AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS Archives

Aleris Opens Kentucky Plant, Includes Heat Treatment, Annealing Capabilities

Global aluminum producer Aleris recently announced the opening of its aluminum automotive body sheet production facility in Lewisport, Kentucky, which includes heat treatment and finishing capabilities, as well as a wide cold mill, and two continuous annealing lines. The company, which is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, launched the project in 2014 in response to the automotive industry’s demand for broader aluminum use in the production of lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Lewisport facility began shipping automotive products to customers in November.

Lewisport is Aleris’s first site in North America that is equipped with aluminum auto body sheet finishing capabilities and houses an automotive innovation center, which includes a state-of-the-art research and development center in Detroit.

“The opening of our new automotive facility in Kentucky marks the completion of a significant piece of our strategic realignment, which includes expanding our capacity and capabilities to serve the automotive industry and other high-value end uses,” said Aleris Chairman and CEO Sean Stack. “As an experienced supplier to automotive manufacturers in Europe, we look forward to partnering with customers more closely now in North America to bring them the most advanced auto body sheet products in the industry.”

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Honda Driveshaft Recall Due to Improper Heat Treating Process

December 8, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS

Due to an improper heat treating process at a supplier, Honda is recalling 5,404 model-year 2017 Civic 2-door and 4-door vehicles equipped with 1.5-liter engines and automatic (CVT) transmissions in the United States to inspect, and, if needed, replace the right driveshaft, free of charge. Honda has received no customer reports related to this issue, which was discovered during routine quality checks at the factory.

Tthe right driveshafts in these vehicles may break if they are from affected production lots. If a driveshaft breaks, the vehicle will lose drive power when driving or may roll away when parked without the parking brake engaged, each increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the driveshafts in the recalled vehicles to determine if they are from affected production lots, and, if so, replace them for free.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of affected vehicles to take them to an authorized dealer as soon as possible for inspection and potential repair. Mailed notification to owners of affected vehicles will occur in early-December 2017. Owners of 2017 Civics can also determine if their vehicles require repair now by visiting www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (888) 234-2138.

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Wooster, OH, Auto Supplier Facility Celebrates 40th with E-Mobility Expansion

December 5, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

Marc McGrath, President of Automotive Americas, Schaeffler

A global automotive and industrial supplier recently launched the company’s latest expansion, its U.S. center for advanced e-mobility development located at its existing Wooster, Ohio, facility.

Schaeffler Group USA Inc., which delivers high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, commemorated the facility’s 40^th anniversary with a grand opening celebration and unveiling of the $60 million capital investment.

Already established as the center for Schaeffler’s torque converter product line, the newly renovated Wooster campus will equip employees with the capacity for the production of hybrid modules, the first of the electrification projects, which combines the electric motor with a hydrodynamic converter to yield a P2 hybrid solution. Beginning in 2018, the facility will produce the module for a major U.S. automotive manufacturer. The team is also engaged in pure electric vehicle technology development, including the production of Schaeffler’s e-axles.

“From 2007 to 2016, our automotive business has outpaced market growth by nearly double and we have expanded our manufacturing capacity in Wooster to keep pace with growth in our automotive transmission business, ” said Marc McGrath, president Automotive Americas, Schaeffler. “This latest investment, which builds upon our recent $36.5 million expansion of our Fort Mill, S.C. facility, prepares us for the production of future transmission technologies and further optimizes the facility’s vertical integration.”

Opening ceremony for the expansion of the Wooster plant. Among the guests were (from left) Patrick Lindemann, Vice President Transmission Systems; Bruce G. Warmbold, Regional CEO Americas; Bob Breneman, Mayor of Wooster; Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG; Mary Taylor, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio; Georg F. W. Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler; Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive; Oliver Jung, Chief Operating Officer; Shelly Flint, Director Human Resources Transmission Systems and Automotive; and Marc McGrath, President of Automotive Americas. Photo credit: Schaeffler

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Hyundai Recall Traced to Heat Treatment Induction Coil

November 30, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

Source: RecallMasters.com

More than 400 Hyundai vehicles have been recalled due to concerns about defective crankshaft assemblies, according to information released by the National Transportation Safety Administration. In May 2017, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) received a report from a customer about a knocking sound during operation of his 2017 Santa Fe sport utility vehicle and initiated an investigation. An inspection of recovered engine assemblies revealed that engine bearings had seized due to improperly produced crankshaft pin surfaces, a condition traced back to a crankshaft heat treatment coil that was improperly positioned during production in January 2017.

A total of four reports of 2017 Santa Fe vehicles exhibiting abnormal engine noise were received by the company. In addition, one of these reports indicated the vehicle had stalled due to eventual failure of the engine. Although Hyundai is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or customer complaints related to this condition, HMA decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall and notified dealers in September. Owners were informed via first class mail in October. It is estimated that no more than 25 percent of the vehicles affected by the recall actually contain the defective parts.

To view the Safety Recall Report posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or to learn what to do if you own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, click here: Part 573 Safety Recall Report.

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Rolled Aluminum for Auto Body Production Included in Logan Expansion

November 22, 2017 / ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

A flat-rolled aluminum sheet manufacturer recently broke ground on Phase II of its expansion project in Logan County, Kentucky, where the company’s Phase I facility opened late last month, an investment of $240 million expanding recycling/new ingot casting capabilities to 600 million pounds of cast ingot annually, increasing the capacities of rolling mills, scalping, and pre-heat operations, and creating approximately 190 employment opportunities.

Logan Aluminum Inc.’s new project includes a planned mill that will strengthen cold rolling production and boost capacity for heavier gauge rolled sheet manufactured into automotive body and structural panels. When completed, the $125 million project is expected to provide 60 jobs for the area.

“Almost two years ago to the day, we held our groundbreaking for the new DC4 Recycle Facility, and now we are here today for the ceremonial ribbon cutting of DC4, and for the groundbreaking of Logan’s new Cold Mill – CM4,” said Ken Perdue, Logan Aluminum Plant Manager. “It’s an exciting time for aluminum and it’s a really exciting time for aluminum in Kentucky.”

Logan Aluminum Inc. was established in 1983 and is a joint venture between Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and Novelis Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo by Karen Logan Logan County Chamber of Commerce

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Auto, Aerospace Demand for Aluminum Favors Hindalco Bid

November 21, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

Source: Moneycontrol.com

Aluminum manufacturer Hindalco Industries Ltd is considering a bid to acquire a U.S. maker of aluminum rolled products as a move to advance the India-based company’s efforts to expand its reach into the automotive and aerospace sectors.

The private equity owners of Aleris Corporation, located in Cleveland, Ohio, ended talks with China Zhongwang Holdings last month due to heightened U.S. national security concerns and now find the company courted by Hindalco, through its U.S.-based subsidiary Novelis, as well as several other firms, including Norsk Hydro of Norway, Japan’s UACJ Corp., and Arconic (formerly Alcoa). Aleris Corporation is valued at approximately $2.5B, although a bidding war could escalate that figure to greater than $3B.

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Austenitizing, Salt Quenching Processes Enhance Auto Supplier’s Heat Treating Capabilities

November 9, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS

A Mexico-based automotive supplier recently awarded a contract for the design and manufacture of a 1,500 lb/hr mesh belt furnace system for the austenitizing and molten salt quenching of unique components used in the manufacture of its drivetrain systems.

This contract was awarded to Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd, which has scheduled the project to be commissioned early 2018 in Mexico’s centralized automotive manufacturing corridor. Incorporating several technological advancements for continuous atmosphere processing of products requiring carbon diffusion and quenching via a molten salt system, known as austempering, the new system includes: automated bin-dumping loading, mesh belt atmosphere hardening furnace, salt quench, post-quench wash and rinse system, mesh belt temper oven, and endothermic gas generator.

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Canadian Auto Parts Manufacturer Adds Chain Conveyor Oven

November 6, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A Canadian automotive parts manufacturer recently contracted a chain conveyor oven to preheat aluminum billets prior to forging into automotive suspension components under high pressure. This forging process produces high-strength parts that are ideal for applications where performance and safety are critical, but a lighter-weight metal is needed for speed or energy efficiency.

The natural gas-fired indexing conveyor oven, constructed and shipped by Wisconsin Oven Corporation, has a maximum operating temperature of 1,100°F (593° C) and work chamber dimensions of 6’6” W x 23’6” L x 1’0” H. The oven is designed with the capability to heat 1,995 pounds of aluminum per hour and a production rate of 360 parts per hour. The equipment achieved temperature uniformity of +/-10°F (5.6° C) at 1,050° F (565° C) for the last 90 index positions. The patented Expandable Surface™ design includes 2 inches of high-temperature block insulation backed with 4 inches of semi-rigid batt type insulation.

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Launch of Dana Driveshaft Line Promises Lighter Weight, Durable Driveline Systems for Commercial Trucks

November 2, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

A global engineering solutions firm recently established the next generation in its series of driveshafts optimized for the most popular configurations of heavy-duty commercial trucks.

Mark Wallace, Executive Vice President of Dana Incorporated

Dana Incorporated announced the launch of its SPL^® 250 Lite driveshaft line, designed to handle torque ratings up to 25,000 Nm and specifically engineered to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. Up to 25 pounds lighter than competitive products, the newly revealed driveshaft will enhance vehicle dynamics without compromising strength.

“The lower numeric axle ratios required to support engine downspeeding and improve fuel efficiency can cause significant stress to the drivetrain and alter harmonics in driveline components,” said Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and president of Dana Commercial Driveline Technologies. “Excessive vibration leads to unplanned downtime and driver fatigue on the road. The SPL 250 Lite driveshaft leverages proprietary precision manufacturing methods that ensure no NVH issues while delivering a smooth ride. It also reduces weight without sacrificing performance or durability.”

The SPL 250 Lite driveshaft widens the range of applications with fewer components to reduce weight and improve installation by OEMs.

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Swedish Aluminum Supplier Gränges Increasing Tennessee Presence

October 26, 2017 / ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

A Swedish supplier of rolled aluminum products that has operations in Sweden, China, and the U.S. recently announced an expansion project that will incorporate investment in heat treat equipment, including annealing furnaces.

Gränges of Stockholm, Sweden, will invest $110 million (U.S.) to increase the capacity of its aluminum rolling operation in Huntingdon, Tennessee, from 160K tons to nearly 200K tons per year, creating 85 permanent full-time jobs and servicing its North American market with light gauge foil, automotive heat exchanger materials, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. This is the company’s second major investment in Huntingdon since 2000.

“The expansion in Huntingdon marks the next step in our strategic growth plan for the North American market. Gränges has built a strong reputation in the aluminum rolling industry, and this expansion allows us to further support our customers’ growth”, says Gränges CEO Johan Menckel. Other expansion projects will include buildings, casters, cold rolling mills, and
slitters.

Patrick Lawlor, Gränges Americas President

“The investment represents a long-term commitment to our customers, employees, and shareholders as we grow in support of our strategic markets”, says Gränges Americas President, Patrick Lawlor.

The expansion was supported by Tennessee (TN) Governor Bill Haslam, the TN Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, and local Huntingdon Officials.

“In TN, we take pride in the fact that our hardworking residents still make things,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. “The Gränges facility is a vital part of the Carroll County community and I’d like to thank Gränges for committing to create new jobs in Huntingdon and bringing us closer to making TN the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs.”

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