, Calif., announces the shipment of a gas-fired batch oven for pre-heating large aluminum ingots that will be forged into aerospace parts at an aluminum forging company.
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Lindberg/MPH ships aluminum melting and holding equipment for die casting
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Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., announces the shipment of an aluminum central melting furnace that holds 62,000 pounds of aluminum and has a melt rate of 6000 pounds per hour. The melting furnace is capable of delivering molten aluminum to a transfer ladle through a pneumatic well that has no moving parts. Air pressure is applied to the pumper by means of a blower, and molten aluminum is forced up a special discharge tube and into a transfer ladle.
The furnace is loaded with aluminum ingot, and sows across a preheat hearth. Returns are fed via conveyor system into an exterior side well that is interconnected to a circulation well equipped with a pump. The aluminum on the hearth receives tremendous preheat before being pushed into the bath, which increases efficiency and improves safety.
The metal temperature is controlled through digital temperature controllers and features automatic preheat and dry out. The flue gases are controlled with a mechanical flue damper, reducing flue losses during low-fire operation. A three-point laser metal-level sensor is provided to notify operators of the current furnace metal level through an attached light tree. A totalizing gas meter is also included to accurately measure gas usage.
Access grating and ladder are provided for safe access to the roof-mounted equipment during maintenance. "Operator safety is a top priority for our customer," says Andrew Paul, Sales Engineer. "This equipment features options for added safety during the loading and dispensing processes."
www.lindbergmph.com
Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., announces the shipment of an aluminum central melting furnace that holds 62,000 pounds of aluminum and has a melt rate of 6000 pounds per hour.
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Wisconsin Oven steam-heated ovens have temperature uniformity of ±5°F at 240°F
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped two steam-heated batch ovens to a leading manufacturer of industrial products for curing a water-based adhesive applied to rolls of sandpaper. The adhesive is needed for the sand to stick to the paper, and curing the adhesive provides for a more durable product. These ovens are a duplicate of a previous order, and were needed to meet increased production demands.
The curing ovens have a maximum operating temperature of 300°F and work chamber dimensions of 17.5x21.3x7.5 feet. The customer required temperature uniformity of ±5°F at 240°F for each batch oven, with uniformity verified by a twenty-point profile test. These ovens have sufficient capability to heat 35,000 pounds of product from 70°F to 240°F within two hours, and cool the load down to 140°F within three hours.
These batch ovens feature top-down airflow that is distributed through the work chamber by factory preset nozzles. Jumbo suction fans draw hot air through all the layers of the sandpaper rolls. The airflow arrangement provides optimum air flow efficiencies along with maximizing heating rates and temperature uniformity.
"At Wisconsin Oven, we pride ourselves on new and innovative designs," says Tom Trueman, Application Engineer. "For this project, large suction fans were used in the design to ensure that the hot air was drawing through all layers of the roll for a uniform cure of the adhesive."
www.wisoven.com
Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped two steam-heated batch ovens to a leading manufacturer of industrial products for curing a water-based adhesive applied to rolls of sandpaper.
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Hybrid technology combines 3D printing, traditional grinding to produce ship propeller
May 1, 2017
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The Port of Rotterdam announces that its Rotterdam Additive Manufacturing Lab (RamLab) is working with Autodesk, San Rafael, Calif., to build a large ship propeller by combining 3D printing with traditional milling and grinding. RamLab is an onsite facility that includes a pair of six-axis robotic arms capable of additively manufacturing large metal industrial parts. The port has partnered with Autodesk, which has played a key role in developing RamLab's hybrid manufacturing approach.
Hybrid manufacturing combines additive and subtractive manufacturing. 3D printing builds large ship components in metal, and traditional CNC milling and grinding methods are used for finishing. The combination reduces production time to days rather than the weeks needed for conventional methods.
The next step for the ship propeller pilot project will be the production of a full-scale version that will be fitted to a ship later this year.
"With the work being done at RamLab, the group hopes to accelerate the cross-industry adoption of hybrid manufacturing for making large-scale parts on-demand," says Vincent Wegener, managing director. "Our aim is to make the Port of Rotterdam not only an important gateway for Europe, but also a leader in the development of new manufacturing methods."
The website includes a video of the process.
https://www.theengineer.co.uk/dutch-engineers-unveil-3d-printed-ship-propeller/?cmpid=tenews_3349307
The Port of Rotterdam announces that its Rotterdam Additive Manufacturing Lab (RamLab) is working with Autodesk, San Rafael, Calif., to build a large ship propeller by combining 3D printing with traditional milling and grinding.
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Braidy Industries to invest $1.3 billion to build aluminum rolling mill in Kentucky
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Braidy Industries Inc., Ashland, Kentucky, announces that it will spend $1.3 billion to build an auto body sheet and aerospace plate aluminum rolling mill, the nation's first greenfield aluminum rolling mill in over three decades. The goal of the mill is to become the nation's low-cost producer of high quality auto body sheet aluminum, plate, and ultra-high strength alloys for the aerospace industry.
The mill will open with capacity of 370,000 tons per annum, producing series 5000, 6000, and 7000 aluminum sheet and plate products. Braidy is also exploring new scientific nano-crystalline technical advances capable of improving molten metal-based manufacturing.
"By combining an advanced production capability with advanced metallurgical science, there is a great opportunity to reinvigorate metals manufacturing in United States," said ASM member Christopher Schuh, MIT metallurgist and member of the Braidy board of directors.
Ground will be broken at the 370-acre South Shore site in the first quarter of 2018. Over $1.3 billion will be spent on the mill, which is located in Greenup County Kentucky, close to the city of Ashland. The mill will be 2.5 million square feet under roof, with an ideal location on the great Ohio River, and already-permitted barge capacity. The CSX railroad runs through the property, and highway I-64 connects the mill site to some of the nation's largest auto-making and aerospace customers. The State of Kentucky exports more than $10 billion per year in aerospace products, ranking it second among all states in the United States.
www.braidyindustries.com
Braidy Industries Inc., Ashland, Kentucky, announces that it will spend $1.3 billion to build an auto body sheet and aerospace plate aluminum rolling mill, the nation’s first greenfield aluminum rolling mill in over three decades.
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One Minute Mentor: Physical Metallurgy of Expanded Austenite
April 27, 2017
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The microstructural feature responsible for the favorable technological properties resulting from low-temperature gaseous thermochemical treatment is a supersaturation of nitrogen and/or carbon in austenite. This is called expanded austenite.
An investigation of homogenous nitrogen-expanded austenite with adjusted contents of nitrogen (as controlled by gaseous nitriding) showed that nitrogen-expanded austenite has a face-centered cubic (fcc) Bravais lattice. The study also showed that systematic hkl-dependent peak shifts with respect to the perfect fcc peak positions can be explained from the presence of stacking faults .
This is the ultimate proof that the designation "S-phase" is inappropriate, because no new phase develops, but rather a diffusion zone where the austenite lattice is expanded as a consequence of an interstitial supersaturated solid solution.
The graph shows the lattice parameter of (expanded) austenite as a function of the interstitial content of nitrogen and carbon. The data were obtained with x-ray diffraction on nitrided or carburized thin foils.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Low-Temperature Surface Hardening of Stainless Steel
The microstructural feature responsible for the favorable technological properties resulting from low-temperature gaseous thermochemical treatment is a supersaturation of nitrogen and/or carbon in austenite. This is called expanded austenite.
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