FEATURED NEWS Archives

STM Kunshan Cheng Tongming Metal Orders Bell Furnace

At the beginning of 2017, LOI Thermprocess GmbH and its Chinese subsidiary company LOI Thermprocess (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. received a contract for a wire annealing plant from STM Kunshan Cheng Tongming Metal Co. Ltd. a Chinese wire manufacturer in the province Jiangsu. The order includes the delivery of a bell-type furnace plant with two annealing bases, two heating hoods and one Jet-cooling hood. The HPH® (High Performance Hydrogen) bell-type furnaces also works with hydrogen as annealing atmosphere and has per base an usable diameter of 4,200 mm and a charging height of 3,500 mm. Thus, an average batch weight of 28 tons steel wire per annealing base can be achieved. Not only hot rolled wire coils but also drawn wire coils shall be annealed. The start of production for the new annealing plant is forecasted for end of the third quarter of 2017.

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Heat Treat CEO Comments on 3D TUS Tool

March 15, 2017 / AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT, AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES TECHNICAL CONTENT, VACUUM PUMPS GAUGES VALVES TECHNICAL CONTENT

Mr. William Jones, CEO of the Solar Atmosphere Group of Companies, listened with interest to the recent Heat Treat Radio podcast featuring Phoenix Heat Treating president, Peter Hushek. Peter introduced a new 3D TUS tool, Virtual Visual Surveys.

Below, Mr. Jones offers his comments about this new tool and TUS practices in general.

If you’d like to listen to the Heat Treat Radio episode that sparked these comments, click here.

Please note that immediately following Mr. Jones’ comments is a response from Peter Hushek.

Unedited comments from Mr. Bill Jones, CEO, Solar Atmospheres & Solar Manufacturing…

Like Peter Hushek we have been in this TUS business for more time than we like to remember. So, most up to date HT companies track our TUS data on paperless video recorders and down load onto an Excel spread sheet and plot out the data a minimum of every 30 seconds. This is done with a preprogrammed digital temperature controller thru the necessary ramps, soaks, and set points. The Excel spread sheets also contains all the survey and controller TC correction factors. Prior to the survey each data point contains the preset temperature controller PID parameters. All survey TC’s are set into their preset locations per AMS 2750E with careful notation to position and correct TC length and care for equal hot / cold lengths. Prior to survey each electronic instrument is checked with a calibrated thermocouple millivolt run-up box and each instrument calibrated. Normally midafternoon each furnace under test is set up thus and the survey to run preprogrammed overnight. Our QC department downloads the data, reviews and makes the pass fail decision, within a few hours, the next day. If the TUS failed back to maintenance to look into the issues, make corrections and rerun the TUS. Problems are not always furnace related but thermocouple, TC position, jack panel, jack panel wiring, instrumentation, and numerous other issues. I view the VVS 3D presentation as an aide but only part of the story”.

William R. Jones, CEO, FASM
Solar Atmospheres Inc.
Souderton, Pa.

More about Solar Atmospheres? www.solaratm.com

And Peter Hushek’s unedited response to Mr. Jones’ comments…

In regards to the response from the listener I can say he makes some valid points. There are many issues that can affect the outcome of a TUS. We realize that the evaluation of the furnace uniformity involves many aspects and we are only addressing the data generated by the process. We believe that when companies begin the process of actual data analytics they will become more aware of the process and improve the quality of their processing as a result. VVS is only beginning to scratch the surface of the data flow that occurs daily in processing companies. We look to greater innovation through customer supplier interface as well and technological improvements that can be used as feed stock to improve future generations of this software. We are only starting the process and I hope the market realizes that this is not a static process or company.

If you haven’t done so already, clicking here to listen to the Heat Treat Radio episode being discussed above.

To find out more about VVS, go to www.virtualvisualsurveys.com.

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Hydro Aluminium to Expand Heat Treatment Capacity

March 15, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Hydro Aluminium in Commerce (TX), USA has placed an order with Hertwich Engineering, a company of the SMS group, for the supply of a modern batch homogenizing furnace and a further saw for extrusion billets.
In 2010, Hertwich Engineering has completely modernised its batch furnace concept for the homogenisation of extrusion billets. The performance of Hertwich’s newly developed batch furnace with its new heating system and automated log handling is comparable to that of a continuous furnace.
This means clients can now choose between the two concepts or combine the two, as in the case of the US company Hydro Aluminium Commerce, TX. This flexibility has led to a significant increase in client interest.
Hydro Aluminium Commerce, TX processes some 100,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap into extrusion billets at its Commerce facility. The company already operates a Hertwich continuous homogenising furnace and has now placed an order for a state-of-the-art batch homogenising furnace together with an additional saw. The new furnace has a capacity of 55 tonnes and is designed for billets up to a maximum length of 7.7 metres and diameters in the range 178 – 406 mm.
The decisive advantage of the new batch-furnace design concept is the heating. With conventional batch furnaces, the air releases thermal energy when passing through the material being heated. This leads to non-uniform temperature distribution. Longer heating times are necessary to compensate for the temperature differences.
The concept of the new HE furnace generation combats this disadvantage by changing the direction of air flow in the furnace (using so-called reversed air). Thus the billets in the furnace are heated more uniformly. Experience has shown that heating time can be reduced significantly in this way.
The flow direction is reversed with the help of flaps. The fan operates at full power during flow reversal. The energy supplied via the fan suffices to balance out the heat loss during the soaking time. No external heating (whether supplied via burners or electrically) is necessary during this period. During operation, the temperature is kept constant using frequency-controlled fans. Baffles enable the hot gases to be distributed uniformly throughout the whole furnace chamber. The chamber is designed in such a way that uniform air flow is not impeded or prevented anywhere in the chamber.
Cooling is carried out in a similar manner to heating. The fact that the cooling air flow is reversible as well ensures that the temperature is uniform during this phase, with correspondingly better metallurgical results.
The two homogenising furnaces will be arranged in such a way that they can operate in combination, enabling homogenisation to be carried out flexibly. A second sawing plant will be installed to eliminate waiting times. A transfer car coupled with an automated stacker and spacer handling will be used to transport the billets.

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European Automotive Market Orders a Continuous T-7 Heat Treatment System

March 14, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited has been contracted by a European leader in the design and development of Light Weighting Thin Walled Automotive Structural Castings to design, manufacture and commission an automated T7 Heat Treatment System for the processing of high integrity aluminum automotive structural castings. CAN-ENG’s Design was chosen for this new facility as it offers inherent part handling features which reduce floor space requirements and energy consumption while providing predictable mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the casting.

CAN-ENG is a global expert in thermal processing solutions for high pressure die castings (HPDC) and aluminum automotive structural components. The high volume continuous line includes integrated handling systems connected to up/down stream processes. The T-7 system integrates robotic handling, Solution Furnace with CAN-ENG’s Precision Air Quench (PAQ TM) technology, artificial aging system and controls integrating Level II SCADA system. CAN-ENG’s PAQTM system integrates a unique combination of features that have been developed through continuous system improvements and modeling carried out in the over twenty similar systems commissioned in recent years. CAN-ENG’s PAQTM system uniformly delivers controlled quenching processes that provide repeatable and uniform mechanical properties and accurate dimensional results. The system is scheduled to be delivered and commissioned to the EU in third quarter of 2017.

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APT Hiller Orders New Billet Heating Furnace

March 13, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

SMS Group and Apt Hiller GmbH — From left to right: Thomas Brockmann (Head of Technology apt Hiller GmbH), Hans-Uwe Rode (SMS group), Thomas Boddenberg (Managing Director apt Hiller GmbH), Frans Kurvers (Managing Partner apt Group), Toni Herrmann (SMS group).

apt Hiller GmbH headquartered in Monheim, Germany, has meanwhile ordered already the fourth frontloading extrusion press from SMS group. The new extrusion press operates with an extrusion force of 27 MN (2,700 tons) in front-loading design, thus enabling high productivity and product quality. At the Monheim location, it replaces an older 20/22-MN extrusion press of apt Hiller GmbH. At the same time, a new highly effective billet heating furnace will be installed and part of the runout equipment will be newly built. Moreover, the new press is equipped with an “ecoDraulic“ system, an intelligent automatic start-stop system which is able to deactivate unused pumps. By installing a particularly fast hydraulic system shortest idle times can be achieved. Compared to conventional presses, the employment of these energy-efficient components and systems enables energy savings of 25 percent. Hence, the new press at apt Hiller meets the criteria of the distinctive ecoplants mark for especially energy efficient machines of SMS group. “apt Group stands for reliable top quality. In accordance with our slogan “Essential Parts. Essential Partners“, we are pleased to have SMS group as such a reliable partner at our side and we are sure that the forth front-loading press will also satisfy our expectations as regards quality and reliability,“ said Thomas Boddenberg, Managing Director apt Hiller GmbH. On the 27-MN extrusion press line, apt will be producing high-end aluminum profiles primarily applied in the construction and construction product sectors.
The new line will go into operation in the first quarter of 2018.

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Heat Treat Radio #6: Peter Hushek on Reducing TUS Failures

March 9, 2017 / AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT, AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT RADIO

Welcome to another episode of Heat Treat Radio, a periodic podcast where Heat Treat Radio host, Doug Glenn, discusses cutting-edge topics with industry-leading personalities. Below, you can either listen to the podcast by clicking on the audio play button, or you can read an edited version of the transcript. To see a complete list of other Heat Treat Radio episodes, click here.

Audio: Heat Treat Radio: Peter Hushek on Reducing TUS Failures

In this conversation, Heat Treat Radio host, Doug Glenn, interviews Peter Hushek about Virtual Visual Surveys, a new 3D software that will help minimize temperature uniformity survey failures. Listen to Peter’s description of how this innovative new tool can help aerospace heat treaters know what’s going on inside the furnace during a TUS.

Click the play button below to listen.

Doug Glenn, Publisher, Heat Treat Today — Doug Glenn, **Heat Treat Today** publisher and **Heat Treat Radio** host.

To find other Heat Treat Radio episodes, go to www.heattreattoday.com/radio and look in the list of Heat Treat Radio episodes listed.

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Los Angeles and Toronto Host Heat Treat Training Events

March 8, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

One-day seminars will be held in both LA and Toronto this spring to cover heat treat topics such as CQI-9, AMS 2750 E, control of atmospheres during heat treating processes, troubleshooting both heat treat equipment and processes, as well as a recap of the latest technologies used by leading heat treat companies. Improving day-to-day operations, efficiency, and quality will be the focus of these two events,

Los Angeles Event: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Toronto Event: Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Events are produced and sponsored by Super Systems, Inc.

For more information and to register: www.supersystems.com/seminar-signup/

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Sandvik Increases its Presence in Offshore Egypt

March 7, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Sandvik, a developer and producer of advanced stainless steels, special alloys, titanium and other high-performance materials, has extensively increased its presence in offshore Egypt in 2016, booking several large orders. The total contract values from the orders in 2016 across the scope of supply are in excess of 100 million Euros (107 million USD), which represents a milestone development for Sandvik in the region. This means that Sandvik will provide a comprehensive scope of oil and gas solutions for the ongoing giant gas field developments in the region.

Sandvik has seen double-digit growth in the region over the past three years, and recently established its EMEA Oil and Gas headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to service major projects happening in the region and to remain in close proximity to regional customers.

The East Mediterranean is brimming with opportunity. For example the recently discovered Zohr offshore field near Egypt, the largest natural gas discovery in the Mediterranean in the last decade, will greatly boost the country’s energy potential. The “super giant” field potentially boasts an estimated 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Phil Cherrie, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Oil & Gas, EMEA, Sandvik, said, “Operating in an offshore environment such as the Mediterranean Sea requires materials that are able to withstand the harsh conditions that these operations present. Having been chosen by the operators as well as equipment manufacturers and service providers to provide these solutions serves as testament to the quality of Sandvik’s products and solutions.”

As part of the contracts Sandvik will be providing: Super Duplex steel umbilical tubing; SANICRO 28, a high-alloy, high strength austenitic stainless steel for OCTG downhole production tubing together with alliance partner Tenaris; seamless alloy 625 control line and chemical injection lines encapsulated with tubing encased conductor (TEC lines).

Deliveries of these solutions have already begun in 2016 and will continue on throughout 2017.

According to Phil Cherrie, Egypt and the region continues to be an important market for the company. The company has been active in the region for more than 30 years now and continues to invest actively in people and partnerships to support the wide customer base.

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Big River Steel is World’s First Smart Mill

March 6, 2017 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

Source: Arkansas Online

Big River Steel set a record for the most expensive economic development project ever built in Arkansas, and it continues to set new records in its first months of operation, the mill’s chief executive officer said. Big River Steel is also the world’s first smart mill.

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Korea Aerospace Industries Awards Contract for Airframe Mounted Accessory Drives

March 3, 2017 / AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

Triumph Group, Inc. was selected by Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., to provide Airframe Mounted Accessory Drives (AMAD) on the new KF-X fighter aircraft. The contract is in support of the latest generation of the air superiority fighter, which is scheduled to make its first flight in mid-2022 and begin low-rate initial production in 2024. The KF-X program is slated to benefit the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force.

“We are pleased to support the KF-X fighter program, which will replace the aging Korean fleet of F-4s and F-5s, as well as equip the Indonesian Air Force,” said Tom Holzthum, executive vice president of Triumph Integrated Systems. “This win will allow Triumph to showcase the extensive capability and experience of our Geared Solutions business.”

Triumph Integrated Systems’ Geared Solutions site in Park City, Utah, will design and produce the AMADs, which receive and distribute engine power to operate generators, pumps and other aircraft systems, and also carry the main engine starter turbine. The AMADs on the KF-X fighter jet will feature the latest innovations in the company’s aircraft accessory gearbox product line.

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