ASM International developing stronger relationships
April 12, 2017
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Solar Atmospheres, Souderton, Pa., announces that it hosted a visit from the management team of ASM International on Wednesday, March 22. ASM's goal is to build stronger relationships with supporting companies, and to gain a better understanding of Solar's commitment and involvement with ASM.
Managing Director Bill Mahoney, along with Ron Aderhold, ASM Associate Managing Director and Chief Information Officer; Fred Schmidt, ASM Vice President; and Rachel Stewart, Student Board Trustee, met with representatives from Solar and toured the facility in Souderton.
ASM presented firsthand information on the objectives and progress of the ASM renewal, spearheaded by Director Mahoney. Some of the objectives include pursuing an easier renewal process, developing stronger relations with affiliate societies, improving professional development, and building a culture of excellence within the headquarters at Materials Park, Ohio.
Solar Atmospheres came away from this meeting with a high level of confidence in the new management team at ASM. "We are encouraged with the early results from the renewal deployments," said Roger Jones, Corporate President, Solar Atmospheres. "Solar offers our complete support of the program for the betterment of the society."
For additional information about Solar Atmospheres, please contact Mike Moyer, Director of Sales at 215-721-1502 x1207, or [email protected], or visit us at www.solaratm.com
Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Jim Nagy, President, Solar Manufacturing; Don Jordan, FASM, Vice President/Corporate Metallurgist, Solar Atmospheres; Bill Mahoney, Managing Director, ASM International; Fred Schmidt, Vice President, ASM; Ron Aderhold, Associate Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, ASM; Rachel Stewart, Student Board Trustee, ASM; Jamie Jones, VP of Operations, Solar Atmospheres; Roger Jones, Corporate President, Solar Atmospheres.
Solar Atmospheres, Souderton, Pa., announces that it hosted a visit from the management team of ASM International on Wednesday, March 22.
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Nucor invests $85 million to upgrade rolling mill at its steel bar mill in Marion, Ohio
April 2, 2017
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Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., announces that it will invest $85 million to upgrade the rolling mill at its Marion, Ohio, steel bar mill, which is Ohio's largest producer of rebar and signpost, and is capable of producing over 400,000 tons annually.
"Our Marion mill recently celebrated its 100th year of steelmaking. With this project to modernize the rolling mill, we are investing in the next 100 years," said John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO, and President of Nucor. "Updating the technology in the rolling mill will help Nucor Steel Marion maintain a cost competitive position by reducing operating costs. This will allow us to better serve our customers in Ohio and surrounding states."
"This modernization project will enhance our ability to produce the most-efficient and highest-quality recycled steel available in the market," says Mike Hess, General Manager of Nucor Steel Marion Inc "We are especially proud to make this investment in the Marion community. We thank Governor John Kasich, our local officials, our teammates, and the entire community for their support of this project. We also thank the Administration for making strong trade enforcement a priority and for its commitment to restoring American manufacturing."
Nucor Steel Marion employs 265 teammates and has an annual payroll of approximately $23 million, making it one of the highest-salary manufacturers in Marion County and the state of Ohio. The modernization project has the potential to add an additional fifteen jobs at the mill.
Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the United Sstates and Canada. Products include carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet, and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating; and wire and wire mesh. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, and HBI/DRI.
http://www.nucor.com
Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., announces that it will invest $85 million to upgrade the rolling mill at its Marion, Ohio, steel bar mill, which is Ohio’s largest producer of rebar and signpost, and is capable of producing over 400,000 tons annually.
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Buehler supports ASM World Training Center with metallographic and test equipment
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ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that Buehler, an ITW Company in Lake Bluff, Ill., has renewed its collaboration with ASM by supporting the ASM World Training Center with new metallographic and test instruments. Through this continuing effort, ASM will include Buehler's newest metallographic preparation equipment: the EcoMet 300 Polisher/Grinder, the IsoMet High Speed precision saw, and the SimpliMet 4000 duplex mounting press.
Also included are Buehler's industry-leading Wilson VH Series hardness testing instruments with automated DiaMet software. A multitude of consumables, from abrasive discs to epoxies to hardness blocks, will all be available at the ASM Training Center. ASM will use the new instruments in advanced metallography training courses designed to teach participants about high-precision manufacturing and materials testing techniques.
Dedicated to informing, educating, and connecting the materials community to solve problems and stimulate innovation around the world, ASM International offers education courses providing hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment from Buehler and other ASM partners. Advanced metallography and materials science courses are taught by industry veterans and academic leaders at the ASM Training Center and at customer sites, as well as through online courses and web content.
"This ongoing partnership will allow ASM to expand existing content and enhance the experience for both instructors and professionals within the industrial market space we all serve," says John Cerne, Senior Manager Education at ASM.
"I'm delighted that Buehler and ASM are continuing our longstanding partnership, providing first class services to the materials community," says Julien Noel, Buehler's Director of Marketing and Innovation. "Buehler's world-leading products complement perfectly the excellent training curriculum and facilities at the ASM Training Center. As manufacturing technologies continue to develop in complexity, Buehler and ASM will be leading the way in generating quality equipment, consumables, solutions, and training courses to ensure that manufacturers have all the tools needed to produce the highest quality products."
www.buehler.com
www.asminternational.org
ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that Buehler, an ITW Company in Lake Bluff, Ill., has renewed its collaboration with ASM by supporting the ASM World Training Center with new metallographic and test instruments.
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One Minute Mentor: Control of Nitriding Potential at Low Temperatures
March 31, 2017
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The graph shows the case thickness for fluidized-bed nitrided 316L samples after 8 hours of treatment. The treatment temperature must be kept, ideally, below 430°C (805°F). The dissociation of NH3, and thus the nitriding potential, is controlled by the addition of H2, N2, and CH4 (which dissociates into carbon and hydrogen and also promotes nitrocarburizing) in the treatment atmosphere.
The addition of H2 and CH4 decreases the NH3 dissociation, and the addition of N2 increases the NH3 dissociation according to the following relationship:
%N = k[p(NH3)/p(H2)3/2]
where k is the equilibrium constant, and p is the partial pressure of NH3 and H2.
The final result is that, after 8 hours of nitriding treatment, the fluidized bed is able to produce a case approximately 8 µm at its thickest, as shown in the graph. In contrast, plasma nitriding of 316L samples for 8 hours would result in a layer thickness on the order of 18 to 20 µm.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Nitriding of Stainless Steels ⇒ Thermochemical Nitriding Treatments
The graph shows the case thickness for fluidized-bed nitrided 316L samples after 8 hours of treatment.
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Praxair to apply Tribomet protective coatings to Rolls-Royce jet engine parts
March 30, 2017
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Praxair Inc., Danbury, Conn., announces that its subsidiary Praxair Surface Technologies, Indianapolis, has been awarded a ten-year contract by Rolls-Royce to apply its Tribomet abrasive coatings to rotating components in jet engines for wide-body aircraft. The coatings help prevent frictional heating, increase fuel efficiency ,and extend component life. The project, which will begin in mid-2017, will be serviced from PST's coating operations in Indianapolis and Weston-super-Mare, England.
Tribomet MCrAlY coatings are produced by co-deposition of alloyed powders of specific particle size distribution with nickel and/or cobalt from conventional electroplating solutions, followed by a vacuum heat treatment.
"We are proud to extend our relationship with Rolls-Royce, a leading aerospace producer," said Freddie Sarhan, vice president for the Americas at Praxair Surface Technologies. "This is just the latest example of the type of long-term business relationships we develop with our customers to support their business growth in the United States and around the world. It also further builds on PST's long and successful history of serving the aerospace industry."
"We are very pleased to collaborate with Praxair Surface Technologies, a key supply chain partner, to expand our in-state relationships and contribute to the overall growth of the aerospace sector," said Jeff McInerney, Rolls-Royce vice president of supply chain, Americas.
Rolls-Royce is a major aerospace company in Indiana. However, this contract supports coating operations for Rolls-Royce Crosspointe, a facility located south of Richmond, Virginia, which manufactures engine components for its large Trent engine family.
www.praxair.com
Praxair Inc., Danbury, Conn., announces that its subsidiary Praxair Surface Technologies, Indianapolis, has been awarded a ten-year contract by Rolls-Royce to apply its Tribomet abrasive coatings to rotating components in jet engines for wide-body aircraft.
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Medical manufacturer chooses Ipsen Titan vacuum heat treating system
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., recently shipped a Titan H2 vacuum heat-treating system with 2-bar gas quenching to Costa Rica, where it will be used to manufacture surgical components. With its compact dimensions and superior quality, the Titan helps companies accelerate the pace of innovation while satisfying the strict legal requirements of the medical industry. The company also utilized Ipsen's full-scale support offerings with Ipsen U training, a spare parts kit, and installation/start-up support to advance their equipment and maximize uptime.
This standardized vacuum furnace features an 18x24x18-inch all-metal hot zone with a 1000-pound load capacity. It is capable of operating at temperatures of 1000 to 2400°F with ±10°F temperature uniformity.
Equipped with the PdMetrics platform for predictive maintenance – which securely connects to a network of integrated sensors on the furnace to gather and analyze data, run algorithms and provide real-time diagnostics – the Titan furnace provides sophisticated monitoring of critical systems and key parameters that improve the health and integrity of the equipment. They also received a gas backfill reservoir, a loader with a 2000-pound load capacity, and a complete air-cooled, closed-loop water system.
The manufacturer decided to take a proactive approach to preventive maintenance by ordering one of Ipsen's spare parts kits. These kits help ensure equipment uptime and keep the furnace running smoothly. They also opted for technical support and training, including installation supervision, start-up service and seats at Ipsen U – a three-day course that provides a broad overview of furnace equipment, processes, and maintenance using a hands-on approach to learning.
www.IpsenUSA.com/TITAN
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., recently shipped a Titan H2 vacuum heat-treating system with 2-bar gas quenching to Costa Rica, where it will be used to manufacture surgical components.
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Lindberg/MPH ships gas fired zinc melting, holding furnace for diecasting
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Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired melting and holding furnace with a maximum temperature of 850°F for melting and holding up to 45,000 pounds of molten zinc for diecasting. The furnace incorporates seven immersion tubes, each with its own burner and ratio regulator control.
The system is rated at 2,300,000 BTU/hr. The furnace temperature controller includes a PID loop and LED display. The furnace includes an adjacent pump well with stainless steel weir to isolate dross. A splash shield was added to protect combustion piping from molten metal contact. The 180°F exhaust deflector improves efficiency and reduces noise.
"The design of this system facilitates energy-efficient melting and holding of the zinc and precise temperature control. Lindberg/MPH also supplied control and power wiring." – Andrew Paul
This Lindberg/MPH furnace features individually operable spark ignited burners with flame rod flame safety. Each burner has its own gas/air ratio regulator assuring the correct air and gas mixture for dependable ignition and efficient combustion. On-off firing allows for a wide input range virtually eliminating temperature creep.
www.Lindbergmph.com
Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired melting and holding furnace with a maximum temperature of 850°F for melting and holding up to 45,000 pounds of molten zinc for diecasting.
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Wisconsin Oven four-zone conveyor furnace heat-treats AR-15 forged aluminum parts
March 29, 2017
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped a natural gas-fired four-zone solution treatment conveyor furnace for treating forged aluminum parts for AR-15 rifles prior to quenching in water. The maximum operating temperature is 1100°F, and the work chamber dimensions are 4 1/6 ft. wide x 60 ft. long X 1 ft. high.
Each of the four work zones has dimensions of 4 1/6 ft. wide X 15 ft. long X 1 ft. high. The design capacity of the furnace is 1500 pounds per hour of aluminum. The equipment achieves temperature uniformity of +/-10°F at 750°F and 1100°F.
The conveyor furnace shell features "CAN" type, double-wall construction and includes two inches of 14# density high temperature industrial mineral wool insulation, backed with six inches of 6# density, industrial board type insulation, for a total of eight inches. The shell, including the roof, consists of Wisconsin Oven's patented high-efficiency Expandable Surface Design. The solution treatment furnace utilizes a flat wire belt to transfer parts through the work zones.
"Temperature control and uniformity was a critical feature in the design of this system," says Mike Grande, Sales Manager. The equipment achieves the tightest temperature tolerances available in the industry for a furnace of its type."-
The conveyor furnace was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment from our facility. All safety interlocks are checked for proper operation and the equipment is operated at the normal and maximum operating temperatures. An extensive quality assurance check list was completed to ensure the equipment met all Wisconsin Oven quality standards.
www.wisoven.com
Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped a natural gas-fired four-zone solution treatment conveyor furnace for treating forged aluminum parts for AR-15 rifles prior to quenching in water.
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Instron website explains new ISO 6892-1:2016 for ambient tensile testing of metals
March 22, 2017
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Instron, Norwood, Mass., reports that the newly released ISO 6892-1:2016 standard for ambient tensile testing of metallic materials provides greater clarity of the major changes that were introduced in the previous version, ISO 6892-1:2009.
The 2009 version of the standard introduced testing rates based on strain rate (Method A). Method A was based on maintaining a strain rate around the area of interest (yield), whereas traditional testing was based on having a constant stress rate during the elastic region (Method B).
As some metals are strain-rate sensitive, Method A provides improved repeatability and allows for more comparable results by reducing the variation of test rates at the time when strain-rate sensitive parameters are determined. The introduction of Method A caused confusion. Many understood this as only being achievable by using equipment capable of closed-loop strain control, but this is not true. It is possible to conform to Method A of ISO 6892-1:2009 by using a constant crosshead speed.
To better clarify, the requirements of Method A, ISO 6892-1:2016 now includes two clearly defined approaches, Method A1 (closed-loop strain control) and Method A2 (constant crosshead separation rate).
The Instron website also features a video that demonstrates the changes.
www.instron.com
Instron, Norwood, Mass., reports that the newly released ISO 6892-1:2016 standard for ambient tensile testing of metallic materials provides greater clarity of the major changes that were introduced in the previous version, ISO 6892-1:2009.
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One Minute Mentor: Nitriding in Fluidized-Bed Reactors at Low Temperatures
March 16, 2017
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In nitriding treatment furnaces, the heating is done electrically, and the fluidizing gas composition is chosen to provide the optimum chemistry for the desired surface treatment (usually a mixture of NH3 + N2, with CH4 added when nitrocarburizing is desired). The granular solid is considered inert and does not react with the part being treated but is fundamental in establishing the fluidized bed and its outstanding properties.
For stainless steel nitriding, treatment temperature must be kept below 840°F to prevent the precipitation of chromium nitride. The lower treatment temperature increases the efficiency of the Cr2O3 barrier against nitriding; even after the acid treatment, there is still some oxide layer left at the steel surface.
The result is lower diffusion rates and lower nitriding potential (less dissociation of NH3, which is the mean supplier of atomic nitrogen needed for the nitriding treatment), as shown in the graph. The NH3 dissociation effect is controlled by changing the composition of the atmosphere, but the oxide layer would dissociate or become permeable only at much higher temperatures, which would cause the precipitation of nitrides and carbides in the case.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Nitriding of Stainless Steels ⇒ Thermochemical Nitriding Treatments
In nitriding treatment furnaces, the heating is done electrically, and the fluidizing gas composition is chosen to provide the optimum chemistry for the desired surface treatment (usually a mixture of NH3 + N2, with CH4 added when nitrocarburizing is desired).
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