Outokumpu U.S. stainless steel bar operations receive LCS approval for aerospace
September 6, 2017
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Outokumpu Oy, Finland, has received Pratt & Whitney's LCS (laboratory control at source) approval for its stainless steel bar products manufactured at its Richburg mill in South Carolina. LCS is the system that validates the testing and control of specified materials and processes for Pratt & Whitney's aerospace products.
"We are very pleased that our bar products have been validated by Pratt & Whitney, which demonstrates the quality of both our material and its production processes. This approval opens doors for Outokumpu as a supplier of high-performance stainless steel bar in the demanding and growing aerospace market," says Bob Beatty, head of Outokumpu bar operations in Richburg.
Outokumpu serves the North American market through its key service center partners. The company has a strong reputation in the market as a premium producer of high-performance bars with unique knowhow in stainless steel applications and material performance.
Outokumpu has over a century of experience in creating efficient, long-lasting, and recyclable stainless steels. Its global offerings include quality-critical long products for equipment, buildings, and infrastructure projects. Long Products sites are located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. They are known for their high quality products, flexibility, and world-class delivery performance.
www.outokumpu.com/longproducts.
Outokumpu Oy, Finland, has received Pratt & Whitney’s LCS (laboratory control at source) approval for its stainless steel bar products manufactured at its Richburg mill in South Carolina.
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Ames Lab hot-shot pour tube produces titanium powder ten times more efficiently
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The U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, Iowa, announces that one of its research teams has won an award for the development of a "hot-shot pour tube" technology that can produce titanium powder approximately ten times more efficiently than traditional methods. ASM Fellow Iver Anderson, Senior Metallurgist, and his team have been named winners of a 2017 Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Mid-Continent Region.
Titanium powder produced by the hot-shot pour tube technology is said to have enabled a dramatic shift in manufacturing away from traditional titanium casting/forging methods, to net-shape forming. The technology was the basis for the formation of a multi-award-winning start-up company, Iowa Powder Atomization Technologies, which was purchased in 2014 by Praxair Surface Technologies. In 2015, Praxair began international sales of spherical titanium powder for additive manufacturing and metal injection molding for aerospace, medical, and industrial parts.
In addition to Dr. Anderson, the award is shared by ASM member Dr. Andy Heidloff and Dr. Joel Reiken, formerly of Ames Laboratory and now of Praxair; and Dr. David Byrd, Dr. Ross Anderson, and ASM member Dr. Emma White of Ames Laboratory.
"Our team is very proud to accept this FLC award," declares Dr. Anderson. "It helps us keep pushing Ames Laboratory's processing science forward to these ultimate technology transitions involving our people."
In a letter of support for Ames Lab in the FLC competition, Praxair Vice President Dean Hackett wrote, "Ames Laboratory is uniquely equipped and staffed with talented researchers who work as a team to develop breakthrough technologies in the production of atomized powders. Praxair has chosen to commercialize the titanium atomization technology from Ames, and also to hire two of the three investigators (Dr. Heidloff and Dr. Reiken) who were responsible for this unique titanium atomization process."
In congratulating Dr. Anderson and his team, Ames Lab Director Adam Schwartz said the award demonstrates Ames Lab's commitment to the Department of Energy's mission of transferring technologies to the marketplace for the benefit of the American taxpayer. "We are very proud to join Iver and his team in celebrating this technological success," he added, "and we look forward to many anticipated future successes."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXNqNdrO44A
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, Iowa, announces that one of its research teams has won an award for the development of a “hot-shot pour tube” technology that can produce titanium powder approximately ten times more efficiently than traditional methods.
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One Minute Mentor: Nitrocarburizing in a Carrier Gas
August 31, 2017
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The graph shows (a) Micrograph of low-temperature nitrocarburized austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 in an atmosphere of (partly) decomposed urea (in situ activation). The sample was heated to 490°C (910 °F) in 45 minutes and thereafter immediately cooled.
(b) Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) concentration-depth profiles of low-temperature nitrocarburized stainless steel AISI 316 in an atmosphere of (partly) decomposed urea; see microstructure in (a).
Nitrocarburizing in a carrier gas to which (initially solid) urea was added led to a fast growth of the expanded austenite zone. The gaseous decomposition products of urea that develop in the furnace are highly activating, which means that activation and nitrocarburizing are achieved simultaneously. The hardness measured directly at the surface (not in a cross section) is higher than 1300 HV. It is obvious that the expanded austenite zone consists of a nitrogen-rich and a carbon-rich part.
The near-surface zone consists of nitrogen-expanded austenite, and the carbon-expanded austenite is located underneath. The sum of the two interstitial profiles yields a gradual transition from the surface into the substrate in terms of total interstitial content.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Low-Temperature Surface Hardening of Stainless Steel ⇒ Gaseous Low-Temperature Surface Hardening of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Nitrocarburizing in a carrier gas to which (initially solid) urea was added led to a fast growth of the expanded austenite zone. The gaseous decomposition products of urea that develop in the furnace are highly activating, which means that activation and nitrocarburizing are achieved simultaneously.
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Alumina-forming high temperature steels offering new opportunities in heat treatment
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Two novel alumina-forming steels, Kanthal APMT and Nikrothal PM 58, are discussed in this presentation at Heat Treat 2017. In both alloys, corrosion resistance is based on the formation of an adherent alumina layer. This, along with high creep resistance, is caused by a dispersion-strengthened microstructure from the powder metallurgical processing route.
This unique combination of properties enables application temperatures ranging from 1470 to 2282°F, and new possibilities to design high-temperature components. One such application is furnace rollers with reduced or eliminated water cooling. Mechanical and corrosion properties for the two steels at high temperatures will be discussed and compared with other commercial materials during the presentation.
Dr. Dilip Chandrasekaran, Sandvik, Hallstahammar, Sweden
Dr. Thomas Helander , Sandvik, Hallstahammar, Sweden
Mrs. Johanna Nockert Olovsjö , Sandvik, Hallstahammar, Sweden
Tuesday, October 24, 2017: 11:00 AM, A213-215 (Greater Columbus Convention Center)
https://asm.confex.com/asm/ht2017/webprogram/Paper43491.html
Two novel alumina-forming steels, Kanthal APMT and Nikrothal PM 58, have corrosion resistance based on the formation of an adherent alumina layer.
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Auto parts manufacturer orders Lucifer ceramic-fiber-lined box furnace
August 30, 2017
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Lucifer Furnaces Inc., Warrington, Pa., has received an order for an electric, ceramic-fiber-lined box furnace from a leading U.S. manufacturer of stamped automotive products. Model LI7-M18, with a chamber size of 12x18x18 inches, quickly heats to a uniform temperature of 2200°F. A hotface of two-inch-thick ceramic fiber insulation with three inches of coldface mineral wool block insulation around the entire chamber, maximizes heating efficiency with low power input.
Ceramic Fiber insulation, with low heat storage and low thermal conductivity, combined with high thermal shock resistance, allows faster heat-up/cool-down cycles, reducing wait times between loads and resulting in higher production.
Heavy gauge coil wound Kanthal A1 iron-chromium-aluminum wire heating elements are supported on ceramic rods, providing rapid heat-up. Elements mounted on both side walls can be easily replaced individually, reducing cost. A one-inch-thick hearth plate protects the floor insulation and supports up to 40 pounds per square foot of hearth area.
Temperature is monitored by a rear-mounted Type K thermocouple, and is regulated by a Honeywell DC2500 microprocessor-based digital time proportioning temperature controller. An insulated horizontal swing door with a tight seal comes standard with safety switch.
Ceramic fiber lined furnaces are general purpose box furnaces for batch heat treating in an air atmosphere.
www.luciferfurnaces.com
Lucifer Furnaces Inc., Warrington, Pa., has received an order for an electric, ceramic-fiber-lined box furnace from a leading U.S. manufacturer of stamped automotive products.
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Ipsen’s strategic organizational changes designed to strengthen leadership for growth
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Ipsen USA, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that several strategic changes will be made in the company's organizational structure to strengthen its position as the leading global provider of integrated heat treatment solutions.
Ipsen USA is pleased to announce that Patrick McKenna (shown in photo) is promoted to Ipsen USA President & CEO, responsible for all entity functions including Sales, Engineering, Operations, Service, Finance, and Human Resources. "My focus from day one will be on delivering the highest quality products and services to our customers and ensuring that the established Ipsen performance culture continues far into the future," says Mr. McKenna.
He has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, and has served on the Metal Treating Institute Board of Directors for ten years (in 2016 as President). He worked at Ipsen as a Mechanical Engineer for four years before leaving to co-found a successful commercial heat treating and brazing company. He divested his interest in that company in 2015 and returned to Ipsen as Vice President of Sales.
According to Geoffrey Somary, USA CEO and Ipsen Group COO, "We are in an exciting period of growth for Ipsen, which has been built on both innovation and exceeding customer expectations. The Ipsen Group focus ensures that we continue to strengthen Ipsen performance in all global markets, delivering the same quality and performance everywhere in the world."
As part of this growth, Mr. Somary will leave his USA position and focus fully on his Group responsibilities, with CEOs at all entities (Europe, USA, China, Japan and India) continuing to report directly to him. Mr. Somary started at Ipsen in 2005, and for the past four years, has held the dual responsibilities of Ipsen.
Jake Hamid, who has been with Ipsen since 2007, will also leave his position as Ipsen USA COO, and move into the position of Ipsen Group Director of Global Product Development and Manufacturing.
Other promotions include Pete Kerbel to Ipsen USA Vice President of Sales. He takes on the responsibility for sales of new equipment, retrofits, and parts. Mr. Kerbel started at Ipsen in 2008, and most recently was the Director of Aftermarket Sales. When combined with service, this totals nearly 50% of annual sales for Ipsen USA.
With 2017 expected to be the eighth straight year of growth, a new generation of experienced leaders has earned promotions (in addition to those listed above). The expertise and commitment of these individuals, and the entire Ipsen Team, will allow them to continue guiding Ipsen forward down a winning path – a path that always focuses on innovation and ensuring one satisfied customer at a time.
www.IpsenUSA.com
Ipsen USA, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that several strategic changes will be made in the company’s organizational structure to strengthen its position as the leading global provider of integrated heat treatment solutions.
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Solar Manufacturing receives U.S. patent for vacuum furnace hot zone improvement
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Solar Manufacturing, Souderton, Pa., announces that it has been awarded a patent for an innovation in vacuum furnace hot zone design. This hot zone improvement centers on the configuration of heating element supports, providing for simpler, streamlined manufacture of the support assembly. The new design further provides for easy assembly and disassembly of heating elements, a significant improvement over prior designs.
Inventors are Robert Wilson, Solar Manufacturing's VP of Engineering; and Mark Hughes, Senior Design Engineer. Copies of U.S. Patent No. 9,702,627 B2 may be obtained by visiting www.uspto.gov.
www.solarmfg.com
Solar Manufacturing, Souderton, Pa., announces that it has been awarded a patent for an innovation in vacuum furnace hot zone design.
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Spinning magnesium billets during extrusion enables higher ductility and lower cost
August 23, 2017
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., announces that its researchers have developed a method of extruding magnesium alloys that greatly improves their energy absorption by creating novel microstructures that are not possible with traditional extrusion methods. The process involves spinning the metal as it is forced through a tool to create a certain shape. It reportedly has the potential to reduce cost by eliminating the need for rare-earth elements, while simultaneously improving structural properties.
Researchers theorized that spinning the magnesium alloy during the extrusion process would create just enough heat to soften the material so it could be easily pressed through a die to fabricate tubes, rods, and channels. Heat generated from mechanical friction provides all of the heat necessary for the process, eliminating the need for power-hungry resistance heaters.
The PNNL team designed and commissioned an industrial version of their idea and received a one-of-a-kind, custom built Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion machine — coining the acronym for ShAPE.
The billets of bulk magnesium alloys flow through the die in a very soft state, thanks to the simultaneous linear and rotational forces of the ShAPE machine. This means only one tenth of the force is needed to push the material through a die compared to conventional extrusion.
Engineers have successfully extruded very thin-walled round tubing, up to two inches in diameter, from magnesium-aluminum-zinc alloys AZ91 and ZK60A, improving their mechanical properties in the process. For example, room temperature ductility above 25% has been independently measured, which is a large improvement compared to typical extrusions.
This significant reduction in force would enable substantially smaller production machinery, thus lowering capital expenditures and operations costs for industry adopting this patent pending process.
"In the ShAPE process, we get highly refined microstructures within the metal and, in some cases, are even able to form nanostructured features," says principal investigator and mechanical engineer Scott Whalen. "The higher the rotations per minute, the smaller the grains become, which makes the tubing stronger and more ductile. Additionally, we can control the orientation of the crystalline structures in the metal to improve the energy absorption of magnesium so it's equal to that of aluminum."
www.pnnl.gov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsjkZZv-irg
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., announces that its researchers have developed a method of extruding magnesium alloys that greatly improves their energy absorption by creating novel microstructures that are not possible with traditional extrusion methods.
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ATI to supply isothermal forgings and nickel-base powder alloys to Pratt & Whitney
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Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, announces that it has signed a new Long-Term Purchase Agreement (LTPA) with Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corporation company, to supply isothermal forgings and nickel-base powder alloys for next-generation jet engines. The LTPA, which builds upon the Master Terms Agreement that ATI entered into with UTC last year, begins in 2017 and continues for the life of the engine programs. For the period 2017 to 2030, the LTPA is expected to generate revenues in excess of $1 billion.
"We are pleased to enter into this new agreement with Pratt & Whitney," says Rich Harshman, ATI's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Demand for P&W's game-changing PurePower Geared Turbofan engine is scheduled to grow dramatically into the next decade and beyond in support of next-generation narrowbody aircraft build rates. Through this agreement, ATI significantly increases our content on the GTF engine as well as on the P&W F135 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter program."
"Our suppliers are a critical part of our production capacity. Agreements like this secure sources of parts and components for years to come and ensure the capacity investments to support our production ramp," says Sam Abdelmalek, Pratt & Whitney vice president, Global Supply Chain.
www.atimetals.com
Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, announces that it has signed a new Long-Term Purchase Agreement (LTPA) with Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company, to supply isothermal forgings and nickel-base powder alloys for next-generation jet engines.
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Constellium high-strength machinable aluminum alloys for autos resist corrosion
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Constellium N.V., New York, introduces HSA6, a new generation of high-strength 6000-series alloys for extrusion-based automobile crash management systems, body-in-white structural components, and battery enclosures.
The alloy enables designers to optimize extrusion shapes and reduce wall thickness to achieve weight savings of 15 to 30% over conventional aluminum alloys. With UTS higher than 400 MPa, HSA6 also provides enhanced recyclability, machinability, and corrosion resistance.
Alternately, it can provide 15 to 30% additional strength to reduce intrusion in the event of a crash, thereby enhancing protection of batteries, cooling systems, and other critical vehicle systems. Aluminum is the ideal material for absorbing energy in a collision to protect occupants, pedestrians, and vehicle integrity.
"With Constellium HSA6, we are able to offer automakers a family of the highest strength 6000-series aluminum alloys available on the market for extruded automotive components," says Martin Jarrett, Operational Excellence and Technology Director for Constellium's Automotive Structures and Industry business unit.
According to a new study by Ducker Worldwide, aluminum extrusions are expected to increase 65% for crash management systems and 100% for body-in-white components between 2015 and 2020, with continued growth through 2028. The alloy is in production for several 2017 and 2018 model year vehicles, including the Mini Countryman.
Constellium HSA6 was recognized by the Altair Enlighten Awards for innovation in vehicle lightweighting, receiving the award for Runner Up in the Enabling Technology category.
"It is an honor for Constellium to be celebrated as a leader in technology that helps reduce vehicle weight," said Paul Warton, President of Constellium's Automotive Structures and Industry business unit.
In addition to its existing extrusion plants in Europe, Constellium has created a new joint venture, Astrex, in Ontario, Canada, to produce its proprietary alloy for components supplied from Constellium's Automotive Structures plants in North America
www.constellium.com
Constellium N.V., New York, introduces HSA6, a new generation of high-strength 6000-series alloys for extrusion-based automobile crash management systems, body-in-white structural components, and battery enclosures.
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