University at Buffalo receives $2.9 million for modeling/simulations lab
October 28, 2016
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The University at Buffalo, N.Y., has received a $2.9 million National Science Foundation grant to transform the traditional role of a database as a repository for information into an automated computer laboratory that rapidly collects, interprets, and learns from massive amounts of information.
The lab, which also will conduct large-scale materials modeling and simulations based upon untapped troves of visual data, will be accessible to the scientific community and ultimately speed up and reduce the cost of discovering, manufacturing and commercializing new materials.
"This pioneering and multidisciplinary approach to advanced materials research will provide the scientific community with tools it needs to accelerate the pace of discovery, leading to greater economic security and a wide range of societal benefits," said Venu Govindaraju, PhD, UB's vice president for research and economic development.
Dr. Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, is the grant's principal investigator. Co-principal investigators, all from UB, are: Krishna Rajan, ScD, Erich Bloch Endowed Chair of the Department of Materials Design and Innovation (MDI); Thomas Furlani, PhD, director of the Center for Computational Research; Srirangaraj "Ranga" Setlur, principal research scientist; and Scott Broderick, PhD, research assistant professor in MDI.
The award, from NSF's Data Infrastructure Building Blocks (DIBBS) program, draws upon UB's expertise in artificial intelligence, specifically its groundbreaking work that began in the 1980s to enable machines to read human handwriting. The work has saved postal organizations billions of dollars in the U.S. and worldwide.
UB will use the DIBBS grant to create what it is calling the Materials Data Engineering Laboratory at UB (MaDE @UB). The lab will introduce the tools of machine intelligence -- such as machine learning, pattern recognition, materials informatics and modeling, high-performance computing and other cutting-edge technologies -- to transform data libraries into a laboratory that not only stores and searches for information, but also predicts and processes information to discover advanced materials.
www.buffalo.edu
The University at Buffalo, N.Y., has received a $2.9 million National Science Foundation grant to transform the traditional role of a database as a repository for information into an automated computer laboratory that rapidly collects, interprets, and learns from massive amounts of information.
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Voestalpine opens $740 million direct iron reduction plant in Texas
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The Voestalpine Group, Austria, has opened a direct iron reduction plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, at a cost of $740 million, the largest investment ever made in the United States by an Austrian company. Each year it will produce two million metric tons of high-quality HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron, or sponge iron), a sophisticated pre-material used in steel production. The plant is already regarded as an environmental benchmark and is an important first step on Voestalpine's path of reducing CO2 emissions in steel production.
Voestalpine is continuing to systematically drive forward its expansion in the NAFTA region. In accordance with Group Strategy 2020, it is intended to increase revenue generated in this region from its current level of $1.4 billion to $3.4 billion by the business year 2020/21.
"Today's opening of the direct reduction plant in Corpus Christi is an important step for the future and into the future of our company," says Wolfgang Eder, Chairman of the Management Board. "The new plant will not only secure the Austrian Voestalpine sites by supplying premium pre-materials for steel production, but also it will contribute significantly to further strengthening our position in the NAFTA region. Furthermore, over the long term it offers us new technological options for decarbonizing steel production."
From the business year 2017/18 onwards, Voestalpine Texas LLC, a company in the Steel Division of the Voestalpine Group, will use natural gas to produce two million metric tons of premium HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron-sponge iron) each year, 40% of which (800,000 metric tons) will cover internal requirements. The remaining 60% of the production volume goes to external partners, with the corresponding offtake agreements already having ensured full capacity utilization for the next four years.
www.voestalpine.com
The Voestalpine Group, Austria, has opened a direct iron reduction plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, at a cost of $740 million, the largest investment ever made in the United States by an Austrian company.
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One Minute Mentor: CA-6NM Stainless Steel Casting Alloy
October 24, 2016
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A significant practical advantage of the CA-6NM stainless steel casting alloy is its relative freedom from the rapid drop in hardness when tempered above about 950°F. The graph shows clearly that a given increase in tempering temperature produces a much more gradual decrease in hardness than with CA-15. This makes heat treating much easier and cheaper, and decreases the frequency of rejections and/or the necessity for reheat treatment.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Martensitic Stainless Steels ⇒ Casting Alloys
A significant practical advantage of the CA-6NM stainless steel casting alloy is its relative freedom from the rapid drop in hardness when tempered above about 950°F.
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Constellium invests $200 million in aluminum sheet finishing line in France
October 19, 2016
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Constellium N.V., Amsterdam, has invested $200 million in a new state-of-the-art finishing line at its plant in Neuf-Brisach, France, to meet growing demand for aluminum automotive body sheet. With a production capacity of 100,000 tons, the new 240-meter long finishing line features high-speed thermal treatment, precise temperature control, a highly efficient quenching process, and greater flexibility on the thickness of processed alloys.
This diverse range of innovative technologies will enable Constellium to manufacture high-quality aluminum products for automotive closure inners, outers, and body-in-white. The new finishing line is in the final stage of the qualification phase, and has already started commercial production.
"On the heels of the launch of our new manufacturing plant with our joint venture partner UACJ Corporation in Bowling Green, Kentucky, opening of the new finishing line in Neuf-Brisach is another critical step in the execution of our worldwide automotive growth strategy," said Jean-Marc Germain, Chief Executive Officer of Constellium.
According to Arnaud Jouron, President of Constellium's Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products business unit, "With top-notch technologies, a long-standing automotive expertise among our staff on both sides of the ocean, and an additional line located in the heart of Europe, we are well positioned to capture the growth for automotive body sheet in Europe and across the globe."
Built in 1967, the Neuf-Brisach plant is an integrated aluminum rolling, finishing, and recycling facility. In Neuf-Brisach, Constellium designs and produces a wide portfolio of coil and sheet products for automotive OEMs as well as food and beverage can customers. Adding to the production capacity of aluminum automotive body sheet in Neuf-Brisach, the opening of this additional finishing line is expected to significantly boost Constellium's sheet production capacity in Europe to meet anticipated automotive market growth.
www.constellium.com
Constellium N.V., Amsterdam, has invested $200 million in a new state-of-the-art finishing line at its plant in Neuf-Brisach, France, to meet the growing demand for aluminum automotive body sheet.
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Bright annealing furnace heat treats stainless steel under inert gas
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Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Warren, Ohio, recently shipped a bright annealing induction furnace to a major stainless steel tube manufacturer in the Northeast United States. This bright annealing system progressively heats the stainless steel tube to high temperatures in an atmosphere of inert gases, and then anneals the tube in a cooling chamber, reducing the hardness to achieve ductility for further processing. Special features include the ability to produce a high-quality product with a ready-to-ship surface finish.
The equipment supplied consists of a hydrogen atmosphere heating and cooling system, utilizing an Ajax Tocco 75 kW Pacer T IGBT induction power supply. The system is capable of processing tubing from 0.25 - 0.625 inch outside diameter.
Ajax Tocco is a leader in providing induction heating and processing solutions for bar and tube applications, including bright annealing. Its experience in providing this type of system was a key factor in the tube manufacturer's decision to choose Ajax Tocco Magnethemic as the supplier.
www.ajaxtocco.com
Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Warren, Ohio, recently shipped a bright annealing induction furnace to a major stainless steel tube manufacturer in the Northeast United States.
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Compact atmosphere box furnace heat treats medical device components
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Lindberg MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped an atmosphere box furnace to a leading supplier of the medical device industry for heat treating parts. The Treet-All light industrial box furnace was supplied with a programmable temperature controller and is ideal for heat treating small batches of parts. Its compact design saves on valuable floor space while offering premium performance and efficiency with fast heat-up rates and low outer shell temperatures.
This Treet-All atmosphere box furnace with retort offers a broad temperature range of 1400 to 2050°F, with a work area temperature uniformity of ±25°F. The work chamber dimensions of the box furnace are 12 x 18 x 12 inches. The retort minimizes the amount of oxygen within the chamber by purging with nitrogen. To ensure quick heating and low heat storage, the box furnace utilizes a vacuum-formed ceramic fiber insulation.
The furnace includes an alloy hearth plate and is heated by retained alloy resistive elements positioned on the roof, floor, and both sidewalls to surround the workspace. The unit features a double side hinged insulated door plug that keeps the inner hot surface away from the operator when the doors are opened. A door limit switch is in place for power cutoff when opening the doors to charge or unload the work.
"The modular, stackable, and space saving design of the Treet-All makes this box furnace an ideal solution for any workspace," says Jason Dobberstein, Sales Engineer
Unique features of this Treet-All Box Furnace include:
• Vacuum formed ceramic fiber modules with low heat storage for fast heat up rates
• Prewired, side mounted, forced air-cooled control console
• Programmable temperature controller with 256 steps and 40 profiles available for ramp and soak programs
www.lindbergmph.com
Lindberg MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped an atmosphere box furnace to a leading supplier of the medical device industry for heat treating parts.
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Praxair and GE Aviation form joint venture to develop advanced aircraft engine coatings
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Praxair Surface Technologies Inc., Danbury, Conn., and GE Aviation, Cincinnati, announce the formal creation of PG Technologies LLC, a joint venture that will focus on development, support, and application of specialized coatings tailored for GE Aviation's and CFM International's current and future engine models, including the GE9X and LEAP engines. CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines of France. Praxair Surface Technologies and its subsidiary will hold the majority interest in the venture with GE Aviation and its subsidiary holding the remainder.
According to PG Technologies Board Member and Praxair Surface Technologies President Pierre Lüthi, "The formation of PG Technologies builds upon decades of collaboration between Praxair Surface Technologies and GE Aviation. This joint venture will take the leadership role in the next generation of coating technology applications, and will invest in new coating production capacity to meet the needs of the burgeoning aviation sector."
"PG Technologies will play an important role in GE Aviation's engine manufacturing system," said Colleen Athans, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Supply Chain. "With engine production volume levels growing, GE's need for specialized coatings will also increase, and this joint venture will ensure we meet our commitments on the performance and durability of our engines."
Coating operations for PG Technologies will be based in Ellisville, Mississippi; Indianapolis, Indiana; and the Republic of Singapore. PG Technologies services will also be supported by the global facility network of Praxair Surface Technologies.
PG Technologies, LLC focuses on the development, support and application of specialized coatings tailored for GE Aviation's current and future engine platforms including GE9X and LEAP engines. PG Technologies is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with other coating operations in Ellisville, Mississippi, and the Republic of Singapore.
www.praxairsurfacetechnologies.com.
www.ge.com/aviation
Praxair Surface Technologies Inc., Danbury, Conn., and GE Aviation, Cincinnati, announce the formal creation of PG Technologies LLC, a joint venture that will focus on development, support, and application of specialized coatings tailored for GE Aviation’s and CFM International’s current and future engine models, including the GE9X and LEAP engines.
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Zimmer Biomet launches Vanguard Individualized titanium knee replacement
October 17, 2016
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Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Warsaw, Ind., has launched Vanguard individualized design, a first-of-its-kind total knee arthroplasty construct designed to enable a personalized fit while simplifying soft tissue preservation and balance.
The Vanguard also includes the Regenerex porous titanium coating, which is bonded to the titanium component surface. It unites the proven clinical history of titanium with an enhanced interconnecting pore structure, resulting in a revolutionary material that provides for biologic fixation.,
Traditional total knee implants feature a one-piece bearing constructed of polyethylene, which is placed between the metal portions of the implant. Vanguard ID is the only design that incorporates two individual polyethylene bearings with different articulations on the medial and lateral sides.
The Vanguard ID's flexible design allows surgeons to mix and match bearings of differing thickness and geometry, ensuring they can personalize their approach to accommodate and preserve natural soft tissue.
The Vanguard Complete Knee System's PPS femur, Regenerex primary tibial tray, and Regenerex Series-A Patella, provide increased options for cementless arthroplasty and personalized patient care.
According to Todd Davis, Vice President & General Manager of the global knee business, "I believe that our newly released Vanguard Individualized Design will revolutionize total knee replacement. With the ability to fine tune the knee's balance through the use of independent medial and lateral bearing thickness and constraint options, we will arm the surgeon with the ultimate soft-tissue-respecting capability."
www.zimmerbiomet.com
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Warsaw, Ind., has launched Vanguard individualized design, a first-of-its-kind total knee arthroplasty construct designed to enable a personalized fit while simplifying soft tissue preservation and balance.
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One Minute Mentor: Tempering Martensitic Stainless Steels
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This graph shows AISI Type 410: Effect of tempering temperature on tensile properties. Heated to and held at 1800°F for 30 minutes; oil quenched; tempered 1 to 4 hours. Impact energy test used Izod specimens. Elongation was measured in 2 in.; yield at 0.2% offset.
The nickel-bearing alloys have a restricted upper tempering temperature because of the danger of re-forming austenite, which would then transform to untempered martensite during cooling, requiring a second tempering operation. Intermediate temperatures can lead to temper embrittlement, which is caused by the precipitation of phosphorus and other species, including but not limited to carbides, at prior austenitic grain boundaries. Temper embrittlement is distinct from the precipitation of α', which causes the well-known 890°F embrittlement, which occurs more severely in alloys with higher chromium levels.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Martensitic Stainless Steels ⇒ Tempering
This graph shows AISI Type 410: Effect of tempering temperature on tensile properties. Heated to and held at 1800°F for 30 minutes; oil quenched; tempered 1 to 4 hours. Impact energy test used Izod specimens. Elongation was measured in 2 in.; yield at 0.2% offset.
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Powder metallurgy systems combine reactive metals with inert gas atomization
October 13, 2016
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Seco Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announces that its subsidiary Retech Systems LLC, Ukiah, Calif., has developed metal gas atomization systems that combine melting of reactive metals and alloys with inert gas atomization to meet a variety of powder specifications. Designed in a range of capacities, from laboratory and pilot to large-scale production, Retech's systems are tailored to achieve specific customer demands .
Products include powder metallurgy technologies that utilize gas atomization to produce powders that meet specific quality requirements. For example, vacuum induction melting (VIM) and casting systems are designed to easily handle a wide range of materials for automotive and consumer products, as well as critical, high-value equiax, directionally solidified, or single-crystal aerospace parts.
Cold wall induction (CWI) melting systems enable casting of titanium parts for demanding applications. Vacuum arc remelt (VAR) and consumable casting (skull melting) systems are designed for the manufacture of aerospace, consumer, and commercial products. Plasma arc melting (PAM) and electron beam (EB) melting systems are engineered for production of ingots and electrodes.
www.secowarwick.com
Seco Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announces that its subsidiary Retech Systems LLC, Ukiah, Calif., has developed metal gas atomization systems that combine melting of reactive metals and alloys with inert gas atomization to meet a variety of powder specifications.
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