Ipsen vacuum furnaces deployed for aerospace, automotive, and additive manufacturing
January 25, 2016
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that over the past month, the company has shipped four furnaces and one upgrade for a variety of applications and industries. These shipments included three Titan vacuum furnaces that shipped within a span of two weeks; a horizontal MetalMaster vacuum furnace; and a custom furnace upgrade:
The Titan H6 with 2-bar absolute pressure was shipped to a U.S. manufacturer, where it will be used to process parts for the additive manufacturing industry.
Another Titan H6 with 2-bar absolute pressure was shipped to a company in the aerospace industry – a market where Ipsen and its equipment have a strong reputation and presence.
The Titan H4 with 2-bar absolute pressure was shipped to California, and will also be used to process parts for the Aerospace industry.
The horizontal MetalMaster with a 48 x 72 x 48-inch graphite work zone was shipped to Alabama, where it will be used to process automotive parts..
The custom furnace upgrade was shipped to Georgia for a company in the aerospace industry, and it will allow the the company to enhance its furnace performance and ensure continued high-quality results.
With custom-tailored hot zones, controls, and mechanical upgrades and retrofits for both vacuum and atmosphere furnaces, Ipsen is able to deliver solutions that expand capabilities, increase flexibility and extend the life of equipment. Ipsen's engineers can also help adjust, modify, and upgrade equipment and controls to achieve peak performance and minimize downtime.
www.IpsenUSA.com
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that over the past month, the company has shipped four furnaces and one upgrade for a variety of applications and industries.
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Tribogenics XRF analyzer is based on a cartridge system instead of glass X-ray tube
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Tribogenics, Los Angeles, Calif., introduces the Watson XRF analyzer, in which the company says conventional glass X-ray tubes are replaced with an X-Change cartridge system that makes changing cartridges "as easy as changing the ink in an inkjet printer." It enables quick and accurate identification of 32 elements, and can reportedly identify most of the popular aluminum alloys in less than twenty seconds.
Watson software is said to be able to identify more than 436 metal alloys and provide identification and analysis of more than 32 of the most common elements used in tens of thousands of alloy grades.
Watson uses the Android operating system and supports the mobile user interface concepts and wireless communication interfaces. This permits a wide range of personnel, with varying levels of skill and knowledge, to quickly and accurately use the Watson for all types of applications that can use hand-held XRF technology. The software supports configuring the XRF instrument and performs automatic internal calibration without the need for a trained technician or carrying around bulky calibration discs.
It takes advantage of the latest in smartphone design and software, and costs $10,000. An intuitive interface means that it's easy for anyone to use without any special training. Watson is Wi-Fi enabled for automatic software updates, and comes with integrated market pricing, keeping users current on all local alloy market prices.
www.tribogenics.com
Tribogenics, Los Angeles, Calif., introduces the Watson XRF analyzer, in which the company says conventional glass X-ray tubes are replaced with an X-Change cartridge system that makes changing cartridges “as easy as changing the ink in an inkjet printer.”
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One Minute Mentor: Secondary Hardening in Tool Steels
January 22, 2016
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As shown schematically in the graph, high-temperature hardness is made possible only by a very important straightening mechanism: secondary hardening, promoted by the precipitation of fine alloy carbides. The stronger the secondary hardening (meaning more intense carbide precipitation), the higher the tempering resistance of hot-work tool steels. Such precipitation intensity depends on the amount of alloy elements in solid solution, which is related to the alloy composition and heat treating practice obtained by molybdenum, vanadium, or tungsten alloying.
The graph shows a schematic of hardness after tempering and the effect of secondary hardening in high-alloy steels. Observe that high-temperature hardness is only possible through precipitation hardening caused by alloy carbides (secondary hardening). At low temperatures, hardness is less than martensite due to the presence of retained austenite, which is eliminated after high-temperature tempering.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Tool Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Hot-Work Tool Steels ⇒ Introduction
As shown schematically in the graph, high-temperature hardness is made possible only by a very important straightening mechanism: secondary hardening, promoted by the precipitation of fine alloy carbides.
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Bruker introduces MultiMode 8-HR atomic force microscope for nanoscale research
January 20, 2016
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Bruker Nano Surfaces, Santa Barbara, Calif., announces that it has significantly enhanced the capabilities of its MultiMode platform with the MultiMode 8-HR. Improvements include higher speeds, higher resolution imaging, new capabilities in nanomechanics with enhanced PeakForce QNM, and new FastForce Volume modes. These improvements are also available as upgrades to current MultiMode systems.
The high-resolution and data processing capabilities of the MultiMode 8-HR are the result of its combination of rigid mechanical design and extremely advanced control electronics. Utilizing Bruker's NanoScope V Controller and new Version 8.2 software, the system features unprecedented bandwidth and extremely low-noise data acquisition to enable such proprietary technology advances as ScanAsyst, Peak Force QNM and FastForce Volume. These features combine to reaffirm the MultiMode 8-HR as the most versatile, highest performance AFM in its class.
www.bruker.com
Bruker Nano Surfaces, Santa Barbara, Calif., announces that it has significantly enhanced the capabilities of its MultiMode platform with the MultiMode 8-HR.
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Bodycote produces interactive History of Metallurgy from across time and continents
January 19, 2016
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Bodycote, England, has produced an Interactive History of Metallurgy, a look back at the long history of metal processing and heat treatment. Containing over 200 high quality images and numerous videos, Bodycote pays homage to the artisans from thousands of years ago along with the scientists and inventors of more modern metallurgy and engineering.
Starting in 8700BC with the world's oldest known copper artifacts, all the way through to the modern processes that Bodycote undertakes daily, the resource charts the development of metal working from the mystical and utilitarian requirements of early mankind, through to the scientific and technical breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Bodycote, the leader in an industry that dates back thousands of years, developed the interactive resource to explore the evolution of metallurgy and heat treating and to acknowledge the collective work of scientists and engineers. Their hard work and discoveries have enhanced the properties of metals and alloys, making them deliver safer, more durable results for more and more applications.
Visit the Interactive History of Metallurgy at http://www.bodycote.com/history-of-metal.
Bodycote, England, has produced an Interactive History of Metallurgy, a look back at the long history of metal processing and heat treatment.
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Worthington Industries acquires brazing manufacturer
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Worthington Industries Inc., Columbus, Ohio, has acquired the business of NetBraze LLC, a manufacturer of brazing alloys, silver brazing filler metals, solders, and fluxes primarily used in plumbing, HVAC-R, industrial gas, and OEM markets.
"This acquisition expands our offering of alloys in the professional wholesale channel with innovative products that utilize patented technologies," said Worthington Industries' Pressure Cylinders President Andy Billman." The products that NetBraze has developed save an operator time, resources, and cost when brazing. We look forward to offering these new products in addition to our full complement of joining technologies products to our customers."
Worthington manufactures and distributes a full line of joining alloys including lead-free solders, brazing rods, fluxes, hand torches and hand-torch fuel under the Worthington Joining Technologies and Bernzomatic brands.
NetBraze products include standard BCuP brazing alloys, BAg silver solders and fluxes, and innovative technologies including QuickCoil, which offers up to 22-feet of non-stop brazing, eliminating leftover scrapped stubs produced by traditional brazing rods, and products with lower braze temperatures that make the brazing process more efficient. NetBraze is located in Mt. Orab, Ohio and has 23 employees.
www.worthingtonindustries.com
Worthington Industries Inc., Columbus, Ohio, has acquired the business of NetBraze LLC, a manufacturer of brazing alloys, silver brazing filler metals, solders, and fluxes primarily used in plumbing, HVAC-R, industrial gas, and OEM markets.
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Tresa Pollock named Principal Editor for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions
Source: ASM International
ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that the new principal editor of the Metallurgical and Materials Transactions (Met Trans) family of journals will be Dr. Tresa M. Pollock, an internationally recognized leader in the science and technology of advanced structural alloys.
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Wisconsin Oven gas-fired walk-in batch oven treats industrial transformers
January 18, 2016
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired walk-in batch oven to an industrial transformer supplier for baking out transformers. The customer opted to add the turn-key installation package, which includes everything from unloading the equipment to commissioning the equipment into operation. The walk-in industrial oven has a maximum temperature rating of 300°F and work chamber of 10 x 10 x 10 feet. The recirculation system was designed with combination airflow to maximize heating rates and temperature uniformity of the products. The heating system utilizes an air heat burner rated at 750,000 BTU per hour.
The turn-key installation service for the industrial oven involved three consecutive days of installation with start-up and training at the facility by two Wisconsin Oven factory technicians.
The turn-key installation included reassembly and rewiring all components removed from shipping; connecting customer's utilities to the equipment; debugging and start-up of equipment; training three personnel on operation and maintenance; and other installation procedures.
This walk-in batch oven was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment to help reduce installation and start-up times. A 150 point Quality Assurance check list was completed to ensure the equipment met all Wisconsin Oven quality standards.
The industrial batch ovens are backed by Wisconsin Oven's 5-Year WOW warranty, which covers all materials for all components (less wear items).
www.wisoven.com
Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired walk-in batch oven to an industrial transformer supplier for baking out transformers.
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J.L. Becker Co. delivers temper furnace to auto parts supplier in Mexico
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J.L. Becker, a Gasbarre Furnace Group Company, Plymouth, Mich., has delivered a 36 x 72 x 36-inch gas-fired box temper furnace to a major Tier 1 automotive components supplier in Mexico. The furnace is designed to hold a 6000-pound gross load, with a maximum operating temperature of 1350°F.
Process capabilities include tempering and stress relief. This furnace comes complete with a stationary load table equipped with a newly designed motor-driven roller chain and handler head assembly. The new drive system provides superior performance, more accurate positioning, and ease of setup and maintenance.
The equipment includes both batch and continuous systems. The company specializes in Integral Quench, Tip Up, Box, and Car Bottom furnaces, as well as a full line of replacement parts and auxiliary equipment, including atmosphere generators, quench tanks, and charge cars.
www.jlbecker.com and www.gasbarrefurnacegroup.com
J.L. Becker, a Gasbarre Furnace Group Company, Plymouth, Mich., has delivered a 36 x 72 x 36-inch gas-fired box temper furnace to a major Tier 1 automotive components supplier in Mexico.
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One Minute Mentor: Heat Treating of Hot-Work Tool Steels
January 15, 2016
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The ability of a given grade of hot-work tool steel to maintain hardness for a prolonged time at high temperatures is called tempering resistance. A simple comparison of tempering resistance may be performed by analyzing tempering curves such as those shown in the graph. Higher tempering resistance is related to curves dislocated to the right. High mechanical strength at high temperature is fundamental for hot-work steels.
Toughness in hot-work tools is an essential property for avoiding the cracks and fractures that can be common in normal working conditions. Unexpected and very unstable in cold-work tools, cracks may be encountered after a given operation time for hot-work dies. The most important example is fine crack networks, large in number but small in length, observed on a tool surface after the tooling operation. This kind of cracking is known as heat checking and is typically found in die-casting dies as well as in forging dies or other hot-work tools. The cause is thermal fatigue at the tool surface, caused in turn by repeated temperature fluctuations (heating and cooling) during tool operation.
Depending on the intensity, heat checking can lead to tool failure, which is typically the case in die-casting cavities. In such situations, the casting metal, normally aluminum, enters into the heat-checking cracks, making part extractions difficult or impairing part surface quality. In cases of a lack of toughness, gross cracking may also occur, leading to complete loss of the working tool.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels -> Tool Steels -> Heat Treating of Hot-Work Tool Steels-> Introduction
The ability of a given grade of hot-work tool steel to maintain hardness for a prolonged time at high temperatures is called tempering resistance.
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