New medical alloy features higher x-ray visibility

Scientists and engineers from the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI) at the University of Limerick, Ireland, invented a new metal that will make medical devices inside the body more visible under x-ray. Many medical devices, such as stents and valves, are placed in the body through minimally invasive surgical procedures that are usually performed with the help of medical imaging such as x-ray fluoroscopy. Current materials used to make these devices do not show up well under x-ray.

Peacock-colored polymer is flexible and thin

A synthetic material that mimics the brightest and most vivid colors in nature and changes color when twisted or stretched was developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK. It could have important applications in the security, textile, and sensing industries.   Instead of through pigments, these “polymer opals” get their color from their internal structure alone, resulting in pure color which does not run or fade.

Certified Heat Treating buys Heat Treating Inc.

Certified Heat Treating Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio, has bought Heat Treating Inc., Springfield, Ohio. The acquisition will reportedly boost capacity and improve access to customers in Columbus, Springfield, and the northern Dayton region.  Heat Treating Inc. has about 25 employees and will continue to operate from its current location.   “They have a different customer base and their equipment is, in most cases, quite a bit larger than ours,” said Certified CEO Chuck Biehn.

Heat Treating Society establishes Emerging Leader award

ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, announces that the ASM HTS/Surface Combustion Emerging Leader Award has been established to recognize an outstanding early-to-midcareer heat treating professional whose accomplishments exhibit exceptional achievements in the heat treating industry. The award was created in recognition of Surface Combustion’s 100-year anniversary in 2015.

TSS Members Named ASM Fellow

In 1969, ASM established the honor of Fellow of the Society to provide recognition to members for their distinguished contributions to materials science and engineering and to develop a broad based forum of technical and professional leaders to serve as advisors to the Society.  We are pleased to announce the following TSS members will be among the 2013 inductees.     Mr. Timothy McKechnie, President, Plasma Processes, Inc.