The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) is managing a metals affordability program which is bringing together competing industrial companies with a common goal of reducing metals cost and time to market. The Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI) is a consortium of 16 original equipment manufacturers, component and metals producers in the aerospace supply chain who have achieved a tremendous technology transfer record and cost reduction impact.
Ford’s Lightweight Concept vehicle includes aluminum, high-strength steel, magnesium
Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., has developed a Lightweight Concept vehicle in which advanced materials are applied to explore weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Ipsen loading system for large furnaces eliminates need to disconnect heating elements
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., has been awarded a patent for a new vacuum heat-treating furnace-loading system that eliminates the need to disconnect the heating elements each time the system is used.
Army Research Laboratory project to develop U.S. supply chain for rare-earth elements
A team led by Technology Metals Research LLC, Carpentersville, Ill., has been awarded $1.2M in funding from the U.S .Army Research Laboratory, to help develop the key components for a domestic rare-earth supply chain for heavy and other critical rare-earth elements.
Wayne State develops technology for high-strength bainitic steels and austempered ductile irons
Wayne State University, Detroit, has finalized a license agreement with a new start-up company, Detroit Materials Inc., for a Wayne State-patented portfolio of high-strength low-alloy steels and cast irons for demanding applications.