Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announced that it has successfully modernized its VHFC high-vacuum furnaces for Siemens AG, marking a significant milestone in their shared mission to enhance sustainability and efficiency in energy infrastructure. The project supports Siemens’ strategic efforts to expand medium and high-voltage grids globally, a key component of the energy transition and the broader push for electrification.
As part of this initiative, Ipsen is delivering three new VHFC-1000x1200x1000 (HV) high-vacuum brazing systems to Siemens’ production facilities in Goa, India, and Wuxi, China. The Goa facility will receive two systems, while the Wuxi facility will add one. All systems are manufactured in Germany and are critical to the production of vacuum interrupters, which are core components of switchgears used in power distribution networks.
These vacuum brazing systems play a pivotal role in enabling the switch from gas-insulated disconnectors to vacuum interrupters, effectively eliminating the use of fluorinated gases. This shift significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global environmental protection goals.
Ipsen’s collaboration with Siemens reflects their joint commitment to supporting the expansion of renewable energy and sustainable energy infrastructure worldwide. The increased production capacity provided by these systems underscores the importance of advanced technology in achieving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Beijing University of Technology, China, presented the microstructure and mechanical properties of a new type of multi-component near-α titanium alloy sheet after rolling, 700°C aging, and 800°C aging in a new paper.
The results show that the strength of the alloy after aging at 700°C increases from 1156 MPa to 1304 MPa, respectively, but decreases to 1246 MPa with the aging temperature increasing. The ductility of the alloy aged at 700°C is lower than that of the rolled state, but the ductility increases slightly with the aging temperature increasing. The effect of aging heat treatment on the microstructure and precipitation behavior of alloy plates has been studied and compared with alloys before aging.
After heat treatment, the content of primary α decreases from 25% to 5%, respectively. Two kinds of silicide precipitate at different positions, with the large-size spherical silicide being (Ti, Zr, Nb)5Si3, and the small-size fusiform silicide being (Ti, Zr, Nb)6Si3, respectively. Ti3Al was precipitated in the primary α phase, during the aging process. The silicides exhibit the strengthening effect on the alloy, but the effect weakens when the silicides grow up. The loss in ductility is mainly attributed to the precipitation of the α2 phase after aging treatment. However, ductility is improved after applying higher aging temperatures as the size of the α2 phase becomes smaller, and the distribution of them tends to become dispersed.
Experts in the fields of metallurgy and microbiology say that copper can be a powerful weapon in the current fight against COVID-19. They believe it can also help curtail future pandemics if utilized properly. In this digital-first article from Advanced Materials & Processes, ASM International’s flagship magazine, the authors recommend the expanded use of copper alloys in public spaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd., Niagara Falls, Ontario, announces that it has been awarded a contract from Oregon Products for a continuous high-capacity mesh belt austemper heat treatment system for its saw chains and other forestry cutting products.
Super Systems completes heat treating modernization of Milacron manufacturing facility
August 16, 2019
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SuperSystems Inc., Cincinnati, recently completed major upgrades to the heat treating assets at Milacron LLC in Mt. Orab, Ohio, installing the latest furnaces and equipment, state-of-the-art controls, and modern SCADA infrastructure.
Included in the scope of work were new control cabinets, atmosphere flow panels, SCADA software, and a new ammonia dissociator. Equipment addressed as part of the upgrade were two pit nitriders, two pit tempers, a pit carburizer, an integral quench furnace, a batch temper furnace, an oil quench system, and the new ammonia dissociator with controls.
All furnaces are capable of running recipes to automate processes, creating an easy to use interface for operators. The furnaces are centrally controlled and operated using the SuperDATA SCADA package, which provides proof of process and quick access to real-time and historical process and load data.
“We enabled gas flow control with our eFlo product line, recipe controls with our 9205 and 9215 products, and data acquisition with SuperDATA,†says “Bob Fincken, National Sales Manager with Super Systems. “All the installation and project management were carried out by our Field Engineering Team.â€
Super Systems Inc., based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been developing and manufacturing products for the thermal processing industry since 1995. SSi’s products include probes, analyzers, flow meters, controllers, software solutions, and engineered systems. With over 100 years of combined experience, SSi continues to satisfy industry demands with innovative technology, enabling customers to be more efficient and to produce higher quality products.
Milacron is the only global company with a full-line product portfolio that includes hot runner systems, injection molding, mold components and extrusion equipment plus a wide market range of advanced fluid technologies.
SuperSystems Inc., Cincinnati, recently completed major upgrades to the heat treating assets at Milacron LLC in Mt. Orab, Ohio, installing the latest furnaces and equipment, state-of-the-art controls, and modern SCADA infrastructure.
United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, announces that it will invest more than $1 billion to construct a new sustainable endless casting and rolling facility at its Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa., and a cogeneration facility at its Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pa., both part of the company’s Mon Valley Works.
Norsk Titanium, SAE International develop first directed energy deposition specifications
February 24, 2019
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Norsk Titanium, Plattsburgh, N.Y., and SAE International announce the release of the first specifications for direct energy deposition additive manufacturing. The specifications utilize Norsk’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process and material requirements, which are currently used by many original equipment manufacturers. With the release of the SAE Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) documents, the process will be available to a broader base of users across the world.
Developed within the SAE Additive Manufacturing Committee (SAE AMS-AM), these specifications establish the minimum basis required for the procurement of RPD Preforms from Norsk by an aerospace or non-aerospace customer. In addition, these specifications support the regulatory certification process by ensuring consistent process and quality control.
The release of “AMS7004 Titanium Alloy Preforms from Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing on Substrate Ti-6Al-4V Stress Relieved and AMS7005 Wire Fed Plasma Arc Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Process†is a milestone achievement for the metal additive manufacturing industry.
“These new material and process specifications help address the regulatory authorities’ request for guidance material for this critical emerging technology,†said David Alexander, Director, Aerospace Standards at SAE International.
Established by aerospace industry leaders in 2015 and supported by a Federal Aviation Administration tasking request, SAE’s AMS-AM Committee continues to develop aerospace material specifications (SAE AMS) for metal and polymer AM to support the needs of the aerospace industry. Over 500 global participants from more than 20 countries representing aircraft, spacecraft, and engine OEMs, material suppliers, operators, equipment/system suppliers, service providers, regulatory authorities, and defense agencies are involved in the committee.
Norsk Titanium, Plattsburgh, N.Y., and SAE International announce the release of the first specifications for direct energy deposition additive manufacturing.
GKN Powder Metallurgy, Cinnaminson, N.J., announces a strategic collaboration with HP Inc. in which GKN will be the first to deploy the just-launched HP Metal Jet, based on binder jetting technology, into its factories to produce functional metal parts for auto and industrial leaders, including Volkswagen and Wilo, and for companies around the world.
Specialty Steel Works invests in advanced process technologies at its Indiana bar plant
September 14, 2018
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Specialty Steel Works Inc., Hammond, Ind., announces a multimillion dollar investment in new high-performance equipment and infrastructure at its Niagara LaSalle Corporation Cold Finish Steel facility in Hammond. The investment will enhance the Hammond facility's operating capabilities and make it the most modern bar-to-bar operation in North America. The Hammond facility processes cold finished steel bars in a wide range of sizes, shapes, grades, finishes and tolerances for a myriad of customer applications, predominately in the transportation, industrial equipment, and agriculture markets.
Joel Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer of SSWI said: "We continually look for innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our manufacturing platform to achieve high quality, low cost production and superior customer service. The multimillion dollar investment is transformative to our Company and is part of a strategy to build a sustainable portfolio of assets across the Company's operational footprint. Our ability to find innovative solutions is a competitive advantage that helps position the Company for future growth."
Michael Salamon President and Chief Operating Officer of SSWI stated: "This investment demonstrates our commitment to leading edge processing and production efficiencies in order to always be in the best position to respond to our customers' changing needs. Innovation and process automation move SSWI into a market leadership position and we will continue to look for ways to meet our customers' stringent demands through enhancement of our processing capabilities, operational excellence and customer-centric culture." Salamon also noted, "In conjunction with our industry-leading coil-to-bar operation at Corey Steel, this investment solidifies our position as the low cost, high quality provider of engineered specialty steel solutions in North America."
The Hammond facility is the largest single site for cold drawn capacity in North America. The new equipment will be phased in over the next twelve months. This investment will enhance the long-term viability of this facility.
Specialty Steel Works Inc., Hammond, Ind., announces a multimillion dollar investment in new high-performance equipment and infrastructure at its Niagara LaSalle Corporation Cold Finish Steel facility in Hammond.
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., reports that Zenith Cutter, an Illinois manufacturing company, has purchased a Titan H6 vacuum furnace with two-bar gas quenching for its sister company Metkraft in Vietnam to process its industrial knives, cutter blades, and related accessories.
