Alcoa to supply aluminum sheet for aircraft fuselages to Spirit AeroSystems
May 7, 2014
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Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has signed a long-term agreement to supply aluminum sheet to Spirit AeroSystems Inc. in a contract valued at approximately $290 million over five years. Alcoa will provide Spirit with aluminum sheet products for fuselage skins from its Davenport facility, which houses the world's largest and most advanced aluminum rolling mill. Spirit is one of the largest designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial, military, business and regional jets in the world.
On April 8, Alcoa increased its 2014 global aerospace growth expectation by one percentage point to 8% - 9%, on strong demand for both large commercial aircraft and regional jets and continued growth in the business jet market.
"Alcoa produces lightweight metallic solutions that deliver strength, aerodynamic efficiencies, and corrosion resistance," said Mark Vrablec, President, Global Aerospace, Transportation and Industrial Rolled Products at Alcoa. "This new multi-year contract with Spirit deepens our collaborative relationships and enables us to continue to grow in this important market. We are well-established in the aerospace industry and offer the best value and performance to our customers."
Alcoa's aerospace business, which had revenues totaling $4 billion in 2013, holds leading market positions in aerospace forgings, extrusions, jet engine airfoils, and fastening systems produced by its downstream business, Engineered Products and Solutions (EPS), and aerospace sheet and plate produced by its midstream business, Global Rolled Products (GRP). The Company's value-add businesses, comprising EPS and GRP, accounted for 58% of Alcoa's first quarter 2014 revenues and 76% of the Company's total segment after-tax operating income.
http://www.alcoa.com
Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has signed a long-term agreement to supply aluminum sheet to Spirit AeroSystems Inc. in a contract valued at approximately $290 million over five years.
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Zinc-magnesium coating protects against corrosion at lower cost
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ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, Germany, has developed EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect, zinc-magnesium coatings that are said to meet the high surface requirements for exposed automotive body panels. As zinc-magnesium coatings offer significantly higher corrosion protection, coating thickness can be reduced by roughly a third compared with conventional solutions. The thinner coating also makes body parts easier to weld. The improved corrosion protection applies not only to flat surfaces, but above all to cut edges and creep around scratches, both of which are high-risk areas.
Thanks to the hard surface, there is less abrasion in the die, which means more parts can be produced on the press between cleaning intervals. As a result, OEMs benefit from optimized production processes. Moreover, the auto industry can switch to these new corrosion protection solutions without difficulty. ZM EcoProtect coatings offer the same surface finish as high-quality hot-dip galvanized parts. Therefore, it is no problem to start by just producing a few parts with the new coating and fitting them in the body. Car buyers will see no difference in the paintwork.
ZM PrimeProtect goes a step further, offering all the advantages of ZM EcoProtect with an even better finish. Press plants and paint shops benefit from improved long waviness and a higher peak count. Combined with good forming behavior in the press plant this results in a premium paint finish - if necessary even without filler; the paint is applied directly to the primer. That saves time and money and benefits the environment.
With the development of ZM EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is the first steel producer worldwide capable of offering all common automotive coatings also in outer skin quality. These world-first zinc-magnesium solutions were developed by the company's Technology & Innovation unit.
www.thyssenkrupp.com
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, Germany, has developed EcoProtect and ZM PrimeProtect, zinc-magnesium coatings that are said to meet the high surface requirements for exposed automotive body panels.
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Chromalloy labs receive testing accreditation
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Chromalloy, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., announces that the six laboratories at the company's Engineering Center of Excellence have received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, validating international standards requirements for testing services. The following Chromalloy labs were accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS: Metallurgy, Modal, Fatigue, Airflow, Metrology and Optical Metrology.
The center serves the company's global network of gas turbine engine component repair and manufacturing centers, and also provides engineering, test, and lab services to customers worldwide.
"With ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, Chromalloy builds on our world-class processes with the technical competence and ability to produce precise and accurate test data for customers around the globe," said Carlo Luzzatto, President. "Chromalloy provides the entire value chain of services for gas turbine components, from engineering and testing through casting, machining and advanced coatings."
Accredited labs are regularly reassessed to ensure the process standards and technical expertise are maintained.
Chromalloy is a leading supplier of technologically advanced repairs, coatings, investment castings, and services for turbine airfoils and other critical engine components. The company serves engine manufacturers and operators in commercial aerospace, defense, and the energy industry.
www.chromalloy.com
Chromalloy, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., announces that the six laboratories at the company’s Engineering Center of Excellence have received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, validating international standards requirements for testing services.
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MesoCoat receives EPA grant to develop CermaClad zinc-based cladding technology
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Abakan Inc., Miami, announces that its majority-owned subsidiary MesoCoat Inc., Euclid, Ohio, has received a Phase One SBIR Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a six-month project to develop CermaClad high-speed large-area metal cladding technology for bridges. The technology enables application of very thin layers of proprietary zinc materials to prevent corrosion by forming a physical barrier that acts as a sacrificial anode when the barrier is in danger.
It is a replacement alternative for the highly toxic galvanizing process. The EPA funding will be used to develop the product for infrastructure applications.
MesoCoat will use CermaClad metal cladding technology to apply very thin layers of proprietary zinc materials to prevent corrosion by forming a physical barrier that acts as a sacrificial anode when the barrier is in danger. The primary application of CermaClad LT zinc cladding is intended for corrosion protection for steel components including bridge decks, structures and beams, marine, power generation, refineries, grid transmission towers, railroads, and oil/gas infrastructure.
Frost and Sullivan expects the global demand for zinc to be 13.2 million metric tons (MT) in 2014, of which 50% of the total production is to be used for galvanizing steel against corrosion, which translates into an approximately $18 billion market for galvanizing globally. However, current galvanizing methods rely on toxic processes that utilize hazardous and noxious materials which generate toxic emissions. Chemical baths used during the galvanizing (pickling) process are among the leading producers of industrial waste.
www.abakaninc.com
Abakan Inc., Miami, announces that its majority-owned subsidiary MesoCoat Inc., Euclid, Ohio, has received a Phase One SBIR Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a six month project to develop CermaClad high-speed large-area metal cladding technology for bridges and other structures.
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ExOne qualifies nickel-base Alloy 625 for 3D printing of industrial parts
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The ExOne Co., N. Huntingdon, Pa., announces that its ExOne Material Applications Laboratory (ExMal) has qualified Inconel alloy 625 for 3D printing industrial applications at more than 99% density, utilizing its binder jetting technology. Its machines are said to provide higher volumetric output per unit of time compared with other metal 3D printing technologies, and greater flexibility for simultaneously printing multiple production parts.Inconel alloy 625 is commonly used for components in the aerospace, chemical, and energy markets, with applications including gas turbine blades, filtration and separation, heat exchanger and molding processes.
The metal is beneficial due to its oxidation and corrosion-resistant qualities, and is able to retain its strength even when subjected to extreme environments such as high pressure or wide temperature ranges. It has been qualified for use on ExOne's M-Flex and X1-Lab 3D printing machines.
The company expects to commercialize Inconel alloy 625 around June 1, 2014.
Rick Lucas, ExOne's Chief Technology Officer, commented, "Our qualification of the more than 99 percent dense Inconel alloy 625 further validates ExOne's binder jetting technology as a cost-effective 3D printing industrial solution. We believe that the ability to directly print highly dense metal components increases our competitive edge with both subtractive manufacturers and other metal 3D printing technologies."
ExMal is in various development stages with several metals, including titanium, which has produced excellent results in preliminary testing and printing research. New materials combined with new product designs tailored to 3D printing will create disruptive market opportunities for customers and also expand the addressable market. In accordance with its strategy, the Company continues to be in varying stages of qualifying additional industrial materials approximately every six months.
www.exone.com
The ExOne Co., N. Huntingdon, Pa., announces that its ExOne Material Applications Laboratory (ExMal) has qualified Inconel alloy 625 for 3D printing industrial applications at more than 99% density, utilizing its binder jetting technology.
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SSAB high strength steels and wear plates meet all requirements for laser cutting
April 30, 2014
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SSAB, Sweden, reports that both its Hardox and Domex high-strength steels meet all demands for laser cutting and can be processed with the same cutting parameters as unalloyed steel grades such as S235. All Hardox and Domex steels can be perfectly laser cut because of their consistent steel properties, tight thickness tolerances, outstanding flatness, and surface finish, as well as optimized chemical composition. The high steel quality also allows for smaller radii and ensures accurate results when bending.
"Contrary to popular belief, a laser beam has the same effect regardless of whether a material is soft or hard," explains Anders Ivarson, a thermal cutting and welding specialist at the SSAB Knowledge Service Center. Since a laser beam is bundled light made up of a certain wavelength, it does not matter whether the light is directed at a hard or a soft steel, the material is heated regardless.
"For example, the melting temperature of our High Strength Steel Domex 700 is exactly the same as that of S235GR, which includes no alloying elements of any kind. This is why a laser cutting machine with the same parameters can cut Domex 355, 420 or 700 equally well," explains Mr. Ivarson.
The experiences of Bystronic, one of the leading manufacturers of laser cutting machines also confirms this. "During our in-house exhibition, we processed Hardox and Domex exclusively and were able to show around 900 visitors from 50 countries that it is possible to cut and bend this material perfectly, even in larger thicknesses. Currently there is still a certain level of reluctance by our customers to use such high strength material – but without cause," says Mario Duppenthaler, Product Manager Laser & Automation at Bystronic.
www.ssab.com
SSAB, Sweden, reports that both its Hardox and Domex high-strength steels meet all demands for laser cutting and can be processed with the same cutting parameters as unalloyed steel grades such as S235.
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Olympus designs ultrasonic thickness gage for outside of internally corroded pipes
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Olympus Corp., Center Valley, Pa., has developed the 27MG Ultrasonic Thickness Gage for accurate measurements from one side of internally corroded or eroded metal pipes and structures. It weighs only 12 oz. (340 g) and is ergonomically designed for one-hand operation. Despite its compact size, the 27MG has many innovative measurement features utilizing the same technologies available on more advanced thickness gages.
The durable, rugged 27MG is battery-operated and features a large, backlit LCD with easy-to-read numerals, and an intuitive color-coded keypad with direct access to many key features.
Standard features include Automatic Probe Recognition to ensure optimal transducer performance, Auto Zero compensation to enhance the accuracy of measurements on hot surfaces, Gain Adjust to improve measurements on sound-attenuating materials such as cast metals, Differential mode, Hi-Low Alarm settings, and a Min/Max mode that recalls the minimum or maximum thickness at 20 measurements per second.
The 27MG is designed for inspectors and maintenance engineers that need to monitor the wall thickness in metal pipes, tanks, beams, and structural supports that are susceptible to corrosion on the inside surface. An ultrasonic thickness gage provides a quick, cost-effective solution by transmitting sound into the material from the outside, making it unnecessary to damage the part.
www.olympus-global.com
Olympus Corp., Center Valley, Pa., has developed the 27MG Ultrasonic Thickness Gage for accurate measurements from one side of internally corroded or eroded metal pipes and structures.
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Purdue selects Rick Sisson as one of three 2014 Outstanding Materials Engineers
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The Purdue University School of Materials Engineering, West Lafayette, Ind., has chosen Richard Sisson, WPI Professor and Director of CHTE (Center for Heat Treating Excellence), as one of three 2014 Outstanding Materials Engineers. He was selected for his work in applying fundamental science in transport phenomena, phase transformations, and phase equilibria to a wide range of engineering materials systems; and for his leadership role as Dean of Graduate Studies at WPI.
The award was established by Purdue to recognize alumni who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments and leadership in the field of Materials Science and Engineering or an affiliated profession.
wpi.edu/+chte
The Purdue University School of Materials Engineering, West Lafayette, Ind., has chosen Rick Sisson, WPI Professor and Director of CHTE (Center for Heat Treating Excellence), as one of three 2014 Outstanding Materials Engineers.
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Zimmer to acquire Biomet in transaction valued at $13.35 billion
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Zimmer Holdings Inc. and Biomet Inc., both of Warsaw, Ind., have approved a definitive agreement under which Zimmer will acquire Biomet in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $13.35 billion, including the assumption of net debt. The merger will position the combined company as a leader in the $45 billion musculoskeletal industry and is aligned with Zimmer's strategic framework, which focuses on growth, operational excellence, and prudent capital allocation.
The combined company is expected to deliver attractive growth by offering a more comprehensive and scalable portfolio of solutions with enhanced cross-selling opportunities. In addition, the combined company is expected to advance innovation to benefit healthcare stakeholders, and stockholders are expected to benefit from a more diversified and predictable revenue mix consistent with the comprehensive portfolio.
Upon closing, the transaction is expected to be double-digit accretive to Zimmer's adjusted diluted earnings per share in the first year. Cash flows from operations are expected to increase by 1.5 times Zimmer's stand-alone estimates.
"This is a milestone combination that brings together two highly complementary organizations and is consistent with our mission to lead the industry in delivering value to healthcare providers, their patients and stockholders," said David Dvorak, Zimmer President and CEO. "The transaction positions the combined company as a leader in the musculoskeletal industry with a broad portfolio of products, technologies and services, enabling us to help shape how solutions are developed and delivered.
According to Jeffrey R. Binder, Biomet's President and Chief Executive Officer, "The combination with Zimmer will prepare us to compete as a stronger entity in the medical device industry of the future. Our combined scale will extend the reach and influence with which we pursue our common passion: delivering products and services that benefit our customers and the patients we ultimately serve."
www.zimmer.com
Zimmer Holdings Inc. and Biomet Inc., both of Warsaw, Ind., have approved a definitive agreement under which Zimmer will acquire Biomet in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $13.35 billion, including the assumption of net debt.
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Cartech’s precision machining bar provides high strength and corrosion resistance
April 24, 2014
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Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, Pa., has expanded its Project 70+ PDB portfolio of precision stainless steel machining bar designed for CNC Swiss-style screw machines by adding Project 70+ PDB Custom 630 (17Cr-4Ni) stainless. This is a martensitic, precipitation/age-hardening stainless steel offering high strength and hardness along with excellent corrosion resistance. The alloy can be age-hardened by a single-step, low-temperature treatment. Custom 630 stainless offers customers greatly improved machinability over standard 17Cr-4Ni stainless, boosting productivity of machine shop operations.
Carpenter launched the Project 70+ PDB stainless family of precision drawn machining bar in April 2013. The highly engineered bars are drawn to ASTM half standard (h9) tolerances and possess characteristics that can help fabricators and machine shops maximize their productivity. Project 70+ PDB stainless machining bar has performed well on CNC Swiss-style screw machines.
www.cartech.com
Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, Pa., has expanded its Project 70+ PDB stainless portfolio of precision machining bar designed for CNC Swiss-style screw machines by adding Project 70+ PDB Custom 630 (17Cr-4Ni) stainless steel.
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