Boeing, Chicago, and Alcoa, Pittsburgh, announce that they have formed a closed-loop program to significantly increase the recycling of internal aluminum aerospace alloys. The program calls for recycling of 2XXX and 7XXX-series aluminum alloys used in the production of wing and fuselage components of Boeing airplanes. The forms will include aluminum extrusions, sheet, and plate products. At the outset, approximately eight million pounds of aluminum is expected to be recycled annually.
Plastics used in oil sumps drives down vehicle weight
Royal DSM, the Netherlands, is reducing the weight of the Peugeot 508 with the use of oil sumps injection molded in Akulon Ultraflow polyamide 6. The grade used for the application is Akulon Ultraflow K-FHG7, a 35% glass reinforced, heat stabilized polyamide 6 with good flow properties. It offers significant processing advantages compared to standard polyamide 6 products, while maintaining the required mechanical properties.
Aleris develops aluminum alloy temper designed for shipbuilding applications
Aleris International Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, has developed 5083-H128, an aluminum alloy temper for marine applications. Exposure to elevated temperatures can increase the susceptibility of aluminum alloys to corrosion, but the new process enables improved resistance in these conditions. It meets the new standards for marine plate as specified in ASTM’s B928-13 standard.
IBM acquires SoftLayer cloud computing company
IBM, Armonk, N.Y., has completed the acquisition of SoftLayer Technologies Inc., Dallas, Texas. SoftLayer joins IBM’s new cloud services division, which combines SoftLayer with IBM SmartCloud into a global platform. The new division, led by General Manager James Comfort, will provide a broad range of choices to both IBM and SoftLayer clients, ISVs, and channel and technology partners.
Testing system for wind power
SAKOR Technologies, Inc., Okemos, Mich., launched AccuDyne AC Dynamometer system for wind power testing applications. The system can be used by multiple engineering groups to test and verify designs, as well as for quality control testing after manufacturing. It can be used to test both active and passive wind power driveline components- turbines and their associated blade pitch control motors, generators, and wind-sensing devices and motors, and transmissions.




