HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

14 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel Chatter

  • Al Behr has been promoted to be Executive Vice President at Nucor Corp. as Ladd Hall retires.
  • Christian Schrade assumed the responsibilities of former Managing Director of Tenova LOI Thermprocess GmbH as Erik Míček retired from the company.
  • Janet Nanni, PHR, SHRM-CP, was recently announced the new Director of Human Resources at Ipsen, after the May 6 retirement of longtime Ipsen HR Director Nancy Kolar.
  • Joe Conyers joins the sales team at Graphite Metallizing Corp.
  • Lilia Jasso is announced the new President of the ASM Mexico Chapter.
  • Michael D'Ambrose is named Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Boeing, succeeding Wendy Livingston, effective July 6, 2020.
  • Solar Atmospheres of Western PA (SAWPA) announced the addition of Melissa Gruszka to our team as Quality Manager.

    Al Behr, Executive Vice President, Nucor Corp.

    Christian Schrade, Managing Director, with Torsten Koepchen, CFO, of Tenova LOI Thermprocess

    Janet Nanni, Director of Human Resources, Ipsen

Joe Conyers, sales, Graphite Metallizing Corp.

Lilia Jasso, President, ASM Mexico Chapter

Michael D'Ambrose, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Boeing

Melissa Gruszka, Quality Manager, Solar Manufacturing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  • Aerospace Testing & Pyrometry (ATP) is acquiring the assets and clients of AKA Calibrations starting June of 2020.
  • McLaughlin Furnace Group is continuing to build their new building, upgrading both for doubled capacity and product expansion.
  • MetalPro Resources, consisting of Jim Senne, Steve Maus and Bill Andreski, will assume the role of Sales Representative for the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky on behalf of Solar Manufacturing.
  • Thermal Vac in California is building up its new location in Arizona, USA.

Jim Senne, Steve Maus and Bill Andreski at MetalPro

  • Bombardier officially closed the sale of the CRJ program to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (“MHI”). This marks a turning point for Bombardier as it completes their exit from the Commercial Aviation market.
  • Magnetic Specialties (MSI) announced the launch of their redesigned website, www.magspecinc.com.

MSI launches updated website

Special Mention

On Tuesday, April 28th, 2020, Thermcraft Inc. lost its president and CEO, Mr. Thomas Morris Crafton, at 67. Tom was a dedicated and diligent leader and friend in his personal life and to those in the company.

In 1978, Tom and his wife, Nancy, moved to Winston-Salem where he joined his parents, Mr. Morris L. Crafton and his wife, Clara, at Thermcraft, founded by the couple in 1971. Tom was a successful businessman and was greatly admired by his colleagues, continually developing lasting bonds with those around him.

Tom became President & CEO of Thermcraft, Inc. and expanded the company internationally. In his time at Thermcraft, he has given presentations about small businesses in Washington DC and has relationships with companies throughout the US, Europe and Asia.

He created meaningful connections with customers and his employees, having both a witty sense of humor and always being quick with a comeback. During his daily presence at Thermcraft, Tom mentored, counseled and advised his employees, many of whom he considered his friends. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Heat Treat Today offers its condolences to the family of Mr. Thomas M. Crafton and the team at Thermcraft Inc.


Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to editor@heattreattoday.com

14 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current Read More »

Happy Independence Weekend from Heat Treat Today!

Heat Treat Today wants to wish you a Happy Independence Day Weekend! We hope in the midst of this warm summer, as the country fluctuates between “opened” and “closed,” we remember the ideals of freedom and honoring all our neighbors, whom we get to be so close to now. From the thankful hearts for this country here at Heat Treat Today, Happy 4th of July!

 

 

 

(photo source: Frank McKenna on unsplash.com)

Happy Independence Weekend from Heat Treat Today! Read More »

Heat Treat History Offers Promise to the Present

In today’s article, Heat Treat Todays editorial staff has gathered noteworthy reflections of heat treaters who are looking to the past to offer hope to present circumstances. Read more to see that while the present seems paused with Covid-19, the past offers promise of growth and change through challenges.


Like many markets, the heat treating industry is seeking to make the best out of this summer of 2020, and even though the market is looking more positive by the day, there are many who still look for a sense of normalcy. However, with leaders looking at historical moments in heat treat, they remind us that while the present seems paused with Covid-19, the past offers promise of growth and change through the challenges of life.

Sceenshot of Bodycote’s “An Interactive History of Metallurgy” (photo source: https://www.bodycote.com/history-of-metal/)

A major reach into the past is a throwback to the 90th century BC called “An Interactive History of Metallurgy.” In this historical timeline, Bodycote presents an engaging look at copper, bronze, iron, and tin through the centuries. The developments include detailed information, mostly funneled from Wikipedia, like the fact that bronze alloy in 12th century English candlesticks contained a degree of silver, antimony, and arsenic. And the modern, continuous development of steel is believed to have begun in the carbon furnaces of Sub-Saharan African communities.

(photo source: SECO/WARWICK)

On June 30, 2020, SECO/WARWICK released an “anniversary reflection” to commemorate the achievements of the Group in the first half of 2020. Among these is the 10th anniversary of their Chinese branch which has now become a recognized leader of CAB systems in heat treat, creating furnaces for aluminum brazing in controlled atmospheres. They conclude their message with a word from Sławomir Woźniak, President of the Management Board, saying, “We wish that health, patience and faith – embracing the world at large – will return to normal.”

Sanderson’s Weir (photo source: Shane Higgins on LinkedIn)

Finally, a recent LinkedIn post from Shane HigginsField Sales from Special Quality Alloys Ltd, shared a lunch-time crowd favorite: Sanderson’s Weir, built in the 1580s. With two iron forges on either side of the River Don in Sheffield, this low dam was built to provide power to the industrial work. Changes in the nature of industry has allowed a 20-year project along the River Don in Sheffield and Rotherham to permit a fish pass for salmon after 200 years without. It is impressive that the location that once produced iron still houses metalworking business.

 

 

 

(photo source: Hakon Sataoen on unsplash.com)

(photo source: https://www.bodycote.com/history-of-metal/)

 

 

 

 

 

 


Heat Treat History Offers Promise to the Present Read More »

Heat Treat Tips: SCR Environmental Conditions and Furnace Downtime

One of the great benefits of a community of heat treaters is the opportunity to challenge old habits and look at new ways of doing things. Heat Treat Today’s 101 Heat Treat Tips is another opportunity to learn the tips, tricks, and hacks shared by some of the industry’s foremost experts.

For Heat Treat Today’s latest round of 101 Heat Treat Tipsclick here for the digital edition of the 2019 Heat Treat Today fall issue (also featuring the popular 40 Under 40).

Today’s tips come to us from Control  Concepts, covering SCR Environmental Conditions. Another contributor, Messer, also shares a tip on “Preventing Furnace Downtime.” These are great tips to make those fixes that can fly under the radar.

Heat Treat Today welcomes you to submit your own heat treat tip for the 2020 Heat Treat Today fall issue to benefit your industry colleagues. You can submit your tip(s) to karen@heattreattoday.com  or editor@heattreattoday.com.


Heat Treat Tip #50

Using a Grounding Rod in Noisy Environments

This may be beneficial if you have a bad system ground. (Control Concepts)


Heat Treat Tip #51

Seal Away Dirt or Dusty Environments

Use a sealed enclosure or alternative cooled power controllers for dirty and dusty environments. For heavy dirt or dusty environments, a sealed cabinet with air conditioning or filters is recommended. Alternatively, select a SCR manufacturer that offers external mount or liquid cooled heatsinks to allow you to maintain a sealed environment in order to obtain maximum product life. (Control Concepts)


Heat Treat Tip #52

De-Rate Controller Above 6,000 Feet

De-rate controller for installations above 6,000 feet. As the air thins at increased elevations, natural convection and forced air cooling becomes less efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for de-rating the SCR power controller above 6,000 feet altitude. (Control Concepts)


Heat Treat Tip #64

Prevent Furnace Downtime

If your atmosphere heat treatment furnace is experiencing frequent downtime, and circulation fans fail, it is probably time for an upgrade. New injection mixing technology uses nitrogen to stir the atmosphere and maintain its uniformity. (Messer)

Box Furnace Comparison Before/After (photo source: Messer)


 

Heat Treat Tips: SCR Environmental Conditions and Furnace Downtime Read More »

Heat Treat Tips: Thermocouples

One of the great benefits of a community of heat treaters is the opportunity to challenge old habits and look at new ways of doing things. Heat Treat Today’s 101 Heat Treat Tips is another opportunity to learn the tips, tricks, and hacks shared by some of the industry’s foremost experts.

For Heat Treat Today’s latest round of 101 Heat Treat Tipsclick here for the digital edition of the 2019 Heat Treat Today fall issue (also featuring the popular 40 Under 40).

Today’s tips come to us from Pelican Wire, covering Thermocouples. This includes advice about correcting irregular part distortion and finding solutions to cracked parts.

If you have a heat treat-related tip that would benefit your industry colleagues, you can submit your tip(s) to anastasia@heattreattoday.com  or editor@heattreattoday.com.


Heat Treat Tip #65

Introducing Your Common Thermocouple Types

What are the common thermocouple types?

Thermocouple material is available in types K, J, E, N, T, R, S, and B. These thermocouple types can be separated into two categories: Base and Noble Metals.

Types K, J, E, N, and T are Base Metals. They are made from common materials such as Nickel, Copper, Iron, Chromium, and Aluminum. Each base metal thermocouple has preferred usage conditions.

Types S, R, and B thermocouples are Noble Metals because they are made of one or more of the noble metals, such as Ruthenium, Rhodium, Palladium, Silver, Osmium, Iridium, Platinum, and Gold. Noble metals resist oxidation and corrosion in moist air. Noble metals are not easily attacked by acids. Some Noble metal thermocouples can be used as high as 3100°F.


Heat Treat Tip #66

Culprits of a Stable Thermocouple

Factors affecting the stability of a thermocouple:
The EMF output of any thermocouple will change slightly with time in service and at elevated temperatures. The rate and change are influenced by metallurgical and environmental factors. The four factors that can induce EMF drift are: Evaporation, Diffusion, Oxidation, and Contamination.


Heat Treat Tip #67

Does Length Matter?

Does the length of a thermocouple wire matter?
In a word, “Yes.” There are several factors when considering the maximum length of a thermocouple assembly. Total loop resistance and electrical noise. Total loop resistance should be kept under 100 ohms for any given thermocouple assembly. Remember, the total loop resistance would include any extension wire used to complete the circuit. Motors and power wires can create noise that could affect the EMF output.

Type K Thermocouple Wire with PFA Heavy Bond (source: Pelican Wire)


Heat Treat Tip #69

Thermocouples Pros & Cons

Pros of thermocouples
1. high accuracy,
2. adaptable to harsh environments as well as high vibration,
3. fast thermal reaction,
4. wide operating temperature range,
5. good reproducibility,
6. low cost.

Cons of thermocouples?
1. Stray voltage pick is possible;
2. The cold junction and lead compensation are essential;
3. They are nonlinear;
4. They have a low output voltage, i.e., less sensitivity.


Heat Treat Tip #70

Type N Thermocouple (Nicrosil/Nisil)

Type N Thermocouple (Nicrosil/Nisil): The Type N shares the same accuracy and temperature limits as the Type K. Type N is slightly more expensive and has better repeatability between 572°F to 932°F (300°C to 500°C) compared to type K.


 

Heat Treat Tips: Thermocouples Read More »

Don’t Wait to Apply for 2020 MTI Scholarships!

Are you a student who is interested in a career in metallurgy, materials, engineering, industrial, mechanical sciences? Do you know anyone who is seeking a degree or technical school certificate in materials science, metallurgy, engineering, mechanical/industrial/electrical sciences?

If so, the MTI Educational Foundation Board of Directors is awarding $51,000 in scholarships in 2020. This includes 7 college scholarships at $5,000, and 4 technical school scholarships at $1,500. If one of the recipients’ application rises above all others, he/she will be awarded an extra $10,000 with the Founder’s Scholarship.

Scholarship applications opened on March 1, 2020, for approved scholarships to be distributed by June 20, 2020.  Check out the current criteria and scholarship application for candidates.  These are subject to final approval.

Full information, criteria, and applications for scholarships may be found when you Click Here.

NOTE:  To complete your application, you will need a digital copy of your latest high school or college transcripts, a copy of your acceptance letter to your college, and two (2) letters of recommendation.  You will be asked to upload these documents in the online form.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  May 31, 2020

Don’t Wait to Apply for 2020 MTI Scholarships! Read More »

16 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel & Company Chatter

  • Bill Gornicki was recently appointed Director of Sales at ECM-USA, Inc. in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
  • AFC-Holcroft, in Wixom, MI, recently moved its European satellite office from Delémont, Switzerland, to Swiebodzin, Poland, as necessitated by the retirement of their Director of European Operations. The new director, Marek Kedzierzynski, will be based out of Poland.
  • Wire Experts Group, the parent company to Pelican Wire and Rubadue Wire, recently announced the newest members of their leadership team and their respective roles: Brinson White will now lead the Engineering & Maintenance teams at both Pelican and Rubadue as WEG Director of Engineering; Mike Skorupa has been named Director of Continuous Improvement across all business units; and Kevin Clements has been named Global Supply Chain Manager. 
  • RETECH Systems, LLC, a SECO/WARWICK Group company, has finalized plans to relocate its headquarters from Ukiah, CA, to Buffalo, NY.
  • Charlie Li, of DANTE Solutions, began teaching a new master-level Mechanical Engineering class entitled “Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Heat Treatment of Steels” at Cleveland State University.

  • Solar Atmospheres has purchased two microscopes, one a ZEISS AxioVert A1 Inverted Materials Microscope and the other a a Hitachi smart Scanning Electron Microscope, to enable them to better serve the needs of their customers.
  • Magnetic Specialties, Inc. recently shipped two 510KVA, three phase step down 6-pulse rectifier transformers and DC inductors for use in industrial rectifier applications.
  • The Grieve Corporation recently installed their new electrically-heated 2000°F inert atmosphere heavy-duty box furnace to be used for heat treating titanium at a customer’s facility.
  • Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems recently commissioned a model CVPQ Continuous Vacuum Furnace with 5 BAR pressure quench capabilities, and a precision gas nitriding and ferritic nitrocarburizing furnace, in the Midwestern United States.
  • Ipsen USA offers free evaluations of any brand of vacuum heat-treating system in the United States. An Ipsen Customer Service team member will check all major components of the furnace and provide a written health report with a suggested 18-month maintenance plan.
  • Tenova recently received the official notice to proceed with the new Hot Dip Galvanizing (HDG) line for NLMK Group in Lipetsk, Russia.
  • Pries Enterprises finished a 50,000 sq ft expansion and installation of a state-of-the-art anodizing line, making them the only vertically integrated extruder-anodizer fabricator in their immediate area.

  • Grupo Mess was recently named an exclusive Buehler distributor of metallographic and hardness equipment in Mexico.
  • Aerospace Testing & Pyrometry recently announced the opening of their newest regional office in Greenville, SC. The territory will include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
  • Constellium SE was recently recognized with the “Best Performer Award” by Airbus.
  • Advanced Heat Treat Corp. recently announced that it has added gas nitriding to its Nadcap® accreditation.

Grupo Mess


Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to editor@heattreattoday.com

16 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current Read More »

Coronavirus Impact on Auto, Aerospace Industries Uncertain

The Hubei province of China has now been shut down for three weeks due to the Coronavirus outbreak, and industries around the world–including automotive and aerospace–face continued uncertainty about the future while an industrial powerhouse roughly the size of Sweden sits quiet. Despite more than 900 lives having been claimed by the virus in China thus far, some companies, including Tesla and Airbus, have cautiously reopened and gone back to work with the government’s blessing while others remain shut.

Airbus’ Chinese division has been given permission by Beijing to “gradually increase production, whilst implementing all required health and safety measures for Airbus employees, which remains the top priority.” Their final assembly line in Tianjin has restarted operations. In response to the Chinese government’s statement, the company stated, “[We are] constantly evaluating the situation and monitoring any potential knock-on effects to production and deliveries and will try to mitigate via alternative plans where necessary.”

Meanwhile, the automotive industry continues to be plagued by shutdowns that are starting to impact global manufacturing. Hyundai Motor, General Motors, Volkswagen, Renault, and Toyota Motor have extended their suspension of operations. Factories in the Hubei province expected to open on February 13 have had that deadline extended, and some provinces and districts have instructed companies not to reopen until March 1. The province of Hubei accounts for 9% of all Chinese automotive production.

Razat Gaurav, CEO
Llamasoft

The impact of the shutdown is expected to extend beyond auto companies to manufacturers of auto parts as well. According to Razat Gaurav, CEO of Llamasoft, an AI-driven software development company that works with several automakers including Ford and General Motors, “Most OEMs single source components for new vehicles and China is a large supplier of those. Thus, there is exposed risk. The automotive industry has been going through a ‘regionalization’ trend for the last 5 to 8 years . . . Even so, there is a ripple effect in other parts of the world. For example, Hyundai is one of the first automotive companies announcing closures outside of China, at its South Korean factories; France’s Renault also announced a shutdown in its South Korea facilities. Fiat Chrysler warned it may need to halt production in one of its European plants due to a shortage of parts. While we have talked a lot about the manufacturers themselves, the impact on the supplier base is significant as well.”

Photo Credit: Business Insider/Getty Images

Coronavirus Impact on Auto, Aerospace Industries Uncertain Read More »

15 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel & Company Chatter

    • Mike Smith has joined Magnetic Specialties, Inc. as their new Business Development Manager.
    • Ipsen USA has announced the completion of its 2019 Corporate Academy class, which is part of an initiative to grow service capacity globally. Seven graduates will step into positions as field service engineers after several months of training and passing their final exam.
    • Tom Gundic recently joined Solar Atmospheres’ facility in Greenville, South Carolina, as their new plant manager.
    • Isostatic Toll Services Bilbao is pleased to announce the official opening of its new plant in Abanto-Zierbena, Spain, on January 29th.

Heating Furnace at Uddeholm AB, which is taking part in the electrical heating project

  • The Swedish Energy Agency has granted a new project that will explore the possibilities of electrifying heating processes. It will evaluate the potential of replacing gas-fired furnaces with electrically heated furnaces for material heating. Kanthal, part of the Sandvik Group, is taking part in the project.
  • Sean Toland has taken on the position of executive Vice President of Operations for Wire Experts Group, the parent company to Pelican Wire and Rubadue Wire, the second of which Toland is already serving as president.
  • NSA Industries, a provider of metal fabrication, machining, powder coating, and assembly operation, has acquired Vitex Extrusion, a provider of aluminum extrusions, machining, and fabrication services for solar and automobile customers.
  • Jon K. Tabor is retiring from the position of Chairman Emeritus of Allied Mineral Products effective March 31, 2020. He will remain on Allied’s Board of Directors.
  • Vincent Esteve has been promoted to Business Development Manager at the ECM USA, Inc. subsidiary in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin Oven has shipped a Natural Gas (Direct) Fired Continuous Duty Conveyor Oven to an American manufacturer to be used for stress relieving steel snap rings used in automotive parts.
  • L&L Special Furnace Co, Inc. has shipped five model GS1714 furnaces to a worldwide leading manufacturer of chemicals and chemical coating products located in the Midwestern US.
  • Tenova LOI Thermprocess recently received an order from Joint Stock Company Pervouralsk Pipe Plant in Russia for a new roller hearth continuous furnace system for bright annealing stainless steel pipes in a 100% H2 atmosphere.
  • Lindberg/MPH announced the shipment of two Electrically Heated Nitrogen Atmosphere Pit Furnaces to the automotive industry for the purpose of heat treating automotive parts.
  • Kittyhawk Products OR LLC has been awarded Nadcap® accreditation for Heat Treating/Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). Kittyhawk Inc has held Nadcap® accreditation since 2014.

    From Left to Right: Quality manager, AM/NS Calvert, Bobbie Hesley; GM supplier quality engineer, Mark Wu; AM/NS Calvert CEO, Jorge Oliveira and team members from the AM/NS hot dip galvanizing lines.
  • ArcelorMittal USA was recently honored with the General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award for three production facilities: AM/NS Calvert, Calvert, AL; Indiana Harbor; and I/N Tek and I/N Kote, New Carlisle, IN.

 

 

 

 

 


Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to editor@heattreattoday.com

15 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current Read More »

The Class of 2019 40 Under 40: Michael Bubolz & John Quaglia

Heat Treat Today is privileged to oversee the 40 Under 40 recognition awards highlighting a group of young, up-and-coming talent in the North American heat treat industry every year. This year’s Class of 2019 is no disappointment–a group of industry elite, significant contributors to the heat treat market.

Every couple of weeks we highlight two of the current class of recipients. This week we introduce Michael Bubolz of Eisen Dev and John Quaglia of Bennett Heat Treating and Brazing.


Name: Michael Bubolz

Company: Eisen Dev

Position: Induction Process Engineering Center Manager

Michael demonstrates outstanding leadership capabilities; he is well-spoken and well-liked. In his knowledge and expertise within heat treating, he is familiar with deep case carburizing and heat treating large components and is an expert in induction heating. He has worked with iron alloys, copper alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, and ceramics, and he demonstrates a working knowledge of SMAW, robotic MIG, and Hermetic Brazing.

Nominated by: Eisen Dev


Name: John Quaglia

Company: Bennett Heat Treating & Brazing

Position: President

John is no stranger to the industry–he is a third-generation heat-treater, becoming president of Bennett Heat Treating & Brazing in 2017 after more than a decade in the business. When John attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and Kean University to earn degrees in computer integrated design and manufacturing, he worked part-time learning all of the key roles in his father’s and grandfather’s shop. John’s belief in using technological advances helps Bennett Heat Treating provide customers with more precise processing, easier record retrieval, and better transparency. The 90-year-old business provides heat treating services to the entire metalworking industry, and that loyalty is attributed to John’s push for continued learning and ability to keep his customers happy.

Nominated by: Ipsen USA


Read more about the feature at Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 resource page and find out more about each of this year’s winners by clicking on their image. To nominate someone for the Class of 2020 40 Under 40, please click here.

The Class of 2019 40 Under 40: Michael Bubolz & John Quaglia Read More »

Skip to content