Alcoa invests $16.7 million in Thermatech coating plant

Source:

Alcoa, Pittsburgh, reports that Alcoa Power and Propulsion, Whitehall, Mich., will invest $16.7 million in a 7700 sq. ft. building expansion to double coating capacity at its Thermatech Coatings plant in Whitehall.  Thermatech specializes in the coating of hot-section components cast in nickel-based alloys via equiax directional solidification. A new electron beam physical vapor deposition machine enables faster production by combining two processes: the bond coat and the top coat.  

The combination of advanced coatings and internal cooling schemes makes it possible for investment-cast airfoils to operate in an environment that reaches temperatures much higher than their melting point. In addition to jet engines, the coating process is applied to parts for industrial gas turbines. 

The expansion supports Alcoa's strategy of profitably growing its aerospace business, which achieved revenues totaling $4 billion in 2013. Itis in line with company strategy to build its value-add businesses to capture profitable growth in high-growth industries.

www.alcoa.com

Alcoa to acquire TITAL for titanium aircraft structures

Source:

Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has agreed to acquire privately held TITAL, a German producer of titanium and aluminum investment castings for aircraft engines and airframes. The acquisition will establish titanium casting capabilities in Europe for Alcoa, while expanding its aluminum casting capacity. TITAL's strong connections to European engine and aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, SNECMA, and Rolls-Royce, will enhance Alcoa's customer relationships in the region and beyond.

This transaction will further position Alcoa to capitalize on strong growth in the commercial aerospace sector. Alcoa projects a compounded annual commercial jet growth rate of 7% through 2019, and sees a current 9-year production order book at 2013 delivery rates.

Almost 70% of TITAL's revenues are expected to come from commercial aerospace sales in 2019. In 2013, the company generated revenues of approximately $96 million, more than half of which came from titanium products.

TITAL's engineers are known and highly respected experts in manufacturing advanced, single-piece components, often delivered ready for the customer to install. These products, such as engine gearboxes, nacelles, and fan frames, are used on current and next-generation jet engines and airframes. TITAL will add capabilities in casting titanium airframe structures, such as titanium castings for pylons.

In addition, TITAL is a leader in process technology. Its engineers have developed advanced techniques to manage titanium's reactive properties, including cold hearth melting and centrifugal and gravity casting. Its teams also use 3D-printed prototypes, enabling customers to test designs and bring a finished product to market faster.

www.alcoa.com