Bruker introduces nano-scratch capability for nanomechanical testing
November 13, 2016
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Bruker's Nano Surfaces Division, San Jose, Calif., announces a nanoscale scratch option for its NanoForce Nanomechanical Testing System. The new option brings the low-noise floor, precision, and stability of the NanoForce to controlled lateral displacement between tip and sample during nanoindentation. This significantly expands the platform's capability to characterize the resistance of thin films and coatings to scratching, cracking, chipping, scuffing, and delamination.This expanded capability does not compromise its ability to accurately investigate the uniformity of mechanical properties via instrumented indentation tests on nanoscale surfaces and structures over large sample areas. An optional 200 mm vacuum chuck offers convenience for the mounting of wafer samples, and built-in safety features protect the head assembly during translation of the X-Y stages.
"The NanoForce system already has a reputation of being well suited for testing of modulus and hardness of thin films and coatings with its standard dynamic testing methods," says Min Yang, Director of Applications at Bruker Nano Surfaces. "The addition of nanoscratch capabilities to perform characterization of other important thin film mechanical properties on a single, high-performance platform greatly enhances this legacy and positions NanoForce as an invaluable asset for the investigation of nanomechanical performance of new material systems."
"NanoForce has demonstrated superior capabilities for some of the most challenging nanoindentation applications in research labs," added James Earle, Vice President and General Manager of Bruker's Tribology, Stylus and Optical Metrology Business. "The new nanoscale scratch capabilities demonstrate our commitment to delivering the most advanced nanomechanical material testing and analysis solutions available anywhere."
Leveraging the accuracy enabled by electromagnetic actuation technology, NanoForce is a nanomechanical testing system that delivers high sensitivity at industry-leading measurement speeds. NanoForce features powerful, user-friendly measurement and control software, which enables real-time experimental control based on recorded or calculated data. Built upon Bruker's ubiquitous Dimension Icon AFM product architecture, the innovative gantry design and hardware architecture provide excellent positional accuracy as well as acoustic and vibration isolation to establish an optimal testing environment for challenging nanoindentation applications in materials science.
www.bruker.com
Bruker’s Nano Surfaces Division, San Jose, Calif., announces a nanoscale scratch option for its NanoForce Nanomechanical Testing System.
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Ampco Pittsburgh acquires ASW Steel for its specialty steel products
November 8, 2016
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Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp., Carnegie, Pa., has acquired ASW Steel Inc., Welland, Ontario, a specialty steel producer with customers in the oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation, and construction industries. ASW offers a unique combination of carbon, stainless, and other specialty steelmaking capabilities, as well as flexible steel refining methods such as argon oxygen decarburization, vacuum oxygen decarburization, vacuum degassing, and a ladle metallurgical station.
According to John Stanik, Ampco-Pittsburgh's Chief Executive Officer, "This acquisition is a very important element in Ampco-Pittsburgh's strategic diversification plan. ASW's proven broad expertise in flexible steel refining methods will provide us with the capabilities to manufacture the additional chemistries needed to expand our reach in the open-die forging market. The transaction also enhances our ability to grow in markets in which we currently participate and to add new markets."
"Our combined capabilities will offer forgers, ring rollers, and rolling mills, a high-quality supplier with the broadest range of specialized steel products in the marketplace," says Tim Clutterbuck, President of ASW Steel, Inc.
The total purchase price was approximately $13.1 million, including $3.5 million in cash and assumption of approximately $9.6 million of outstanding indebtedness.
ASW, whose annual revenues are approximately $48 million, will be an indirect subsidiary of Union Electric Steel Corporation, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Ampco-Pittsburgh. Union Electric Steel is a leading producer of forged and cast engineered products for the global steel and aluminum industries.
www.ampcopgh.com
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp., Carnegie, Pa., has acquired ASW Steel Inc., Welland, Ontario, a specialty steel producer with customers in the oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation, and construction industries.
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Arconic wins billion-dollar contract from Airbus for aluminum sheet and plate
November 7, 2016
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Arconic, Pittsburgh, Pa., announces a multi-year contract with Airbus valued at approximately $1 billion, to supply aluminum sheet and plate for its highest-volume programs. This agreement is the first to include material from Arconic's new state-of-the-art thick plate stretcher, which will come online in 2017 and enables production of the largest high-strength monolithic wing ribs in the industry. Located at the Davenport (Iowa) Works, the stretcher enhances the performance of thick aluminum and aluminum-lithium plate in wing ribs and fuselage frame material.
The stretching process reduces stress introduced into the plate as part of the manufacturing process, resulting in a part that is more easily machined and processed. For example, as composite wings get larger, one of the challenges is strength and stiffness, and the aluminum plate from this stretcher will enable Arconic to make wing ribs to address that issue. The addition will also enable Arconic to serve the existing plate market, while also providing airframe builders with the ability to make large wing ribs, fuselage frames, and bulkheads using Arconic thick plate.
"This large contract is a further important step to expand our leadership position in the aerospace industry," says Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and CEO of Arconic. "We are proud that Airbus has chosen us to support its fastest growing, technologically advanced programs. Partnerships like this with industry leaders are core to our strategy, and this contract is another proof-point of the potential that lies in it. We continue to focus on developing products and technologies that take all of our aerospace customers to new heights." Arconic's most significant share gain in the contract is in the A320 family, which is Airbus' highest growth program.
The multi-year agreement starts in January 2017 and makes Arconic sole supplier to Airbus for specific applications, including some wing, fuselage, and structural components. In addition to Arconic's proprietary alloys – chosen for their combination of strength, corrosion resistance, density, and manufacturability – Airbus planes will feature Arconic plate products on every platform, in key applications such as wing ribs, fuselage frames, and other structural parts.
www.arconic.com
Arconic, Pittsburgh, Pa., announces a multi-year contract with Airbus valued at approximately $1 billion, to supply aluminum sheet and plate for its highest-volume programs.
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One Minute Mentor: Iron-Nickel Precipitation-Hardenable Superalloys
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It is important to note that tensile properties are influenced not only by heat treatment, but also by control of structure during thermomechanical processing. The graph shows the effects of temperature and grain size on tensile properties of Incoloy 901 forgings in the solution-treated, stabilized, and aged condition. (AC = air cooled.)
Specifically, the graph shows the effect of solution temperatures from 1750 to 2000°F and grain sizes ranging from ASTM 2 to 12 on tensile properties of Incoloy 901 processed using this method. The high-cycle fatigue strength of Incoloy 901 doubled as a result of the reduction in grain size from ASTM 2 to 12. The low-cycle fatigue also improved greatly with decreasing grain size.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Precipitation-Hardenable Stainless Steels and Iron-Base Superalloys ⇒ Iron-Nickel Precipitation-Hardenable Superalloys
It is important to note that tensile properties are influenced not only by heat treatment, but also by control of structure during thermomechanical processing.
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PdMetrics software now included with Ipsen Titan heat treat systems
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that its PdMetrics platform is now included standard with its Titan heat treating systems. PdMetrics securely connects to a network of integrated sensors on the furnace to gather and analyze data, run algorithms, and provide real-time diagnostics. As a result, these Titan furnaces provide sophisticated monitoring of critical systems and key parameters that improve the health and integrity of the equipment.
Ipsen recently delivered two Titan H2-size vacuum furnaces with 1.9-bar gas quenching and the PdMetrics platform to Japan. Shipped within three weeks of each other, these furnaces will be used by separate commercial heat treaters and feature 18 x 24 x 18-inch graphite hot zones with a 1000-pound load capacity. They operate at temperatures up to 2400°F with ±10°F uniformity, and are capable of meeting applicable AMS 2750E and Nadcap requirements.
Both companies also took a proactive approach to preventive maintenance by ordering one of Ipsen's many spare parts kits. These kits consist of consumable and preventive maintenance items to help ensure equipment uptime and keep the furnace running smoothly.
www.IpsenUSA.com/TITAN
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that its PdMetrics platform is now included standard with its Titan heat treating systems.
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Russian scientists develop strong shape memory alloy based on Fe-Ni-Co-Al
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The Tomsk University Laboratory for Physics of High-Strength Crystals, Russia, announces that its researchers have designed a new high-strength iron-base shape-memory alloy whose properties are developed through a heat treatment technology that they have patented. "We especially use iron-nickel-cobalt-aluminum, plus a fifth element that could be titanium, niobium, or tantalum," says Prof. Yury Chumlyakov, head of the laboratory. "These alloys can compete with nickel titanium."
In particular, the researchers claim that the alloys have a reversible change in shape of about 15%, while nickel-titanium alloys have about 10%. Thus, the sensors and actuators made of the alloys would work more effectively. The iron-base alloys are also said to have high strength, important for practical use in devices that must withstand high external loads, such as components for the aerospace and engineering industries.
The laboratory researchers emphasize that these sensors and actuation devices would be not only stronger, but also cheaper than nickel-titanium. Thus, they can reduce the cost of production of household equipment, fire alarm sensors, connecting elements for aerospace and automotive components, and many other devices.
The scientists developed the material within the framework of the project called "Mechanisms of Phase and Structural Transformations in High-Strength Crystals of Iron and Nickel-Titanium Based Alloys with Conventional and Magnetic Shape Memory Effect." This project is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation in the amount of $790,000. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of actuating mechanisms and sensors for mechanical engineering, aerospace, and other industries. The laboratory plans to continue studying these alloys.
The results of their study were presented at the international conference Alloys with Shape Memory Effect (St. Petersburg).
http://en.tsu.ru/news/tsu-physicists-have-created-a-high-strength-material-for-the-aerospace/
http://en.tsu.ru/
The Tomsk University Laboratory for Physics of High-Strength Crystals, Russia, announces that its researchers have designed a new high-strength iron-base shape-memory alloy whose properties are developed through a heat treatment technology that they have patented.
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American Axle acquires Metaldyne Performance Group
November 6, 2016
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American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Detroit, and Metaldyne Performance Group Inc., Southfield, Mich., announce that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which AAM will acquire MPG for approximately $1.6 billion in cash and stock, plus the assumption of $1.7 billion in net debt. The combination brings together highly complementary businesses and forms a global Tier 1 supplier with broad capabilities across powertrain, drivetrain, and driveline product lines, as well as a diversified customer base and end-markets.
"MPG's expertise in complex, highly-engineered powertrain components and its global footprint will be tremendous assets to AAM," says David C. Dauch, AAM's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Together, we are forming a company with increased earnings potential and enhanced cash flow generation that will allow us to rapidly reduce leverage while fueling growth and delivering value to our shareholders."
According to George Thanopoulos, MPG's Chief Executive Officer, "MPG and AAM share a similar culture and value system, laser focused on quality, operational excellence and technology leadership, which creates a natural fit and clear path to value creation for stakeholders of both companies."
Under the terms of the agreement, each share of MPG's common stock will be converted into the right to receive $13.50 per share in cash and 0.5 share of AAM common stock. Upon closing of the transaction, AAM's shareholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company and MPG's shareholders will own approximately 30%. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is anticipated to close in the first half of 2017 subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
Concurrent with the signing of the merger agreement, AAM entered into a voting agreement with an affiliate of American Securities LLC, the controlling stockholder of MPG, pursuant to which American Securities LLC has agreed to vote in favor of and otherwise support the transaction, subject to the terms of the voting agreement. Following the transaction, an affiliate of American Securities LLC will own approximately 23% of the combined company.
www.mpgdriven.com
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Detroit, and Metaldyne Performance Group Inc., Southfield, Mich., announce that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which AAM will acquire MPG for approximately $1.6 billion in cash and stock, plus the assumption of $1.7 billion in net debt.
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Electric oxidizing oven heat treats Inconel trays for nuclear power fuel cell rods
November 2, 2016
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Baker Furnace Inc., Yorba Linda, Calif., has shipped an electric oxidizing oven to a manufacturer of components for nuclear power plants to heat treat Inconel support trays that hold nuclear fuel cell rods in place. The heat treating process extends the life of the trays and reduces production costs for the manufacturer.
The heat treating oven has a maximum temperature rating of 1350°F and work zone dimensions of 5 x 5 x 5 feet. The unique Baker Furnace door design offers a lifetime no-sag guarantee along with a pneumatic door locking mechanism. A recirculation fan provides approximately 25 air changes per minute through adjustable air distribution via sidewall ducts, with the return air at the rear of the work chamber for temperature uniformity of ±25°F at 1300°F. The oxidizing oven utilizes a programmable temperature controller with ramp and soak capabilities.
Unique features of this oxidizing oven include a 316L stainless steel interior; pneumonic door locking mechanism; 90kW rod style heating elements; 3000 CFM recirculation fans.
www.bakerfurnace.com
Baker Furnace Inc., Yorba Linda, Calif., has shipped an electric oxidizing oven to a manufacturer of components for nuclear power plants to heat treat Inconel support trays that hold nuclear fuel cell rods in place.
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Alcoa completes separation from parent company Arconic
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Alcoa Corp., Pittsburgh, announces that it has completed the separation from its parent company Alcoa Inc. (now named Arconic Inc.) and has begun operating as an independent, publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AA. Alcoa Corporation is a globally cost-competitive industry leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, positioned to succeed throughout the market cycle.
The separation was completed through a pro rata distribution by Alcoa Inc. of 80.1% of the outstanding shares of the newly formed Alcoa Corporation. Arconic will retain 19.9% of Alcoa Corporation common stock.
"We are launching Alcoa Corporation as a world leader in the aluminum industry with distinct competitive advantages across the value chain," says Roy Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Alcoa. "Our bauxite and alumina portfolios enjoy strong first quartile cost positions and our aluminum portfolio has a highly competitive second quartile position. We've made a commercial success of our cast products business. Our can sheet business is a leader in North America, and our substantial energy assets are also driving value for maximum profitability."
"Today we launch Arconic as a strong independent company," said Arconic Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld on Nov. 1. "Our multi-year transformation while part of Alcoa Inc. substantially improved our competitiveness and profitability. Today, we are very well positioned as a leader in attractive markets."
Within aerospace, which accounts for approximately 40% of Arconic total revenues, the company develops and manufactures high-performance, engineered products and solutions for airframe structures and aero engines. Since 2008, the company has significantly grown its capabilities through a combination of organic and inorganic technology and innovation-focused investments.
As a result, Arconic has gained significant share on next generation aero engines and aero structures. The company can today supply over 90% of the components within the jet engine, and it is a leader in structural parts for both metallic and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) aircraft. In fact, 85% of aerospace revenues come from products where it holds either the number one or number two market position.
In the North American automotive market, Arconic invented the bonding process to enable the mass-market shift from steel to aluminum, and it is today at the forefront of capturing growing demand for aluminum sheet as the industry shifts to light-weighting. The Company expects its North American automotive sheet revenues to grow six-fold, from $229 million in 2013 to $1.3 billion in 2018. Across its North American automotive portfolio, 96% of the company's revenues come from products where it is number one or number two in its market.
www.alcoa.com
www.arconic.com
Alcoa Corp., Pittsburgh, announces that it has completed the separation from its parent company Alcoa Inc. (now named Arconic Inc.) and has begun operating as an independent, publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AA.
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Buehler IsoMet High Speed precision cutter enables consistent metal sample sectioning
November 1, 2016
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Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., introduces the IsoMet High Speed, a precision sectioning machine designed specifically to create consistent and efficient cuts in metals and other materials using diamond or abrasive blades. It features a robust saw that provides consistent sectioning performance for busy laboratories with the following key features:
Automated three-axis movement allows precise alignment and quick cutting.
Automatic dressing system maintains consistent cut quality and reduces the frequency of changing the dressing stick.
Rapid laser alignment saves time with instant visual alignment with laser.
Intuitive controls allow programming for repeatable and consistent single or serial sections.
Quick sample adjustments offer easy adjusting of sample with the Rapid Rail and tool-less vising system.
According to Product Manager Chelsea Frid, "The IsoMet High Speed is available in two formats – the High Speed and the High Speed Pro. Both provide strength and power to produce quality cut surfaces. In the High Speed Pro version, Buehler has added additional abilities to improve user experience with a laser for visual blade alignment and an automatic dressing system to maintain diamond blade quality throughout the cut."
Buehler offers a complete selection of IsoMet High Speed accessories, including Rapid Rail Vise Holder, Single Saddle Chuck, Double Saddle Chuck, quick clamp vises, dressing wheels, and external recirculation tank.
Buehler is a leading provider of scientific equipment, supplies, consumables and analysis techniques for use in materials preparation, image analyses and hardness testing.
www.buehler.com
Buehler, Lake Bluff, Ill., introduces the IsoMet High Speed, a precision sectioning machine designed specifically to create consistent and efficient cuts in metals and other materials using diamond or abrasive blades.
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