HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES Archives

Fringe Friday: Electric Vehicles

April 30, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Sometimes our editors find items that are not exactly “heat treat” but do deal with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing. To celebrate getting to the “fringe” of the weekend, Heat Treat Today presents a Heat Treat Fringe Friday with this press release which speaks to the ever evolving trends for heat treat consumers. Specifically, we are looking at a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Workgroup, but what are your thoughts? Email editor@heattreattoday.com to share your thoughts!

A new in-house working group named the Electric Vehicle (EV) Workgroup draws from Anchor Harvey’s technological leadership and century-long experience in forging components for the automobile and motorsports industries. "We [the EV Workgroup] believe delivering high-strength, lightweight electric vehicle components," says Kerry Kubatzke, industry veteran with 35 years of experience in engineering and precision forge manufacturing at Anchor Harvey, "are core to growing our business and creating value for our customers as we work to deliver high-strength lightweight parts for the next generation of transportation."

The announcement comes as the United States, China, and European countries encourage automakers to produce more all-electric vehicles. By creating high-strength, lightweight forged aluminum components—such as steering knuckles, control arms, suspension components, structural nodes, and more—the EV Workgroup makes vehicle parts built for increased range, not range anxiety, in support of manufacturers creating the next generation of transportation.

Anchor Harvey is identifying what it takes to manufacture electric vehicles including sedans, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and more, to make a meaningful impact toward building a zero-emissions future. They've made investments over the past several years to incorporate cutting-edge data acquisition systems, digital monitoring processes, and preventative and predictive maintenance services, preparing them for changes in EV.

"With the introduction of our EV Workgroup," said Tom Lefaivre, president of Anchor Harvey, "we are working to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, manufacturing, and performance to new levels with stronger, lighter, quality aluminum components."

Fringe Friday: Electric Vehicles Read More »

Heat Treat Radio #53: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 2 of 3)

In a special Heat Treat Radio series, 40 Under 40 winners from the class of 2020 respond with their stories and insights of their life and work in the heat treat industry. This episode features the stories of Kelly Peters, Bryan Stern, and Andy Muto.

Below, you can listen to the podcast by clicking on the audio play button and read a few excerpts from this episode.

HTT · Heat Treat Radio: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 2 of 3)

Kelly Peters

“I thought that this gig would buy me some time to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. Turns out, I grew up here in the plant, and here I am today.”

“There is so much uncertainty and less opportunity in our business at the moment. Major consumers of heat treat are at crossroads: Will the automotive industry go electric, hybrid, stay with engines, or what, and when?...So how do I run a business and plan for the future in so much uncertainty?... Just like any family, will face the challenges together and be better for them.”

“Give those favors time to mature and develop. You never know where they’ll lead unless you give them a chance.”

Bryan Stern

“Working at Solar Manufacturing [it’s been] very fulfilling; with the vacuum equipment there’s pressure vessel design, fluids, the design of the water systems, thermodynamics going into that, heat transfer, structural analysis… There’s just a lot of depth and really because it’s, in many cases, a fairly homegrown movement, there’s a lot of room for improvement.”

“From what I’ve seen with almost the disconnect between a customer and what a piece of equipment could do for them if it was applied correctly: There’s a lot of room to bring value to a customer for their process in ways that haven’t really been imagined before.”

Andy Muto

“I originally was planning on doing my own thing after college in logistics, and did so for a number of years, but in 2014 I decided to move back home and work for Paulo.”

“What really intrigues me in the heat treatment industry is how many different applications require some form of heat treating in order for parts to perform to the necessary level that they need to in the field.”

To find other Heat Treat Radio episodes, go to www.heattreattoday.com/radio so see all of the episodes.

Heat Treat Radio #53: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 2 of 3) Read More »

HIP Deepens Expertise in High-Performance Materials

April 9, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, HIPING NEWS

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Dresden has received a hot isostatic press. This HIP technology will permit researchers to deepen their expertise and refine processes for pressure-supported heat treatment, used to maximize theoretical density, ductility, and fatigue resistance in high-performance materials.

Applications for the new system from Quintus Technologies include the hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment of specialty materials such as nickel-based superalloys and intermetallic compounds like titanium aluminides, as well as densification of the unconventional microstructures associated with additive manufacturing (AM).

Dr. Thomas Weißgärber
Director of the Branch Lab
Fraunhofer IFAM
Source: ifam.fraunhofer.de

The QIH 15L is equipped with Quintus’s Uniform Rapid Quenching® (URQ®) technology, which achieves a cooling rate of 103K/minute, while minimizing thermal distortion and non-uniform grain growth for finished 3D printed parts with optimal material properties. The press’s furnace chamber has a diameter of 6.69 inches (170 mm) and a height of 11.4 inches (290 mm) and operates at a maximum pressure of 200 [207] MPa (30,000 psi) and a maximum temperature of 2,552°F (1,400°C).

Acquiring the Quintus HIP allows Fraunhofer IFAM researchers to “strengthen their technological expertise in the field of pressure-supported heat treatment,” comments Dr. Thomas Weißgärber, director of the Branch Lab at Fraunhofer IFAM. “The new system is not only used for R&D projects but is also available as a service for carrying out predefined HIP cycles.”

The press model QIH 15L incorporates heat treatment and cooling in a single process known as High Pressure Heat Treatment™ (HPHT™). HPHT combines stress-relief annealing, HIP, high-temperature solution-annealing (SA), high pressure gas quenching (HPGQ), and subsequent ageing or precipitation hardening (PH) in one integrated furnace cycle.

Jan Söderström
CEO
Quintus Technologies
Heat Treat Today

Consolidating these multiple steps in the HIP process brings several benefits for Fraunhofer IFAM. Several functions can be performed in a single location with fewer pieces of equipment on the production line. The Quintus press produces fast throughput and high work piece quality. It also enhances efficiency and reduces per-unit processing costs while generating savings in space, energy, and infrastructure.

“We have noted exceptional interest in new approaches that improve quality, lower cost, and reduce environmental impacts,” says Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies. “HPHT is rapidly emerging as the go-to post-processing path to lean AM operations, and we are delighted to be working with Fraunhofer IFAM as its talented researchers expand the potential for high pressure heat treatment.”

The new system will be installed in the Innovation Center Additive Manufacturing ICAM® of Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, where various technologies for additive manufacturing are a major focus.

(source: background image from ifam.fraunhofer.de and Quintus HIP image from Quintus Technologies)

HIP Deepens Expertise in High-Performance Materials Read More »

Finding Heat Treat Equipment and Services Has Never Been Easier

April 8, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

In June, Heat Treat Today will officially launch its brand new Heat Treat Buyers Guide, but you can get a sneak preview today! Finding heat treat equipment and related services as well as commercial heat treating services will never be easier than by searching this trusted network of top-rated Heat Treat Equipment and Service Suppliers. Check out the website and tell us what you think! If you are a supplier, go claim or create your listing and get listed today! HeatTreatBuyersGuide.com

Buyers Guide Screen Shot of “Vacuum Furnace Brazing” Search Results
Source: Heat Treat Today

How It Works

1. Search Heat Treat Equipment And Service Suppliers

Use our website to search heat treat equipment and service suppliers by specialty or location. It’s easy to search and find top-rated heat treat equipment and service suppliers near you.

2. Compare Heat Treat Equipment And Service Suppliers

After searching for heat treat equipment and service suppliers, learn more by reviewing full profiles of each heat treat equipment and service suppliers on our website and then contacting them directly if so desired.

3. Connect with Heat Treat Equipment And Service Suppliers

Once you find heat treat equipment and service suppliers that you like, contact them to get more information. Our suppliers are always happy to hear from you!

Finding Heat Treat Equipment and Services Has Never Been Easier Read More »

JTL Integrated Machine Acquires CAN-ENG

April 5, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Victor Oreskovich, owner of JTL Integrated Machine Ltd. (JTL) and Trenergy Inc. (Trenergy), announced the recent acquisition of Can-Eng Furnaces International, Ltd. (CAN-ENG).

Oreskovich has expanded his family of companies to further enhance and leverage each group’s ability to include customized engineered solutions. “As a mechanical engineer born and raised in Niagara,” says Oreskovich, “I have always had great admiration for CAN-ENG’s technical expertise, and the level of quality and creativity provided by their products which are installed around the world.”

With the addition of CAN-ENG, the combined resources will increase to over 250 associates, operating at four separate locations, consisting of a total of over 300,000 ft²of available floorspace, outfitted with the most modern manufacturing capabilities. With this potential, CAN-ENG will be positioned for strategic growth and development activity in thermal processing and heat treatment markets previously not explored.

Heat Treat Today is pursuing an interview with Mr. Oreskovich. Stay tuned for more information if/when it becomes available.

Plant image from JTL Integrated Machine website. All other images provided by CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd.

JTL Integrated Machine Acquires CAN-ENG Read More »

Heat Treat Radio #51: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 1 of 3)

April 1, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, HEAT TREAT RADIO

This episode in the series also features an update from a past alum; in this episode, Kyle Hummel of Contour Hardening shares his journey over the last several years and how he has grown as a person in heat treat.

Below, you can listen to the podcast by clicking on the audio play button and read a few excerpts from this episode.

HTT · Heat Treat Radio: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 1 of 3)

Luke Wright

“So, we had a void in the heat treating department. We had three new hires — 2 others including myself at the time. They kind of shuffled us around: one went to assembly and I got put in heat treat with one of the others. They figured heat treat was difficult enough for two green engineers. I kind of picked it up as I went along.”

“I guess that’s kinda what I really like — sort of this black box science that everyone wants to talk about, and there’s so many things we have to just say, Well, I’m not really sure. We turn this knob and it tends to work better that way. But then, there’s also really detailed science and theory that kind of guides you and that gut feel, twist-that-knob practical application.”

“Something that I’ve been trying to do more lately in my job is to explain more about what I’m doing, what’s going on with the others around me — maintenance workers, furnace operators, or supervisors — instead of just keeping to myself or pushing them out of the way to just do the thing myself if they don’t understand: Doing a little more to work alongside people.”

Nathan Durham

“As we near the end of 2020 and reflect on the many, many challenges that arose, I’m truly motivated by the diversity and resilience of our industry[…] We’ll persevere through this pandemic, and push forward into 2021.”

“During my tenure at Ipsen, I’ve realized how important it is to always remain flexible within a career and adapt to what your company and what your customer are asking you.”

“Thank you again, as I’m truly humbled to be a part, and associated with, such great company, and the future of our industry.”

Alberto Cantú

“I started as an R&D manager. I had completed a PhD on the computation of fluid dynamics and used these tools to design new furnaces. But lately, I’ve been more involved in sales and business development.”

“On the one hand, the computation of power has been increasing — I’m going to say since the birth of computers, but lately more and more — but then the internet and the whole internet of things and Industry 4.0 coming together… You can do a lot of things with both the calculations and the ability to have the information in real time. I think many of these operating procedures that were mainly based on ‘rules of thumb’ and heuristics will change[…] to be based on machine learning…”

“I would suggest [for young heat treaters] to get involved in tradeshows, subscribe to newsletters, make sure you read all the news in the magazines available and in companies so that you get up-to-date in all things happening in the industry because, as I said, it’s vey exciting and I see a bright future.”

Kyle Hummel

“Professionally, I’ve been honored to accept a promotion and am now responsible for overseeing our operations. And on top of that, I’m currently studying for my very last finals to get my MBA in which I’ll graduate May.”

“The heat treatment industry is such a broad field of processes and technologies that anyone can get really excited about. I also think that heat treating can offer the perfect balance of hands-on work experience as well as quality and process improvement that can keep you engaged for years as you continue to grow your career.”

“I’m personally excited to see how the heat treat industry adapts to the next five years as electric vehicles sales continue to rise in the US. I believe this will be an opportunity for heat treaters to start thinking about how to broaden their service offerings and expanding into other industries as well.”

To find other Heat Treat Radio episodes, go to www.heattreattoday.com/radio so see all of the episodes.

Heat Treat Radio #51: Spotlight on 40 Under 40 Leaders (Part 1 of 3) Read More »

Announcing: New HIPing Ebook!

March 23, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, HIPING TECHNICAL CONTENT

Heat Treat Today is excited to bring you a NEW and FREE ebook this Technical Tuesday!

In an ever-changing world where production efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved process reliability are in focus, some well-known technologies are seeing a renaissance.

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP), is one such technology, which until now has been an essential process to densify porosity and improve the mechanical properties of materials for components. The outlook for HIP technology has never been brighter, helped by technology shifts that are accelerated by recent global events.

In this book written with the expert insights of Quintus Technologies, explore high pressure heat treating through the many facets of hot isostatic pressing.

Get the FREE EBOOK here!

Announcing: New HIPing Ebook! Read More »

Heat Treat Support Expands in Midwest

February 17, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Ben Gasbarre
President, Industrial Furnace Systems
Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems

A 7,700 sq. ft. technical center for heat treat has opened in Livonia, Michigan. This technical center will expand heat treaters’ range of support in the Midwest, housing sales, engineering, and service personnel to their clients.

With locations in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Michigan, the addition of the technical center completes another step in the process that Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems announced a little over a year ago to position themselves to better support their clients and advance their product offering.

The company is currently in the process of installing both atmosphere and vacuum processing equipment in the technical center to support product development, client trials, and demonstrations.

“The opening of the technical center,” commented Ben Gasbarre, president of Industrial Furnace Systems at Gasbarre, “not only maintains our presence in the Midwest, but also allows us to have a convenient location for customers and vendors to meet with our experienced team. The furnace equipment being installed will give us the flexibility to process material in both atmosphere and vacuum environments. The technical center is a key addition for us to continue to position ourselves as a leader in the thermal processing market and provide solutions to our growing customer base.”

All images provided by Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems.

Heat Treat Support Expands in Midwest Read More »

Standardization vs. Innovation

February 15, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, PUBLISHER'S PAGE

This brief original content column by Heat Treat Today’s publisher, Doug Glenn, is from the most recent print magazine, Air and Atmosphere 2021. Are standardization and innovation in competition with one another, or do they assist each other? Which one is better to have? Read this article weighing the economics, business, and cultural realities of both.

Doug Glenn
Publisher and Founder
Heat Treat Today

In the heat treat industry, I wonder what effect standardization has had on innovation. This is a somewhat loaded question given the number of companies in the North American heat treat industry that are invested in industry standards such as AMS2750, CQI-9, and a large alphabet soup bowl of other standards. I’d like to hear your specific stories about how standardization has been helpful or harmful. Maybe Heat Treat Today can do a future article on the topic if we get enough responses. But in lieu of those real-life anecdotes, let’s think for a moment about the relationship between innovation and standardization.

First, I think that nearly everyone would agree that innovation is a good thing and should be encouraged. Many of today’s conveniences are the result of yesterday’s innovations. Certainly, not EVERY innovation is good, but encouraging a company, economy, or culture of innovation is far and away preferred to the absence of innovation.

Second, we should also acknowledge the benefits of standardization. Repeatability is the hallmark of high production societies. Knowing that you’re always going to get the same burger at any McDonald’s across the country is a huge selling point for that fast food giant. And when it comes to mission-critical or life-critical goods or services, who would not want the assurance that “past performance is a good indicator of future results.” I prefer my heart surgeon to do the same thing every time!

Third, let’s be clear that standardization and innovation are, by nature, mortal enemies in the sense that each tends to destroy the other. An atmosphere of standardization, where everything is always done the same – over and over again – is antithetical to shaking things up and trying new and sometimes odd things. Likewise, an atmosphere of innovation, cuts directly across the same sameness of standardization. If you do it differently one time, standardization is destroyed.

There is wonderfully simple and brilliant book written by the towering mind of Ludwig von Mises called Bureaucracy which contrasts bureaucratic organizations with profit-driven organizations. I recommend it highly (search Bureaucracy, von Mises) and it has something to say about the differences between bureaucratic organizations, which are highly standardized by nature, as well as being profit-driven organizations that tend to be less standardized and more innovative. One of his points is that there is a place for both in the world. The military, for example, is not a good place for question-asking and innovation, especially in the midst of a battle. In a military setting, do what you’re told without question and don’t deviate/innovate. In a profit- driven business, however, this same mindset is not so healthy – take for example the postal system or another bureaucratic organization where responsiveness to customer needs is not highly valued.

Some may say that there is a standardized process for being innovative. Could be.

Where’s the balance and how do we know if/when we’ve gone too far in either direction?

I’d be interested to hear your heat treat stories of when and why standardization or innovation is good, and especially how these two live comfortably together.

Standardization vs. Innovation Read More »

What a Heat Treater Loves Most…sort of

February 12, 2021 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Heat Treat Today is grateful for your support and we love to make available information on the topics that you are most interested in. For this Valentine’s Day weekend, we are sharing a few thoughts on what professionals in the industry “love” or find intriguing and interesting in heat treat. Happy Valentine’s Day!

These messages are taken from two upcoming Heat Treat Radio episodes featuring the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020.

Alberto Cantú, VP Combustion, Control and Services, Nutec Bickley

[blockquote author=”Alberto Cantú” style=”2″]One of the things I find most intriguing about the heat treating industry is that even though it is based on hard science…the industry still relies on many ‘rules of thumb’ for operations.[/blockquote]

This winner has also contributed to this publication. Read his article here.

Scott Cumming, Sales Manager, CAN-ENG

[blockquote author=”Scott Cumming” style=”1″]I cherish the relationships that I’ve made with the people who I have met; the heat treat community is full of amazing and knowledgeable people.[/blockquote]

Nathan Durham, Engineered Components Group Manager, Ipsen

[blockquote author=”Nathan Durham” style=”2″]I’m truly motivated by the diversity and resilience of our industry.[/blockquote]

Andy Muto, Operations Manager, Paulo

[blockquote author=”Andy Muto” style=”1″]What really intrigues me in the heat treat industry is how different applications require some form of heat treating in order for the parts to perform to the necessary level that they need to in the field.[/blockquote]

Kelly Peters, Vice President of Operations, ALD Heat Treat

[blockquote author=”Kelly Peters” style=”2″]We resemble a family – both within ALD and within the industry… You can really see that at any trade conference, industry exhibit, or technical committee meeting.” [/blockquote]

[blockquote author=”Kelly Peters” style=”2″]Watching the technology evolve is fascinating.[/blockquote]

Bryan Stern, Advanced Development Engineer, Solar Atmospheres

[blockquote author=”Bryan Stern” style=”1″]My favorite thing about the heat treating industry is the equipment itself, especially when it comes to vacuum heat treating furnaces[/blockquote]

Luke Wright, Senior Engineer, JTEKT North America Corporation

[blockquote author=”Luke Wright” style=”2″]The thing I find most interesting or intriguing… I didn’t really know much about it, and coming into it on the job, I was really pleasantly surprised that it was this interesting mix of chemistry and mechanical properties.[/blockquote]

(photo source: Joanna Kosinska at unsplash.com)

What a Heat Treater Loves Most…sort of Read More »

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