MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS Archives - Page 13 of 44

Heat Treat Radio #27: Women in Heat Treat

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: Women in Heat Treat

In this conversation, Heat Treat Radio host, Doug Glenn, interviews the two founders of the LinkedIn group, Women in Heat Treat, Ellen Conway-Merrill, Vice President of DELTA H, and Roseanne Brunello, owner of manufacturing rep firm Mountain Rep. They will discuss their new group and plans for the future.

Click the play button below to listen.

Transcript: Women in Heat Treat

The following transcript has been edited for your reading enjoyment.

On March 8 of this year, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. At roughly the same time, two women from the heat treat industry gave birth to a new LinkedIn group called Women in Heat Treat. Today, we’re going to talk to these two trailblazing women about their new group and their plans for the future. Who are these two women? Let’s meet them now briefly, and then come back and talk with them about their plans.

Ellen Conway-Merrill (EC): My name is Ellen. I am the Vice President of DELTA H.

Doug Glenn (DG): That’s Ellen Conway-Merrill, and her company, DELTA H, is located in Carroll, OH, which is close to Columbus, OH.

Next we’ll meet–

Roseanne Brunello (RB): This is Roseanne Brunello, and I have been in manufacturing for 37 years working as the owner of a manufacturing rep firm by the name of Mountain Rep.

DG: Roseanne Brunello is also from Ohio, near Cleveland. So we’re here today with Ellen Conway-Merrill from DELTA H. Ellen, if you don’t mind, spend a minute telling us about who you are, and also a bit about DELTA H.

EC: I am the Vice President of DELTA H, and it is a family business. My dad, Richard Conway, is the chief technology officer, and he started DELTA H 30 years ago. It started out as a service company, mostly doing consulting and service work, and it has grown from there. My twin brother and I joined forces with him, which was kind of serendipitous as it wasn’t planned on happening and it just did. We joined him in 2009 and never looked back. We’ve been with him for about 11 years and it’s been an incredible ride. Over those past 10 years, we’ve been getting more and more interested in manufacturing our own brand and it’s been a huge success. DELTA H really focuses on specific niches and certain industries. We’ve done really well in the aerospace industry designing heat treat furnaces that are specifically meant towards certain applications such as aluminum heat treating, titanium steels, and what we see in aircraft MRO or an OEM or parts manufacturer. We really cater to those companies. We are also in automotive plastics composites, which is a huge industry for us with our walk-in ovens. That’s what we mostly focus on.

DG: Here again is Roseanne Brunello, telling us a little more about her and her company, Mountain Rep.

RB: This is Roseanne Brunello, and I have been in manufacturing for 37 years, working as the owner of a manufacturing rep firm by the name of Mountain Rep. For many of those years, I was in the component and sub-assembly industry, leaning more toward the aerospace industry, which of course let me learn plenty about heat treat along the way. In the meantime, I moved home to Cleveland about 6 years ago to help take care of my mom and wound up kind of refocusing the company to lend myself toward the heat treat world, which has been kind of fun. I thought I was more specialized when I was in manufacturing with parts; well, boy, heat treat is even more specialized. I’m proud to be in the industry–there are not very many women, which is why we decided to start this little association.

DG: Good! That’s exactly what I wanted to ask you about. That’s what caught my eye. You and Ellen Conway-Merrill from DELTA H started a group on LinkedIn. First off, give us the name of the group and then how the two of you came about to create it.

RB: She is a great gal. She called me actually and said that she was doing some research on women in heat treat and didn’t find anything and invited me down to her facility in Columbus to show me what they do and to see if we wanted to start some kind of group- see if the activity was there, then maybe we could turn it into an association. It’s called Women in Heat Treat. It doesn’t have to be women only, but our focus is to educate women and help promote women within this industry.

DG: Ellen explains a little more deeply what motivated her to think about starting a women in heat treat group.

EC: It’s kind of funny how it happened. Roseanne and I connected a while back. I think she actually posted something on LinkedIn about the stem work that she does, which is one of my original passions with my background actually being in education, of all things. I didn’t go to school for heat treating or anything like that; it was education. She posted something about one of her programs and I reached out to her and that’s how we connected. We finally met at the heat treat show this past October in Detroit, and we stayed connected. Some time passed. I’m actually the membership chair of the association of women in the metals industry. I was doing some organizing with them and I had thought, “Is there a women in heat treat group out there?” I did some searching on Google and nothing came up. I figured if anyone new about it, it would be Roseanne as she’s been in the industry for a long time and knows a lot of people. We got to talking and she thought it was a great idea too. So we decided to at least start with LinkedIn and just see where it went and we seemed to get a lot of interest right away.

Roseanne Brunello, owner of Mountain Rep.

DG: So that’s how the group got started. The next question was forward-looking. Where is this group going?

EC: I feel the overall mission or goal would be to promote and develop the growth of women in the heat treat industry. I do feel like women can benefit themselves and their companies’ relationships, education, and shared knowledge. I envision with Roseanne that we can develop programs and activities very similar to what I’m already doing in the AWMI (Association of Women in Metal Industries) program and set up keynote speakers. Roseanne and I talked about a show coming up at ASM International and doing a women’s get-together there. We could have a keynote speaker that comes in and talks with us. Within that group, the goal would be to enhance skills and experience, address challenges confronting the industry, and of course always promote career growth. These are just ideas, but again, like I said, it is like-minded people in a very niche industry.

DG: Right. And these women that you’re appealing to in the heat treat industry, do they need to be technical in nature, engineering oriented, that type of thing?

EC: No, I’m not! As I said, my background is education and a big part of my role here is mostly running the business and sales side. My technical background is that I know enough to be dangerous but I’m nowhere near being an engineer or a metallurgist or anything like that. That is part of it though. This is open for anyone, whether it’s a sales background, business background, metallurgical, design, or engineering. The more the merrier. I feel like having those different backgrounds is what’s going to make the group really shine in getting all aspects of that.

DG: Roseanne also had something to say about the purpose of the group.

RB: A lot of times women are considered for jobs like the receptionist or the buyer even, but to actually be selling furnaces or be the operations manager of the heat treat company is kind of rare for women. So we’re encouraging that. Women are very good at multitasking. A lot of times having a heat treat facility, you better be pretty good at multitasking. We think women can do a good job in this industry. We’re here to mentor the younger ones and help promote them.

DG: So Roseanne, shortly after seeing the group, I wondered if men were allowed to join. I saw that a few had, so I felt safe to go ahead and join. I hope you don’t mind.

RB: Well, that’s great. We want men in it. I hate to be the one that admits that the men know a lot more than us women, but in some cases they certainly do. They’ve been around this industry a lot longer than us women, and we’re going to take it by storm though.

DG: Ellen, how about you? You’re ok with men being members of the Women in Heat Treat group?

EC: It’s open to both women and men and anyone seeking to develop all aspects of their career advancement and professional development. I think that the ultimate goal is to increase the number of women employed in the heat treat industry. I think that if we work together, both men and women, we can definitely make that mission happen.

DG: How has the response been to-date? Have you had some heat treat women joining?

Look for this banner on their LinkedIn page!

RB: There have been many already. And it looks like it’s growing pretty rapidly already. To name names, there is Maryann Dickman, who has ANS. The Advanced Nitriding Solutions facility is not like an old fashioned heat treat facility, it is as clean and as pristine as you can imagine, all done in flowers and white leather and purple and it is beautiful. I think that’s where we’re going to see things going. I don’t think these old dark, lit, dirt floor heat treaters are going to be around much longer with the green affiliations that these companies are doing. They don’t want ammonia on their floors, or what have you. I think you’re going to be seeing the heat treat company of the future more and more.

There is also Christy from Stanton Industries, who is so much a woman and beautiful. She has a stocking facility right here in Columbus and she stocks vacuum pump parts right in her facility. Whatever she could do to be involved, she is so into it. We have people from Euclid Heat Treating Co., Diedra is the daughter or granddaughter, and she is very involved and is involved in the heat treat society. There are quite a few really great women that we’re going to bring all together and hopefully kick off the whole thing. I’m hoping some kind of gala at IMAT, which is in September. We’re going to have a party, that’s for sure.

DG: So what are your future plans?

RB: We hope that the interest is grand and that we turn it into an association. It could be an international association. I’m all for reaching out to students. I love mentoring the younger people. Many women go into engineering, but then it seems like they don’t stick with it for whatever reason of their own. Maybe they stop to have children, or whatever, but we want to give them some kind of platform where they can reenter the industry or not leave it at all. We’re kind of here as a support group, and women have been known to have support groups for just about everything. Now we have one for heat treat.

EC: We’re definitely going to stay focused on LinkedIn. I think it’s a really great tool for networking and expanding communication. Roseanne is very involved with ASM, and there is a show coming up in the Fall. We have talked about setting up a program there for women in heat treat or women in materials and just having a group there that gets together and again, just seeing where it goes. I don’t know if there is going to be a ton of interest. I hope there is, and I think there will be. We’re going to just keep trucking away and see what happens.

DG: Thank you ladies. I might mention that Heat Treat Today 40 under 40 classes for the last two years have had a solid representation of young women. This might be a good time to remind everyone that nominations for the 2020 class of 40 under 40 are now open at www.heattreattoday.com/40under40nominate, so please feel free to nominate any young women, or men, you feel are worthy.

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.

Heat Treat Radio #27: Women in Heat Treat Read More »

High-Temp Differential-Expansion Problem and How to Solve It

March 24, 2020 / BRAZING, BRAZING TECHNICAL CONTENT, FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Source: Vac Aero International Inc.

If you’ve ever tried to braze together materials that have widely different Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (COE’s), you know that the material with the higher expansion rate will grow faster than the other when heated and contract faster when cooled down. You also know that once the two different materials have been brazed together and cooling begins, the shrinkage-rate differences between those two materials can produce significant shear stresses at the brazed interface between them and be so strong that the thin brazed joint may be torn apart at either interface. Other similar weaknesses and damage can result as well.

In this HTT Best of the Web Technical Tuesday feature, Dan Kay of Kay and Associates, a vacuum and atmosphere brazing consultant, explains the details of this problem and the solution.

Dan Kay
Brazing Engineer
Kay and Associates

An excerpt: “Today’s brazing technology is based on a strong foundation of the brazing experiences of many people around the world over a period of many decades (even centuries). I’ve now been very active in the brazing world for almost 50 years and, like my predecessors in the world of brazing, I’ve learned a lot about this fascinating joining process (and I’m still learning). In the article, I’d like to share with you one of my brazing experiences from many years back, one that involved high-temperature differential-expansion between an 18″ (45 cm) diameter tool steel die and a thin carbide plate (round disc) that needed to be brazed to the die’s front surface for wear-protection.”

In this article, Dan, who is also a HTT consultant, helps readers understand the high-temp differential-expansion problem, explore what steps can be taken to prevent it, and ties it all together so that readers can clearly understand what to do.

Read the entire article from Vac Aero International, An Old High-Temp Differential-Expansion Problem

Image source: Vac Aero International Inc.

High-Temp Differential-Expansion Problem and How to Solve It Read More »

Simulation Software and 3D Printers Improve Copper Coils

March 23, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

This informative feature was contributed by CENOS, a simulation software developer. Read on to learn about how 3D printing is revolutionizing the heat treat world, particularly in the production of copper coils.

3D printing, also known as “additive manufacturing,” is a hot topic now as it broadens possibilities for on-demand and customized products, even with complex geometries. It eliminates the need for welding, soldering, bending, and similar steps in coil design as 3D printers build the object in one piece and in the exact shape as drawn in CAD.

“3D printing unleashes design opportunities for induction coils, while 3D simulation software allows validating design performance. . . . We believe that 3D printing of copper will grow even more in significance for coil production, and possibly even become a part of the conventional manufacturing process,” said Max Wissing, Development Engineer at PROTIQ.

Currently additive manufacturing is widely used for steel parts, and for a long time printing machines were not able to print pure copper items. But now the technology has developed, and since the second half of 2019, it’s possible to print on demand 100% pure copper coils. Some companies with notable success offering this innovation are PROTIQ and GH Induction.

Main Benefits Simulations Enable Together with 3D Printing:

freedom of design
optimized geometry
more homogeneous heating
lower lead time
less material waste
cost reduction

3D Printed Copper Comparison:

RS-cooper	Pure copper
Electrical conductivity: 50 MS/m	Electrical conductivity 58 MS/m
Elongation at break: 25%	100% IACS
Improved strength for high loads	Elongation at break: 50%
Tensile strength: 230 Mpa	Tensile strength: 220 Mpa
Yield strength: 180 Mpa	Yield strength: 125 Mpa
Density: 98%	Density: 99.8%

Fewer Man-Hours, Faster Processes

Coils are a critical part of induction heat treatments as they must be replaced from time to time due to deterioration. This interrupts production and requires several man-hours for recalibration. In comparison to conventional manufacturing, 3D printing induction coils offer great benefits.

First, additive manufacturing provides better reproducibility and higher accuracy compared to the manual bending, which reduces necessary recalibration times. Second, it allows lower cost and faster production of inductors. Finally, using numerical simulation methods, the coil’s heat pattern is precisely predicted and visualized, helping optimize inductor geometry. This allows for creating a perfect coil with the first prototype.

Simulation and 3D Printing Process Illustration:

Simulations as the Enabling Factor for Coil Durability

Simulations allow full freedom of design and point out places for improvement in producing a more efficient coil production process. 3D printers build objects layer upon layer, allowing them to make even complex geometries in one piece without soldering. Simulation of the design process allows predicting coil heating, which altogether results in a longer coil lifetime. Because there is no need to bend or join parts together with heat treatment, this also allows for eliminating some intermediate steps of the supply chain. Another notable benefit is that the lifetime of 3D printed coils can exceed conventionally manufactured copper coils up to two times, as reported by PROTIQ’s automotive industry clients.

Currently there are only a few copper coil printing companies because the material is not easily processed in additive manufacturing.

Comparison of maximum copper coil dimension as a single piece:

PROTIQ	GH Induction
Length: 250mm	Length: 200mm
Width: 250mm	Width: 200mm
Height: 300mm	Height: 100mm

The possible size of the printed coils varies between really small ones, measuring only a few millimeters, and bigger shapes that are used in the automobile industry. Coils that exceed the maximum printable dimensions can be joined together afterward via welding or brazing without problems.

Regarding the time, copper coils can be printed within a few days. Compared to the conventional way, which takes up to several weeks, this method enables fast-paced product tests and generates flexibility for the customer due to shorter delivery times.

3D Printing Future Forecast

GlobeNewswire market research shows that the global 3D printing metals market is estimated at USD $774 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD $3,159 million in revenue by 2024. This suggests we will see even more and bigger 3D printed metal parts.

In a greater perspective, Boeing is demonstrating an impressive point that additive manufacturing currently has no limits. Boeing’s GE9X engines are now fully 3D printed, combining more than 300 engine parts into just seven 3D printed components.

Taking into consideration all of the benefits listed above, one has to wonder whether additive manufacturing will become the norm in the coming decades in many of the traditional manufacturing processes.

Simulation Software and 3D Printers Improve Copper Coils Read More »

Global Automotive Supplier, Precious Metals Producer Purchases Continuous Belt Furnaces

March 6, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Brazing Furnace for Automotive Supplier (Image Source: Abbott Furnace Co.)

A diversified global automotive supplier, focused on metal forming, aluminum casting, fluid systems and flexible assemblies to help automakers meet their lightweight requirements, and a multinational corporation that specializes in producing chemicals and precious metals and operating in more than 30 countries worldwide, have placed orders for furnaces to be installed in the 2nd quarter of 2020. Abbott Furnace Company will design, manufacture, and install both furnaces.

Calcine Furnace for Precious Metals Producer (Image Source: Abbott Furnace Co.)

The automotive supplier has placed an order for a continuous belt stainless steel brazing furnace to be installed in Mexico. They will receive a five (5) zone electrically heated industrial furnace that is rated for 2,150°F and includes a 30” wide belt, silicon carbide muffle and will feature Abbott Furnace’s Varicool convective cooling system.

The precious metals producer has placed an order for an electrically heated continuous belt calcine furnace. The industrial furnace that is rated at 1,850°F and includes an 18” wide inconel belt, silicon carbide muffle and data acquisition system.

(Image Source: Marc Kleen on Unsplash.com)

Global Automotive Supplier, Precious Metals Producer Purchases Continuous Belt Furnaces Read More »

Tool and Die Industry Receives Vacuum Furnace

March 5, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Dan Insogna,
Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Solar Manufacturing

A vacuum furnace was recently shipped to a customer servicing the tool and die industry in Virginia. The Model HFL-2018-2IQ furnace features a graphite-insulated hot zone, a load weight capacity up to 250 lbs., and a maximum operating temperature of 2400°F. The furnace, called the Mentor^®, is from Solar Manufacturing will be used for solution annealing, ageing, and brazing. It measures 12” wide x 12” high x 18” deep.

“This company is a long-time customer of our sister company, Solar Atmospheres,” states Dan Insogna, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Solar Manufacturing. “They wanted to own a Solar furnace themselves, for smaller, in-house jobs. We’re all excited they chose Solar Manufacturing for their first furnace.”

Tool and Die Industry Receives Vacuum Furnace Read More »

Heat Treat Today’s Coronavirus Survey

March 4, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today conducted a very unscientific and highly-fluid study on the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the North American heat treat market. By the time you read this, the impact will undoubtedly be different; but what you'll see below is a snapshot in time from Friday, February 28th, which is when most of the responses came in.

Heat Treat Today surveyed 675 heat treat industry suppliers and asked them 6 very simple questions. The survey took no more than 5 minutes to complete. Of the 675 surveyed, 104 responded, all of them completing all 6 questions.

The questions were broken down into two basic categories:

The first two questions asked what impact the coronavirus was ALREADY having on their business.
The last four questions asked them to speculate about the future impact of the coronavirus on their business.

Before giving the results, let me acknowledge as truth what one respondent so politely stated:

Unfortunately any information gathered for the coronavirus will be outdated within days because the global situation changes so frequently and rapidly. A survey of this kind has very limited value for business analysis/decisions due to the ... fluidity of the situation.

Having duly disclaimed, let's get on to the results.

One final note -- click on each image below to enlarge it for easier viewing.

Current Impact

Question 1: Has the coronavirus already directly impacted your business/supply chain?

As you can see, over half (51%) indicate that the virus has had NO EFFECT to date. Another 11% are uncertain if there has been any effect, and roughly 38% say that the virus has already had an impact on their business.

Yes: 37.50%
No: 50.96%
Uncertain: 11.54%

Question 2: In what way(s) has the coronavirus already directly impacted your business/supply chain?

The two main options given were:

Difficulty getting materials to build product: 11.54%, and
Limitation of travel either of employees, customer, or workers: 29.81%

Anticipated Future Impact

Question 3: Do you anticipate that the coronavirus will directly impact your business/supply chain?

After assessing the current impact, the next four questions focus on the future and what expected impact the coronavirus might have on business.

The results were a bit less optimistic:

Yes: 55.77%
No: 18.27%
Uncertain: 25.96%

While roughly half of the respondents indicated that the coronavirus was having no current impact, only 18% believe that it will never impact their business. The other 26% are uncertain if this global sickness will impact them or not.

Question 4: In what way(s) do you anticipate that the coronavirus will directly impact your business/supply chain?

As with question number two, which was very similar, the answers to this question indicated that the #1 anticipated impact was restriction on travel. Coming in a close second was the ability to secure materials necessary to continue production -- supply chain issues.

Limited travel for employees, vendors, and/or customers: 40.78%
Trouble obtaining materials to manufacture our product(s): 25.24%
Other: 16.50%
No impact: 17.48%

Question 5: How significantly do you anticipate that the coronavirus will impact your bottom line?

Assuming that there will be some impact, the question tried to get an order of magnitude of how great the impact might be. Asking respondents how they anticipated the virus will impact their bottom line seemed like a good approach. Here's what they had to say:

5% or less: 52.88%
From 6% to 10%: 30.77%
From 11% to 20%: 12.5%
More than 20%: 3.85%

It's possible that everyone in the "5% or less" category said that there would be zero impact on their bottom line; but even if that is the case, there are still 47% of the industry who believe that the coronavirus will have a 6% or greater impact on their bottom line. Only a very small percentage (4%) believe that it will have a 20% or more hit on their bottom line.

Question 6: How long do you anticipate the coronavirus will impact your business/supply chain?

This final question tried to get a sense of how long respondents thought the virus would continue to impact their business.

Here's what they had to say:

0-2 months: 28.85%
3-6 months: 63.46%
7 months or more: 7.69%

Fortunately, it doesn't appear that the impact will be long-lived.

Question 7: Open-ended comments.

The survey was anonymous, so respondents seemed to feel comfortable giving their opinions. On two of the questions, Question 2 and Question 4, where they had the option to respond "Other," we asked them to give some explanation of their "other" response in this open-ended, final question. You can see the unedited, open-ended responses at the end of this post.

Flu vs. Coronavirus (by the numbers)

"Pandemic" is a word frequently thrown around with Coronavirus. Here are some interesting numbers from the Center for Disease Control:

CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 32 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 18,000 deaths from flu.

Compare that to the worldwide coronavirus numbers (as of February 28th):

Confirmed cases: 83,700
Deaths: 2,859

This is not to minimize the importance of actions against the coronavirus, but the current numbers associated with the coronavirus are a tiny fraction compared to a typical year with influenza. That's also not to minimize the great personal pain and suffering of anyone who has lost a close relative or friend to either influenza or the coronavirus.

Verbatim Comments

As promised, here are the unedited responses to Question 7 in Heat Treat Today's Coronavirus Survey. Some company names and any other identifiable information have been removed.

Being close to a porous border we anticipate migration north to find better conditions for their families. This indirect contact within the Hispanic community could impact the health of our workforce.
Contract now on hold that was signed in early January in China for [company] to supply new heat-treating equipment there.
Cost of shipping to countries hit increased 3x.
Deliveries will be late on finished products. Many parts come from China. More than we know.
Difficult getting some materials. Should improve as soon as things loosen up in China. Not killing us, but an irritation.
Economic slow down.
Facility in China had to temporarily close until the sickness peaks and wanes.
Human anticipation will be a negative factor
I am a sales rep and don't see much potential impact. Large purchases may be delayed but day-to-day needs should be OK to sell and ship.
I don’t feel it directly impacts our business unless it lasts more than a year
I have had suppliers ask about the availability to receive materials coming from Chinese suppliers, I have had questions about delivery delays from vendors/ suppliers. We are about to see in real time how good our companies are multi-sourcing critical components and not relying on conflicted materials.
I have two major concerns: 1. The virus will become Pandemic effecting world economy, 2. In the US people will overact and panic.
I think it is overblown, .1% of people die from the “normal strains” of flu, .7% from coronavirus. So if you get it, less the. 1% chance of death. Makes good news.
It appears it is directly affecting some of our upcoming travel plans, as well as we expect some parts issues to arise.
It might hurt our customers production, hence the trickle down
Little impact for us other than limiting travel. Our supply chain is stable for the moment.
Our business supply chain, business travel, product distributors have all been affected.
Shipping companies like FedEx won't ship our ordered products to China. I believe that will start to affect our other international customers.
Short term (3-6 month) impact anticipated in regard to supply of components from China and respiratory masks.
Slower sales cycle for cap-ex type projects. A wait-and-see mentality with purchases.
Some North American heat treaters have been purchasing Chinese castings sold by American based distributors. These castings are not marked with country of origin, so we encourage those who may be unaware where their castings are made to insist this information be provided. We are seeing many of our customers, who chose to go away from [company] and buy these off shore castings, unable to have their needs met. We manufacture our castings in our foundry in [location] and source our raw materials from domestic mills. So our supply chain and output is uninterrupted.
Some of our customers are global, we suffer if they suffer.
Some of the parts we are currently processing are being sourced by our customer from both China and South Korea. We have not had any delays in receiving parts but expect it to happen in the near future.
The supply chain is disrupted. But projects slated for China have been cancelled or severely delayed affecting order input.
This week I was at several customers who are screening for international travelers and not permitting anyone in their building who has traveled to China in the last 2 weeks.
Travel for our sales team may be limited. Economic concerns and supply chain issues affecting our customers could potentially slow our sales bookings. We do not expect a direct supply chain problem with our raw materials.
Travel has been altered and changed but not yet limited if required. However, we had international visitors returning home just today and they were quite concerned about the journey. We are not as much worried about the material supply yet, but thinking forward to critical items which may be impacted and considering changes to stocking programs considering our short term materials forecasts.
Unfortunately any information gathered for the coronavirus will be outdated within days because the global situation changes so frequently and rapidly. A survey of this kind has very limited value for business analysis/decisions due to the survey fluidity of the situation.
We anticipate the effects to vary; potential for some interruption to material availability and/or increases to material pricing. If China/India/Europe continue to be affected by the spread of Coronavirus, we suspect it may create a "bump" in thermal processing demand stateside. Although, if the spread of the virus becomes more prevalent stateside, a substantial shift in operational parameters may occur, which effects to our industry would be difficult to speculate.
We do not expect an impact
We export about 25% of our sales to China, South Korea and have seen some impact of about 10% on our shipments. We … sell to the oil & gas and this is also being impacted.
We had field service work lined up in China to relocate the furnace to Indonesia. We have had to abandon the project due to the logistical challenges and definitive need for Quarantine at both ends of travel. There is a significant drop in the amount of service business that we do in southeast Asia this year because of travel restrictions and Quarantine requirements.
We've experienced shortages or longer lead times from some vendors products such as our [company] controls. We also have staff and some clients that have considered driving to customer service calls, sales visits, etc. where they would normally drive, to avoid airports and large public places. There has been no significant impact yet.
When China releases restrictions, the impact will be minimal.

(Photo Source: Unsplash.com, by Free To Use Sounds)

Heat Treat Today’s Coronavirus Survey Read More »

Preventing or Controlling Compressed Air Safety Hazards

March 2, 2020 / MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Compressed air is an essential component for most construction jobsites and production lines. For thermal operations and processing companies, compressed air assists with the removal, repair, and installation of refractories that keep employees and materials safe. It supplies the energy required to drive vital refractory equipment, such as portable pumps, nozzles, and demolition tools. With the correct safety procedures, compressed air is safe to use, has a very low weight-to-volume ratio, is easy to store, and is nonflammable. However, equipment that requires compressed air at higher pressures to operate, such as portable mixers, gun machines, jack hammers, and shotcrete/gunnite, can pose a risk, especially when used without safety devices or good working conditions.

To help prevent or control hazards, the Plibrico Company has compiled five safety precautions to take when using compressed air:

Location. Portable compressors that are run by internal combustion engines can generate deadly carbon monoxide from the exhaust gases produced in tight spaces. To prevent any problems, select a safe location with good ventilation to stage any portable compressors. Equipment should be positioned away from foot and vehicle traffic. Wheel chocks should be used to prevent drifting.
Hose Connections. Pressurized hoses can unintentionally become detached from equipment or from the couplings site and can begin to lash. Whipping hoses are known to break bones and cause cuts, contusions, and lacerations to those standing close by. To keep everyone safe, use safety coupling pins and whip checks on all hose connections.
Tripping Hazard. Hoses left strewn across walkways and equipment paths or near high-traffic areas increase the chances of a serious accident. To avoid trips and falls, hang all hoses away from walking and traveling areas.
Respirators. Using compressed air can increase dust particles in the surrounding air, making the air hazardous to breathe. Wear respirators when blasts of air suspend dust into the atmosphere.
Proper PPE. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts, are important to harness hazards. Never use compressed air to clean workstations or clothing. Horseplay with compressed air is particularly dangerous:

- An eardrum can be ruptured or an eye blown out of its socket with as little as 12 lbs. of air pressure.
- Oil and grease atomized in the compressed air stream can also cause infection if accidentally injected into the skin and may lead to limb amputation.
- Compressed air blown into the skin can obstruct an artery and result in an embolism. This is a condition where a pocket is created by the blast of air inside a blood vessel. Once this pocket of air enters the brain or heart, it can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

It is also a good idea to provide or locate the nearest fire extinguisher to any portable air compressor for emergency purposes.

Compressed air use is required to drive many of the different tools used for the demolition, repair, and installation of refractories used to protect thermal processing equipment. Hazard awareness and safety training allows for refractory crews to use compressed air in a safe and efficient way to complete complex tasks.

Preventing or Controlling Compressed Air Safety Hazards Read More »

Medical, Additive Manufacturing Industries Acquire Two All-Metal Hot Zone Furnaces

February 28, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Two all-metal hot zone furnaces were recently shipped to the medical and additive manufacturing industries. Solar Manufacturing created and shipped the Models HFL-3848-EQ and HFL-3836-EQ, both featuring metallic-insulated hot zones, a load weight capacity up to 2,000 lbs., and a maximum operating temperature of 2400° F. Measuring 24” wide x 24” high x 48” deep, and 24” wide x 24” high x 36” deep respectively, each furnace was designed with the SolarVac Polaris® Control System. The furnaces were shipped to a location in Tennessee.

“Solar Manufacturing was awarded the order because we offered the best solution for their vacuum furnace needs,” states Dan Insogna, Solar’s Southeast Regional Sales Manager. “Our knowledge and experience of the additive manufacturing market set us apart from the competition. Additionally, the customer found the premium features and benefits offered with our vacuum furnace equipment impressive. We’re pleased to have helped them select furnaces that best suit the unique requirements of the industries they serve.”

Medical, Additive Manufacturing Industries Acquire Two All-Metal Hot Zone Furnaces Read More »

Buehler Marks 100 Year Anniversary of Wilson Hardness Brand

February 26, 2020 / INSTRUMENTATION NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

ITW Company Buehler recently celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its Wilson® hardness brand, which was originally known as the Wilson Mechanical Instrument Company. Stanley Rockwell and founder Charles H. Wilson introduced the Rockwell hardness tester. Later, Wilson became the home of the Tukon line of micro-indentation testers, known for Knoop and Vickers testing. These early inventions paved the way for Wilson today.

Buehler is proud to commemorate and celebrate the legacy of the Wilson name. Buehler’s affiliation with Wilson began in 2012 when the Wilson® brand of hardness testers encompassing Reicherter, Wilson, and Wolpert products became part of Buehler’s offering.

According to Buehler General Manager, Julien Noel, “We are proud to continue the 100-year legacy of innovation and excellence in Wilson Hardness. By having our engineering, manufacturing, and service in-house, Buehler’s Wilson products have become the preferred choice for demanding labs that need to consistently meet quality standards. In the coming year, Buehler will continue to focus on exceeding customer expectations with a new and improved Rockwell tester, and an extended range of hardness reference blocks according to ISO, ASTM and JIS standards.”

Buehler Marks 100 Year Anniversary of Wilson Hardness Brand Read More »

Powder Metallurgy Leader to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

February 21, 2020 / FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS

Dr. Randall (Rand) German, FAPMI, founder of German Materials Technology, will receive the Kempton H. Roll Powder Metallurgy (PM) Lifetime Achievement Award by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). The award will be presented during WorldPM2020, World Congress on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials, in Montreal, Canada, on June 28.

German has distinguished himself through his research and teaching of the net-shape fabrication of engineering materials via sintering techniques as used in PM, cemented carbides, and ceramics. He has promoted the growth of PM technology during his 50-year career through his involvement in 12 start-up companies, supervising well over a hundred graduate and post-doctoral students, and prolific PM industry publications. German has also been an active member in APMI International, the American Society for Metals, and the American Ceramics Society.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in material science and engineering at San José State University, German began his PM industry career at Battelle Lab, Columbus, Ohio, prior to joining Sandia National Labs (SNL). He obtained his master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from The Ohio State University and his PhD in engineering at the University of California—Davis before taking a director of research position at Mott Corporation, Farmington, Connecticut.

Dr. Randall German
Founder,
German Materials Technology

German’s nearly 40-year academic career began in 1980 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he earned the HuntChair while teaching and conducting research. In 1991, he accepted a position at The Pennsylvania State University where he became the Brush Chair Professor in Materials and the director of the Center for Innovative Sintered Products (CISP) before retiring as an emeritus professor. In 2005, German became the inaugural director for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University prior to joining San Diego State University in 2008 as associate dean for engineering research until 2013.

German has published 20 books and has 25 patents. He has shared his expertise at powder injection molding tutorials since 1990, and co-chaired over 30 conferences.

Photo Credit: materialstoday.com

Powder Metallurgy Leader to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award Read More »

MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS