A new technique uses neutron diffraction to measure several centimeters into the steel wheels of train carriages, which will help researchers investigate how train wheel cracks begin and spread. A study at the ENGIN-X instrument at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, UK, is giving engineers the opportunity to test large and heavy components such as train wheels rather than small metal samples.
Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Tungsten Materials business of Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, for $605 million. With approximately $340 million in annual sales, the business is a leading producer of tungsten metallurgical powders, as well as tooling technologies and components. It consists of two market-leading divisions: ATI Firth Sterling and ATI Stellram.
U.S. Chrome, Stratford, Conn., announces that it will scale up commercial production of its family of TriCom electroplating technologies. TriCom-H is based on a composite microstructure of a cobalt-phosphorus alloy matrix with uniformly dispersed fine silicon carbide particles. Offering extremely high hardness and high wear resistance, it represents a drop-in replacement for hard chrome, without environmental drawbacks.
ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, is proud to announce the donation of a new $250,000 lab-sized furnace, designed specifically for use at Materials Park, by Solar Atmospheres Inc., Souderton, Pa. The gift commemorating the ASM 100th Anniversary will better enable and further education efforts at ASM.
Short run forming of complex sheet metal shapes using rubber dies and pads is quick and highly effective. This technique was first accomplished using the Guerin process. After the Second World War, the Wheelon process was developed as an improvement over the Guerin Process. A Wheelon press is capable of manufacturing large, complex, short run parts with economic tooling. This type of hydraulically actuated bladder forming is widely used in the aerospace industry today.
