Heat Treat Industry News

Massive Castings for Hammer Press

SFIL pouring over 800 tons of steel for two castings

Sheffield Forgemasters, the foundry, forging, and engineering group with workshops at Sheffield, England, is producing several critical castings for a new hammer press being built for ATI Ladish Forging, in Cudahy, WI. The order is estimated at $4 million. Forgemasters reported it is its fourth order in a series for ATI Ladish, carrying a total value of nearly $8 million. more..

February 13, 2013

Speed, Power, and Precision Hydraulics

For Bosch Rexroth’s initial forging press project in China, the hydraulics really pack a punch

China has built the world’s largest steel industry over the past 15 years, investing extensively and growing output year by year — with double-digit increases in some years. In 2012, China’s raw steel out rose just 3%, but with nearly 790 million tons produced its steel output was nearly 672 million tons more than the second-largest steelmaking nation, Japan. more..

February 12, 2013

TATA Steel restarts Port Talbot blast furnace

Tata Steel has restarted its second blast furnace at the Port Talbot steelworks in the UK following the completion of a GBP 185 million rebuilding project.

It said “The restarting of Blast Furnace No 4 will improve TATA Steel’s operational flexibility and enable it to better serve customers in the UK and the rest of Europe.”more..

February 11, 2013

Schuler develop wheel rolling machine

German press manufacturer Schuler has developed a new design of wheel rolling machine for forging monobloc wheelsets. This forms a key element in a forging line currently being shipped to a Chinese manufacturer.more..

February 08, 2013

Selas Heat Technology Company, LLC Turns Double Play Acquiring Two Burner Companies To Close 2012

Philadelphia, PA, January 31, 2013 - Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC (“Selas”) announces today that it has completed the purchase of Red-Ray Manufacturing Inc. (“Red-Ray”), a portfolio company of Osage Industries, effective December 20, 2012 and Ensign Ribbon Burners LLC (“ERB Ensign”), a privately owned family run business, effective January 2, 2013. Red-Ray manufactures high intensity gas fired infrared burners, pre-mix air-gas delivery systems, including the patented Redi-Pak® system, and ignition controls. ERB Ensign manufactures ribbon burners, air-gas mixing systems, ignition and safety controls. Between the two product lines, applications served include the baking, snack, laminating, textiles, powder coating, glass, wire and metal industries. more..

February 07, 2013

Ernst & Young questions vertical integration in the steel industry

Ernst & Young has released analysis that questions the value of steelmakers buying metallurgical coal and iron ore assets to ensure security of supply.

In its annual survey of the global steel market the financial services company notes that although in recent years vertical integration has become a trend in the steel industry it may not always have a positive benefit on enterprise value.more..

February 06, 2013

Siemens introduces laser measurement system aids

Simetal Opal from Siemens Metals Technologies provides operators of continuous casting plants with an integrated laser measurement system for exact alignment of strand guide rollers. The system achieves high measuring accuracy of ± 0.07 mm even under the hostile ambient conditions prevailing in a steelworks. Simetal Opal registers the strand guide rollers current positions and after quality control, saves the measured data in a log file. An intuitive user interface and automated measurement sequences make it easy to use locally and reduce measuring times.more..

February 05, 2013

Precision Lubricant Application Systems

Regulate the volume, placement of lubricant at specific areas

INDUSTRIAL INNOVATIONS’ patented Spra-Rite lubrication systems precisely regulate the volume and placement of lubricant at specific areas of tools or the stock, at predetermined press stroke intervals. Use of these systems will improve production rates, reduce lubricant consumption for improved environmental conditions, and save money.more..

February 04, 2013

Alcoa Fastening Systems Partners with COMAC

Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS), a unit of Alcoa, signed a strategic technology and commercial cooperation agreement with Commercial Aircraft of China Ltd. (COMAC). more..

February 01, 2013

New bucket charging system automates scrap feed in electric steel plants

A scrap charging system recently developed by Siemens has been used successfully in Riva SAM’s electric steel plant in Neuves Maisons, France, since June 2012. more..

January 31, 2013

ArcelorMittal and NSSM team up for ThyssenKrupp plant in US - Report

Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the talks, reported that the world’s two biggest steelmakers ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp have teamed up to bid for ThyssenKrupp US plant. more..

January 30, 2013

Accuride’s Restructuring Rewarded with New Orders

Capital investments help commercial vehicle components supplier land $30 million in contracts for aluminum wheels

Accuride Corporation reports a series of capital investments over the past two years have been rewarded by new, long-term contracts to supply steel and aluminum wheels to OEMs. The company indicated it has logged orders totaling $30 million for aluminum commercial vehicle wheels. Details of the contracts were not released, but Accuride said new long-term agreements with several customers represent over 70% of core wheel business.more..

January 29, 2013

Alcoil Installs CAB Furnace

Alcoil, a leading manufacturer of Microchannel HVAC/R coils, added a state-of-the-art controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) furnace to its York, Pa., manufacturing facility that is expected to significantly increase manufacturing capabilities. The new furnace is designed to handle small production runs (one to 10 heat exchangers) as well as high-volume production runs (more than100 heat exchangers per shift). The CAB furnace uses an indexing grid 138 inches x 64 inches for large coils up to 40 tons, making low-volume and high-volume production possible for custom coils. The furnace also has precision temperature control and a vacuum purge system for nitrogen atmosphere control, which improves aluminum brazing quality.more..

January 25, 2013

Taiyuan Steel contract first X Melt CONARC with SMS

The Chinese steel manufacturer Taiyuan Iron & Steel Co Ltd has contracted SMS Siemag, Germany, for the planning and supply of an X-Melt® CONARC® furnace unit with energy recovery system for a new long product mill in Taiyuan, North China.

The energy recovery system increases the steelworks' energy efficiency and especially contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs.more..

January 24, 2013

Frisa in LTSA with P&W for Rings, Casings

+$150-million deal in support of new turbofan engine program

Frisa Forjados reported it has entered into a long-term agreement with Pratt & Whitney, to produce and supply forged rings and casings for the new PurePower PW1000G turbofan engines. Specific terms of the deal were not announced, though the forger indicated it carries a value above $150 million.more..

January 23, 2013

Automaker Orders Two Aluminum Melting Lines

In Mexico, new ingot melting furnaces with integrated heat recovery

StrikoWestofen Group — manufacturers of nonferrous melting systems for foundries and diecasters — reports it has a new order to supply three aluminum ingot melting systems to an unnamed, “large American automaker” casting cylinder blocks at a plant near Mexico City. The turnkey project will be executed by StrikoWestofen subsidiaries in Germany, Poland, and the U.S. more..

January 22, 2013

Roegner Now COO for Alcoa Investment Castings, Forgings, Extrusions

Organizational change concentrates Alcoa's global position in aerospace propulsion, structures, and energy

Eric Roegner has been named chief operating officer of Alcoa Investment Castings, Forgings and Extrusions, a new position. Since 2009 he has been president of Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions, and since June 2012 he has been president of Alcoa Defense. more..

January 21, 2013

Inductotherm Group Adds Custom Machine Builder

Clinton Machine specializes in material handling equipment for bars, tubes, heat treating, and other production machinery sectors

Inductotherm Group has acquired Clinton Machine of Ovid, MI, and is adding it to its family of companies – which supply thermal processing operations with a range of equipment, products and services, including induction melting, induction heating, pipe and tool welding equipment, and vacuum melting and refining systems. Other companies in the Inductotherm Group include Inductotherm Corp., Inductoheat, Radyne, Thermatool, and Consarc. more..

January 17, 2013

AEROSPACE CONSORTIUM ORDERS NITRIDING SYSTEMS

Four subsidiaries of the China Aviation Industry Corporation I, also known as AVIC I, a consortium of aircraft manufacturers serving the civil and military sectors, awarded Nitrex Metal purchase orders for nitriding systems equipped with Nitreg®-S technology for the processing of stainless steel aero parts. more..

January 16, 2013

Two Induction Heating Systems for Ovako

Swedish specialty steel ring roller, seamless tube producer contracts SMS Elotherm

SMS Elotherm has two contracts from Sweden’s Ovako Tube and Ring AB to develop and install induction-heating equipment at the plant in Hofors, Sweden. The plant builder indicated it will customize EloBar™ and EloTube™ machines for the projects, combining high energy-efficiency and “a comparatively small space requirement.” more..

January 15, 2013

Rising New Energy Orders Car-Bottom Furnaces

Tenova Core has been contracted by Rising New Energyfor the design and supply of three car-bottom-type carbon baking furnaces to be installed at the company’splant in the Xingwangiao Industrial Area, Inner Mongolia, China. The furnaces will be used to process fine-grain carbon and will feature pulse-firing technology and advanced process control to ensure consistent heating of the material. Tenova Core will also design and supply the central incineration system for the furnaces for reduced emissions. Start-up is scheduled for 2014.more..

January 14, 2013

Scientists develops strongest glass nano fibers in the world

Globally the quest has been on to find ultrahigh strength composites leading ORC scientists to investigate light ultrahigh strength nanowires that are not compromised by defects. Historically carbon nanotubes were the strongest material available but high strengths could only be measured in very short samples just a few microns long providing little practical value.more..

January 11, 2013

Two Induction Heating Systems for Ovako

Swedish specialty steel ring roller, seamless tube producer contracts SMS Elotherm

SMS Elotherm has two contracts from Sweden’s Ovako Tube and Ring AB to develop and install induction-heating equipment at the plant in Hofors, Sweden. The plant builder indicated it will customize EloBar™ and EloTube™ machines for the projects, combining high energy-efficiency and “a comparatively small space requirement.”more..

January 10, 2013

Irving Place Capital acquires industrial heating manufacturer Chromalox

New York-based Irving Place Capital has acquired heating and control specialist Chromalox from Sentinel Capital Partners and hopes to expand the Chromalox business with capital infusion. more..

January 09, 2013

SIMULIA publishes Tenaris study on tubular components for hydraulic cylinders

Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp is an engineering simulation software provider that delivers proven solutions for Finite Element Analysis / Modeling, Multiphysics, Optimization and Simulation Lifecycle Management. They recently published in their magazine, SIMULIA Community News, an article that explained how Tenaris, using their software simulation was able to help improve the calculation model and therefore manufacture tube for hydraulic cylinders with enhanced safety performance. more..

January 08, 2013

Siemens introduces Circular Palletizing Technology

The ever higher portion of fine and ultra fine iron ore from mining sites means that the palletizing process is becoming more important for ore agglomeration. This has led to an increased interest by steel producers to invest in their own pellet plants to become independent of escalating prices for pellets on the global market. more..

January 07, 2013

Bluewater Acquires Heat Treater, Testing Facility

Bluewater Thermal Solutions, the largest North American-based thermal-processing provider, acquired Southwest Heat Treat and Texas Energy Labs, both of Houston, Texas. Bluewater’s management team partnered with Aterian Investment Partners to purchase the two businesses, which serve the energy markets in North America. According to Bluewater, the acquisition of Southwest Heat Treat and Texas Energy Labs is an important milestone for the company and provides significant end-market diversification and additional geographic reach.more..

January 04, 2013

ArcelorMittal sells $1.1bln stake in Canada iron ore unit to POSCO group

ArcelorMittal agrees to sell a 15% interest in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada for $1.1bln to a Consortium led by POSCO and China Steel Corporation, the company said in a statement.

ArcelorMittal has announced that it has entered into an agreement pursuant to which ArcelorMittal’s wholly owned subsidiary ArcelorMittal Mines Canada (AMMC) and a consortium led by POSCO and China Steel Corporation (CSC) will enter into a joint venture partnership that will own ArcelorMittal’s Labrador Trough iron ore mining and infrastructure assets. more..

January 03, 2013

SFIL Gets 20-Year Rating for Nuclear Projects

Forging, engineering group is enhancing its standing, readiness for expanding nuclear power sector

Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd, the British engineering group, reported recently it has retained a 20-year quality certification for civil nuclear castings and forgings. The Quality System Certificate was renewed once the group passed a rigorous conducted audit by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 3800 Code survey. more..

January 02, 2013

Yes, ... Nukes

Lehigh Heavy Forge will supply Babcock & Wilcox with a variety of large steel forgings for its forthcoming series of mod-ular nuclear reactors, in a project characterized as a re-launch for U.S. manufacturers supplying nuclear-power sector.more..

December 28, 2012

Kobelco construction machinery future business development

With the ending of the global alliance with CNH Global NV Kobelco Construction Machinery Co Ltd from January 2013 will be able to grow its business on its own and sell the KOBELCO brand hydraulic excavators in world markets.

These machines are well known for their advanced technologies such as low fuel consumption, low noise and onboard GPS. Kobelco Construction Machinery will build its own sales network and promote the KOBELCO brand around the world.more..

December 27, 2012

Surface Combustion Awarded U.S. Patent

Surface Combustion Inc. was awarded a patent for the invention of delivery of atomized liquid hydrocarbons to yield a reactive atmosphere inside an industrial heat-treat furnace. The atmosphere may be comprised of any variety of hydrocarbons to create a carburizing, reducing or reactive atmosphere for materials processing. The patent also covers the application to an atmosphere generator (carrier gas) as well as acting as an enriching gas to increase carburizing potential. carburizers. more..

December 26, 2012

Seco/Warwick has purchased furnace re-builder Nespi

Seco/Warwick/Nespi. Rather an interesting news item from Europe. To sum up new furnace builder Seco/Warwick has purchased furnace re-builder Nespi which is quite a coup. While Seco Warwick probably needs no introduction Nespi is not as well known. Nespi was formed a few years back by a number of ex-Ipsen employees hence the name-Nespi is of course Ipsen spelled backwards. more..

December 21, 2012

Ipsen sells its 100th Titan vacuum furnace

Ipsen USA, Cherry Valley, Ill., announces that it recently sold its 100th Titan vacuum heat treat furnace as its third year in production comes to a close, proving global acceptance of the product line. The milestone was achieved with the recent vertical Titan sale to Tamayakin Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan. The furnace will be installed by Ipsen Japan and will be used for heat treating aerospace components.more..

December 20, 2012

SFIL Gets 20-Year Rating for Nuclear Projects

Forging, engineering group is enhancing its standing, readiness for expanding nuclear power sector

Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd, the British engineering group, reported recently it has retained a 20-year quality certification for civil nuclear castings and forgings. The Quality System Certificate was renewed once the group passed a rigorous conducted audit by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 3800 Code survey.more..

December 19, 2012

SMS Mevac to design a VIM furnace for Tata Steel Speciality

Tata Steel Speciality Steels, UK, has chosen SMS Mevac, Germany, to design a VIM X-eed® vacuum induction melting furnace for its Stocksbridge site. more..

December 18, 2012

TATA Steel develop life saving steel for British soldiers

A super strength steel that could help to defend British soldiers against the Taliban was the star attraction at a royal tour. The Prince of Wales was introduced to Super Bainite, a new super strength steel which could become a life-saver.more..

December 17, 2012

Thermal Technology Ships 50-ton Hot Press

SANTA ROSA, Calif., -- Thermal Technology, a leading manufacturer of vacuum and high temperature furnace systems, recently designed and manufactured a 50-ton hot press for a Northern California manufacturer of analytical instrumentation. The system will be utilized for diffusion bonding of highly advanced sensors. The hot press, Model HP100, offers a large usable work space with a 4-side molybdenum hot zone rated to 1600°C and operates in an inert gas, high vacuum or partial pressure environment.more..

December 15, 2012

GKN Expands in China

GKN Powder Metallurgy recently broke ground on a new manufacturing facility for GKN Sinter Metals in Yizheng, China. The $26 million plant will cover an area of 30,000 square meters when construction completes in 2013. It will produce small precision parts for automotive applications in engine, transmission, body and chassis, as well as a range of components for power tools and other industrial and consumer applications. more..

December 14, 2012

New Induction Heating System for Forjasul

500-KW EloForge system will heat 1,250 kg/hour of steel billets

Forjasul Canoas from Rio Grande do Sul, a Brazilian producer of forged hardware like hand tools (axes, bench vices), hooks, and numerous varieties of electrical hardware, has ordered a new induction-heating system from SMS Elotherm. The contractor will supply its EloForge™ system and integrate it into Forjasul’s existing plant, customizing the operation to match the production requirements.more..

December 13, 2012

Third Siemens continuous slab caster goes into operation at Dragon Steel

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies put a new continuous casting plant into operation in August at the Taiwanese steelmaker Dragon Steel Co. The two-strand caster was installed at the Taichung, Taiwan location and is designed to produce approximately two million tons of slabs made of carbon and micro-alloyed steels annually for high-quality flat-rolled products. Previously, two continuous casters had already been installed by Siemens and were already in operation at the site.more..

December 12, 2012

Canada makes final determination AD on welded pipes

Pursuant to subsection 41(1)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act, on November 9th 2012, the President of the Canada Border Services Agency made final determinations respecting the dumping of certain carbon steel welded pipe, commonly identified as standard pipe in the nominal size range from ½ inch up to and including 6 inches inclusive in various forms and finishes usually supplied to meet ASTM A53, ASTM A135, ASTM A252, ASTM A589, ASTM A795, ASTM F1083 or Commercial Quality or AWWA C200-97 or equivalent specifications including water well casing, piling pipe, sprinkler pipe and fencing pipe, but excluding oil and gas line pipe made to API specifications exclusively, originating in or exported from Chinese Taipei, the Republic of India, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates and the subsidizing of these goods originating in or exported from the Republic of India. more..

December 11, 2012

Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited Ships Bright Tube Annealing Furnace for JMC Steel Group

CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited is pleased to announce the shipment of a Bright Tube Annealing Furnace for the JMC Steel Group. The 25,000 lbs/hr line will be installed in Wheatland, PA as part of JMC Steel's Wheatland Tube Division expansion. The unit is configured to operate under dry EXO gas for the bright annealing of heavy walled precision cold drawn mechanical tubing. With an overall line layout stretching out more than 300 feet by 14 feet wide, the furnace will form the basis for one of the largest bright tube annealing facilities in the North America. more..

December 10, 2012

American Axle Lists New Orders of $1.25 Billion

Drivetrain manufacturer sees above-average sales growth through 2015

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings estimated income totaling $1.25 billion over three years from new and incremental business, for projects launching in 2013 through 2015. The manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems and components indicated this total represents an increase of approximately 4% over the previous three-year (2012-2014) period, and illustrates its efforts to expand global marketing and introduce new products. more..

December 08, 2012

Ovako Tube and Ring Orders Induction Heating Equipment

SMS Elotherm has been awarded two orders for induction heating equipment by Ovako Tube and Ring AB of Hofors, Sweden. EloBar™ will be used at Ovako’s forging operations to heat steel bars at a production rate of up to 8,000 kg per hour. With an installed electrical power of 4,000 kW, bars of up to 130 mm (5 inch) diameter can be heated to 1220°C (2228°F). SMS Elotherm will supply the bar handling system, the induction heater with a hot shear and an industrial robot for the transfer between hot shear and press. The EloBar facility will be commissioned in mid-2013.more..

December 07, 2012

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review: Carbon Steel Welded Pipe from China

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Dec. 5, 2012) - The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today initiated an expiry review of its finding made on August 20, 2008, in Inquiry No. NQ-2008-001, concerning the dumping and subsidizing of certain carbon steel welded pipe from China.more..

December 06, 2012

UltraGlow® DLT and UltraOx® “P” Now Offered!

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) announced today the expansion of their in-house equipment at two of its four facilities; one located in Waterloo, Iowa; the other in Monroe, Michigan. AHT has acquired additional equipment over the past several months to expand upon their capabilities. This decision was fueled by AHT’s desire to cater to the various types of clients they work with. more..

December 05, 2012

WISE: GE Global Research holds Women in Science and Engineering symposium

We just got word of an exciting event underway right now to support women in STEM careers.

Today and tomorrow GE Global Research is hosting a Women in Science and Engineering symposium at their Niskayuna, N.Y. location. The event is “aimed specifically at talking about how to recruit, develop and retain female technologists,” according to Kristen Brosnan, a GE materials scientist and ACerS member. Brosnan also is a frequent contributor to Edison’s Desk, GE Global’s blog and will be live blogging and tweeting from the symposium. more..

December 04, 2012

Induction Tooling Receives Accreditation for Mechanical Testing

Induction Tooling Inc. (ITI) of North Royalton, Ohio, received accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for Calibration and Testing Laboratories for mechanical testing of ferrous metals in their on-site metallurgical laboratory. more..

December 03, 2012

Lehigh Heavy Forge to Supply B&W with Reactor Forgings

Project characterized as a re-launch for U.S. manufacturers supplying nuclear-power sector

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation will supply The Babcock & Wilcox Co. with forgings for its B&W mPower™ small modular reactor (SMR), following a new agreement. Various terms of the deal remain undetailed, but the Pennsylvania open-die forging company indicated it would join with Babcock & Wilcox to fabricate and qualify large forgings for nuclear reactor components, which the parties intend to incorporate into its mPower SMR.more..

November 30, 2012

PCC to Add Synchronous Aerospace Group

Purchase includes fabrication of mechanical assemblies, structural components for commercial aerospace and defense.

Precision Castparts Corp., the aggressively expanding investment casting and forging organization, agreed to acquire Synchronous Aerospace Group, a custom fabricator of aircraft mechanical assemblies for commercial aerospace and defense markets. The value of the cash acquisition was not announced, but PCC stated it expects to complete the purchase by the end of 2012 – subject to regulatory approvals.more..

November 29, 2012

SDI to install heat treatment unit for rails

Steel Dynamics Inc announced plans to install a state of the art heat treating system at its Columbia City, Indiana, Structural and Rail Division.

When operational, the system will be capable of producing up to 350,000 tons of standard strength and head hardened plain, carbon steel rails for North America's railroad industry. more..

November 28, 2012

Kobe Aluminum to Expand in Kentucky

Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products LLC (KAAP), a joint venture of Kobe Steel Ltd., Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Toyota Tsusho Corp., will invest $11 million to expand its operations in Bowling Green, Ky. The expansion will include a new 39,000-square-foot building and a production line to produce cast-aluminum bars for use in car air conditioners. more..

November 27, 2012

Formosa Heavy Industries orders four continuous casting lines from Siemens

Formosa Heavy Industries orders four continuous casting lines from Siemens for major steelmaking project in Vietnam

Siemens Metals Technologies received an order from the Taiwanese steelmaking company Formosa Heavy Industries Co. to supply four continuous casting lines as part of the new construction of a steelmaking plant in Vung Ang, Vietnam. The order is specifically for two slab casters, one billet caster and one bloom caster with a total installed capacity of roughly 8.4 million tons per year. more..

November 26, 2012

Alcoa may buy Rio and BHP aluminium assets

Miningmx reported that ALCOA would seek to buy mines used in the manufacture of aluminium from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto after they this year shelved and sold mines owing to the poor outlook for the metal.more..

November 24, 2012

Jailaxmi Casting & Alloys Orders Steel Degasser

Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum received a steel degassing order from Jailaxmi Casting & Alloys, an Indian steel producer. The new order is for a compact mechanical vacuum system for a 35-ton tank degasser. It will incorporate the latest series of RUVAC WH7000 roots pumps and the dry screw pump DRYVAC DV1200. more..

November 23, 2012

Industrial Tube builds new facility to hold more inventory of steel tubing

Industrial Tube & Steel Corporation built a larger facility to hold more inventory of steel tubing with additional custom cutting and faster loading capabilities to create better overall service for their customers.more..

November 22, 2012

Praxair Acquires Acetylene Oxygen Company

DANBURY, Conn., November 16, 2012 – Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), announced it has acquired Harlingen, Texas-based Acetylene Oxygen Company (AOC). Financial terms were not disclosed.more..

November 21, 2012

Optima Specialty Steel to acquire Kentucky Electric Steel

Optima Specialty Steel Inc, a portfolio company of Optima Acquisitions LLC, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with ALJ Regional Holdings Inc to acquire 100% of KES Acquisition Company dba Kentucky Electric Steel.more..

November 20, 2012

Forjasul orders EloForge™ induction heating system from SMS Elotherm

Forjasul Canoas from Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) has placed an order with SMS Elotherm for the supply of an EloForge™ induction heating system. SMS Elotherm will integrate the system into Forjasul’s existing plant and customizes the system precisely to the production requirements.

With the nominal power of 500 KW, the system will heat up to 1,250 kg steel billets with 51 mm in diameter per hour to the required temperature of 1,250 °C.more..

November 19, 2012

Hudapack Orders Batch Heat-Treating System

AFC-Holcroft received an order from Hudapack Metal Treating for a new batch heat-treating system. The order is comprised of two 36-inch x 72-inch x 36-inch UBQ (universal batch quench) furnaces with atmosphere top-cool chambers, two UBT temper furnaces, one UBTN nitrogen temper furnace and companion equipment. The equipment will include AFC-Holcroft’s BatchMaster™ controls and Honeywell instruments, and it will be CQI-9 compliant. The new installation will also include a new EZ-Series 9000 CFH endothermic generator. The new batch line will be installed in a brand-new 25,000-square-foot addition to Hudapack’s Elkhorn, Wis., plant. The project is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2013.more..

November 18, 2012

Can Eng Furnace wins order to supply Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Furnace System

Can Eng Furnaces International Limited has entered into a contract to supply a complete large capacity Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Furnace System for Commercial Steel Treating Limited of Madison Heights in Michigan. This system is designed to provide neutral hardening and carbonitriding processes for high volume automotive fasteners and small stamping products.more..

November 15, 2012

Leybold Vacuum Solution cuts energy use by up to 90pct

Pollution Solutions reported that Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum's (Germany) vacuum solution has recently received a steel degassing order. Jailaxmi Casting & Alloys, an Indian steel producer, have been persuaded by the innovative systems and redundant components.more..

November 14, 2012

Novelis Orders Scrap Melting Furnace

Novelis Italia of Pieve, Italy, placed an order with Austria’s Hertwich Engineering for the supply and erection of an Ecomelt scrap melting furnace with preheat shaft. The new furnace will increase the recycling rate at Novelis from 34-80%. At temperatures below 650°C (1202°F), a hot-air flow in the preheat shaft heats the aluminum scrap, thus minimizing the oxidation of the material. more..

November 13, 2012

Ameriforge Group Up for Sale

Reuters reported that Ameriforge Group Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of forged products, put itself on the block and hired investment bank Harris Williams & Co. to advise on the process. Owned by Houston-based private equity firm Tanglewood Investments, Ameriforge could reportedly be worth $750-800 million. more..

November 12, 2012

Precision Castparts Buys Timet for $2.9 Billion

Precision Castparts Corporation is continuing its aggressive expansion strategy with an estimated $2.9-billion purchase of Titanium Metals Corporation. Timet is a Dallas-based producer of primary titanium products — forged ingots, slabs, and billets, and mill forms — as well as titanium sponge (a stabilized reduction of titanium ore), and mill products (sheet, strip, tubing, pipes, and fittings.)more..

November 08, 2012

U.S. Manufacturer Purchases Pusher Furnace System

AFC-Holcroft supplied a single-row pusher furnace system to a manufacturer located in the south-central region of the U.S. The system, with three zones of control, comes equipped with an oil-quench system, PLC control, post-wash system, unload table, powered exhaust system and E-Z 1800 endothermic gas generator to supply atmosphere to the furnace. The U.S. business, a sister company to a U.K.-based manufacturer, is using the equipment to process oil-field/drilling equipment.more..

November 07, 2012

Brasfield & Gorrie to build Kloeckner steel plant near ThyssenKrupp

Birmingham based Brasfield & Gorrie has won the contract to build a new USD 18 million Kloeckner Metals steel processing facility near the ThyssenKrupp AG plant north of Mobile.

Mr Steven Manown VP and division manager at Brasfield & Gorrie said that the processing plant will be built on 16 acres in the ThyssenKrupp Industrial Park in Calvert, Brasfield & Gorrie said in a prepared statement. The plant will have a significant economic impact.more..

November 06, 2012

Steel Service acquires Louisiana based Benoit Machine

Mr Ron Pederson CEO & president of Steel Service Oilfield Tubular announced, along with JFE Steel and Kanematsu Japan, the joint acquisition of Benoit Machine of Houma. Mr Ron Pederson has been named CEO and president of newly formed Benoit Premium Threading, which has been and will remain Steel Service’s exclusive supplier of premium threading.more..

ovember 05, 2012

Ameriforge Group Up for Sale

Reuters reported that Ameriforge Group Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of forged products, put itself on the block and hired investment bank Harris Williams & Co. to advise on the process. Owned by Houston-based private equity firm Tanglewood Investments, Ameriforge could reportedly be worth $750-800 million. Founded in 2002, Ameriforge is a forged-products subsystems- and systems-integration company that provides customers with solutions for their forged component, fabrication, sub-assembly and fully integrated systems needs.more..

October 27, 2012

U.S. Lab Orders Spark Plasma Sintering System

Thermal Technology shipped a 25-ton, 10,000-amp spark plasma sintering (SPS) system to Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR). The system is fitted with a glove box for handling materials in a controlled environment and will be integral to CSNR's study of advanced high-temperature fuel and structural materials fabrication. SPS technology is in a class of non-conventional sintering techniques because heat is generated internally as opposed to conventional methods of materials densification such as hot pressing, wherein the heat is external to the sample. The SPS system is designed with highly rigid four-post press frames, an extra large working chamber and large access doors. October 23, 2012No more..

October 26, 2012

ABB wins orders to power new steel complex in Vietnam

ABB has won orders worth around $50 million for four gas-insulated switchgear substations to supply power to a new steel complex being built in Vietnam.

ABB has won orders worth around $50 million from Formosa Plastic Group of Taiwan for four gas-insulated switchgear substations to supply power to a new steel complex being built by its subsidiary, Hung Nghiep Formosa Hà Thin Steel Corporation, in Vietnam. more..

October 25, 2012

Siemens wins bar-in-coil line order from steelmaker in Taiwan

Siemens has received an order from Wei Chih Steel Industry Co. Ltd. (Wei Chih), Taiwan, to supply a new rolling line for bar-in-coil.

The line will be constructed in the company's bar mill in Tainan and is scheduled to go on stream at the end of 2013.more..

October 24, 2012

JFE Steel to acquire premium threading business of Benoit Machine

JFE Steel Corporation has announced that it is decided to acquire the premium threading business and related assets of US based Benoit Machine LLC through a holding company, Benoit Holding Company, which has been jointly established by JFE Steel and Kanematsu USA Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kanematsu Corporation in Japan.more..

October 23, 2012

Nippon Steel, Sumitomo Metal Acquire U.S. Heat-Treatment Facilities

Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp. (NSSMC), through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Southern Tube LLC, entered into a definitive agreement with WSP Houston OCTG Inc. to acquire its production facilities for heat treatment and threading of oil-country tubular goods (OCTGs) for approximately $43 million. After the acquisition, Southern Tube plans to make an additional capital investment and target full-fledged commercial operation by 2015. The company plans to manufacture high-end OCTGs that can withstand severe environments. Base materials will be provided by Vallourec & Sumitomo Tubos do Brasil Ltda in Brazil and the Wakayama Steelworks in Japan.more..

October 22, 2012

Lower-Frequency Induction Heating

5-15 kHz systems for forging preheating and other applications

AMBRELL INC. has an expanded line of lower-frequency induction heating systems, EKOHEAT models in the range from 5 to 15 kHz. With full-scale output power ranging from 35 kW to 500 kW, these are CE-marked systems that delivers power to the part efficiently, with “significant” cost savings. more..

October 19, 2012

RTI Titanium Starts New Aerospace Forging Plant

$135-million Virginia operation producing up to 7,000 tons/year

RTI International Metals has started producing a range of commercial aerospace titanium products at its new forging, grinding, and hot-rolling operation in Martinsville, VA. The $135-million plant has been in development for several years, and has been conducting commercial tests on its titanium products for the past 10 months, to meet qualification requirements for Airbus SAS.more..

October 18, 2012

Texas Forger Acquired in Private-Equity Deal

Investments will improve Gulfco’s service in oil-and-gas, mining, off-highway markets

Gulf Coast Machine & Supply Company has been acquired by Altus Capital Partners II L.P., leading an ownership group that includes members of the management team at the Beaumont, TX, forger and ring roller. The value and terms of the purchase have not been announced.more..

October 17, 2012

ArcelorMittal launches a new range of organic coated steels

ArcelorMittal has launched a range of organic coated steels that have eliminated the need for the chemical Strontium chromate (SrCrO4). This chemical that has been used by the construction industry in coated steels for decades will be banned in 2016 under the European REACH regulatory framework (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances), which came into force on June 1st 2007.more..

October 16, 2012

Ajax Rolled Ring and Machine Plans Expansion

Ajax Rolled Ring and Machine of York, S.C., plans to invest about $5 million to expand its forging operations in the area. The 15,000-square-foot expansion is the company’s first since it opened for business in 1980, and 25 local jobs are expected to be added to an existing staff of 110 employees. The company produces forged steel rings used in mining vehicles and wind turbines.more..

October 15, 2012

Nippon Steel, Sumitomo Metal Industries Merge

Nippon Steel Corp., Japan's largest steelmaker, merged with Sumitomo Metal Industries, the nation's third-largest steelmaker, to form Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. The merger creates the world's second-largest steel company, with a combined annual capacity of 46.1 million metric tons, trailing only ArcelorMittal. The new company also supplies metal for forging as well as finished cold- and hot-forged components. The merged company has plans to expand global operations in China, India and other emerging countries while consolidating its operations in Japan.more..

October 12, 2012

Concast supplies a facility for Arcelormittal Brasil Whitepaper als PDF herunterladen

Düsseldorf/Germany (SMS Group) – Arcelormittal Brasil S.A., Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has placed an order with Concast AG, Switzerland, a company of the SMS group, Germany, for the supply of a secondary-metallurgy center and of a continuous caster for the production of SBQ billets (Special Bar Quality) for the manufacture of wire for tires (tire cord). Commissioning is scheduled for June 2010.more..

October 11, 2012

Atmosphere Gas Carburizing - Case Studies, Lessons Learned (Part 2)

We continue the discussion started last month on atmosphere carburizing, namely the problems we encounter in the heat-treat shop and the solutions that must be implemented to achieve a successful outcome. Let’s learn more.

Carbides and Carbide Necklaces
The formation of grain-boundary (i.e. massive) carbides and carbide necklaces (Fig. 1) has been the subject of a great deal of study but one that is directly related to process variables that are out of control. These include too high a carbon potential of the atmosphere during the boost portion of the cycle, insufficient diffusion time, too short a soak time at temperature and hardening from too low a temperature, to name a few.more..

October 10, 2012

Abakan to complete MesoCoat clad pipe facility in March 2013

Abakan Inc announced that its subsidiary MesoCoat Inc, has closed a low interest USD 1 million loan under the State of Ohio's Innovation Ohio Loan Fund which allows MesoCoat to complete construction and equipment installation of its first full scale clad pipe manufacturing facility in Ohio.

Abakan expects the construction and installation to be completed in December, 2012 and after two months of production trial runs, this facility should begin commercial production in March, 2013. more..

October 08, 2012

Erie Press Systems Installs Unit at McInnes Rolled Rings

Erie Press Systems recently installed a 3,500-ton ring blanking press at McInnes Rolled Rings. Both companies are based in Erie, Pa. McInnes forges carbon, alloy and stainless steel preforms weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The new press will support a new radial-axial mill that can produce seamless rings up to 12 feet in diameter. It complements a 1,200-ton Erie Press Systems’ press for rolled-ring preforms that has been the workhorse of the McInnes plant since 1992. The installation will expand McInnes’ base of business in the power-transmission, energy and commercial/aircraft bearing markets. more..

October 05, 2012

Three-Station Hydraulic Press

New design offers increased press capacity and capability for forming, trimming and coining

GREENERD PRESS & MACHINE CO.’s small-footprint, 150-ton gib-guided hydraulic press for tool manufacturing is a robot-fed operation that offers increased capacity and capability while providing shorter lead times for forming, trimming and coining a heated part in a three station tool.more..

October 04, 2012

Olympic Steel to Expand Operations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced that Olympic Steel Inc. will expand its steel processing facility in Franklin County, creating at least 90 new manufacturing jobs. Olympic Steel considered expanding operations at its similar U.S. steel processing facilities, including two in Ohio. The company ultimately selected its Chambersburg plant to better serve the company's East Coast customers. Olympic Steel will create 90 new jobs within three years and invest $11 million to purchase new equipment and provide training to its new employees. Olympic Steel is a leading U.S. metals service center focused on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon, coated and stainless flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate steel and aluminum products.more..

October 03, 2012

Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited Contracted to Supply Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Hardening and Tempering System for Koelner Lancucka Fabryka Srub of Poland

Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and commission a large capacity Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Heat Treatment System for Koelner Lancucka Fabryka Srub of Poland. The addition of this system will compliment Koelner’s facility and their continuous improvement initiatives currently underway in Lancut, Poland.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) October 01, 2012 more..

October 02, 2012

American Axle Producing Transfer Cases for Land Rover

Supplier, automaker collaborated on 4WD transmission structures

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has started manufacturing and assembling transfer cases for Jaguar Land Rover at its Glasgow Manufacturing Facility in Scotland. Production started in August, AAM announced.more..

October 01, 2012

New Welding Technique Should Lead To More Aluminum In GM Cars

General Motors has developed what it says is an industry-first aluminum welding technology, which allows it to use more aluminum in the construction of its cars rather than heavier conventional materials. This will lead to lighter and more fuel efficient cars from the automaker going into the future.more..

September 28, 2012

Press Systems Installs Unit at McInnes Rolled Rings

Erie Press Systems recently installed a 3,500-ton ring blanking press at McInnes Rolled Rings. Both companies are based in Erie, Pa. McInnes forges carbon, alloy and stainless steel preforms weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The new press will support a new radial-axial mill that can produce seamless rings up to 12 feet in diameter. It complements a 1,200-ton Erie Press Systems’ press for rolled-ring preforms that has been the workhorse of the McInnes plant since 1992. The installation will expand McInnes’ base of business in the power-transmission, energy and commercial/aircraft bearing markets. more..

September 27, 2012

Spanish Heat Treater Purchases Vacuum Furnace

SECO/WARWICK delivered and commissioned a two-chamber vacuum furnace with oil-quench tank to a commercial heat-treatment plant in Spain. The furnace is designated for the heat treatment of aircraft landing-gear parts made chiefly from materials such as 35NCD16, 4340M and 300M. The heating chamber, which is 900 mm wide x 900 mm long x 1,200 mm high, incorporates a diffusion pump with a capacity of 30,000 liters/second. In the quench chamber, right above the oil surface, there is a gas-quench system operating within the pressure range up to 1.5 bar abs.more..

September 26, 2012

Houston vacuum consultant Alphatek doubles size, moves to new office

When Paul Zettler founded Alphatek of Texas Inc., a local consulting repair firm that services vacuum heat-treating furnaces, he imagined that it would be a one-person business. Fast-forward one year later, and Alphatek has five employees, two of which were hired this week, and is planning to move into an expanded 4,400-square-foot office space this week at 14129 Aston St.more..

September 25, 2012

SMS Meer wins tube welding machine supply order from Arvedi

Arvedi Metalfer Do Brasil in Salto has placed an order with SMS Meer for the supply of an RD 140 HF tube welding machine including finishing line.

Just two years ago, Arvedi brought a tube line supplied by SMS Meer into service at its plant in Cremona in Italy. more..

September 24, 2012

OMZ-Special Steels Casts Huge Forging Ingot

Russia’s Uralmash-Izhora Group’s (OMZ) Special Steels operation recently cast a steel forging ingot weighing 124.2 tons at the Izhorkiye Zavody plant in St. Petersburg. The ingot was cast using a siphon method in which molten metal is siphoned up from the bottom of the ingot mold cavity. The relatively non-turbulent mold filling method improves the quality of the steel ingot, which was cast by siphoning metal up into the ingot mold using negative pressure in an argon atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The use of inert argon obviates the need to use a vacuum casting process.more..

September 21, 2012

Patent Accepted for 20-Bar Vacuum Furnace

Solar Manufacturing Inc. announced that its patent application for a new 20-bar vacuum furnace has been accepted (Application Number 13/573,001 dated Aug. 13, 2012) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The application covers several aspects of a unique design that will provide optimum cooling performance using different gases at pressures ranging from 2 to 20 bar. Features of this new furnace include: more..

September 20, 2012

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Agrees to Acquire GH Metal Solutions, Inc.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYS: RS) announced today that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Feralloy Corporation, it has reached an agreement to purchase all of the outstanding capital stock of GH Metal Solutions, Inc. (formerly known as Gas House, Inc.), a value added processor and fabricator of carbon steel products located in Fort Payne, Alabama. Founded in 1958, GH's processing equipment includes flat-bed lasers, tube lasers, torches, shears, automatic band saws, CNC press brakes, coil-fed and hand-fed stampers, and robotic and manual welders. For the year 2011, annual sales were approximately $44M. The transaction is expected to be finalized within 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms were not disclosed.more..

September 19, 2012

Eaton installs new switchgear system at TATA Steel

It is reported that Eaton has installed its Power Xpert UX Medium Voltage switchgear system at TATA Steel, Europe's second largest steel producer.more..

September 18, 2012

ArcelorMittal to Invest in Pennsylvania Coke Facility

ArcelorMittal announced a $50 million capital investment for improvements required to modernize and upgrade the company’s coke operations in Monessen, Pa. The investment will allow ArcelorMittal to restart coke production at the Monessen facility, which has been idled since May 2009, and create 113 new jobs at the site. The investment includes replacing the coke screening station, quench tower and quench track; refurbishing the coke battery and by-product area; installing a new wastewater treatment plant; and implementing significant structural repairs and renovations. The facility is capable of producing approximately 370,000 tons of metallurgical coke per year and is one of three coke production facilities that ArcelorMittal operates in the U.S.more..

September 17, 2012

Ipsen’s TurboTreater® Units Offer Convenient Solutions

CHERRY VALLEY, IL – Ipsen has recently shipped an H3636 2 bar TurboTreater® furnace to a commercial heat treatment company in the southeastern U.S. The state-of-the-art, high-temperature furnace included a 2-inch thick carbon composite/graphite felt hot zone with a nominal work zone of 24” x 24” x 36” (610 mm x 610 mm x 914 mm) and a gross load capacity of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), configured for 460 volts, 60 hertz, 3 phase. The furnace was equipped with the user-friendly CompuVac® Supervisory Control system, as well as nitrogen and argon Partial Pressure system. more..

September 14, 2012

SMS Meer wins supply order from Constellium Singen

Constellium Singen from Baden Wurttemberg in Germany has placed an order with SMS Meer of Germany for the supply of a new front loading press for aluminum profiles. The company will be able to produce around 20,000 tonnes of profiles per year on the press.more..

September 13, 2012

TMK Signs Contract with Halliburton

TMK, one of the world's leading producers of tubular products for the oil and gas industry, has signed a contract with Halliburton International Inc. to provide threading services.

TMK Central Pipe Yard (Buzuluk, Orenburg Region), which is part of TMK Oilfield Services, will be responsible for fulfilling the contract by threading components of casing equipment for Halliburton’s Russian division. more..

September 12, 2012

Advancing Forging Simulation Software

Simufact offers new modules for open-die forging, ring rolling

Simufact Engineering recently introduced Simufact.forming 11, the latest version of its simulation software for forming processes, including forging and ring rolling. A new version of the developer’s Simufact.welding software, and both produces reportedly offer more functionality for a broader range of applications, but simplified for easier use by manufacturing operators. “With the new Simufact software releases, companies aiming to link various production processes in the process chain (from semi-finished material to finished component) have come closer to their goal of an integrated, cross-process approach in the simulation of entire process chains,” the supplier stated.more..

September 11, 2012

Bifrangi to Build Forge in U.K.

Bifrangi UK, the British operation of Italian steel forger Bifrangi, received approval from local authorities to begin construction of its planned forge in Lincoln, Midlands, U.K. The $79 million investment is an expansion of the company’s Lincoln factory, and it is expected to create 100 jobs to supply parts to the power-generation industry. The expansion will include one of the world’s largest screw presses, which will be used to produce engine crankshafts.more..

September 10, 2012

Honda develops a new technology of welding of steel and aluminum

Honda Motor announced that it has newly developed a technology for the continuous welding of the dissimilar metals of steel and aluminum and applied it for the first time in the world to the sub frame of a mass production vehicle, a key component of a vehicle body frame.more..

September 08, 2012

New process developed to prevent cold cracking in high strength steel

Cold cracking in high strength steel presents major quality assurance challenges for the automotive and machine building industries, since cracks are difficult to predict until now. A new process can determine, as early as the design stage, if critical conditions for such damage can be prevented. This lowers development times and costs. more..

September 07, 2012

Universal Stainless Achieves Nadcap Materials Testing Laboratory Accreditation for North Jackson

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:USAP) today announced that it has achieved Nadcap Materials Testing Laboratory (MTL) accreditation at its North Jackson, Ohio facility. The location recently completed the Nadcap audit, successfully meeting all requirements for checklists AC7101/1 Rev E, the general requirement for all Nadcap accredited laboratories, and AC7101/2 Rev C for chemical testing. more..

September 06, 2012

Mineral Wars (part 1)

Once upon a time ...

Isn’t that how most fairy tales start? I’ve long held the belief that in the near future the location of and accessibility to minerals found around the globe will give certain nations not only strategic advantages but tremendous leverage and perhaps yet-to-be-realized bargaining power as global economic leaders. The United States, now positioned as the world’s second largest consumer of raw materials, is painfully aware of our interdependence on foreign sources. It’s time for the rest of us to learn more. more..

September 05, 2012

ARCELOR MITTAL ONCE AGAIN CHOOSES TENOVA MELT SHOPS TO SUPPLY A LADLE FURNACE OF 300 TONS CAPACITY

Milan, August 30th, 2012 - Tenova Melt Shops has recently been contracted from Arcelor Mittal to provide the turnkey supply of a 300 tons Ladle Furnace that will operate in integrated cycle in Arcelor Mittal plant (ex Sidmar) located at Gent, Belgium, and specilized in high quality steel for automotive sector.more..

September 04, 2012

JSW Steel, Ispat to form India's largest steelmaker in 2013 merger

India's JSW Steel said Saturday it will merge operations with part-owned subsidiary JSW Ispat Steel to form the country's largest steelmaker by March 2013.

The merged entity will have a total installed crude steelmaking capacity of 14.3 million mt/year, more than the country's biggest current steelmaker, state-owned Steel Authority of India, at 14.1 million mt/year.more..

August 31, 2012

Personnel-Safe Robot Control

Combines precision of automation with the expertise of operator management

Complicated welding tasks like automated build-up welding of worn-out forging tools require the presence of an operator in the welding cell of a robot. With the REIS ROBOTICS SafetyController, those tasks can be checked and controlled by the operator without danger, so the welding cell has the precision of a robot-supported process with the proficiency and expertise that an operator provides. more..

August 30, 2012

U.S. Lab Orders Spark Plasma Sintering System

Thermal Technology shipped a 25-ton, 10,000-amp spark plasma sintering (SPS) system to a U.S. national laboratory. The SPS Model 25-10 is fitted with a glove box for handling materials in a controlled environment. It will be integral to the lab’s study of advanced high-temperature fuel and structural materials fabrication. This SPS will allow the customer to conduct pioneering research into advanced fabrication methods for future high-performance nuclear fuels. more..

August 29, 2012

GE to supply Frame 9E gas turbine to JFE Steel

Engineering, procurement and construction contractor Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation will install GE's 9E gas turbine as well as a GE designed 9A5 generator and associated equipment at JFE's new 150 MW, multiple fuel, combined cycle power plant.more..

August 28, 2012

Hot Isostatic Pressing Standards Set

ASTM International committee develops HIP process-control criteria

Identifying what it called “a general need in the steel industry for a standard defining the basic quality control requirements for hot isostatic pressing,” a committee of ASTM International laid out manufacturing criteria for the emerging process for forming and treating metal parts. The ASTM A1080, Practice for Hot Isostatic Pressing of Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloy Castings. A1080 was developed by Subcommittee A01.18 on Castings, part of ASTM International Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys. more..

August 27, 2012

Ellwood Group Acquires Assets of LATC

Ellwood Group Inc. (EGI) completed the acquisition of the assets of Leistritz Advanced Turbine Components (LATC) of Rural Hall, N.C. The assets were acquired by a newly formed subsidiary called Ellwood Advanced Components LLC (EAC). LATC, which employs about 170 people, produces closed-die forged turbine blades for steam and industrial gas turbines. The principal assets include three screw presses (8,000-ton, 12,000-ton and 16,000-ton) and a 50-meter-ton counterblow forging hammer. In addition, LATC has state-of-the-art blade finish machining capability. This acquisition adds screw presses to EGI’s arsenal of closed-die forging equipment and increases its hammer forging capacity. EAC plans to invest in additional forge-heating and heat-treatment equipment.more..

August 24, 2012

Performance test proves economy efficiency of Corex hot-metal production route

One year following startup of the second Corex module at the Chinese steelmaker Baosteel in Shanghai, a successful performance test has now proven the economy efficiency of this alternative technology for the production of hot metal.

Picture: Colourbox. After the successful performance test, on June 5, 2012, also the Final Acceptance Certificate has been signed by Baosteel. more..

August 23, 2012

Heat-Treat Audits

Audits of the heat-treat department, whether in a captive or commercial shop, are a critical part of any good quality program either as part of a self-assessment, an ISO program or compliance with an industry requirement (e.g., Nadcap, CQI-9, TS16949, etc.). We all recognize that audits are a necessary vehicle for continuous improvement. Instead of fearing what we’ll find, we should embrace the audit process. Let’s learn more.

Why Audit? more..

August 21, 2012

MTL Group to supply fabricated armored hulls to Panzer Technologies

Leading global armor specialist MTL Group has been awarded a significant contract to supply fabricated armored hulls to Panzer Technologies for its Mamba Vehicle. The armored vehicles which are intended for use in peace keeping operations will be manufactured at MTL Group Headquarters in the UK then shipped ready for final assembly to South Africa.more..

August 20, 2012

H2 TITAN® Purchased By Castec Inc., Scheduled To Be Installed In October

CHERRY VALLEY, IL – Based out of Saitama, Japan, Castec Inc.’s overseas facility in Indianapolis, Ind. has recently purchased a 2 bar H2 TITAN® with a graphite hot zone and turn-key installation. This particular furnace has a work zone size of 18” x 18” X 24” (455 mm x 455 mm x 610 mm) and a hearth gross load weight capacity of 2,000 pounds. Equipped with a mechanical pump and a blower vacuum system, the furnace is configured for 460 volts, 60 hertz, 3 phase. The unit is scheduled for install in a short 12 weeks by Ipsen’s team of qualified Field Service Engineers.more..

August 16, 2012

Ferritic Nitrocarburizing – An Overview

Nitrocarburizing is a surface treatment that has increasing surface hardness (as well as other properties) as its principle objective. One of the appeals of this process is that rapid quenching is not required. Hence, dimensional changes are kept to a minimum.

Properties that are improved by nitrocarburizing include: fatigue strength (resistance to dynamic loading), friction and resistance to wear, and corrosion resistance.more..

August 15, 2012

Alcoa Wins Pennsylvania General Energy Contract to Supply Aluminum Alloy Drill Pipe for Marcellus Shale Field Exploration

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE: AA) announced today that Alcoa Oil & Gas was awarded a contract from Pennsylvania General Energy (PGE) to produce 3,500 feet of aluminum alloy drill pipe for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation of Central Pennsylvania.more..

August 14, 2012

Milacron Purchases AFC-Holcroft E-Z 1800 Endothermic Gas Generator

(August, 2012) Milacron LLC of Mt. Orab, Ohio has purchased an AFC-Holcroft E-Z Series 1800 Endothermic Gas Generator.

The E-Z endothermic generator is supplied with an Atmosphere Engineering Co. Low Pressure (LP) EndoInjector™ precision gas mixing and control system to accommodate lower natural gas supply pressures.more..

August 13, 2012

Steel expands Memphis operations to meet demand

Memphis Business Journal reported that CMI Steel Wheel Transfer Inc is growing its Memphis operations in response to intermodal expansion within the city.

The Chicago based company, which distributes metals such as aluminum for companies including Anheuser Busch InBev and ALCOA Inc, has built a USD 4 million facility in Southeast Memphis to handle expected growth.more..

August 10, 2012

Facing diminishing capital, losses and 53% revenue drop, A123 takes lifeline from Chinese auto parts maker

Most all of us in the ceramics field, to greater and lesser extents, have been rooting for A123 Systems to succeed, so its been painful to see the company in recent months entering what appears to be a death spiral. Yesterday, with the release of A123’s Q2 financial reports and the official announcement of a Chinese company taking a major ownership stake in the enterprise, the direness of its straits became fully stark. more..

August 09, 2012

Passivation of Stainless Steel

The question is often asked, what is passivation, and why is it so important to perform on stainless steels?

What is Passivation?more..

August 08, 2012

Sumitomo and Nippon Steel form new steel tube manufacturing JV in Mexico

Nippon Steel Corporation, Sumitomo Pipe & Tube Co Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and Metal One Corporation have established a JV company in Mexico to build a manufacturing and sales base for automotive steel pipes and tubes, with a view to ensuring a response to the demand for such products in the Mexican market, which is expected to grow significantly in the future.

Approximately 2.6 million four wheeled automobiles were produced in Mexico in 2011. Automobile production in Mexico is expected to increase substantially in the future as a result of new entry into the Mexican market and the increase in production capacity of Japanese automakers. This increase in automobile production is expected to lead to a rapid expansion of demand for middle to high grade steel pipes and tubes in which Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Pipe & Tube have competitive strength.more..

August 07, 2012

Indian mining company NMDC orders complete steelmaking plant from Siemens

A consortium led by Siemens VAI Metals Technologies received an order from the Government of India's fully owned public enterprise "National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC)" for the supply of a complete LD (BOF) steelmaking plant. The order volume for the consortium amounts to approximately 290 million Euro. The steel works will be built at Nagarnar in the state of Chhattisgarh as part of an integrated production complex with an annual capacity of approximately three million tons of steel. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2015. NMDC had already ordered a sintering plant from Siemens for the Nagarnar project site.more..

August 05, 2012

Haynes International to expand titanium and nickel alloy tubular production capacity

Haynes International Inc., Kokomo, Ind., announces a new $61 million capital
expenditure to expand capacity for its tubular and flat products for the aerospace,
land-based gas turbine, and chemical processing industries. Specialty titanium and nickel alloy tubular production capacity at the facility in Arcadia, Louisiana, will expand by 60%, with an investment of $37 million.more..

August 02, 2012

Oxidation

During most heat-treatment processes, a steel surface reacts with any gases present, even in a “vacuum” environment. In most applications, we try to avoid the formation of an oxide either on the surface or beneath the surface (internal oxidation) since it may negatively influence the mechanical properties and service life of the component. In some cases, however, the formation of an oxide coating on the surface of the material is highly beneficial. For example, we steam oxidize powder-metal parts to both seal their porous surfaces (to prevent corrosion) and improve lubricity in service. more..

August 01, 2012

California Steel Industries, Inc. Announces New Pipe Mill

California Steel Industries, Inc. (CSI) today announced plans for a new pipe mill on the Company's site near Fontana, California.

Cost of the state-of-the art equipment, including installation, is expected to exceed $100 million. The mill will produce high-strength electrical resistance welded (ERW) pipe, up to 24 inches in diameter and up to 80 feet in length. The Company's existing pipe mill is limited to 16-inch diameter and 60-foot lengths. more..

July 31, 2012

Tata Steel completes coiler upgrade on HSM at IJmuiden plant

Tata Steel confirms commitment to equipment customers with investment at IJmuiden plant.

Demonstrating its commitment to delivering differentiated products to its customers, Tata Steel has recently completed a significant investment in upgrading one of the coilers on the Hot Strip Mill at its IJmuiden plant in the Netherlands.more..

July 30, 2012

Changing the Terms

Sheet metal forging and other ideas are “reforming” notions about what products can be “forged”

Sheet metal forging and other ideas are “reforming” notions about what products can be “ forged” Changing the Terms “Forging” is getting to be a very expansive concept, as developers apply forming and shaping concepts in new ways to produce a greater variety of parts. Responding to manufacturers’ interest in more efficient or flexible processes for making gears, Schuler introduced a production concept for forging gears from sheet metal and other specialty die applications to produce highspeed automatic transmission components.more..

July 27, 2012

Sheffield Forgemasters Expands with New Subsidiary

Sheffield Forgemasters created a new company, RD26 Ltd., that will service the company’s internal work and aim to take on an increasing volume of external contracts. RD26 Ltd., which is headed by Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva and supported by a highly qualified team, frees up the Research and Development division to offer its services externally. The new company will also work with visiting PhD students and graduates from U.K. universities. more..

July 26, 2012

AFC-Holcroft Supplies Mesh Belt Furnaces to Multi-National Tier One Supplier

AFC-Holcroft has received an order for supply of a new Mesh Belt stress relieving furnace, to be installed in Europe.

The belt type recirculating atmosphere stress relief furnace will be a near duplicate of a furnace recently purchased by the same customer, which was installed in North America.more..

July 25, 2012

ESAB opens new manufacturing facility in Union County

ESAB Welding and Cutting Products opened a new manufacturing facility in Union County, South Carolina on Wednesday, June 20. The 260,000-square-foot plant on Midway Drive is ESAB’s state-of-the-art production site for the manufacture of welding wires. more..

July 24, 2012

Universal Stainless Starts Radial Forge Operation

$104.5-million acquisition adds high-margin products

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products has started operations at the Ohio radial forging plant it paid $104.5 million to acquire in 2011. The plant, in North Jackson, OH, was incomplete when the purchase was made, and Universal completed the development over recent months. more..

July 23, 2012

SMS Siemag wins order from ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe

ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe has awarded SMS Siemag a contract covering the comprehensive and detailed planning for the revamp of its continuous caster No 1 at the Duisburg Beeckerwerth works.more..

July 21, 2012

Microhardness Testing Tips

Microhardness testing requires care in order to achieve accurate and repeatable results. The key with microhardness testing is that it requires more sample preparation and operator skill as well as expensive testing equipment. And unlike Rockwell scales, microhardness values are affected by the respective applied load. more..

July 19, 2012

Hardness & Hardenability - 1: Tip & Techniques for Hardness Testing

For the heat treater, the concept of hardness is well known and the act of hardness testing routine. In fact, it is so repetitive that at times it is taken for granted, leading to sloppy procedures and false readings. Today, the ability to test that the heat-treating processes have achieved the proper hardness is more important than ever.more..

July 17, 2012

Praxair Starts Up Air-Separation Plant for Meishan Steel

Praxair China started up a new air-separation plant in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, for Meishan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Baosteel Group, one of the world’s top steelmakers. more..

July 16, 2012

Steel industry overcapacity has become a topic of significant public debate - BIR

Based on the latest Ferrous World Mirror produced by the BIR world recycling organisation for the benefit of its members, overcapacity in the steel industry has become a topic of significant public debate for the first time in almost a decade.

Mr Christian Rubach president of the BIR Ferrous Division of TSR Recycling in Germany points to a recent estimate from the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries that overcapacity in the EU is up to 25% or 50 million tons per annum, whereas experts elsewhere calculate that excess capacity in China will be 300 million tonnes in the long run.more..

July 13, 2012

Alcoa and Airbus Sign Multi-Year Supply Agreements For Leading Rolled and Extruded Products

New pact covers the Airbus jetliner fleet, includes Alcoa’s advanced-generation and aluminum lithium alloys; Alcoa also to supply advanced alloys for A320 lower wing skins

FARNBOROUGH, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced it has signed new multi-year supply agreements with Airbus for Alcoa’s leading aerospace aluminum sheet, plate and hard alloy extruded products utilizing Alcoa’s current, advanced-generation and aluminum lithium alloys. The agreements were signed this week at the Farnborough Air Show. Terms were not disclosed, but the agreements have a value of approximately US$1.4 billion over their life.more..

July 12, 2012

Heating

Ever wonder what influences the heating (and cooling) of a component part or workload during heat treatment? Ever ask yourself why we care so very much about the influence of temperature and time, ramp rates and when to begin soaking a load? The time has come to answer these questions. Let’s learn more.more..

July 11, 2012

Viking Forge to Expand

Viking Forge of Streetsboro, Ohio, recently began an $8 million expansion to its carbon- and alloy-steel forging operations. The expansion will include 114,000 square feet of additional plant space and 77,000 square feet of covered crane-yard storage that will be partially open. The target date for completion is February 2013. The expansion will be a “tremendous help for us and our production process,” said Roger Koeberle, Viking Forge’s general manager. The project is expected to result in 40 additional jobs to supplement the existing 145 full-time employees.more..

July 10, 2012

TENOVA to supply walking beam furnace to BMM Ispat

Tenova LOI Italimpianti as Leader alongwith Tenova Hypertherm signed a contract with BMM Ispat Ltd for a 160 tonnes per hour Walking Beam Furnace.more..

July 09, 2012

US Steel CEO calls for US to invest in its infrastructure

Nearly three weeks before Congress reauthorized a federal transportation bill, steel executives clamored for leaders in Washington to make a substantial commitment to upgrading the nation's infrastructure.more..

July 06, 2012

Precision Castparts Adds to Aircraft Structures Holdings, Again

Klune Industries brings more machining, assembly capabilities

Portland-based Precision Castparts Corp. has an agreement to buy Klune Industries, which forms, machines, and fabricates aircraft component structures in aluminum, nickel, titanium, and steel. The move extends a series of PCC acquisitions that are focused on aircraft manufacturing, though it has also purchased companies operating in the power-generation market. more..

July 05, 2012

Danieli Centro Combustion Acquires Olivotto Ferré

Olivotto Ferré, a global leader in the supply of industrial heating and heat-treatment facilities for both the ferrous and nonferrous metallurgical industries, joined forces with Danieli Centro Combustion SpA, a subsidiary of Danieli & C SpA and a global leader in the supply of heating systems for the Danieli group of companies. more..

July 03, 2012

Tata Steel bosses give assurance on new furnace

Steel giant Tata has said that its warning that it may delay relighting its new GBP 185 million blast furnace in Port Talbot should not be considered a setback for the works. more..

July 01, 2012

MISA inks deal to acquire 100pct interest in RSDC of Michigan

Marubeni Itochu Steel America Inc announced that it has reached agreement with Steel Technologies to acquire 100% interest in RSDC of Michigan. The plant, located in Holt, MI was previously a 50:50 JV between the two companies.more..

June 29, 2012

Nucor Yamato Steel to expand hot rolled sheet piling production

Nucor Corporation announced that Nucor Yamato Steel Company, a JV between Nucor and Yamato Kogyo Co Limited, has approved a USD 115 million plan to expand the production of hot rolled sheet piling. This project will be completed at Nucor's steel mill in Blytheville, Arkansas, and is expected to be completed in early 2014.more..

June 28, 2012

Novelis Opens New Global Research And Technology Center Near Atlanta, Georgia

Novelis, a manufacturer of rolled aluminum and recycler of aluminum beverage cans, opened its new 160,000-square-foot research and technology center outside of Atlanta, Georgia, which will serve as the global hub of the company's development activities. more..

June 27, 2012

Tenaris Announces Investment Plan for U.S. Operations

Tenaris S.A. announced today an investment plan to expand its U.S. operations. The plan includes the installation of a state-of-the-art seamless pipe mill, heat treatment and premium threading facilities with an estimated investment of US$1.5 billion. The new mill, which is expected to begin operations in 2016, will have an annual production capacity of 650,000 tons of high quality seamless pipes and will be fully integrated with the rest of Tenaris's U.S. manufacturing and service operations.more..

June 26, 2012

Can-Eng Furnaces International Limited Contracted to Design and Commission Continuous Mesh Belt Austempering System

Can-Eng Furnaces International, Ltd. has recently been contracted to design and commission a Continuous Mesh Belt Austempering Systems for installation in Mexico. This Tier One automotive supplier of automobile transmissions selected Can-Eng Furnaces International as their supplier of choice because of extensive experience developing state-of-the-art continuous mesh belt heat treatment systems that provides tight tolerances to characteristics found on complex shaped parts. more..

June 25, 2012

Siemens to modernize pickling line tandem cold mill at voestalpine Stahl

voestalpine Stahl GmbH has placed an order with Siemens to modernize the coupled tandem pickling line No. 1 at its Linz plant in Austria.

voestalpine Stahl GmbH, a company of the listed voestalpine Group, has placed an order with Siemens to modernize the coupled tandem pickling line No. 1 at its Linz plant in Austria. more..

June 22, 2012

Nucor completes acquisition of Skyline Steel

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nucor Corporation announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the membership interest of Skyline Steel LLC and its subsidiaries for the purchase price of approximately $605 million.

Skyline Steel LLC, which operates a facility on Highway east of Blytheville, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation and will maintain its headquarters in Parsippany, N.J. more..

June 21, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 8)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #9: Sample Preparation more..

June 20, 2012

GKN Driveline Expands Forge in Mexico

GKN Driveline, a unit of GKN plc and a supplier of automotive driveline components and systems, announced the expansion of its precision forge facility in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. The expansion involves an $11.5 million investment and will be the third forge the company has built in Celaya since 1979. When fully operational later this year, the 28,000-square-meter facility will produce more than 15 million forgings annually and employ 150 workers. GKN Driveline has invested approximately $100 million in Mexico since 2005 and plans to invest a similar amount over the next three years. Future expenditures will include investment in machining and assembly plants as well as forging operations. more..

June 19, 2012

Century Aluminum Acquires Anode Facility

MONTEREY, CA -- (MARKETWIRE) -- 06/11/12 -- Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Century Anodes B.V., has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of the anode production facility of the former Zeeland Aluminum Company (Zalco) for EUR 10 million in cash. Century Anodes will not assume any historical liabilities in the transaction.

Located in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, the former Zalco facility, which is currently curtailed, will provide an additional secure source of captive anode production for Century's Grundartangi, Iceland smelter. The approximately 150,000 tonne anode facility also could supply anodes to Century's smelter project in Helguvik, Iceland upon the project's completion. The acquisition is a continuation of Century's efforts to opportunistically secure access to strategic assets and cut costs within a challenging global economy.more..

June 18, 2012

SSAB starts production at Axis expansio

MOBILE, Alabama -- SSAB has announced that the $220 million expansion of its Axis steel mill is nearly complete and last week started production.

The Swedish steel firm will finish a 275,000-square-foot expansion by the end of the year that includes a quenching and tempering line for steel plate, allowing the company to strengthen more steel produced at the mill. SSAB already has a smaller heat treating facility in Axis.more..

June 15, 2012

Bharat Forge to Sell U.S. Unit

Bharat Forge Ltd. reportedly plans to sell its Bharat Forge America (Lansing, Mich.) unit after writing off most of its investment in the business. Bharat Forge America, a supplier of forged chassis and engine components, has been a drain on the finances of the Indian auto-parts maker as a result of the troubles experienced by the U.S. automotive industry in recent years. The parent company expects to raise $4.5-$5.4 million on the sale of the asset, only a fraction of its initial investment. Bharat Forge has already started discussions with potential buyers and expects to sell the unit during this current fiscal year, which started April 1.more..

June 14, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 7)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #8: Prevent Thread Damage and Bent Parts more..

June 13, 2012

Stack Metallurgical Services Selects Solar Manufacturing For Their Newest Vacuum Furnace

Solar Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to announce that Stack Metallurgical Services of Portland, Oregon, has purchased a Model HFL-5748-2EQ Vacuum Heat Treating Furnace. Although Stack operates several competitive brands of furnaces in their plants, the value-added process development and technical consulting from Solar Manufacturing, and affiliate company Solar Atmospheres, made Solar the best choice to satisfy their current requirements.more..

June 12, 2012

Siemens VAI and CMI Announce Global Strategic Cooperation for Stainless and Electrical Steel Processing Lines

Today Siemens Metals Technologies (SVAI) and Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie (CMI) announced a global strategic cooperation. This agreement enables both companies to make advantage of their respective organizations in order to render their offerings unparalleled and the most attractive in the market place. The global strategic cooperation will start with immediate effect.more..

June 11, 2012

GKN Opens Precision Forge in Mexico

Driveline supplier plans more investments, new capacity

GKN Driveline has started production on a new forging line at its plant in Celaya, Mexico — the third line installed there since the plant was inaugurated in 1979. The new operation carries an investment value of $11.5 million, according to GKN, and occupies about seven acres at the site in central Mexico. The manufacturer will produce its Constant Velocity Joint (CVJ) systems there, one of its primary product lines. more..

June 08, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 6)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #7: Avoid Mixed Parts/Contaminated Lots

Mixing of fasteners during heat treatment is commonplace. Avoidance and understanding of where fasteners tend to “hang up” in the system is perhaps the best strategy to combat this problem. more..

June 07, 2012

Webco opens new Sand Springs tube plant

Tulsa World reported that the metal tube manufacturer officially opened the 210,000 square foot facility Thursday, replacing a long-vacant property filled with rundown dormitories and other buildings overgrown with weeds. more..

June 06, 2012

Powdermet Updates Progress on Forged Nanocomposite Alloys; Joins JV

Powdermet, Inc. of Euclid, Ohio, has made significant advancements in the performance levels of forged nanocomposite aluminum alloys. Working with the U.S. Army, Powdermet’s nano/micro-aluminum composites have achieved 30-50% higher ductility than traditional high-strength aluminum alloys such as aluminum-lithium. Powdermet has devised a powder-metallurgy process allowing the retention of nano-crystallites and ductile phases throughout the powder-forging process, resulting in near-net-shape, high-strength aluminum materials having over 16% elongation prior to failure. more..

June 05, 2012

Ipsen Ships Vacuum Oil Quench Furnace to Aerospace Company

May 31, 2012, Cherry Valley – Ipsen ships a Vacuum Oil Quench (VOQ) furnace to an Aerospace company in the Pacific Rim. This Vacuum Oil Quench furnace will be used to heat treat airframe and landing gear components for medium to large civilian aircraft. more..

June 04, 2012

AK Tube plant recognized for outstanding safety performance

The Walbridge, Ohio plant of AK Tube LLC, a subsidiary of AK Steel, has been recognized for outstanding safety performance by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Division of Safety and Hygiene. The recognition is part of a collaborative safety awareness program established by the Northwest Ohio Safety Council.more. more..

May 31, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 5)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #6: Don’t Overload the Belt more..

May 30, 2012

PCC Acquires Dickson Testing, Aerocraft Heat Treating

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) agreed to acquire Dickson Testing Company and Aerocraft Heat Treating Company. Both acquisitions enhance PCC’s ability to ship finished forgings to its customers. South Gate, Calif.-based Dickson offers a full range of destructive testing services, including mechanical properties, metallurgical and chemical analyses, and low-cycle fatigue testing. Paramount, Calif.-based Aerocraft provides precision heat-treating services for titanium and nickel-alloy forgings and castings used in the aerospace industry. “Acquiring these assets enables us to integrate and expand their capabilities both within our own facilities and with their many valued aerospace customers worldwide,” said Mark Donegan, PCC’s chairman and CEO. more..

May 29, 2012

Ipsen Ships 6 Bar TurboTreater® to Asia

An Asian manufacturer of land-based turbines purchased a 6 bar TurboTreater® Model H6672 to enhance their current operations and capabilities.

This TurboTreater vacuum furnace has a work zone size of 48” wide x 48” height x 72” deep with a gross load weight capacity of 6,000 pounds, and includes convection heating for rapid preheating of parts to 1600ºF, as well as capabilities for heat treating in the 10-5 Torr vacuum range. This particular TurboTreater also includes a 10 Torr Hydrogen Partial Pressure system, which will be used to pre-clean parts to prepare them for the brazing process. more..

May 25, 2012

"Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 4)"

Here are some cleaning tips.

1. Know how clean you need to be so as not to disrupt the heat-treating process or damage the heat-treating equipment.
2. If you currently own cleaning more..

May 24, 2012

Alcoa Starts $90-Million Aluminum-Lithium Expansion

To supply airframe structural materials, lighter, more affordable than composites
Alcoa has started construction of the $90-million operation to produce aluminum-lithium alloys in a new, 115,000-ft2 operation at its complex in Lafayette, IN. The new operation will cast over 20,000 metric tons/year of Al-Li metal in round or rectangular ingots. The ingots will be available for rolling, extruding, or forging. more..

May 23, 2012

Precision Castparts Expands Aerospace Portfolio

Acquires material testing, heat-treating companies … “absolutely essential service providers”

Precision Castparts Corp. — a forger, investment caster, and manufacturer of fasteners and other critical metal components — continues to acquire companies as it assembles an organization supplying aerospace and power-generation markets. Portland-based PCC said it would buy two California companies, Dickson Testing Co. and Aerocraft Heat Treating Co., in cash transactions. more..

May 22, 2012

Enbridge announces major US and Canadian pipeline expansion

Enbridge Inc the largest transporter of Canadian oil exports, announced a USD 3.2 billion series of projects that will move crude oil from Western Canada to Eastern refineries.more..

May 21, 2012

American Axle & Manufacturing opens new facility in Mexico

Metal formed products producer American Axle & Manufacturing announced the opening of a second location of AccuGear, Inc, in Silao, Guanajuato. more..

May 17, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 3)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #5: Clean and Dry Parts
Many fastener operations heat treat poorly cleaned parts. While most heat-treat processes can tolerate wet or oily parts, especially with respect to atmosphere control, this is no excuse for not taking the time to understand how to better clean your parts. more..

May 16, 2012

Precision Castparts Acquires Centra Industries

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) of Portland, Ore., agreed to acquire Centra Industries, a state-of-the art aerostructures manufacturer located in Cambridge, Ontario. Centra manufactures a range of machined airframe components and assemblies, in both aluminum and hard metals. Core competencies include the high-speed machining of complex, high-precision structures, sub-assembly and kit integration. Centra has approximately 400 non-union employees. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. more..

May 15, 2012

South Korean sales of HRC near all time high in March

In March this year, sales of South Korean domestic production hot rolled coil neared an all time high, increasing both at home and abroad. South Korean HRC production came close to 3 million tonne in the given month.more..

May 14, 2012

Perryman Acquires Accellent

Perryman Co., a Houston, Pa.-based producer of titanium products, completed the purchase of the Pittsburgh operations of Accellent Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Accellent Holdings Corp. and a forging supplier to the medical-device industry. Accellent produces cobalt chrome, titanium and stainless steel forgings with automated and manual forging operations. The company’s Pittsburgh plant occupies over 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space and includes facilities for post-forging operations such as heat treating, machining and polishing. Perryman said it would hire most of the plant’s 80 workers.more..

May 11, 2012

Insulating Method Improves Superalloy Forging

Researchers simplify a technique for preserving heat, maintaining surface and structural integrity, and increasing yield more..

May 10, 2012

Fastener Heat Treating Tips (part 2)

We continue with our discussion on the heat treatment of fasteners by offering additional tips for the heat treater.

Tip #2: Pay Attention to Material Chemistry more..

May 09, 2012

ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor commissions new line at plate mill to remain competitive

President and CEO Michael Rippey believes a rebirth in manufacturing is under way in the United States.

And proof of that renaissance can be found in the company's $60 million investment to upgrade its 160-inch plate mill operation in Burns Harbor.more..

May 07, 2012

ATI, GE Aviation in New Long-Term Supply Agreement

Nickel-based “superalloy” forms jet engine components

Allegheny Technologies Inc. is beginning a long-term supply deal wtih GE Aviation for a nickel-based superalloy, used to produce forged discs for jet engine components. ATI identified the alloy as Rene 65, a product that it began developing together with the General Electric Co. subsidiary, four years ago. "The short time involved in the development of Rene 65 alloy is unprecedented and required a tremendous engineering effort by GE and ATI,” stated Allegheny Technologies chairman Rich Harshman. “This process illustrates the value that our integrated aerospace supply chain brings to new product development.”more..

May 04, 2012

ATI Announces Agreement for New Alloy

Allegheny Technologies Inc. signed a long-term sourcing agreement with GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company, for the supply of Rene 65 Alloy. Rene 65 Alloy, a future-generation alloy, is the newest nickel-based superalloy developed by ATI in collaboration with GE Aviation. The agreement covers Rene 65 Alloy disc-quality mill products sold to GE Aviation and its suppliers by ATI Allvac, an operating unit of Allegheny Technologies. Rene 65 Alloy billet is forged at ATI Ladish using both isothermal forging and hot-die forging into several jet-engine components. more..

May 03, 2012

Fastener Heat-Treating Tips (part 1)

The heat treatment of fasteners is a diverse and complex subject. In some instances, the challenge is bulk loading and high production volumes of small low-carbon or low-alloy fasteners. In other instances, the fastener sizes are larger and quantities smaller, but more advanced materials are involved. Here are some simple tips to help the heat treater do his job better. more..

May 02, 2012

Goodrich Orders Drop-Bottom Furnace

Pyradia delivered a state-of-the-art drop-bottom furnace to the Goodrich Aerostructures Group (formerly Rohr) facility in San Diego, Calif. The furnace, which is class II AMS 2750D certified, has a 9.5-foot-wide x 11.5-foot-long x 7-foot-high work zone and a 2,000-pound load capacity. The installation includes two quench tanks with different adjustable Glycol concentrations, one water rinse/quench tank and a Glycol management system. The mobile tank carrier is electronically driven with a multi-motor direct-drive system that requires no chains or sprockets, resulting in a super smooth displacement and automatic positioning with virtually no maintenance. more..

May 01, 2012

Bodycote opens Houston plant

Engineering firm Bodycote is to open a new plant in Houston, Texas, to serve the region's oil and gas sectors.

Macclesfield-based Bodycote said the new surface technology facility is due to open in the third quarter of this year.more..

April 26, 2012

Factors Causing Dimensional Change in Heat-Treated Parts (part 2)

Last week, we began our discussion of the factors that cause parts to change size during heat treatment. Let’s now look at some specific examples.more..

April 25, 2012

Praxair Signs New Contract with Deacero in Mexico

DANBURY, Conn. and MONTERREY, Mexico, April 19, 2012 – Praxair Mexico, a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. has signed a new contract with Deacero, a leading Mexican steel company, to supply oxygen, argon and nitrogen to a new plant being built in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, a major industrial region in north Mexico. Praxair will build, own and operate a new state-of-the-art and energy efficient cryogenic air separation unit with a capacity of 500 tons per day which is expected to start up in the first semester of 2014. The steel plant will produce 1.5 million tons of steel per year. more..

April 24, 2012

Quality Iron Fabricators breaks ground in Livingston Parish

Another business is ready to move into Livingston Parish and officials said that this is why they need a master plan. A Memphis, Tennessee based steel company announced they are building a facility off the Albany exit. Thursday's ground breaking could bring several hundred jobs.more..

April 23, 2012

CMI to supply a stainless steel tube furnace to Veridiam (USA)

CMI Industry gained a order from Veridiam, Inc. (El Cajon, CA, USA) for a roller hearth furnace for the bright annealing of stainless steel tubes dedicated to nuclear and medical applications. CMI Industry Americas will manufacture the furnace in its workshop in Salem (Ohio, USA). Full commissioning of the furnace is scheduled to be completed by November 2012. more..

April 20, 2012

Texas Senator Announces Proposed Tax Legislation at Forge USA

Wade and Jerry Brougher, owners of Forge USA of Houston, Texas, recently hosted Senator John Cornyn of Texas at their forging plant. The senator announced his proposed Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2012, which would make compliance less of a financial burden for small businesses, better protect against IRS abuse, better compensate for IRS abuses and improve access to the judicial system. The bill includes provisions like allowing taxpayers to ask for mediation by someone who is not employed by the IRS, prohibiting secret conversations between IRS employees and the Office of Appeals and increasing compensation when the IRS intentionally violates its own regulations. The Texas senator made the announcement at Forge USA because the company suffered financial burdens during its experience with the IRS during a tough audit. more..

April 19, 2012

Factors Causing Dimensional Change in Heat-Treated Parts

As heat treaters, we often ask ourselves the question, “How much size change – if any – can I tolerate?” While we would love to be able to answer this question each and every time we run a load of parts, in relativity (volumetric) size change during heat treatment cannot be predicted well enough to allow for final machining and/or grinding to final tolerances prior to most heat treatments. more..

April 18, 2012

OMZ-Special Steels to Upgrade Forging Plant

Russia’s OMZ-Special Steels, which is part of the OMZ Group, launched an upgrade of its AKK 6,000-ton forging plant. Modernization of the press will be made in association with a major overhaul of all of the facility’s components and equipment systems. This project is expected to increase the productivity of the forging complex by reducing times for forging cycles, tool change-out and other efficiency improvements. The modernization will cost nearly $3 million and will be completed in June 2012. more..

April 17, 2012

Accuride Expanding Forged Aluminum Wheel Capacity

Two new machining lines for South Carolina plant

Forged wheel producer Accuride Corp. is expanding capacity at its Camden, SC, aluminum forging plant, the former Forgitron Technologies LLC operation it bought last June. The news follows the announcement in January of a $75-million, 2012 capital investment program, and a $35-million series of investments in 2011, mostly to improve and expand steel wheel machining capabilities. more..

April 16, 2012

China's Hebei agrees to invest in Canada's Alderon, Kami project

(MENAFN) China's Hebei Iron & Steel Group agreed to buy a stake in Canada-based Alderon Iron Ore Corp, in addition to a stake in the Kami iron ore project in Eastern Canada for USD194 million.more..

April 13, 2012

Acquiring and Using Technical Knowledge

It was Albert Einstein who once said, “You can’t solve problems by using the same thinking that created them.” And solving problems is what engineers do, based on their accumulated knowledge of materials, properties, processes and applications – using both scientific/engineering and practical “hands on” approaches.

What is knowledge? more..

April 12, 2012

Accuride Expanding Forged Aluminum Wheel Capacity

Two new machining lines for South Carolina plant

Forged wheel producer Accuride Corp. is expanding capacity at its Camden, SC, aluminum forging plant, the former Forgitron Technologies LLC operation it bought last June. The news follows the announcement in January of a $75-million, 2012 capital investment program, and a $35-million series of investments in 2011, mostly to improve and expand steel wheel machining capabilities. more..

April 11, 2012

Aluminum Heat Treating Department Adds Hot Water Quench Capability

Jones Metal Products Company has added equipment to provide additional capability for aluminum heat treating. The company has purchased a second Recco drop bottom furnace and a 2800 gallon tank for hot water quenching. This equipment joins the original Recco drop bottom furnace and glycol quench tank already in operation.more..

April 10, 2012

Tenova acquires Envita Co and lands on South Korea

Tenova's growth strategy continues with the acquisition of Envita Co Limited. The South Korean company, founded in 1995 and with headquarters in Incheon (near Seoul), is active in the fields of industrial furnaces, processing lines and heat treatment furnaces for aluminum components in automotive industry. Its people, over 100, are operating in three locations in South Korea, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and China (Yantai).more..

April 09, 2012

Alloying Elements of Steel (part 5)

This is the fifth and final part in a series of blogs on the influence of alloying elements in heat treatment and the broader topic of their role in physical metallurgy (that is, the science of making useful products out of metals). more..

April 06, 2012

Bodycote Buys Curtiss-Wright Heat-Treating

Nine U.S. operations will improve service, extend geographic coverage

Bodycote plc, a British thermal-processing network with operations worldwide, is buying the heat-treating business of Curtiss-Wright Corp. for $52 million. CEO Stephen Harris said the new assets “fit well with Bodycote’s automotive and general industrial network, enhancing service to existing customers and extending our geographic coverage.” more..

April 05, 2012

Andritz acquires Bricmon

Inductotherm group sells out their furnace business Bricmont Inc. to Andritz. Bricmont is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and includes certain assets in China and India. The company has about 85 employees and generates sales of approximately 30 million Euro/a. more..

April 04, 2012

ThyssenKrupp orders new vessel for 400 tonne converter from SMS Siemag

ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG has awarded SMS Siemag the contract to supply a new converter vessel for its works in Duisburg Bruckhausen in Germany. more..

April 03, 2012

ThyssenKrupp Nirosta to extend production range

ThyssenKrupp Nirosta invests in an annealing and pickling line as well as a rolling mill for its Krefeld site.

Andritz has received the order from ThyssenKrupp Nirosta. more..

April 02, 2012

Cartwright order new laser metal cutting machine

Cartwright is investing in a new laser metal cutting machine that will significantly speed up the production process and reduce waste. The company has invested in a Swiss manufactured laser machine which replaces the existing plasma punching machine.more..

March 30, 2012

Metaldyne Expands in Eastern Europe

Metaldyne LLC of Plymouth, Mich., acquired a forging and machining facility in the Czech Republic near Brno and close to the borders of Austria and Slovakia. Metaldyne will first focus on expanding certain technologies within the plant, which will support growth within its forging and machining product lines. more..

March 29, 2012

Alloying Elements of Steel (part 4)

This is the fourth in a series of articles on the influence of alloying elements in heat treatment and the broader topic of their role in physical metallurgy (that is, the science of making useful products out of metals). more..

March 28, 2012

Standard Alloys Orders Dual-Chamber Furnace

Lucifer Furnaces delivered a dual-chamber heat-treating furnace for use with inert atmosphere to Standard Alloys of Port Arthur, Texas. The unit will be used on a daily basis in the foundry and machine shop, which repairs pumps, compressors and other equipment for the refining and chemical industries. Materials to be heat treated include stainless steels and high-nickel alloy castings. The upper hardening chamber is designed for a positive flow of inert atmosphere, with continuous welds and gasketed door, roof plate and element terminals. Silicon-carbide elements mounted across the roof and below the silicon-carbide hearth plate produce heat to 2450°F. more..

March 27, 2012

US Steel Tubular Products opens Innovation & Technology Center in Houston

US Steel Tubular Products has opened its Innovation & Technology Center in Houston, a new 10,000 square feet facility designed to educate both internal and external audiences about the latest tubular products and technologies for the oilfield.more..

March 26, 2012

Purchase Links Walker Forge, PMT Industries

Complementary capabilities for mechanical forging companies

The parent of Milwaukee-based Walker Forge Inc. and Precision Thermal Processing Inc., has acquired PMT Industries LLC, Surgoinsville, TN. W.T. Walker Group Inc. did not indicate the value of its purchase, but emphasized the two organizations have “very complimentary forging capabilities.”more..

March 23, 2012

US steel industry is leading manufacturing out of the recession - Dr Considine

New report finds the American steel industry supported more than one million jobs in the US economy in 2011; each job in US steel industry supports seven jobs in the US economy

A just released report by Dr Timothy J Considine, professor of energy economics, University of Wyoming, reveals that the American steel industry is playing a significant role in leading manufacturing's post-recession resurgence primarily because it is highly interrelated with many other sectors of the economy. more..

March 22, 2012

Alloying Elements of Steel (part 3)

This is the third in a series of articles on the influence of alloying elements in heat treatment and the broader topic of their role in physical metallurgy (that is, the science of making useful products out of metals).more..

March 21, 2012

Praxair Acquires Russian-Based Industrial Gas Company

DANBURY, Conn. and Moscow, Russia, March 12, 2012 – Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with SIBUR - Russian Tyres to acquire their industrial and packaged gases business in the Volgograd Region of the Russian Federation. The business operates under the name Volzhsky Azot and includes two air separation units and a bulk and packaged gas business. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.more..

March 20, 2012

Alcoa, Ma’aden Award Contracts

Alcoa and Ma’aden have awarded contracts for its aluminum complex currently under construction in Saudi Arabia. A contract for engineering, procurement and construction management has been awarded to Fluor, and a contract has been released to SMS Siemag for the supply of heat-treatment and mill equipment. This latest milestone will enable the two companies to include capability for producing about 100,000 metric tons of a wide range of products suitable for further downstream manufacturing in the complex’s product lines. They include automotive heat-treated and non-heat-treated sheet, building and construction sheet and foil-stock sheet. Depending on demand, the line will start production at the end of 2014. more..

March 19, 2012

Study Seeks Input on Domestic Forging Capabilities

Federal committee studying availability of forgings for aircraft, armor, energy, and other applications

The Defense Production Act Committee — an interagency federal body (U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security) that advises the White House on legislative directions and funding recommendations — has taken up the question of domestic forging capabilities. The DPAC’s Metal Fabrication Study Group is studying whether or not the United States has sufficient industrial capabilities to produce adequate supplies of forged-quality metal parts, as needed by the U.S. Dept. of Defense and other agencies. more..

March 16, 2012

Alloying Elements of Steel (part 2)

This is the second in a series of articles on the influence of alloying elements in heat treatment and the broader topic of their role in physical metallurgy (i.e. the science of making useful products out of metals). more..

March 14, 2012

Areva Orders Forging Press, Manipulator

Areva signed a contract worth more than $26 million with Czech company TS Plzen for the supply of a 9,000-ton forging press and a 200-ton manipulator for its Le Creusot manufacturing plant in Burgundy, France. The new state-of-the-art press and manipulator will allow Areva to strengthen its competitiveness and maintain leadership in its current markets by producing components of the highest safety standards. The company’s Le Creusot manufacturing site supplies large forgings and castings mainly to the nuclear market. Commissioning of the press and manipulator is scheduled for late 2013.more..

March 13, 2012

Kobe Steel Investing in More Titanium Capacity

$91-million capital program to add ring rolling, finishing capability

Kobe Steel Ltd. has an estimated $91-million plan to increase its capacity for titanium products, including forged products in titanium alloys for aerospace manufacturing and products in primary titanium for general industrial applications. The new investments are reported to total ¥7.5 billion, of which ¥1.5 billion (est. $18 million) is allocated for the Japan Aeroforge Ltd. joint venture, a 50,000-metric ton press that will start production in 2014. more..

March 10, 2012

W.T. Walker Group Acquires PMT Industries

W.T. Walker Group, the Milwaukee-based parent company of Walker Forge Inc. and Precision Thermal Processing Inc., acquired PMT Industries LLC of Surgoinsville, Tenn. PMT is a leading manufacturer of complex, high-alloy steel forgings for safety-critical engine and chassis applications. The companies have complementary forging capabilities. Walker Forge produces forgings on presses from 850-4,000 tons, while PMT makes forgings on presses from 4,000-8,000 tons. In addition, the companies offer customers a broad range of value-added services that include machining and heat treating as well as metallurgical analysis and mechanical testing.more..

March 09, 2012

Aerospace Forger Buying Precision Tube Assets

Precision Castparts to acquire RathGibson

Precision Castparts Corp. — a holding company for an increasingly diverse portfolio of manufacturers, from investment casting to forging — has acquired RathGibson LLC for an undisclosed cash price. RathGibson produces precision thin-wall, nickel-alloy and stainless steel welded and seamless tubing for oil-and-gas, chemical/petrochemical processing, and power generation industries. Other commercial markets, like food and dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and general commercial, are also addressed.more..

March 08, 2012

Alloying Elements of Steel (part 1)

This is the first in a series of blogs on the influence of alloying elements in heat treatment and the broader topic of their role in physical metallurgy (that is, the science of making useful products out of metals). more..

March 06, 2012

American Axle Gains Control of Electric Drivetrain Venture

AAM “totally committed” after Saab’s bankruptcy ends joint ownership

American Axle & Manufacturing reports it has acquired full ownership of the joint venture it formed two years ago with Saab Automobile AB — e-AAM Driveline Systems AB. e-AAM was planned as a full-service developer and supplier of electric all-wheel drive systems. In 2010, American Axle explained the systems would be designed “to improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and provide all-wheel-drive capability utilizing torque vectoring for vehicle stability.”more..

March 05, 2012

SMS Elotherm Absorbing Tech Induction Corp.

Consolidated organization promises a “broader base” of induction technology, service

Induction furnace builder is consolidating its North American organization with Tech Induction Corp., a Detroit-based builder and repair specialist for inductors. According to the SMS Group, the merger will improve customer service and allow the two companies to offer a wider range of products. “The result is an industry expert with a broad base of inductive solutions for North America, with a strong local presence for customers,” according to the statement. more..

March 02, 2012

Industrial Tube and Steel adds a high tech sawing machine to their factory equipment

Industrial Tube and Steel, one of the leading suppliers of custom cut metal, steel tubing and cast iron, has added a high tech sawing machine to their factory equipment. Their new Hyd Mech Shark Steel Saw features a semi automatic cutting cycle using the latest in generation technologies to ensure fast and accurate cutting of steel bar and tubing. more..

March 01, 2012

With New Labor Contract, Timken Confirms Steel Plant Expansion

$225-million project will increase capacity 25% for energy, heavy-equipment markets.

United Steelworkers union members at The Timken Co. in Canton, OH, have approved a new five-year labor contract, which the specialty steelmaker and motion-control system producer said will give it the financial assurance to proceed with a $225-million expansion of its Faircrest Steel plant. The prior agreement had been set to continue through September 2013. more..

February 29, 2012

SMS Elotherm Absorbing Tech Induction Corp.

Consolidated organization promises a “broader base” of induction technology, service

Induction furnace builder is consolidating its North American organization with Tech Induction Corp., a Detroit-based builder and repair specialist for inductors. According to the SMS Group, the merger will improve customer service and allow the two companies to offer a wider range of products. “The result is an industry expert with a broad base of inductive solutions for North America, with a strong local presence for customers,” according to the statement. more..

February 28, 2012

EnerG2 Selects Harper for Advanced Rotary Furnace System for Production of Energy Storage Materials

Harper International, leader in thermal processing solutions for advanced materials, has been selected to provide advanced high temperature furnace systems for the manufacture of energy storage materials for EnerG2. The system will be utilized for pyrolysis of activated carbon for ultracapacitors. EnerG2, based in Seattle, WA, USA, is focused exclusively on the development and production of advanced carbons for energy storage devices. more..

February 24, 2012

Siemens turbine for Plymouth waste-to-heat plant

Siemens Energy has received an order for a steam turbine generator to be used in a waste-to-energy plant equipped with combined power and heat generation in Plymouth, England.

The customer is Imtech Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, a leading provider of technical building services equipment, based in Planegg near Munich. more..

February 23, 2012

Torch Brazing, Copper Embrittlement (part 1)

Question

I want to torch braze copper, but I’ve heard there can be problems. Can you help explain what they might be?

Answer

Torch Brazing
Torch brazing of copper and the establishment of settings that produce a "reducing" flame is common throughout the heat-treating industry. However, certain types of copper, including electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper (C11000), are sensitive to embrittlement when heated to 700°F (370°C) or above in a reducing atmosphere. Embrittlement can be rapid if hydrogen or carbon monoxide (CO) is present in this reducing atmosphere. For this reason, oxyfuel gas is not recommended for brazing.[1] more..

February 22, 2012

Siemens receives order from Severstal

Siemens VAI received an order from the Russian steel producer OAO Severstal to install a secondary dedusting system in the converter steelmaking plant at the Cherepovets production site. more..

February 21, 2012

Rio Tinto to invest US$518 million in driverless iron ore trains

Rio Tinto will run the world's first automated long-distance heavy-haul rail network, with a US$518 million investment in driverless trains. more..

February 20, 2012

Inductotherm Europe Expands for Large-Furnace Construction

“We now see coreless furnace orders of 35- to 85-metric ton capacity as the norm.”

Inductotherm Europe Ltd. and its affiliate Consarc have built a new manufacturing plant to accommodate production of larger-capacity coreless induction furnaces, including steel-shell furnace vessels and vacuum furnace systems. The new operation at Droitwich, in Worcestershire, England, is due to open for business in February. more..

February 17, 2012

Alcoa Celebrates Redesign of Forging Press

Alcoa announced the completion and restart of its redesigned 50,000-ton forging press at the company’s Cleveland Works. A $100 million dollar investment that Alcoa announced in 2009, the new press strengthens Alcoa’s position as the top supplier of large aluminum, titanium, nickel and steel forgings to the aerospace, defense, energy and industrial markets. The investment involved the complete redesign and modernization of the 50,000-ton press, a 92-foot structure – with five stories above and seven below the ground – that began production in 1955. more..

February 16, 2012

Timken, USW in Tentative Labor Agreement

Five-year contract would green-light plant expansion

The Timken Co. and a local United Steelworkers of America union have arrived at a tentative agreement for a new five-year labor agreement to replace the current contract, which still has more than a year remaining. Last month, workers rejected another tentative agreement. A vote on the new proposal is planned for February 21.more..

February 15, 2012

Mexican steelmaker the first to employ Siemens' new Simetal EAF Quantum furnace: Tyasa has ordered a complete compact steelmaking plant

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has received an order from Talleres y Aceros S.A. de C.V. (Tyasa), a Mexican steelmaker, to supply a new compact steelmaking plant with a capacity of 1.2 million tons of steel per annum for its Ixtaczoquitlan site. The value of this order lies in the mid double-digit million euro range. The heart of the plant is a Simetal EAF Quantum electric arc furnace. more..

February 14, 2012

Metal Matic considers bringing 200 jobs at Middletown

It is reported that Middletown is considered the top site for a steel tubing manufacturer wanting to open a new facility that could lead to 200 new jobs in the next decade, company officials say.more..

February 13, 2012

Glencore, Xstrata Seal Deal in 2 Months After Years of Talks

Glencore International Plc’s planned $39 billion takeover of Xstrata Plc, a combination years in the making, came together in just two months after a pivotal dinner in London last year between Xstrata Chief Executive Officer Mick Davis and Glencore’s Ivan Glasenberg.more..

February 10, 2012

Uralmash-Izhora Group OMZ OAO : OMZ-Special Steels completes installation a of vertical heat-treatment furnace

OMZ-Spesial Steels, part of OMZ Group, has completed construction of the new heat-treatment furnace.

The new shaft electric furnace of the vertical type is used for heating by normalizing, hardening and drawing of workpieces of turbo-generator rotors of steam turbines, propeller shafts and high-chromium long-grade workpieces. Volume of investment in the project constitutes 106 million roubles. more..

February 09, 2012

Steel Warehouse to complete expansion at Riverside Drive plant

South Bend Tribune reported that for nearly 65 years, family run Steel Warehouse has been growing and expanding. One of Steel Warehouse's current expansions is expected to be completed later this year at its plant at 1400 Riverside Drive in South Bend.more..

February 08, 2012

Alcoa Expanding Aluminum Lithium Capabilities

Alcoa announced it is expanding its aluminum lithium capacity and capabilities at three locations around the world to meet growing demand in the aerospace market for its newest alloys. The alloys, introduced last year and now patented, allow airframers to build dramatically lighter and lower-cost airplanes versus composite alternatives. The new alloys provide the best strength-to-weight performance in Alcoa’s aerospace alloy portfolio combined with better stiffness and corrosion resistance. The alloys are used in extrusions, forgings, and sheet and plate applications across aircraft structures, including airplane wings and fuselage elements. more..

February 07, 2012

Increased interest in hydroforming

After a decade of relatively unchanged demand, the automotive industry's interest in hydroforming is rapidly growing. more..

February 06, 2012

Seco Warwick Signs Agreement with Expanite

Seco/Warwick Group, a worldwide industrial furnace and heat treatment equipment supplier and Expanite A/S, a ThinkTank technology company from Denmark, signed an agreement to be the exclusive supplier of advanced installation technology by Seco/Warwick for the Expanite and SuperExpanite processes developed by Expanite A/S. Expanite and SuperExpanite are patented processes for the surface hardening of stainless steel to achieve superior surface and material properties, such as high hardness, extraordinary corrosion and fatigue properties.more..

February 03, 2012

ThyssenKrupp and Outokumpu to combine their stainless steel businesses to create a new global leader

Outokumpu a perfect match – Ideal combination for sustainably securing jobs and adding value – Key milestone for the continued strategic development of ThyssenKrupp more..

February 02, 2012

Blast furnace stoves lit at SSI steel plant in Redcar

It is reported that the four massive stoves were lit in preparation for restarting the blast furnace.

The four stoves which are gas heated form an integral part of the SSI operation and their function is to heat the blast of air which is blown into the furnace during the iron making process.more..

February 01, 2012

Robert Wooler Commissions Vacuum Furnace

Robert Wooler Company, a commercial heat-treating company located in Dresher, Pa., commissioned a new vacuum furnace from Solar Manufacturing. The custom-built Model HFL-5748-2EQ features a SolarVac 3000 control system, a state-of-the-art operator interface and precise temperature programmer/control with multi-zone auto-tune PID. The horizontal front-loading furnace has a 36-inch-wide x 36-inch-high x 48-inch-deep work zone and a load capacity of 3,500 pounds. With a maximum operating temperature of 2500°F, this Class 2 furnace has a temperature uniformity of +/- 10°F per AMS 2750D standards.more..

January 31, 2012

Sheffield Forgemasters to Supply Castings for Ladish Press

Sheffield Forgemasters signed a $4 million order with ATI Ladish Forging to supply large castings for one of the world’s largest counter-blow hammer presses. The castings, representing the upper and lower rams for Ladish’s number 85 press, will weigh 180 and 170 tons, respectively. Sheffield Forgemasters will conduct two pours to create the castings, requiring four ladles of molten steel for each. The castings will form the main rams, which drive the counter-blow hammer faces together. The castings will be delivered to Ladish’s Cudahy, Wis., plant by October 2012. more..

January 27, 2012

Soot

Soot ... the very word sends shivers down the spines of even the bravest of heat treaters. The problems this seemingly innocuous black powder creates cause management to bemoan lost productivity, maintenance men to vow to seek out those responsible and, until a permanent solution is found, makes all our lives miserable. So, how can we avoid creating soot in the first place and what can we do if/when it forms? Let’s learn more.

Carbon Penetration more..

January 26, 2012

Tenova Re Energy to supply EAF system for Feralpi Siderurgica

Tenova Re Energy, the company part of Tenova network which specializes in engineering and construction of heat recovery systems, has signed a contract with Feralpi Siderurgica to supply an EAF system for its German plant Elbe Stahlwerke Feralpi GmbH in Germany.more..

January 25, 2012

Exports are key to continued success for Barrett Steel Group

The Telegraph reported that bosses at a Bradford based steel supplies group are looking to exports to help the business maintain momentum as trading conditions remain tough in 2012.more..

January 24, 2012

Scana in Forging Supply Deal with Rolls

Three-year contract for marine engine propellers, shafts

The Swedish specialty steel and engineering group Scana Industrier ASA has begun a three-year supply agreement for forgings with Rolls-Royce plc for marine engine components. The agreement adds Scana to a list of specialty forging suppliers to Rolls, including Firth Rixson and Forgital, and involves a supply of forgings for controllable pitch propellers and fixed pitch propellers shaft lines, through 2014.more..

January 23, 2012

Sapa Group Announces $34 Million Investment for New Press

Sapa Group, an aluminum extruder, announced a $34 million capital investment aimed at installing a state-of-the-art, 14-inch indirect press for rod and bar production at its Cressona, Pa., plant. The investment will result in a major upgrade of Sapa North America's industrial extrusion capabilities and will raise the standard for rod and bar production and distribution. The addition of a new indirect press will increase production speed per unit by up to 50%, resulting in better grain structure and overall quality of product. more..

January 20, 2012

Siemens is on top of the offshore market

Siemens installed 80% of the total wind capacity erected offshore in Europe in 2011. Siemens thereby pushed Vestas out of the spot. more..

January 19, 2012

Kennametal to Buy Deloro Stellite in Market-Expanding Move

Consolidation continues in the machining and fabricating equipment sector. Kennametal Inc. revealed it has an agreement in place to buy Britain’s Deloro Stellite Group for an estimated $290 million (€222 million.) The seller is Duke Street Capital, a private equity group, and the deal is expected to close within three months. Kennametal said the acquisition aligns with its growth strategy, and positions it to achieve geographic and end-market balance. more..

January 18, 2012

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA makes $1.3 million order for melt shop equipment

Bruker Corp., a Massachusetts-based scientific instrument provider, today announced a $1.3 million order from ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA for elemental analysis systems and automation equipment for a melt shop in Calvert.more..

January 17, 2012

SECO/WARWICK S.A. HAS SUPPLIED SET OF UNIVERSAL VACUUM FURNACES FOR HEAT TREATMENT CENTER Z.P.H. JAN TARAPATA (KOLBUSZOWA)

SECO/WARWICK S.A. has supplied two vacuum furnaces, that greatly extend range of technological possibilities Z.P.H. Jan Tarapata in Kolbuszowa. The scope of delivery includes vacuum furnace VPT type with high pressure cooling system and high vacuum system, isothermal quenching, vacuum carburizing FineCarb® and pre-nitriding PreNitLPC®. Furnace equipment enables hardening, tempering, annealing, age hardening, brazing and vacuum carburizing. more..

January 16, 2012

Port of Houston Authority sees its cargo surging by 4% in 2012

Port of Houston Authority commissioners have approved the 2012 operating budget, forecasting almost USD 7.7 million more in revenue than the previous year.more..

January 13, 2012

Raymond to Acquire Trinity India

Raymond Ltd., a Mumbai-based conglomerate known primarily for its textiles, is acquiring a majority stake in Trinity India Ltd., a manufacturer of forged auto components.more..

January 12, 2012

EFD Induction to focus on core business—sells commercial heat treatment operation

EFD Induction, Europe’s largest induction heating company, has announced the sale of its Germany-based commercial heat treatment operation EFD Härterei F. Düsseldorf GmbH.more..

January 11, 2012

The Kilbroup, Inc. Signs 5 Year Exclusive Contract With Stroup Mining

The Kiley Group, Inc. (Pinksheets: KGRI.PK - News) is proud to announce today that a 60 month contract has been signed with Stroup Mining, giving The Kiley Group 100% of the mining and mineral rights. Stroup Mining is located in Pikeville, KY positioned on 58 acres. Previous geological reports have shown upward of 75 million dollars in coal reserves in today's prices which are locked into 40 inch seams throughout the property. The exact amount of natural gas reserves have yet to be determined. For the past 44 years Stroup Mining has been owned and operated by the same family group. more..

January 10, 2012

New Forging Press Allows Sanyo to Increase Export Rate

According to recent reports, Japan’s Sanyo Special Steel intends to increase its rate of exported products to 30% by volume – doubling its current rate – to meet growing demand in foreign markets by 2014. In November 2011, the company installed a 5,000-ton forging press, which is intended for use in the manufacture of large bearings for wind-power generation. This press, in addition to the company’s 1,500- and 3,000-ton presses, will help Sanyo develop new applications and serve new forging markets. January 3, 2012 more..

January 06, 2012

O'Neal Industries acquires Iowa Laser Technology

Birmingham Business Journal reported that O'Neal Industries Inc has acquired Iowa Laser Technology Inc for an undisclosed amount.more..

January 05, 2012

Effect of Chromium on Hardenability in Medium-Carbon Steels

Question:
Can you please explain the effect on hardenability by chromium in medium-carbon steels?

Answer: more..

January 04, 2012

OSHA Cites Colfor for Exposing Workers to Hazardous Energy

Four alleged violations would carry fines totaling $51,000

Colfor Manufacturing in Malvern, OH, was issued four citations for plant safety violations by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration The company is an American Axle & Manufacturing subsidiary that produces forged and finished machined transmission shafts, hypoid drive pinions, propeller shafts, transmission gears, and wheel spindles. It has plants in Malvern and Minerva, OH, where it has cold and warm forging, finishing, and heat-treating capabilities. more..

January 03, 2012

Sanghvi Forging to Commission New Plant

India’s Sanghvi Forging and Engineering Ltd. (SFEL), a producer of forgings for the non-automotive sector, is changing its product mix to more closely focus on low-volume, higher-margin and larger products used in the aerospace, nuclear power generation, oil and gas, and defense industries. As part of this shift, the company has commissioned a new plant at Vadodara, major equipment for which is expected by February 2012. The new facility will have an annual capacity of 15,000 tons.more..

January 02, 2012

US steel imports fall 10 percent in November

According to preliminary Census Bureau data released Wednesday, the US imported 2.1 million net tons (nt) of steel products in November, reflecting a 10 percent drop from October final data. Finished steel imports were 1.65 million nt in November, a 13 percent decline from the previous months. Year-to-date, finished steel import market share in November was an estimated 20 percent, and is 22 percent year-to-date.more..

December 30, 2011

Ellwood Orders VOD for Stainless Ingots

SMS installation will be first in U.S. with mechanical vacuum pump

Specialty steel producer Ellwood National Steel placed a contract with SMS Siemag LLC to install a new vacuum oxygen decarburizing (VOD) unit, to start up in December 2012 at the manufacturer’s melt shop in Irvine, PA. ENS is an operating unit of The Ellwood Group Inc., which also includes Ellwood Quality Steels and numerous forging operations (Ellwood Crankshaft and Machine, Ellwood National Crankshaft, Ellwood National Forge, Corry Forge, Ellwood City Forge, and Ellwood Texas Forge.) more..

December 29, 2011

ArcelorMittal and Nucor may benefit from price increases in US- Report

Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Steel Prices Shine, Lifting US Makers." In it, the author noted that an increase in sales of automobiles and equipment for the oil and gas industry have contributed to a 25% increase in steel prices in the last two months alone. more..

December 28, 2011

Demand for cars helps boost steel industry in US

It is reported that buoyed by rising sales of cars, farm gear and oil drilling equipment, steelmakers are increasing prices and expanding production after setbacks earlier this year when the US recovery stalled and the European debt crisis deepened. more..

December 27, 2011

Auto and energy sectors to lead US steel industry growth in 2012 - Fitch

It is reported that the US steel industry showed signs of recovery in 2011, but rising raw materials prices and low capacity utilization rates continue to challenge the sector. more..

December 23, 2011

Ellwood National Steel orders VOD facility from SMS Siemag

SMS Siemag LLC has received an order for the supply of a VOD facility (Vacuum Oxygen Decarburizing) from Ellwood National Steel in Irvine in Pennsylvania.more..

December 22, 2011

US Steel workers urged on settlement with Ottawa

It is reported that still no details on the settlement ending the federal government lawsuit against US Steel at least nothing members of the Steelworkers Union at Nanticoke have seen.more..

December 21, 2011

Anomatic Corp. Orders Dual-Chamber Furnace

Lucifer Furnaces Inc. shipped a Red Devil dual-chamber heat-treating furnace to Anomatic Corp. of Newark, Ohio. With an upper hardening chamber of 9 inches high x 12 inches wide x 14 inches long and a lower tempering chamber with the same working dimensions, this unit is a complete heat-treating system with 7 kW of power. Both chambers feature a ceramic hearth plate for load support of 25 pounds per square feet of hearth area and are lined with 4.5 inches of combined lightweight firebrick and mineral-wool insulation for energy-efficient operation. more..

December 20, 2011

Kobe to Expand Forging Capacity in China

Automotive forger will duplicate capacity, add melting and billet casting

Kobe Steel Ltd. will increase its aluminum forging capacity in China with a second construction phase at Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products (China.) The new plan will raise the total investment in the project to $57.7 million, and start commercial production in May 2013. more..

December 19, 2011

Air Liquide Expands Relationship with Nucor Steel in U.S.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP (Air Liquide) announces the expansion of its relationship with Nucor Steel (Nucor) in Louisiana. Air Liquide has been selected to supply Nucor’s new Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant in Convent, Louisiana, and has extended its contracts to serve Nucor’s plants in Berkeley County, South Carolina and Blytheville, Arkansas. more..

December 15, 2011

Common Rockwell Hardness Testing Problems (part 2)

Question:
Could you explain the most common problems when conducting Rockwell hardness testing?

Answer:
Here are the remaining four problems and tips from last week’s blog (in no particular order): more..

December 14, 2011

Carpenter to Add Remelting, Forging in Alabama

New operation will produce aerospace and energy-sector components

Carpenter Technology Corp. will build a new plant in Athens, AL, near Huntsville, to produce forged products, an estimated $500-millon project. The 400,000-ft2 site will be developed over 30 months, to produce approximately 27,000 tons/year of aerospace- and energy-sector products. Reading, PA-based Carpenter said the expansion demonstrated its commitment to expand capacity, reduce lead times, and improve customer service.more..

December 13, 2011

Tenova Acquires Nova Analytical Systems

Tenova announced the acquisition of Nova Analytical Systems, a Hamilton, Ontario-based company that specializes in extractive-gas analyzers and sample conditioning systems for industrial applications. Nova Analytical Systems officially becomes part of Tenova Goodfellow Inc., a Mississauga, Ontario-based supplier of EAF/BOF steelmaking process-optimization technologies. Nova Analytical Systems’ expertise in developing and manufacturing off-gas state-of-the-art sensors complements the technological and process engineering assets of Tenova Goodfellow. more..

December 12, 2011

American Axle to Gain Marketshare in China

Expanded joint venture will produce light commercial-vehicle axles

American Axle & Manufacturing’s manufacturing joint venture in China will expand to include all of Hefei Automobile Axle Co. Ltd.’s light commercial-vehicle axle business. Hefei Automobile Axle Co. is a subsidiary of the Anhui Jianghuai Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (JAC), a state-owned builder of cars and light trucks. The company’s joint venture with AAM started up in 2009 at a site west of Shanghai, and each partner controls 50% of the venture. more..

December 09, 2011

Siemens establishes Competence Center for metallurgical plants in Shanghai

With an investment of US$80 million, Siemens has expanded its local manufacturing base and R&D center for the entire chain of steel processing. more..

December 08, 2011

Common Rockwell Hardness Testing Problems

Question:
Could you explain the most common problems when conducting Rockwell hardness testing?

Answer: more..

December 07, 2011

ATI Announces Agreement with Goodrich

Allegheny Technologies Inc. announced that it has signed a long-term sourcing agreement with Goodrich Corporation for the supply of aerospace forgings used for landing-gear components. more..

December 06, 2011

Dresser-Rand investing in center of excellence for F-class rotor repairs

HOUSTON – Dresser-Rand is expanding its Turbine Technology Services facility in Houston to include a center of excellence for F-class rotor repair. more..

December 05, 2011

Essar Steel commissions 2.5-mtpa furnace at Hazira

Essar Steel commissioned its second unit of Conarc Furnace with a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per annum, taking total capacity of steel melt shop to five mtpa. more..

December 02, 2011

SSI UK orders new Konecrane for Redcar blast furnace

SSI, the Thai firm that bought the former Redcar steel plant, has placed an order for a 40 tonne outrigger crane for the blast furnace from the Industrial Crane Division of Konecranes UK in East Kilbride. more..

December 01, 2011

U.S. Manufacturer Orders TITAN Furnace

Ipsen, Inc. recently shipped a 2-bar TITAN® V6 60-inch x 60-inch vertical bottom-loading furnace to a manufacturer in the northeast U.S. The furnace was equipped with several standard options including graphite hot zone, AMS 2750D compliance, custom temperature-uniformity fixture and operator access platform for service of motor mount assembly. This TITAN V6 will be used for stress relieving, annealing and hardening applications. Among other unique features, TITAN V6 offers energy efficiency, a reduced footprint, easy-to-remove hot zone and heat exchanger, load-proximity controls and VacuProf® control software.more..

November 30, 2011

STINA Partners with Thornton-Tomasetti to Offer First in a Series of CEU/PDH Learning Credit Modules About HSS

The Steel Tube Institute of North America (STINA), in conjunction with Thornton-Tomasetti, a worldwide leader in engineering design, investigation and analysis, have made available the first module in a three-part continuing education series about steel hollow structural sections (HSS).more..

November 29, 2011

New Con-Rod Forging Line for Dongfeng Nissan

Joint-venture will produce two pieces simultaneously in less than 5 seconds Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co. has ordered a new wedge press with a forging roll from SMS Meer, the heavy machinery and plant builder. The machinery will be installed at a new forging plant that the joint venture is developing at Guangzhou, in Huadu Province. The line will produce connecting rods for passenger cars, fully automatically and with flexibility. more..

November 28, 2011

Factors in Quench-Oil Selection

Question:
We are looking into replacing the quench oil in our integral-quench furnaces and were hoping you could provide us with some thoughts on what we need to look at?

Answer:
Here are some factors to consider that I’ve found useful when selecting quench oil.more..

November 23, 2011

Vestas receives 59 MW order in Michigan,USA

Vestas has received a 59 MW order from Exelon Wind for 33 V100-1.8 MW turbines for the Harvest II Wind Project in Huron County, Michigan, USA.

The contract includes delivery and commissioning along with a 10-year service and maintenance agreement. more..

November 22, 2011

Selas Heat Technology Company Aquires Maxsys Fuel Systems

Montgomeryville, PA, November 3, 2011 -- Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC (“Selas”) announced today that it has completed the purchase of Maxsys Fuel Systems (“Maxsys”), a portfolio company of Aloe Private Equity, effective October 28, 2011. Maxsys manufactures energy saving equipment that pre-treats fuel (gas and oil) supplied to the burners of a unit to enhance the combustion, produce a cleaner burn and lower carbon emissions (CO2). Maxsys serves a wide range of industries that use combustion systems including industrial boilers, ovens, dryers, kilns and furnaces. Maxsys customers have seen a reduction in their fuel consumption by a minimum of 5% with short investment payback. The Maxsys fuel systems work by applying a finely calibrated magnetic field to the fuel, which aggregates nanoparticles in the fuel to prevent fouling of the burner exchange surface and enhancing the combustion to create a hotter flame.more..

November 21, 2011

US anti-dumping order of stainless steel may be lifted

THE UNITED States International Commission on Trade (USITC) is considering lifting a current anti-dumping duty order against certain stainless steel imports from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Italy ahead of the measure’s expiration next month, the agency said in federal register notice dated Nov. 1. more..

November 18, 2011

Question on Retained Austenite Transformation

Question:
I happened to come across your article in Industrial Heating on the subject of retained austenite (“A Discussion of Retained Austenite,” March 2005). There is a statement that says, "Given the opportunity, retained austenite will transform to martensite." more..

November 17, 2011

Kobe Steel to install second GTCC unit at Kakogawa Works plant

Reuters reported that Japan's Kobe Steel Limited will install a second gas turbine combined cycle unit at its Kakogawa Works plant in western Japan, aiming to improve generation efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions.more..

November 16, 2011

Nisshin Steel and Nippon Metal announce Business Integration

Nisshin Steel Co Ltd and Nippon Metal Industry Co Ltd have entered into a basic agreement to begin the consideration for integration of their businesses targeted for October 1st 2012, assuming that the companies obtain the approvals such as approvals of their respective shareholders at the shareholders' meeting and approvals of relevant authorities including the Japan Fair Trade Commission. more..

November 15, 2011

WS Thermal Captures Major European Award

The 2011 German Environmental Award of the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) was presented to the managing directors of the company WS Wärmeprozesstechnik (WS Thermal Process Technology), Dr. Joachim Alfred Wuenning and Dr. Joachim Georg Wuenning. The 250,000-euro award, which is the most lucrative environmental prize in Europe, was presented by German President Christian Wulff. Wulff said that the father-and-son team had expedited a big and fundamental technological innovation with their new combustion method, FLOX. more..

November 14, 2011

Sonoco Recycling Inc acquires American Recycling

Hartsville based Sonoco Recycling Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco, has completed the acquisition of American Recycling of South Carolina's Greenville SC location. Sonoco Recycling said that the material recovery facility will allow it to meet rising demand in the state.more..

November 11, 2011

A.M. Castle buys tube company for $165M

A.M. Castle & Co. agreed to acquire Tube Supply Inc., a distributor of tubular and bar products to the oil and gas industry, for $165 million.more..

November 10, 2011

One-Piece Manufacturing Flow (part 3)

In Part 2, we began answering some of the questions posed in the first part of this discussion. We’ll conclude these answers here.more..

November 09, 2011

Solar Atmospheres of California Increases High Pressure Quench Capability

Solar Atmospheres of California increased their “High Pressure Quench” capability with the addition of a custom-built, horizontal, front loading 10 bar vacuum furnace (40” wide x 50” deep x 36” high, 5000lb max load). Designed and built by sister company Solar Manufacturing, this new furnace enables the Fontana plant to perform rapid cooling at positive pressures up to 135 PSIG (10 Bar).more..

November 08, 2011

Grede Completes Acquisition of Paxton-Mitchell Corporation Industrial Foundry

Southfield, Mich. – Grede Holdings LLC has completed the acquisition of the foundry and machining assets of Paxton-Mitchell Corporation, an industrial foundry and machining facility in Omaha, Nebraska. The facility will be called Grede Omaha LLC and strengthens Grede’s position in the heavy truck and industrial markets. Financial terms were not disclosed.more..

November 04, 2011

GrafTech acquires Fiber Materials Inc.

GrafTech pays $14 million for carbon fiber composite firm Fiber Materials Inc.

GrafTech International Ltd. (Parma, Ohio, USA) on Oct. 31 announced that it has completed the acquisition of the business and assets of Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI, Biddeford, Maine), a privately held manufacturer of highly engineered advanced carbon composite materials, for $14 million.more..

November 03, 2011

One-Piece Manufacturing Flow (part 2)

In Part 1, we outlined the circumstances and questions surrounding setting up a one-piece manufacturing flow through a heat-treat operation. We continue that discussion by answering some of the questions posed in the first part. more..

November 02, 2011

Recotech AB starts cooperation with US-aircraft engine manufacturer

Swedish-based Recotech AB is now crossing a milestone in its business area Ground Support Equipment by entering into a partnership with the aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in the United States.

This partnership means that Recotech AB is a key manufacturer of EcoPower engine wash equipment.more..

November 01, 2011

American Axle Looks to New Business

Q3 net income down, but three-year order book is solid

American Axle & Manufacturing reported third-quarter net income of $22.6 million, a 36% decline versus the $38.7 million recorded one year ago, though the company’s net sales increased 4.8% in the recent period, $647.6 million versus $ 618.2 million. Earnings during the quarter were $24.8 million or $0.33 per share, compared to 3Q 2010 net earnings of $38.8 million or $0.52 per share.more..

October 31, 2011

Abraservice UK installs additional machining facilities to meet demand

Steel stockholders and processor specialists Abraservice UK has recently specified and installed additional machining facilities in their production factory in Birmingham, to meet the increasing demand for specialist steel components. more..

October 30, 2011

Applied Process Inc. and AFC-Holcroft Announce the World’s Largest Integral Quench Atmosphere Batch Furnace -- By the Way, It’s Got a Salt Quench

Applied Process Inc. and AFC-Holcroft have joined together to produce a Monster Parts furnace to meet demand for steel and iron components.

Applied Process Inc., a worldwide leader in Austempering technology, has collaborated with AFC-Holcroft, more..

October 28, 2011

Tata Steel to begin commissioning Stocksbridge furnaces

Tata Steel has invested in two vacuum arc remelting furnaces and specialist testing equipment to allow the company to produce more steel for the aerospace industry. more..

October 27, 2011

Harsco receives new railway equipment orders worth USD 13 million

Harsco Corporation has announced new orders for railway track maintenance equipment from New Zealand and North America that are expected to generate new revenues of more than USD 13 million and add to Harsco Rail's production and delivery order book for 2012.more..

October 26, 2011

US to increase oil production and begin mining rare earth minerals

The US Energy Information Administration is reporting US daily crude oil production was 5.891 million barrels of oil per day for the week of October 14th 2011. A look at the EIAs chart of weekly US crude production back to January 1983 shows a slow production fall over two decades. But since January of 2009 the climb back has been steady rising from under 5 million barrels per day to now closing in on 6 million.more..

October 25, 2011

Alabama Chosen as Site of Carpenter’s New Facility

Carpenter Technology selected Limestone County, Ala., as the location to construct its new 400,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that was announced last August. The facility, which has a total cost of approximately $500 million, is being built in response to strong customer demand for premium alloy products primarily in the aerospace and energy industries. The new facility will ultimately be capable of producing approximately 27,000 tons per year of additional premium product and will be designed with modern technology and optimum product flow to meet customer requirements for reduced lead times. more..

October 24, 2011

SBA deputy administrator Ms Marie Johns visits Marlin Steel

Ms Marie Johns SBA deputy administrator of SBA visited Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore to discuss the State Trade and Export Promotion grant recently awarded to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, as well as President Obama's American Jobs Act and its support for small manufacturers and exporters.more..

October 21, 2011

Universal Stainless Adds Former Patriot Forge Exec

Jeffrey Daw will be v.p. - Business Development

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. appointed Jeffrey D. Daw as its vice president of Business Development. Daw held that same title until recently for Patriot Special Metals Inc., the Ohio forging plant that Universal Stainless bought last summer for $104.5 million. The company said Daw will be in charge of marketing the plant’s products, and processes, add technical expertise to Universal’s sales force, and assist with process improvement and product expansion at the plant.more..

October 18, 2011

Rio Tinto to sell aluminium units

Thirteen assets will be divested at an appropriate point in the future, and some of these will be managed separately in the meantime.

Rio Tinto is streamlining its Aluminium product group following a strategic review. more..

October 17, 2011

Ambrell Hardening Offers Heat Treating Expertise

Ambrell, a leading manufacturer of induction heating systems, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Induction Tooling Inc, a long-term tooling and heat treating process supplier, and Nutek Industrial Systems, an innovative automation specialist, to offer industry-leading heat treating solutions through a single point of contact.more..

October 14, 2011

One-Piece Manufacturing Flow (part 1)

Question:
My goal is to achieve a full list of specifications for the design of a continuous furnace so as to achieve one-piece (at a time) manufacturing flow. The process I am investigating is the de-embrittlement of maraging 250 steel after a manganese phosphate conversion in the aerospace industry. more..

October 13, 2011

US official hails Chinese project in Texas

HOUSTON - A Texas official expressed his warm welcome to a recent jumbo-sized Chinese project in the state and hailed it as a role model for future "win-win" business cooperation between the United States and China.more..

October 12, 2011

Global steel industry facing tough time

The steel industry faces tough times with companies braced for falling prices as buyers delay orders, because of extreme nervousness about global economic weakness.more..

October 11, 2011

Minmetals secures takeover of Anvil

Minmetals Resources Ltd (MMR) has agreed to buy Anvil Mining Ltd for C$1.3 billion in a friendly takeover.

MMR, majority-owned by China Minmetals Nonferrous Company Ltd, will pay C$8/share for the dual-listed Anvil, which is a 30% premium on the company’s 20-day volume weighted-average price (VWAP) on the Toronto Stock Exchange prior to September 29.more..

October 10, 2011

Universal Steel America opens new Greenfield plate processing facility

Universal Steel America is celebrating the grand opening of its new Greenfield plate processing facility formerly located in Gary.more..

October 07, 2011

Steam Treating

by Daniel H. Herring - August 31, 2011

Steam has been involved in some way, shape or form with a number of memorable events in the Doctor’s life – whether doing calisthenics in a Turkish sauna at 17 or being whipped with wet eucalyptus branches in a Moscow steam bath some 20 years later (stories best left for another time and place). For many of us, however, staring down at a dinner plate of steamed broccoli or cauliflower is as up close and personal with steam as it gets. Yet steam is one of the simplest and most basic of heat-treating atmospheres. Let’s learn more. more..

October 06, 2011

AK Steel Acquires Iron Ore And Metallurgical Coal Interests

Completes Major Steps In Strategic Initiative To Vertically Integrate
West Chester, OH, October 04, 2011—AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) announced today that it has formed a joint venture with an existing company that will produce iron ore concentrate, a feedstock for iron-based steelmaking raw materials, and, in a separate transaction, acquired all of the stock of a company with significant reserves of low volatile metallurgical coal (met coal), used to produce fuel for iron-making blast furnaces, which AK Steel operates in Middletown, OH and Ashland, KY.more..

October 05, 2011

Suzlon bags two major order

Suzlon Energy has announced that it has bagged two orders worth over Rs 200 crore from third-party operators.

Seforge, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Suzlon Energy Limited, engaged in manufacturing of large size castings and large diameter forged and machined rings, has announced major new orders from the wind sector totaling over Rs. 200 crore. more..

October 04, 2011

Selas Heat Technology Company Aquires Ray Burner Product Line

Montgomeryville, PA, September 30, 2011 - Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC (“Selas”) announced today the acquisition of the Ray Burner product line ("Ray Burner") from its owner.Since 1872 Ray Burner has provided a wide range of dual-fuel package burners for the industrial combustion markets and commercial boiler market primarily in North America. Selas expects to leverage its global multi-channel sales and marketing network to improve distribution of the products and further enhance the Selas strategy of offering global combustion customers a World of Combustion Solutions. Selas will transition the production of the product line to one of its production facilities in the coming months.more..

October 03, 2011

New HPH bell-type annealing plant for NLMK

LOI Thermprocess a company of the LOI Italimpianti Group has received from the Russian steel company NLMK a contract for the supply of a new HPH bell-type annealing plant. Under the contract, LOI is to supply 23 annealing bases, 12 gas-fired heating hoods and 10 cooling hoods including all the necessary ancillary facilities for the company's Lipetsk plant.more..

September 30, 2011

United Technologies to acquire Goodrich in $18.4 bn deal

NEW YORK: In a move that would bolster its global presence in the aerospace and defence industry, United Technologies will snap up Goodrich Corp in a USD 18.4 billion deal.more..

September 29, 2011

An Open Question to Readers

Here’s a chance for you, the reader, to comment on a topic that I consider of relevance to the industry.

A question came to me through a commercial heat treater operating batch integral-quench (IQ) furnaces produced by the same manufacturer. The furnaces have only one apparent difference between them, that being the radiant-tube material. Both furnaces are pulse-fired running natural gas. Furnace 1 has vertical 8-inch-diameter radiant (“U”) tubes, and Furnace 2 has vertical 6-inch-diameter silicon-carbide tubes. The temperature uniformity and carbon uniformity is reported to be well below the industry requirement. more..

September 28, 2011

Constellium Joins Aluminum Association as Producer Member

Constellium, a provider of advanced aluminum alloys, extrusions, and rolled products, has joined the Aluminum Association as a Producer Member.

“Constellium is very excited to be pursuing this new opportunity to continue our tradition of environmental and product stewardship and to work to globally promote aluminum as the excellent material it is for a diverse range of aerospace, automotive, packaging, and many other applications,” said Michael Niedzinski, Director of Standardization/Customer Application Engineering Group Leader Defense and the official Constellium representative to the Aluminum Association.more..

September 27, 2011

Siempelkamp to Remodel Press for Titanium

Forming line will compact sponge from two directions

The global titanium industry continues to expand and modernize, and press builder Siempelkamp is remodeling a line for Kazakhstan’s UKTMP Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC to help it process titanium sponge more accurately. Titanium sponge is the refined form titanium ore, but the result is not as condensed as many metals in a comparable state. It must be “compacted” in order for the next process stage —vacuum remelting, with master alloys to produce ingots that can be forged or rolled. more..

September 26, 2011

ABB wins $71 million order from SAIL

ABB has won an order worth $71 million from Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to supply a substation package for its Bhilai Steel Plant. more..

September 24, 2011

Bending Tools Producer Installs Nitriding System

Nitrex Metal shipped a compact nitriding system to the European subsidiary of US tube bending tools manufacturer OMNI-X. The model NXK-409 furnace with a workload capacity of 660-lb (300 kg) will be used to nitride tube bending tooling such as bend dies, clamp dies, and pressure dies. more..

September 23, 2011

Simufact Opens Training Center in China

Will raise global visibility while training university students in process design standards

Simufact Engineering GmbH is helping to establish a training center at Shenyang Ligong University in northeast China, following an agreement with that institution and with the assistance of its local distributor, Sili-Tech Ltd. The software developer indicated the agreement to establish the center is part of its “global university cooperation program” that will increase its international visibility, especially in China.more..

September 22, 2011

Use of Ceramic Paper in Vacuum Furnaces

Question:
I am very new to the vacuum-furnace world and work for a company that sinters stainless mesh in a single-chamber vacuum furnace. In our process, we will generally run several jobs in a load (all stainless). My questions relate to the method we use to separate the mesh. We use a ceramic paper, which becomes “dirty” after repeated use. In fact, when I change my diffusion pump oil it is caked with the fibers from this material. I have also seen some instances where it seems the paper itself becomes bonded to the mesh and becomes very difficult to remove. I was wondering if you might be able to recommend a different way or product to help eliminate or reduce these issues.

Answer:more..

September 21, 2011

TATA Steel to make new military armour at Port Talbot

Western Mail reported that the TATA steelworks at Port Talbot will soon be making a new high performance armour steel, which could protect British Army vehicles in future conflicts. more..

September 20, 2011

CoorsTek Buys Ceramics Business From BAE Systems

Golden, Colorado-based CoorsTek, a manufacturer of technical ceramics, said Thursday that it has acquired the advanced ceramics business of BAE Systems.more..

September 19, 2011

Rio Tinto locks in Pilbara investment

Rio Tinto has confirmed an US$833 million investment in major power and fuel supply projects as part of its drive to increase iron ore capacity in Western Australia.

The company said it would upgrade its Pilbara power and gas network with a US$520 million investment, while a further US$313 million would be allocated to fuel infrastructure.more..

September 16, 2011

Questions about P-M Heat Treatment

Question:
We had two large rolls, 18 inches (460 mm) in diameter by 42 inches (1,067 mm) long with a wall thickness of approximately 3.5 inches (89 mm) that were heat treated, and the heat treatment failed to produce the desired results. The parts are made from S90V powdered metal. The heat-treat furnace records do not indicate an issue, but the heat treatment resulted in a hardness of RC 52, which was deemed acceptable. After material removal of 0.08 inches (2 mm) radially, the roll hardness was measured to be 24-53 HRC, dependent upon location. Can you help explain what might have happened?

Answer: more..

September 14, 2011

Tata Steel bosses bring forward Queen Bess mothballing

blast-furnance, out of operation, Queen Bess, Scunthorpe, Tata Steel, UK

The weak state of the UK’s manufacturing and construction industry has caused Tata Steel bosses to bring forward the mothballing of the Queen Bess blast-furnace on the Scunthorpe site. more..

September 13, 2011

A new SOLO Swiss heat treatment line to Heckler & Koch

The SOLO Swiss furnace manufacturer installs an automatic heat treatment line for the German company Heckler & Koch.more..

September 12, 2011

Pipeline safety bill passes US House committee

Argus reported that a US House of Representatives committee approved a pipeline safety reauthorization measure that backers say will deal with recent oil spills and natural gas explosions while wresting authority from federal regulators.more..

September 09, 2011

Indian JV Adding Second Press Line

SMI Amtek Crankshaft will increase output to 2.2 million/year

SMI Amtek Crankshaft Pvt. Ltd. will install a second forging press at its plant in Dharuhera, an industrial development in north-central India. The estimated $22-milion project will increase the operation’s capacity to 2.2 million automotive crankshafts annually when it’s completed in November 2012, in response to rising demand. more..

September 08, 2011

Distortion of A2 Tool-Steel Knives

Question:
I have been making knives as a hobby for the last two years. I recently purchased an oven for heat treating my blades that I am making out of A2 tool steel, 5/32 inch (3.96 mm) thick. I have been getting some distortion as I have done this. One batch had little distortion and another had almost none. Seems like the outside blades have had more distortion than the inside blades on the ceramic rack. My hardness range began at 53 HRC, and as I lowered the tempering temp on the next batch we went to 59 HRC, which is close to where I want to be (these are hunting knives). I have used a warm up to 500°F (260°C) and held for 4 minutes, then went to 1000°F (540°C) and held for 5 minutes. I then heat up to 1500°F (815°C) for 8 minutes and then take it to 1750°F (955°C) for 30-40 minutes. I bring it out and let it air cool to about 150°F (65°C) and then double temper at 575°F (300°C) for 90 minutes. If you have any suggestions or other pointers I would sure appreciate it. more..

September 07, 2011

Eclipse Acquires CEC Combustion Safety

Eclipse Inc., a provider of products, systems, and services for industrial heating and drying applications, acquired CEC Combustion Safety (CEC). Eclipse intends to operate CEC as an independent organization, providing the CEC business with the infrastructure and resources to significantly grow their market position in safety-related combustion services. CEC will continue to operate out of its Cleveland, Ohio, facility. more..

September 06, 2011

Pankl Acquires Superior Crankshaft LP

Consolidating product portfolio in performance racing sector

Pankl Racing Systems AG, a specialty producer of engine and drivetrain systems, recently purchased Superior Crankshaft LP for an undisclosed price. Superior Crankshaft is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company in Irvine, CA, that Gerold Pankl founded in 1985 as Pankl North America, the first Pankl company in the U.S. It custom-builds crankshafts for the performance-racing sector, including teams that race in the F1, NASCAR, LeMans, and DTM circuits.more..

September 05, 2011

Magna subsidiary Cosma International acquires Grenville Castings

AURORA, Ont. - Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG) subsidiary Cosma International announced Wednesday that it has acquired Grenville Castings Ltd., a structural casting supplier of aluminum components for the automotive, heavy truck and recreational markets.more..

August 31, 2011

Cabot Supermetals business to be bought by Global Advanced Metals

The Cabot Corp., Boston, Mass. has entered into an agreement to sell its Supermetals business to Global Advanced Metals (GAM) for a minimum of $400 million in total cash consideration, company officials announced today. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.more..

August 30, 2011

Aluminum Heat Treatment

Question:
We have a question about paragraph 3.4.3 in AMS 2770H (Heat Treatment of Wrought Aluminum Alloy Parts). In the first sentence it says, "The quenchant temperature shall not exceed the maximum start of quench temperature specified in 3.4.2 by more than 10°F at any time during quenching." Then the second sentence says, "The quenchant temperature shall not increase more than 25°F from the starting temperature as a result of quenching any single load." The two sentences seem to be at odds with each other. Do you know what is intended here?

Answer:more..

August 29, 2011

Firth Rixson to Add Isothermal Forging at Closed-Die Plant

Expansion at new Georgia plant will increase its range of aerospace products
Firth Rixson Forgings LLC in Midway, GA, announced it will install isothermal forging capability to produce an additional range of aerospace forgings. The plant near Savannah started up late last year, producing closed-die forgings for rotating components of aircraft engines. Its customers are commercial aircraft OEMs producing the range from regional jets to wide body aircraft. It also supplies components to producers of land-based turbines. more..

August 28, 2011

Allied Power Group Names New Vice President of Operations

Allied Power Group named industry expert Ron Shaver as the new Vice President of Operations. Mr. Shaver will oversee the company’s expansion projects, which include protective coatings, heat treatment and compressor repairs in a facility that is growing to 133,000 square feet.more..

August 24, 2011

Research Program to Remove Contamination from Heat-Treated Parts

The Center for Heat Treating Excellence at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute is conducting a research program to characterize, evaluate and remove surface contamination from pre- and post-heat-treated parts. Surface contamination during heat treatment can greatly affect the quality of the end products. Although cleaning the post-heat-treated parts is considered a value-added process in heat treatment, pre-heat-treated parts cleaning is also important and can influence the subsequent process dramatically. This project will characterize different surface contaminants and will identify the process and the chemistry of cleaning. more..

August 19, 2011

Areva to Forge Reactor Parts for U.K. Project

Contract placed for Creusot to manufacture components for EDF’s planned nuclear expansion

Areva, the French energy engineering conglomerate, has been contracted to produce large-scale forgings for EDF Energy’s proposed nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point, in southwest England. EDF aims to install two of Areva’s EPR generation III+ reactors as part of its plan to expand the Hinkley Point reactor complex. more..

August 18, 2011

The Sterling Group Acquires Stackpole International from Gates Canada

HOUSTON, TX (August 2, 2011) - The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), a Houston based private equity investment firm, today announced that its affiliated investment fund, Sterling Group Partners III, L.P., has completed the acquisition of the Stackpole International (“Stackpole”) business from Gates Canada (a subsidiary of Pinafore Holdings PV). The acquisition is Sterling’s second investment in its third fund, an $820 million fund raised in 2010, and is the twentieth corporate carve-out in its twenty-nine year history. more..

August 17, 2011

Kaiser Aluminum to expand plate heat treatment capacity

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has announced plans to further expand heat treat plate capacity at its Trentwood rolling mill in Spokane, Washington. The investment of approximately $21 million to debottleneck various processing centers is expected to increase the rolling mill's heat treat plate capacity approximately 5% as it comes on stream during 2013.more..

August 16, 2011

Sypris to Supply Drivetrain Components to Mexican Axle Producer

Forger expanding supplier relationship with Meritor

Sypris Technologies Inc. and Sisamex are forming a new long-term supply agreement, in which Sypris will produce drivetrain components for the commercial vehicle axle plant that Sisamex operates in Escobedo, Mexico. Details of the components to be supplied and the terms of the agreement were not released. more..

August 15, 2011

EVRAZ to Expand Portland Tubular Operations to Supply the Growing North American Energy Sector

5 August 2011 – EVRAZ Group (LSE: EVR) (“EVRAZ” or the “Company”) hereby announces plans to expand EVRAZ Inc. NA’s structural tubing facility in Portland, Oregon, to add capacity to manufacture American Petroleum Institute certified (API) pipe. This multi-million dollar investment will position EVRAZ to meet the growing demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) products in the energy sector. more..

August 12, 2011

Solar Atmospheres Of Western PA RaisesThe Bar With A New 20 Bar Furnace

Solar Atmospheres of Western PA will soon welcome a custom-built horizontal 20 bar vacuum furnace (40” wide x 50” deep x 36” high, 3500 max load) to its Hermitage facility. Designed and built by sister company Solar Manufacturing, this new furnace is the fastest cooling furnace in the Solar fleet and one of only a few of its kind in the U.S. more..

August 11, 2011

Baosteel Engineering supplies the 3rd set of BSSSF device to POSCO

The industrialization of the core technologies of Baosteel Rotary Drum Slag Treatment Device keeps accelerating. Recently Baosteel Engineering & Technology Group Co Ltd signed the contract with South Korea Chaoen Development Co to supply the 3rd set of BSSF equipment to be installed in POSCO Gwangyang Heavy Plate Mill.more..

August 10, 2011

Kaiser Aluminium Expands Heat Plate Treat Capacity At Trentwood Rolling Mill

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced plans to further expand heat treat plate capacity at its Trentwood rolling mill in Spokane, Washington. The investment of approximately $21 million to debottleneck various processing centers is expected to increase the rolling mill's heat treat plate capacity approximately 5% as it comes on stream during 2013.more..

August 09, 2011

Artic Canada may feed TATA Steel European operations

BL reported that Artic Canada could provide long term iron ore security to TATA Steel. New Millennium Iron Corporation, in which TATA Steel is the strategic partner and largest investor (27%) and has the exclusive right to have access to the world's largest low grade iron ore reserves in Canada, has begun feasibility study.more..

August 08, 2011

Residual Stress Considerations on Carburized Gear Wheels (part 6)

Question:
We are looking for guidance to better understand the contribution of heat treating to stresses present in gear wheels so we can continue to make improvements in our products.

Answer:
Let’s continue our discussion of how variations in heat-treatment parameters can influence the development of stress in gear wheels. We continue to consider the influence of: more..

August 05, 2011

Evraz to add OCTG line to Oregon tubing mill

Chicago, Illinois-based Evraz Inc. NA, announced Thursday plans to expand its Portland, Oregon structural tubing facility to add API pipe manufacturing capacity. The multi-million dollar investment will position Evraz to meet the growing demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) products in the energy sector. more..

August 04, 2011

Unifrax Announces Acquisition Deal

Niagara Falls, NY, July 25, 2011 - Unifrax I LLC (“Unifrax”), the Niagara Falls, NY based manufacturer of ceramic fiber insulation products, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Super Saffil Limited and Saffil America, Inc. (together, “Saffil”) from Dyson Group plc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. more..

August 03, 2011

University Turbine Systems Research: Thermal barriers and gasified coal

The Center for Thermal Spray Research at the State University of New York at Stony Brook is doing research on thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine engines. The overall objective of the research is for increased viability of thermal spray multilayer coatings (metallic alloys and ceramics) in integrated gasification combined cycle gas turbine systems.more..

August 02, 2011

Hertwich Engg commissions two 2 chamber melting furnaces at Otto Fuchs

Hertwich Engineering of Austria has successfully commissioned two 2 chamber melting furnaces at Otto Fuchs in Meinerzhagen in Germany.more..

August 01, 2011

American Axle to Close Detroit Plant

Wages, weak demand disputed by UAW

American Axle and Manufacturing Inc. has said it will close its Detroit Manufacturing Complex in February because it has been unable to arrive at an acceptable wage structure with the United Auto Workers union, despite a reported six months of negotiations. According to AAM director of Investor Relations Chris Son, the company and the union have failed to reach an agreement on a “market- competitive labor agreement” for the plant. AAM reportedly wants to cut the compensation from $45/hour to $30/hour, in line with its cost structure at other plants.more..

July 30, 2011

Timken Co. Breaks Ground On Wind R&D Center In Ohio

The Timken Co., Stark State College and the Stark County Port Authority officially broke ground on a wind energy research and development (R&D) center in Ohio.

Timken plans to develop ultra-large bearings and seals on equipment that replicates the operating environment of large multi-megawatt wind turbines at the facility.more..

July 29, 2011

Curtiss-Wright Acquires IMR Test Labs

Curtiss-Wright Corp. acquired the assets of IMR Test Labs (IMR), a provider of mechanical and metallurgical testing services for the aerospace, power-generation and medical markets. This business will become part of Curtiss-Wright’s Metal Treatment segment. IMR’s complete range of testing capabilities includes fatigue testing, metallurgical analysis, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, failure analysis and training. Its facilities are A2LA and Nadcap accredited, and the company is also certified by major original equipment manufacturers across the U.S. more..

July 28, 2011

Illinois Tool Works acquires Despatch Industries

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) has acquired Despatch Industries, a provider of thermal processing equipment for the manufacture of carbon fibers. more..

July 27, 2011

Kaiser Aluminum invests $11 million to expand aerospace extrusion facility

aiser Aluminum Corp., Foothill Ranch, Calif., has commenced expansion of its Kaiser Alexco hard alloy aerospace extrusion facility in Chandler, Arizona. The investment of approximately $11 million is expected to be completed by year end and will provide additional extrusion and heat-treat capacity to meet growing demand for these products in the marketplace.more..

July 25, 2011

US Steel expected to post first profit in Q2 2011 since 2008

United States Steel Corporation could snap a streak of nine consecutive quarterly losses when it reports second quarter results on July 26th 2011.

US Steel has posted consecutive quarterly losses since December 2008, when demand fell from automakers, construction companies and other customers as the recession ran its course. Since then, steel companies have started to rebound as the manufacturing sector became a key driver of the economic recovery, recording 23 straight months of growth.more..

July 24, 2011

Turbine-Component Manufacturer Orders Box Furnaces

L&L Special Furnace Co. manufactured two high-uniformity box furnaces for a U.S.-based manufacturer of wind-turbine components with facilities in Germany and Japan. The primary purpose of the furnace is to remove a cutting residue left on turbine parts after machining. The parts are placed in the furnace and heated to 1000°F. The furnaces, which are also used for tempering and other thermal processes up to 1875°F, have a work envelope of 48 inches wide x 60 inches high x 60 inches deep. There is a cast alloy hearth and hydraulic loader for easy loading and unloading. more..

July 22, 2011

Universal Stainless to Buy Patriot Forge Project

Unfinished radial forge, vacuum melt shop in line for 2012 start

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. has an agreement to buy the Patriot Special Metals greenfield forging project for $104.5 million, expanding its production capacity and increasing its product range. The project was estimated at $60-70 million when it was announced three years ago. The specialty steelmaker said the purchase would close later this month. more..

July 21, 2011

Residual Stress Considerations on Carburized Gear Wheels (Part 5)

Question:
We are looking for guidance to better understand the contribution of heat treating to stresses present in gear wheels so we can continue to make improvements in our products.

Answer:more..

July 20, 2011

Reliance Steel Announced It Reached An Agreement To Purchase All Outstanding Capital Securities Of Continental Alloys & Service (RS)

Reliance Steel (NYSE:RS) announced it reached an agreement to purchase all of the outstanding capital securities of Continental Alloys & Service. more..

July 18, 2011

Young Startup Extruders Add Nitrex Nitriding

Nitrex Metal (www.nitrex.com) received orders for its NXK-series compact nitriding system from two newly formed aluminum extrusion companies. In the latter half of 2011 Venezuela-based ALUDEMA C.A. will add a NXK-409 to its production of window and door profiles for residential applications. This is a plug-and-play system preassembled at the factory to achieve faster implementation times and lower installation costs for the customer. The furnace, which will be used to nitride H13 dies, features an effective load size of 16” x 35.5” (400mm x 900mm) with a 660-pound (300 kg) capacity. Additionally,more..

July 16, 2011

Sandstorm Metals and Energy acquires copper stream and launches CAD 25 million equity financing

Sandstorm Metals & Energy Limited announced that it has entered into purchase agreements to acquire copper and natural gas at development assets located in Canada and the United States of America. These acquisitions further establish Sandstorm Metals & Energy as the world's first diversified commodity streaming company.

Sandstorm Metals & Energy has: more..

July 15, 2011

Machine-Parts Manufacturer Orders Oven

Lucifer Furnaces shipped a Series 4000 recirculating heat-treating oven to a machine-parts manufacturer for stress relieving. The oven has a stainless steel liner forming the interior 12-inch x 18-inch x 24-inch chamber. The liner baffles the workload from the fan and heating elements to create a horizontal airflow of uniform heat throughout the chamber. Heating elements of coiled low-watt-density wire are held in easy-to-replace element holders located on the side walls. Precision heating is obtained with a Honeywell digital time-proportioning controller along with a digital over-temperature safety system and soak timer. more..

July 14, 2011

Specialty Heat Treating Rolling Out Multi Plant Upgrade with Super Systems Technology, June 2011

Specialty Heat Treating is a leading provider of high quality thermal processing serving the automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, tooling, metal equipment and metal stamping industries. Specialty Heat Treating's mission has always been to deliver the highest value to their customers by investing in state of the art heat treating technologies.more..

July 13, 2011

Precision Castparts Corp. Purchases Primus International

"Moving deeper into metallic and composite airframe applications is a natural strategic evolution for PCC."

Precision Castparts Corp. is paying $900 million for Primus International, a manufacturer of various machined and fabricated aerospace components, in its latest expansion into the market for high-value finished products. "The acquisition of Primus clearly demonstrates our focused pursuit of component manufacturing businesses that align with our core competencies,” stated PCC chairman and CEO Mark Donegan. “Primus has assembled a group of world-class manufacturing assets, both through acquisition and greenfield construction."more..

July 12, 2011

US Steel’s Clairton Ahead of Schedule

United States Steel Corp.(X) announced that its $600 million coke oven battery and two quenching towers at its Clairton plant will be completed in November 2012; two months earlier than previously announced. more..

July 08, 2011

Walsin Lihwa to Build Hot-rolling Plant in Central Taiwan

Walsin Lihwa Ltd., a leading manufacturer of bare copper wire, wire and cable and specialty steel in the greater China region, has resolved to spend over NT$4 billion to set up a hot-rolling pickling and annealing plant in Taichung Harbor Processing Zone, central Taiwan. more..

July 07, 2011

Residual Stress Considerations on Carburized Gear Wheels (Part 4)

Question:
We are looking for guidance to better understand the contribution of heat treating to stresses present in gear wheels so we can continue to make improvements in our products.more..

July 06, 2011

Alcoa Announces "Green" Expansion at B&C Research

Company Invests $21 Million into Innovative, Energy-Saving Recycling Process

BARBERTON, Ohio, Jul 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alcoa announced today it will install an advanced recycling and casting process that will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as part of a $21 million expansion of B&C Research, part of the company's Wheel and Transportation Products business. The Alcoa investment will create 30 full-time jobs and help protect more than 350 existing positions.more..

July 05, 2011

Precision Castparts Buying Energy-Sector Manufacturers

Rollmet and KLAD add new technologies, expand pipeline product offerings

Precision Castparts Corp. has made its second and third acquisitions this month, expanding the range of its product offerings and adding to its brand lineup. The Portland-based manufacturer is buying the Rollmet business, which makes a range of thin-wall pipe products; and KLAD Manufacturing, which supplies weld-overlay materials for pipe and tube products and large vessels. more..

July 01, 2011

Sumitomo Buying Standard Steel for $340 Million

Bid to become global supplier of railroad wheels, axles

Standard Steel LLC in Burnham, PA, will be sold to Sumitomo Metals Industries and its parent company Sumitomo Corp. in a $340-million transaction, according to the private equity group that owns the Pennsylvania manufacturer. Sumitomo announced it aims “to become a truly global railway wheel manufacturer with particular strength in the high-grade, high-speed segment. We will continue to help contribute to the global development of railways.”more..

June 30, 2011

Residual Stress Considerations on Carburized Gear Wheels (Part 3)

Question:
We are looking for guidance to better understand the contribution of heat treating to stresses present in gear wheels so we can continue to make improvements in our products.more..

June 29, 2011

RADYNE UNVEILS FUTURISTIC VISION OF INDUCTION POWER SUPPLY DESIGN AT THERMPROCESS/GIFA IN DUSSELDORF GERMANY

Radyne Corporation, An Inductotherm Group Company, unveils its 5KW, 100-400kHz future concept Induction Power Supply, the Versapower® - Xtreme™ VX5H at the Inductotherm Group Booth, Hall 10 Stand B24. The concept system is based on Radyne’s new Digital-iQ™ Control Technology allowing incredible ease of use, advanced communication, control and programming features previously unseen in Induction Power Supplies. more..

June 24, 2011

US Steel Spent USD 820000 on Q1 lobbying efforts

United States Steel Corp spent USD 820,000 in the first quarter to lobby on issues ranging from infrastructure to aircraft registration.

According to a recent disclosure report, the total compared with USD 960,000 the steel manufacturer spent in the year ago quarter and USD 260,000 in the fourth quarter.more..

June 23, 2011

Residual Stress Considerations on Carburized Gear Wheels (Part 2)

Question:
We are looking for guidance to better understand the contribution of heat treating to stresses present in gear wheels so we can continue to make improvements in our products.more..

Answer:

June 22, 2011

Bodycote to Open Heat-Treat Facility in Mexico

Bodycote announced the planned opening of a new vacuum heat-treatment facility in northwest Mexico. The facility will provide outsourced specialist processing support to major aerospace and power-generation suppliers in the area. The new plant, located in the city of Empalme in the State of Sonora, is a result of Bodycote’s recently signed long-term agreement with Trac Precision, a key supplier to Rolls-Royce and Siemens. Under this agreement, Bodycote will support Trac's Mexico operations with vacuum brazing and heat treating. more..

June 21, 2011

Aircraft MRO Provider Orders Nitrex Nitriding System

Nitrex Metal will supply a NX-811 Nitreg®-S type system to Wuhan Hangda, a leading MRO service provider for aircraft components in China. more..

June 20, 2011

Precision Castparts Buying GE’s Forged Ring Line

Tru-Form plants produce near-net shape parts for jets, IGT

General Electric Corp. is divesting a manufacturing subsidiary of its GE Aviation business unit. Unison Engine Components will be acquired by Precision Castparts Corp. for an undisclosed cash price, subject to regulatory approval. The buyer is a Portland-based producer of various forgings and investment castings for aerospace structures, airfoils, and industrial gas turbines.more..

June 17, 2011

Allegheny Taps Vroman as EVP, President of ATI-Ladish

Onetime President/CEO to head High Performance Forgings and Castings unit

Having completed its takeover of Ladish Co. Inc., Allegheny Technologies Inc. announced that Gary J. Vroman is now its executive vice president, High Performance Forgings and Castings, and president of its ATI Ladish business unit. Vroman reports to ATI’s chairman, president and CEO Richard J. Harshman.more..

June 16, 2011

Question:
We have been working hard in our gear manufacturing, heat-treatment practices and data collection, especially “before and after” heat-treatment analysis. In this period, we have focused on extensive data collection on MOT (Measurement-Over-Teeth) after hobbing and after heat treatment since we were not gathering enough data on lead and profile class.more..

June 15, 2011

Wheatland Tube announces expansion of DOM Product Line

Wheatland Tube a division of JMC Steel Group announced that it plans to make a significant investment in its DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) Mechanical Tubing product capacity and product capabilities. The planned investment will expand Wheatland Tube's total DOM production capacity at its Church St. facility in Wheatland, PA.more..

June 14, 2011

Dresser-Rand Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement at Olean Facility

HOUSTON, June 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dresser-Rand Group Inc. ("Dresser-Rand" or the "Company") (NYSE: DRC) today confirmed that Dresser-Rand Company has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers Union Local 4601 (the "Union"), which represents 433 workers at its Olean, New York facility. The agreement is subject to a ratification vote by its members, which will be conducted on Tuesday, June 14, 2011.more..

June 13, 2011

China’s vice president inks cooperation agreements with Chile

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera have signed new agreements on cooperation in the mining, banking, agricultural and telecommunication sectors at a ceremony held at the presidential palace in the Chilean capital Santiago.more..

June 11, 2011

Alcoa Develops Breakthrough Technologies That Lower Cost, Weight and Production Risk of New Airplanes

New Alcoa Alloys and Advanced Structural Technologies:

- Provide Up to 10% in weight savingsover composite intensive planes;more..

June 10, 2011

Timken selects Mitsubishi Nagasaki Machinery

The Timken Company announced its selection of Japan based Mitsubishi Nagasaki Machinery Mfg Co LTD to supply an automated, in line forge press for Timken's Faircrest Steel Plant in Canton, Ohio. Timken expects the press, scheduled to begin operating in early 2013, to increase its steel manufacturing capacity and enhance the company's product portfolio.more..

June 09, 2011

Automotive Parts Supplier Places a Reorder of Nitrex Nitriding Systems

A leading manufacturer of OE and aftermarket automotive parts has once again selected Nitrex Metal to supply turnkey nitriding systems for its piston rings facilities in Europe. more..

June 08, 2011

4130 and 4140 Heat Treatments

Question:
I have two questions for you. First, what is the big difference between 4130 and 4140 steels? What is the heat-treat range for these? I need to wind up with a hardness of 25-32 HRC. more..

June 07, 2011

North American flat steel prices drop 4 percent in May

North American flat steel product transaction values declined last month as domestic mill activity softened. Customers’ order volumes slowed ahead of the traditional summer holiday period.more..

June 06, 2011

U.S. Department of Commerce Recognizes Plymouth Tube Company for Exporting Achievements

Plymouth Tube Company was awarded the US Department of Commerce's Export Achievement Certificate at the Valley Industrial Association Annual Banquet for their achievements in the export of their manufactured steel tubes and extrusions.more..

June 02, 2011

What Can Cause a High Dew Point Furnace Atmosphere? (Part 2)

Follow-up Questions:
Thank you so much for your previous advice (see Part 1).

We had performed the copper/steel/stainless steel test back when the problem first surfaced several weeks ago, and it appeared (at the time) that the issue is due to moisture. We did not change the temperatures from our normal operating temperature of 1500°F (815°C). Should we adjust temperatures and rerun the trial?more..

June 01, 2011

Atlas Tube Re-Opening Manufacturing Facility in Blytheville

Atlas Tube Re-Opening Manufacturing Facility in Blytheville, Arkansas; Allowing the Company to Improve Customer Service and Enhance Delivery Performance

CHICAGO, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Tube, a division of JMC Steel Group, announced today that it is re-opening its Hollow Structural Section (HSS) manufacturing facility in Blytheville, AR. more..

May 31, 2011

Despatch Industries Receives Order for Custom Composite Cure Ovens from Bristol Aerospace Limited

Despatch Industries, the world’s leading thermal processing equipment provider for over one hundred years, announces that the company has received a large order for several custom vacuum bagging S-Ovens and a control system from Bristol Aerospace Limited. Bristol Aerospace is a division of Magellan Aerospace Limited that operates in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The custom ovens and control system will be used to cure composite parts for aerospace equipment. more..

May 30, 2011

US oil industry leads the way in extracting hard to get crude and steel to benefit

This recent article in the New York Times describes how American oil folks have figured out how to extract crude that is trapped in rock that is largely surrounded by shale. It is worth noting that this is not crude that is directly in shale. If we could extract that crude, accurately termed shale oil it would amount to a huge resource. But the new technology and high prices have unlocked resources which are still quite large and which could lead to a 25% increase in US crude production within the decade. If anyone were to ever doubt the creativity unleashed by the free enterprise system, look to the US oil and gas industry. It is nothing less than remarkable.more..

May 27, 2011

Vestas receives major order in California

Vestas has received an order for 73 V90-3.0 MW wind turbines for an expansion of the Alta Wind Energy Center in the USA.

Vestas has received a 219 MW order for 73 V90-3.0 MW wind turbines for an expansion of the Alta Wind Energy Center near Tehachapi, California, USA. more..

May 26, 2011

What Can Cause a High Dew Point Furnace Atmosphere?

Initial Question:
We are having an issue with one of our furnaces that is completely stumping both me and my maintenance department.

We are experiencing extremely high dew-point levels – our analyzer faults out at +69°F (20°C) in the heat chamber, and we are finding high oxygen levels (up to 0.52%) in the cooling chamber. We have probed the furnace with a flammable gas detector and have not been able to find a leak. If we drop the mix out of the furnace and have only the process nitrogen used during the purge cycle in the furnace, both the dew point and oxygen readings are good throughout the furnace.more..

May 25, 2011

Gerdau Announces New Branding

As part of its 110th anniversary, Gerdau is introducing a new brand and visual identity. The long steel and special steel operations of Gerdau in North America, Gerdau Ameristeel and Gerdau Macsteel, will now be known as Gerdau. Descriptors were developed to differentiate between the parent company and the business operations that will now be called Gerdau. The descriptor for the long steel operations in North America, previously Gerdau Ameristeel, will be Gerdau Long Steel North America. Gerdau Special Steel North America is the descriptor for the company’s special steel operations, previously known as Gerdau Macsteel. more..

May 24, 2011

BHEL tests first large capacity new series Turbo Generator

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has achieved a major milestone with the successful manufacture and testing of the country’s first large capacity new series Turbo Generator of 600 MW rating. The state of the art generator shall be supplied and installed at the upcoming North Chennai Thermal Power Project of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.more..

May 23, 2011

Signicast Starting $50-Million Expansion

Investment casting foundry will add casting and finishing capacity by 2013

Signicast is embarking on a $50-million expansion at its foundry in Hartford, WI, to add capacity in two phases through 2013. The company already has acquired 52 acres of land adjacent to the plant, where it will add more investment casting and finishing capability, though specific details of the expansion have not been detailed.more..

May 21, 2011

Lakeside Steel Expands US Footprint in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas

Lakeside Steel Inc. (TSX-V: LS) ("Lakeside Steel" or the "Company") today announced that it has opened its US headquarters in the Galleria Area of Houston, Texas. The new headquarters will house many of the senior executive team as well as sales, quality control and finance personnel. The new office presence in Houston will allow the Company to better serve its U.S.-based clientele.more..

May 20, 2011

Taiwan`s China Steel to Kick Off Construction of Cold-rolling Plant in Vietnam

China Steel Corp. (CSC), Taiwan`s largest integrated producer of steel products, will soon begin construction of a cold-rolling plant located at My Xuan Industrial Park of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Vietnam.

To launch the investment project, CSC and the Japan-based Sumitomo Metal Industries has set up a joint venture firm, CSC-Sumitomo (Vietnam) Co., for a US$1.15 billion deal. CSC currently holds a 51% stake in the venture, Sumitomo and other Japanese shareholders own 40%, with the remainder shared by such domestic firms as Formosa Plastics Corp., Hsin Kuang Steel Co. and Chun Yuan Steel Co.more..

May 19, 2011

Gerdau S.A. to invest $320 million for expansion; MacSteel plant in Jackson County to benefit

Brazilian steel supplier Gerdau S.A. plans to invest $320 million to expand its special bar quality steel production in North America, including its Macsteel plant in Napoleon Township.more..

May 17, 2011

US steel exports rise 19 percent in March

The American Institute of International Steel (AIIS) reported Monday that according to government data, US steel exports increased 19 percent in March over February. Total steel exports in March 2011 were 1.132 million net tons (1.027 million metric tons) compared to 951,000 net tons (862,738 metric tons) in February 2011-a 19 percent month-on-month increase, but still a 1.7 percent decrease compared to March 2010. more..

May 16, 2011

Allegheny Tech-Ladish Merger Now Complete

$883-million takeover gives ATI a new range of high-tech consumer products

Allegheny Technologies Inc. has completed its acquisition of Ladish Co. Inc., an $883-million cash and common stock purchase announced last November. Now, Milwaukee-based Ladish is an operating unit of ATI’s High Performance Metals division, which includes superalloy and titanium metal producer ATI Allvac and refractory/reactive metals producer ATI Wah Chang.more..

May 13, 2011

Nitrogen: A Truly Inert Gas?

Question:
In a recent test of our heat-treating knowledge, we were asked several questions concerning nitrogen gas. The answers surprised us. Can you shed some light on them? Here are the questions.more..

May 11, 2011

Powerit Solutions and Inductotherm Corp. Integrate Technologies for the Induction Melting Industry

Powerit Solutions, an international cleantech company that plugs businesses into the smart grid, and Inductotherm Corp., and Inductotherm Group company and the world leader in the melting of metals and materials industry, today announced a new agreement, which underscores the companies’ dedication to improving the operations and energy efficiency of their customers in the metals industry. more..

May 10, 2011

Aluminum Recycler to Open in Huntington

HUNTINGTON, Ind. - Huntington Aluminum, a startup aluminum processor, announced today that it will establish its initial operation here, creating up to 43 new jobs by 2013.more..

May 06, 2011

Dynamic Energy Management for Billet Heating

Based upon the principle that every heating project requires an individual customized process for optimal energy efficiency, a technology from SMS Elotherm allows individual adjustments to the heating profile for each process step.more..

May 05, 2011

White Iron (part 2)

Question:
Can you please shed some light on the metallurgical precautions during casting and heat treatment of high chrome iron, ASTM-A532, Class III, type A (17, 23, 27% Cr)? We are softening for machining (300+ BHN) and hardening (600+ BHN) for better wear resistance during usage in a slurry-pumping (coal-ash) application. Problems we face are cracking in a few impeller castings before and after heat treatment – most typically an S-type crack profile diametrically around the hub.

Answer: more..

May 04, 2011

Global steel market faces excruciating labour pain

The global steel market has weaved through undulations in the last two quarters. The demand having a speculative tenor has been the progenitor of uncertainty. The ecstasy of early Q1 when the price levels were soaring just after the New Year opening seemed a distant murmur as we entered into Q2.more..

May 03, 2011

Lakeside Steel to Expand New Facility

Lakeside Steel plans to expand its previously announced $7.5 million tubular end-finishing and heat-treatment facility in Thomasville, Ala., to add end-finishing and heat-treatment processing capabilities for casing products. The company will expand the new end-finishing facility, at an additional capital cost of approximately $10 million, to enable Lakeside to end finish and heat treat casing products in addition to the previously announced tubular-product finishing capabilities. The expansion will enable Lakeside Steel to upgrade casing to high value-added products including L80, N80 and P110 products used in the most demanding onshore drilling applications in North America. more..

May 02, 2011

Nadicom to Build Ductile Iron Foundry in Iowa City

Project Plans Call for $85 Million Investment and 175 Jobs

Officials from Nadicom (North American Ductile Iron Company) announced plans to locate its first North American ductile iron castings foundry in Iowa City, Iowa. The project is contingent upon state and local approvals.more..

April 29, 2011

Tata Steel invests again in high-grade steels in Scotland

Tata Steel has today announced it will invest £8 million at its Clydebridge plant in Cambuslang, Glasgow, to increase its capability to produce high-strength steel plate. more..

April 28, 2011

White Iron (part 1)

Question:
Can you please shed some light on the metallurgical precautions during casting and heat treatment of high-chrome iron – ASTM-A532, Class III, type A (17%, 23% and 27% Cr)? We are softening for machining (300+ BHN) and hardening (600+ BHN) for better wear resistance during usage in a slurry-pumping (coal ash) application. Problems we face are cracking in a few impeller castings before and after heat treatment, most typically an S-type crack profile diametrically around the hub. more..

April 27, 2011

American Railcar: Ohio Castings plant to restart production

American Railcar Industries Inc. (ARI) announced that Ohio Castings' board of directors approved a plan to restart production at its railcar castings facility in Alliance, Ohio. more..

April 26, 2011

BendPak Announces New Manufacturing Complex

SANTA PAULA, CA – April, 2011--BendPak recently announced that after nearly three years of planning, construction has commenced on a brand new $65 million mega-sized manufacturing facility that will nearly double the size of their current manufacturing and administrative capacity. The vast 480,000 multi-faceted complex is one of three factories that will help BendPak facilitate production, increase efficiency, and improve delivery times for some of their popular products.more..

April 25, 2011

Timken Increasing Capacity Across Steel PlantsCompany adding 120,000 tons of capacity over the next 6 to 12 months

CANTON, Ohio, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) will increase its annual steelmaking capacity by 120,000 tons across its steel manufacturing facilities in Canton, Ohio. The company is achieving this boost through a series of improvements at its Harrison Steel Plant that build upon and further leverage the $60 million rolling-mill investment completed there in 2008. more..

April 23, 2011

Maaden and Alcoa ink aluminium deal worth USD 590 million

Maaden and Alcoa signed a deal with South Korea's Samsung Engineering worth USD 590 million to build part of a mega aluminum complex. more..

April 22, 2011

Annealing 1008 Material

Question:
We manufacture automotive gaskets from 1008 low-carbon steel stampings that are 0.55-0.71 inch (14-18 mm) in diameter and up to up to 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) thick. We want to achieve no greater than 100 Knoop but are having trouble finding a commercial heat treater with a continuous mesh-belt furnace who can give us consistent and repeatable hardness results. Can you help? more..

April 20, 2011

Using Ideal Diameter as a Predictor of Q&T Properties

Question:
I can see ideal diameter (DI) values being a useful predictor for the quench-and-temper processes. What effect does DI have on normalize (air quench) and temper of 4100- and 4300-series steels? more..

April 19, 2011

Gerdau Ameristeel contracts Tenova Core for walking beam furnace

Tenova Core has recently been contracted by Gerdau Ameristeel to design and supply a 140 tonnes per hour walking beam reheat furnace at Gerdau’s Calvert City in Kentucky facility. The new walking beam furnace will replace an existing furnace and will be used to efficiently and uniformly heat billets for processing.more..

April 18, 2011

Metals traders cautious after bittersweet Chinese data

Base metals were flat to higher as a string of positive macroeconomic figures from China helped reverse days of weakness although traders remained anxious that higher inflation levels could spark further tightening moves in the world’s top metals consumer.more..

April 15, 2011

Using Ideal Diameter as a Predictor of Q&T Properties

Question:
I can see ideal diameter (DI) values being a useful predictor for the quench-and-temper processes. What effect does DI have on normalize (air quench) and temper of 4100- and 4300-series steels? more..

April 14, 2011

Siemens VAI to deliver rolling mill Viraj Profiles Ltd.

India, order, rolling mill, Siemens, stainless steel bar, Viraj Profiles Ltd.

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies is constructing a new rolling mill for stainless steel bar and light profiles in India for Viraj Profiles Ltd., the second largest producer of stainless steel long products in the world.

The scope of the project includes the design, engineering and delivery of mechanical, electrical and automation equipment. more..

April 13, 2011

Post-Weld Heat-Treat Question

Question:
We manufacture spherical tanks made of low-carbon-steel shells ASME SA-537 Class-2, containing pressurized Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The tank is formed from 1.97-inch (50-mm) thick steel plates having a composition of: 0.24% C, 0.64-1.46% Mn, 0.035 % P, 0.035 % S, 0.13-0.55% Si, 0.38% Cu, 0.28% Ni, 0.29% Cr and 0.09% Mo.more..

April 12, 2011

Report Confirms the U.S. Steel Industry Is a World Leader In Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reductions

New report further reveals need to prevent EPA greenhouse regulations and for further investment in breakthrough technologies to make additional gains more..

April 11, 2011

Ipsen Ships Vertical TITAN® V6 Model

Ipsen, Inc. recently shipped a 2-Bar TITAN® V6 to the Texas plant of a top three global energy company. The bottom-loading TITAN® V6, with a 60 x 60 inch work area, shipped on one standard truck and was installed within days by Ipsen's field service team. more..

April 08, 2011

Ford Motor urges US ITC to lift tariffs on AD duties on HR steel

Detroit News Washington Bureau reported that Ford Motor Co has urged a US panel to lift tariffs on antidumping duties on hot rolled steel from Brazil, Japan and Russia.more..

April 07, 2011

Brazing Fluxes (part 2)

Cleaning Fluxes After Brazing

The ONLY solvent that should be used for removing flux residues from the surface of the parts being brazed is HOT WATER. The hotter the water, the better! The ingredients in flux are such that hot water is highly effective at removing all of the flux residues left on the brazed surfaces, and no other chemical ingredients are needed in the cleaning baths. Therefore, they are NOT recommended. The only time that any additive helps with flux removal is when the flux has been grossly overworked during heating and turns to a hard, dark-black, glass-like residue on the surface. Under such circumstances, certain proprietary chemicals have proven effective as additives to the water used to remove flux.more..

April 06, 2011

ORNL awards $12M contract for process line to support Carbon Fiber Technology Center

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has awarded a contract valued at more than $12 million to Harper International for a "full pilot-scale carbon fiber process line," according to information released by the Lancaster, N.Y.-based company. The work is to be carried out with Recovery Act funding.more..

April 05, 2011

Baldor Electric Unifies Heat-Treat Operations

United Process Controls (UPC) completed a turnkey project for Baldor Electric to upgrade furnace controls and automate heat-treat operations at the company’s Greenville, S.C., plant. To optimize and centralize control, UPC scrapped the old control consoles and replaced them with compact, state-of-the-art control systems based on the Protherm 600 programmable controllers for monitoring and controlling all furnace process parameters. The scope of the control upgrade also included PLCs, VRT controls, supervisory flame pilots, SCR heater controllers and Waukee’s AccuBlendor™ endothermic generator systems with turndown control for just-in-time delivery of mixed gases. more..

April 04, 2011

Solar Manufacturing Receives Furnace Order from Major Chinese Aircraft Manufacturer

SOUDERTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Manufacturing, Inc. announces it has received an order for a Model HCB-120180-2EQ car bottom type vacuum heat treating furnace from a major Chinese aircraft manufacturer. It is expected that the furnace will be used for the processing of various titanium aircraft parts and other related products. more..

March 31, 2011

Discoloration of Stainless Steel in Vacuum Furnaces Due to Humidity

Question:
I was wondering if you have any information on the humidity effect on the vacuum furnace (annealing process). We have experienced an increase in OD discoloration on our products (304L stainless steel) during the summertime and high-humidity days.more..

March 30, 2011

Chinese Forger Orders SMS Open-Die Press

Qiqihar North Forging Steel will process high-strength materials

Press builder SMS Meer reports news of a new order it has received from China’s Qiqhar North Forging Steel Co. Ltd., in northeastern province of Heilongjian. The 60/70-MN open-die press will form high-strength materials like tool steel, stainless steel, and high-alloy specialty grades for a range of industrial products. more..

March 28, 2011

US ITC conducts AD reviews on seamless pipes from Japan and Romania

On March 23rd 2011, the United States International Trade Commission had announced the initiation of 5 year reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on carbon and alloy seamless standard, line, and pressure pipe from Japan and Romania.more..

March 25, 2011

Rio Tinto to purchase Eurocan Wharf for aluminum smelter modernization project

Rio Tinto has reached an agreement with West Fraser Timber to purchase its former Eurocan Wharf facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. This acquisition will secure increased wharfing space in anticipation of Kitimat aluminum smelter modernization project.

Rio Tinto’s acquisition will secure increased wharfing space in anticipation of Kitimat aluminum smelter modernization project.more..

March 24, 2011

Press Quenching Pressures

Question:
I have been pulling my hair out trying to obtain the information and formula for calculating the pressure in pounds on a Gleason-type quench press. We outsource our heat treatment and have had good success in the past with our vendors. We are now having an issue with a large-diameter ring gear over expanding. I am trying to calculate the starting pressure of the Gleason expander. If you could advise me, I would be very grateful.more..

March 22, 2011

Forgemasters’ 15K Press Project is Back on the Table

U.K. forger reconsiders last year’s plan for a new production line

British forger Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd. is considering whether and how to revive its plan to install a new, 15,000-metric ton forging press at its plant in Sheffield, England. The project, conceived in order to produce parts for the global nuclear power market, was cancelled last summer when expected government financing was cancelled by the U.K.’s Conservative/Liberal coalition government.more..

March 21, 2011

Japanese earthquake - Japanese steelmakers to work together

JMB reported that Japanese integrated steel makers and special steel makers will make new production plan for special steel bar and wire rod in next week to cover production loss for damaged plant in eastern Japan due to the major earthquake.more..

March 18, 2011

Xinergy Ltd. Announces Filing of Ni 43-101 for Greenbrier Metallurgical Coal Reserves

South Fork Coal Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xinergy Ltd., a US Central Appalachian producer of high quality coal, is pleased to announce that it has completed a detailed review of the mineral exploration, development and production activities at its Greenbrier metallurgical coal reserves (“the Property”) located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The work was conducted under the supervision of James Canterbury (“Qualified Person”) of Summit Engineering Inc. and more..

March 17, 2011

Hardware Supplier Orders Induction Forging System

Inductoheat, Inc. shipped a single-module, 500 kW/3 kHz InductoForge® induction forging system and material-handling equipment to a supplier of hardware and hand tools. This machine is designed for heating a wide range of billet diameters and lengths to 2250°F. This forging line begins with a 6,500-pound-capacity automatic bin tipper with automatic refill, which dumps carbon steel billets into a rotary feeder. The rotary feeder continuously feeds billets end to end using a start/stop motion sensor and supplies a pinch-wheel in-feed system that precisely delivers billets through the induction coils on heavy-duty skid rails. more..

March 15, 2011

Scot Industries to build a new production facility in DeKalb County

Scot Industries Inc, a manufacturer of steel tube and bar products, has announced that it will establish a new production facility, creating up to 65 new jobs by 2014. more..

March 14, 2011

Investment firm to buy 3 steel mills

Russian steelmaker OAO Severstal is dismantling the U.S. steel empire it acquired three years ago by selling former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel mills in Ohio and West Virginia, plus mills in Warren, Ohio, and Baltimore in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, the company said Wednesday. more..

March 11, 2011

12,000-Ton Mechanical Forge Press Recommission Complete

TECT Power project complete after 13 months

The comprehensive rebuild of a 12,000-ton mechanical forge press at the TECT Power Euclid, OH facility was completed in January. The press, used to manufacture airfoils, metal leading edges, and other forgings, will now allow the company to produce more "power and precision than ever before." more..

March 10, 2011

Oil Discharge from Quench Tanks

Question:
We just rebuilt our atmosphere integral-quench furnace. As the supervisor was gassing it up today, it "belched" about 50 gallons of quench oil out of the furnace through the quench vent. This had previously happened quite a while back (several years ago). This same furnace was gassed up yesterday with no problems. The burnoff stack seems to be clear.

Do you or any of your contacts have any idea how/why this might be happening?

Answer: more..

March 09, 2011

AMG acquires aluminum master alloy producer KB Alloys and LLC

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV has acquired 100% of the LLC interests of KB Alloys, LLC from CHS Capital LLC for USD 23.5 million in cash. KBA is the North American market leader in the production of aluminium master alloys and grain refiners.more..

March 08, 2011

Nucor Announces Ground Breaking in St. James Parish Project

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced today that it has broken ground on its direct reduced iron (DRI) making facility that will be located in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Nucor's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dan DiMicco, spoke at the event, alongside Governor Bobby Jindal and Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret. more..

March 07, 2011

Support, Defend Steel Industry

For many years the relationship between steel companies and unions representing their workers was a no-holds-barred confrontational one. That has changed, as a comment by a United Steelworkers union official illustrated this week.

Severstal North America is selling the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel facilities in the Ohio Valley to a New York firm, Renco Group Inc., it was revealed Wednesday.more..

March 05, 2011

Japanese Consortium to Build New Aerospace Forger

50K-ton press will be the centerpiece of venture starting in 2014

Four companies are pooling their resource to establish a new forging operation in Japan, capable of producing large-scale components in titanium, nickel, and other specialty metals and alloys metals for aircraft engines and fuselages. High-alloy forgings for power plants will be another target market for Japan Aeroforge Ltd., which is a partnership of Hitachi Metals, Ltd., Kobe Steel Ltd., IHI Corp. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., capitalized at 3.7 billion yen (about $45 million.)more..

March 04, 2011

Effect of Hardfacing on Temper Embrittlement

Question:
I am working on a project that involves heating a ¼-inch-thick boron steel in a continuous belt furnace up to 1825°F. The through-furnace time is approximately 5 minutes followed by forming the part to shape in a press, after which it drops into a polymer quenchant. From the quench tank it goes into a tempering furnace set at 525°F. Time through this continuous belt furnace is 45 minutes. more..

March 02, 2011

Sandvik concludes major agreement

Sandvik Materials Technology has concluded a multi-year supply agreement for the delivery of cladding tubes in zirconium, valued at more than SEK 3 billion. more..

March 01, 2011

Tata Steel raises forging and speciality product prices

Tata Steel is raising prices of its forging steels, engineering bar and aerospace products following demand improvement. more..

February 28, 2011

Despatch Industries Receives Large Order of Benchtop Ovens to be Used in Laboratories

Despatch Industries, the world’s leading thermal processing equipment provider for over one hundred years, recently received a large order for their popular LAC High Performance Benchtop Ovens. The ovens will be used for curing coatings in a laboratory environment.more..

February 25, 2011

Daimler starts major recuitment wave

Daimler plans to recruit more than 10,000 people worldwide in 2011, thereof 4,000 in Germany alone.

6,700 skilled workers and approximately 700 graduates will be recruited directly all over the world. more..

February 24, 2011

Air Products to Supply Industrial Gases to Solar Atmospheres

Air Products has been selected by Solar Atmospheres to provide industrial gases for its new plant in Fontana, Calif. Air Products will supply Solar Atmospheres with nitrogen, argon and helium for use in the vacuum processing of metals. With this latest contract, Air Products continues to supply all of Solar Atmosphere’s nitrogen, argon and helium needs at each of the company’s five plants, including four locations in Pennsylvania. more..

February 22, 2011

Latrobe Specialty Steel looking for new plant site in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported that Latrobe Specialty Steel Corporation is looking at sites in the Pittsburgh region to build a titanium processing plant that would employ between 55 and 60.more..

February 21, 2011

Fire and steel event celebration on Teesside

Exactly one year to the day since the historic mothballing of the famous Corus Blast Furnace, The Fire and Steel Festival on 19th February 2011 will reignite Redcar’s skies. more..

February 19, 2011

Chinese Manufacturer Orders Nitriding System

Nitrex Metal delivered a turnkey nitriding system to China’s Chongqing Hongjiang Machinery Co. Ltd., a producer of engine fuel-injection systems. The NX-1015 includes Nitreg® nitriding and Nitreg®-C nitrocarburizing technologies to automatically control treatments for fuel-injector assembly parts as well as transmission parts made of Nitralloy, tool steels, high-grade steels and other specialty steels. The system also houses an ammonia dissociator for just-in-time delivery of process gases and a neutralizing system to eliminate residual ammonia and meet local environmental targets. more..

February 18, 2011

Gestamp to build first US wind tower plant

Spain´s Gestamp and US metal manufacturer Worthington Industries will form a joint venture to produce wind turbine towers for the US and Canadian wind markets.more..

February 17, 2011

Bradken to Expand Louisiana Foundry

Australia-based company will invest $18 million in Amite, La., operations.

Bradken, based in New South Wales, Australia, has announced plans to expand its foundry in Amite, La. The project represents a capital investment of $18.1 million. The company says it hopes to complete the expansion in 18 months.more..

February 16, 2011

STEWART GROUP ACQUIRES G&T METALLURGICAL SERVICES

We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Canada-based G&T Metallurgical Services (GTMET) cementing the position of Stewart Group as one of the world’s key providers of Inspection & Analysis, Geochemical & Assay and Mineralogy & Metallurgy services.more..

February 15, 2011

Lucifer Furnaces Designs Large Box Furnace for Aerospace Industry

Feb 10,2011 - Lucifer Furnaces, Inc. has designed a large heat treating box furnace for a leading provider in the aerospace industry. The 20” high by 20” wide by 40” long unit will be used in the manufacture of engine parts. more..

February 14, 2011

U.S. Trade Rep. fights Chinese tariffs on U.S. steels

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said Friday he is requesting the World Trade Organization create a dispute settlement panel for a case where China has imposed a tariff against U.S. imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled electrical steel.more..

February 13, 2011

US to pursue WTO cases against China - Report

Sunday, 13 Feb 2011The US announced that it would go ahead with a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization over restrictions on foreign payment card firms like Visa Inc and American Express Co.more..

February 11, 2011

Annealing Gold-Plated Stainless Steel

Question:
I want to subcritical anneal a part in hydrogen that is made from 304 stainless steel. The annealing temperature (approximately 1700°F) is a concern to me in that the parts are gold plated. The plated gold is causing a eutectic or eutectic reaction (lowering the materials’ melting point). Is there a method to gold plate 304 stainless steel and then anneal it at 1700°F?more..

February 10, 2011

Northwest Pipe Company's Tubular Products Group to Upgrade Mill in Houston, Texas

VANCOUVER, WA--(Marketwire - February 8, 2011) - Northwest Pipe Company (NASDAQ: NWPX), an industry leader of engineered welded steel pipe, will expand its Houston, Texas mill in response to customer demands for greater product offering. The Houston mill, which has traditionally produced only mechanical tubing products, began to produce green tube for OCTG in 2010. The mill upgrade will build on the OCTG green tube and other products already being produced on-site by adding production of 2 3/8 and 2 7/8 inch tubing with physical properties suitable for heat treating.more..

February 08, 2011

Essar Steel restarts No 7 blast furnace

The Canadian Press reported that Essar Steel Algoma announced that it has started its No 7 blast furnace after a lengthy, unplanned shutdown that began in late January. more..

February 07, 2011

Investor documents show Evraz North America facing $3 billion in debt

Portland's venerable Oregon Steel Mills Inc. had worked its way back from near bankruptcy and paid off its debt in 2006 when the Russians swooped in.

Evraz Group, a Moscow company backed by a brash billionaire, paid a breathtaking $5.1 billion for Oregon Steel, Delaware's Claymont Steel and Ipsco Inc.'s Canadian assets. Cobbling them together, the Russians said Oregon Steel would keep its name, its Portland headquarters, its management and 680 Oregon workers. more..

February 04, 2011

ICG plans to invest in metallurgical coal mines

International Coal Group plans to spend heavily in 2011 to increase production of metallurgical coal for steelmakers, company officials said Thursday.

Chief Executive Ben Hatfield's comments came during a conference call with securities analysts.more..

February 03, 2011

Vacuum Hardening 410 Stainless Steel

Question:
I have a customer who wants me to process some 410 stainless steel. I know that the carbon content of the material has to be on the higher side to ensure that it will fully harden with gas quenching, but I don't know what the minimum value is. Is there a minimum carbon content used by industry where they can or will declare their material "air hardenable"? I told my customer they can buy material specifically graded this way, but in case they don't, I want to be able to determine this from the mill report.more..

January 31, 2011

BHPB delivers iron ore production records

BHP Billiton has delivered new highs for iron-ore production, but revealed the damage caused to coal output by floods in the Australian state of Queensland in its half years results. more..

January 30, 2011

Nucor Receives Permit for Louisiana Project

Nucor announced that the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air-quality permit for its direct reduced iron-making facility that will be located in St. James Parish. Issuance of the air permit will allow the company to begin the process of ordering equipment and commencing construction immediately. The permit allows for the construction and operation of two plants with a combined annual direct reduced iron (DRI) production of 5.5 million tons. Initially, Nucor will build one DRI plant with plans to expand to a second facility. more..

January 27, 2011

Boronizing

Question
What is boronizing, and how does it differ from other case-hardening processes like carburizing or carbonitriding?

Answer more..

January 26, 2011

ArcelorMittal CEO sees slower growth in global steel sector

Reuters reported that ArcelorMittal CEO said that the demand for steel in the developed world will only return to pre crisis levels in 2015. more..

January 25, 2011

Metso to supply biomass boiler plant in Finland

Metso will supply Porvoon Energia with a biomass boiler plant for combined heat and power production in the township of Tolkkinen, Finland. Order value is EUR 15 million.

Metso will supply Porvoon Energia with a biomass boiler plant for combined heat and power production (CHP) in the township of Tolkkinen, Finland. more..

January 24, 2011

PTC Alliance announces capacity expansion at North American facilities

PTC Alliance has announced the expansion of its capacity at two of its North American facilities.

PTC Alliance's Hopkinsville facility has recently doubled its manufacturing output through the re hiring and training of 45 employees running 3 shifts. This Kentucky location produces DOM and Seamless tubing in sizes up to 6 inches in diameter.more..

January 21, 2011

Steel shipment continues on upward trend in US and Canada

According to Metals Activity Report, US metals service center steel shipments for 2010 rose by 20.6% YoY above those of 2009 to nearly 35.7 million tonnes, while in Canada, steel shipments rose by 15.3% YoY to about 5.67 million tonnes.more..

January 20, 2011

Influence of Alloying Elements in Steel: Nitrogen (part 6)

All steels contain some nitrogen, which can enter the steel as an impurity or as an intentional alloying addition. It is generally undesirable as an impurity, causing embrittlement issues and affecting strain aging. However, nitrogen produces a marked (intersititial solid solution) strengthening when diffused into the surface of the steel, similar to the strengthening observed during case hardening (i.e. nitriding). Combined with aluminum, it produces a fine grain size. more..

January 19, 2011

One week from now, the Arcelor Mittal steel plant in Georgetown will be back in operation.

More than 180 steelworkers will be on the job, about 18 months after the mill was shut down due to a drop in the demand for steel. more..

January 17, 2011

New hydrometallurgical technology for titanomagnetite ore

Joint international patent application lodged to protect revolutionary process developed jointly by TNG and METS. It is a hydrometallurgical process suitable for extracting vanadium, titanium and iron from titanomagnetite ores. Successful trials have been conducted on other titanomagnetite Australian vanadium deposits and test work demonstrates applicability to several deposits. Discussions are underway with licensees. more..

January 16, 2011

Forgemasters trials pioneering ingot design

Sheffield Forgemasters has concluded successful casting trials of a pioneering hollow steel ingot to help capitalise on key power generation sectors including civil nuclear. more..

January 14, 2011

ArcelorMittal mulls USD 200 million investment in new line

ArcelorMittal may invest USD 200 million in a new Brazilian line with capacity to produce 500,000 tonnes of galvanized steel a year. more..

January 13, 2011

Influence of Alloying Elements in Steel: Silicon (part 5)

Editor’s note: Part 1 of this series was run back on 3/4/2009. Click here to read part 1. Parts 2-4 were run last January (2010) on the element of manganese. Link to Part 2, Part 3 or Part 4. more..

January 12, 2011

Ajax Acquires, Will Relaunch Pillar Induction

ABP exec observes that “consolidation is necessary”

Ajax Tocco Magnethermic has acquired the assets and intellectual property formerly known as Pillar from ABP Induction for an undisclosed price.

The Pillar brand is a line of induction heating systems, as well as aftermarket parts and service to a worldwide market. ABP Induction was formed in 2005 by a merger of ABB’s foundry services division with Pillar Induction. The sale includes operations in Brookfield, WI, and Sterling Heights, MI, but it does not include ABP Induction melting operations in North Brunswick, NJ, and Massillon, OH. Nor does it include ABP’s international operations, such as ABP Induction Systems Shanghai, previously Pillar Shanghai.more..

January 11, 2011

Gerdau Ameristeel Orders System Revamp

Tenova Core will provide a major revamp of the existing Consteel® system at Gerdau Ameristeel’s Charlotte, N.C., plant. The project scope includes newly designed preheat pans and preheat hoods to reduce the refractory maintenance of the conveying system. The current Consteel water seal system will be replaced with a dry seal system. Tenova Core will also revamp the connecting car that joins the EAF to the Consteel conveyor. more..

January 10, 2011

US DOC finds dumping and subsidization of drill pipe from China

On January 4 the Department of Commerce announced its affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations on imports of drill pipe from the People’s Republic of China.more..

January 08, 2011

unw moulds right advice for Omega Plastics

UK: A plastics firm - which has quadrupled staff numbers since being rescued from administration four years ago - is poised to create more jobs as part of a £300,000 investment. more..

January 07, 2011

Steel mills to drive steel prices higher on coking coal shortage

As coal companies operating in Queensland continue to raise the white flag to nature and declare force majeure, steel mills are expected to stock up on metallurgical coal and drive prices higher. more..

January 04, 2011

Lincoln Electric to Acquire Severstal Welding Business

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables, a manufacturer of welding consumables in Russia and a subsidiary of OAO Severstal. The transaction includes acquiring manufacturing operations and exclusive distribution rights of the Severstal brand of welding consumables. This acquisition will add to Lincoln Electric’s manufacturing capacity in Russia. The company also acquired Russia’s Mezhgosmetiz-Mtsensk OAO (MGM) in November 2010. more..

January 03, 2011

ArcelorMittal increases its offer for Baffinland Iron

ArcelorMittal announced that it has increased its offer for all outstanding common shares of Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and all outstanding common share purchase warrants issued pursuant to a warrant indenture dated 31 January 2007 to CAD 1.40 per Common Share. more..

December 31, 2010

Joint Venture Aims to Manufacture RE Alloys in U.S.

Colorado-based Molycorp Inc. and Japan’s Hitachi Metals Ltd. announced they have entered into an agreement regarding the planned formation of joint ventures for the production of rare-earth alloys and magnets in the U.S. The ventures would be focused on the manufacture of neodymium-iron-boron alloys and magnets that are vital to many clean-energy, automotive, computer, communications and other technologies. The parties are expected to sign definitive agreements for the alloy joint venture by early April 2011. Molycorp is the only rare-earth oxide producer in the Western Hemisphere and currently produces approximately 3,000 metric tons of commercial rare-earth materials per year. more..

December 30, 2010

Midwest manufacturing output rose in November

The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank's Midwest Manufacturing Index has increased 0.4% in November 2010 to a seasonally adjusted level of 81.1. Revised data show the index edged up 0.3% in October to 80.8. The Federal Reserve Board's industrial production index for manufacturing has increased by 0.3% in November. Regional output in November rose by 7.9% from a year earlier and national output increased 6%.more..

December 29, 2010

AK Steel To Permanently Close Kentucky Coke Plant

WEST CHESTER, Ohio -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) said today that it is permanently closing its Ashland, Kentucky coke plant in 2011. The company currently has 263 hourly and salaried employees at the coke plant, which produces the blast furnace fuel for the company's iron- and steelmaking facility located separately in Ashland. The company said it will do its best to provide jobs for the affected employees at its Ashland Works or elsewhere in the company. Procedures for the closure will begin immediately and are expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2011. more..

December 28, 2010

US rare earth mine resumes active mining

It is reported that a major US mine for rare earth metals has gone back into operation, adding a much needed source to offset China control of the unique group of materials necessary to build tech gadgets like smart phones and laptops.more..

December 27, 2010

Court says workers can intervene in US Steel suit

Monday, 27 Dec 2010A federal court affirmed that right in a new decision crushing US Steel's efforts to keep workers and another steel firm out of the company's legal battle with Ottawa.more..

December 24, 2010

Double digit global stainless steel price hike in 2011

MEPS forecast: Inventories throughout the supply chain are lean and observers believe there will be sufficient demand in the short term to support higher basis figures. more..

December 23, 2010

AK Steel Clears Smoke Over Ohio Factory

AK Steel has spent $5.2 million from 2007 to last year on environmental capital investments. Environmental compliance costs for the same three-year period were almost $360 million.more..

December 22, 2010

Walter Energy acquires Alabama port terminal

Tampa, Florida-based hard coking coal producer Walter Energy Inc. announced Tuesday that it has acquired the assets of Mobile River Terminal Co. in Mobile, Alabama from a subsidiary of US Steel. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. more..

December 21, 2010

Tata Tech plans to hire 400 engineers in U.S. by the year end

Tata Technologies, a subsidiary of India's Tata Motors is all set to take on 400 engineers at its technical center near Detroit by the end of this year. The purpose behind the move is to help with projects for car makers in North America.more..

December 20, 2010

AK Steel to help revive US industry and bring it back on track

Monday, 20 Dec 2010It is reported that when the officials at steelmaker AK Steel went to demolish their old headquarters in Middletown this year, local historians reminded them that their predecessors had buried a time capsule in the foundation of the nearly 100 year old structure.more..

December 16, 2010

Flowmeter Basics (part 1)

A number of people in the industry take flowmeters for granted. Here are a few simple rules that will help keep our flow measurements (and our heat-treat processes) accurate.

Flowmeter Sizing more..

December 15, 2010

Rio Tinto announces expansion of Canadian aluminium smelters

Rio Tinto is to invest in its Canadian aluminium smelters to improve production efficiency through modernization and expansion.

Rio Tinto is to invest in its Canadian aluminium smelters to improve production efficiency through modernization and expansion.more..

December 14, 2010

Environment team retains high standards

UK: Sheffield Forgemasters International Limited has a new three-strong environment team highlighting the importance the company places on fulfilling its environmental objectives. more..

December 13, 2010

Small steel producers eyeing derivatives to cut risk

Small and medium sized steel producers are increasingly looking to derivatives trade to lock in profit and cut risk as they contend with meager margins, shifting economic trends and volatile raw materials prices more..

December 11, 2010

Steel market remains fluid and challenging

The world steel industry is emerging from the worst slowdown in more than half a century although the overall situation remains fluid and challenging... more..

December 10, 2010

Sapa Industrial Extrusions Purchases Furnace

SECO/WARWICK sold an 86,000-pound-capacity reverb tilting holding furnace to Sapa Industrial Extrusions for on-site field erection/installation at its Cressona, Pa., plant. Reverb furnaces are direct-fired, open-hearth furnaces used for melting or holding nonferrous metal. Applications for the reverb furnace include melting sows, solids and scrap, along with alloying the molten metal before casting into usable forms. Tilting reverb furnaces provide the casting station operator maximum control over the delivery of molten metal to the casting machine. The rate of molten metal flow can be immediately increased or decreased by a convenient push-button control or automatically by a launder metal level sensor. more..

December 08, 2010

International delegation inspects Gladstone Steel Plant Project

Boulder Steel Limited announced that a delegation from China has inspected the proposed USD 1.3 billion Gladstone Steel Plant Project as discussions continue to structure a partnership arrangement with Boulder Steel Limited.more..

December 06, 2010

Lampros Steel acquired

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. has acquired the outstanding capital stock of Portland’s Lampros Steel Inc.

Los Angeles-based Reliance (NYSE:RS) also acquired a related interest in Lampros Steel Plate Distribution LLC. more..

December 03, 2010

Types of Vacuum Heat-Treating Equipment (part 3)

Uniformity of temperature in vacuum furnaces is of great importance to heat-treatment results. The construction of the heating system should be such that temperature uniformity in the load during heating is optimal; it should be better than ±10°F (5°C) after temperature equalization. This is realized with single or multiple temperature control zones and a continuously adjustable supply of heating power for each zone. more..

December 01, 2010

TATA Steel opens processing centre to serve wind tower fabricators

Tata Steel is investing £1.3 million in a new processing and distribution centre in Scunthorpe to take advantage of anticipated growth in the wind power sector and help realise the UK’s ambitious renewable energy programme over the next decade. more..

November 25, 2010

Ipsen installs vacuum carburizing furnace at Burton Industries

Ipsen recently installed a low pressure vacuum carburizing furnace (AvaCTM - Acetylene Vacuum Carburizing) with two-bar gas and oil quench, a workspace of 36 in. W x 48 in. L x 36 in. H and a workspace capacity of 2400 pounds.more..

November 24, 2010

Heat Exchanger Design and Maintenance

This is the 15th article in our Vacuum Heat-Treatment Series. Heat exchangers are an important part of the vacuum gas-cooling system, yet most users do not understand the critical role these units perform or have a clear understanding of the type of maintenance required to keep them operating at peak efficiency. more..

November 23, 2010

SECO Warwick to Supply Vacuum Furnace to Institute of Aviation in Poland

The furnace will be used for research in brazing processes, mainly for jet engine components. It is a standard, single-chamber furnace, type 2.0VP-4022/24HV, equipped with a high vacuum pumping system and gas cooling system. more..

November 22, 2010

BHPB withdraws Potash Corp offer, launches fresh buy-back

BHP Billiton has withdrawn from its hostile US$42 billion bid to acquire Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc after failing to win approval from Canada’s Minister of Industry. more..

November 19, 2010

ATI Signs Definitive Merger Agreement with Ladish

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: ATI) and Ladish Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: LDSH) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby ATI will acquire Ladish for an aggregate fully distributed equity value of approximately $778 million.more..

November 18, 2010

Types of Vacuum Heat-Treating Equipment (part 1)

Vacuum furnaces can be classified, according to the mode of loading, into horizontal and vertical furnaces and can be batch or continuous (multi-chamber) designs. A large number of configurations exist that are described in detail in the literature[1]. more..

November 17, 2010

SSAB Invests Nearly $300 Million for New Heat Treating Facility in Alabama

SSAB (STO:SSABA) will today hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new heat treating facility for quenched and tempered steels. SSAB invests nearly $300 million for the heat treating facility in order to expand its line operations in Alabama. The investment is part of the program announced in 2008 to further develop SSAB’s production base in the United States. more..

November 16, 2010

Houghton to Acquire Shell Metalworking and Metal Rolling Oils Business

BusinessWire PHILADELPHIA Houghton International Inc., global manufacturer and supplier of industrial fluids and chemical management services, has signed an agreement to acquire the Shell Metalworking and Metal Rolling Oils business. The transaction, anticipated to close in early 2011, is subject to regulatory approval. more..

November 15, 2010

Praxair Technology Helps Arcelormittal Win Steel Industry Award

Project Reduces Fuel Consumption by 260,000 Btu per ton of steel produced

DANBURY, CT -- Nov. 10, 2010 – Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) has announced that its innovative Dilute Oxygen Combustion (DOC) technology, installed at ArcelorMittal in Indiana, contributed to the steelmaker receiving the 2010 Energy Achievement Award from the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST). more..

November 12, 2010

ArcelorMittal Monlevade reinstates orders for wire rod mill

In 2008, ArcelorMittal Monlevade SA Brazil had placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply of a single strand high performance wire rod mill with the option of expansion to two strands. In view of the world economic crisis, the order was subsequently suspended. It was reinstated in summer 2010 and the original expansion option for two strands is to be implemented immediately. The plant is scheduled to go into production in the second quarter of 2012. more..

November 11, 2010

Types of Atmosphere Heat-Treating Equipment (part 2)

During operation, the volume of protective atmosphere required for safe use in a particular heat-treating furnace depends to a great extent on the: more..

November 10, 2010

XINERGY LTD. SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO ACQUIRE METALLURGICAL COAL PROPERTY

Xinergy Ltd. ("Xinergy" or "the Company") announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire a property that management considers to have a significant high quality, mid-volatility metallurgical coal reserve located in southern West Virginia ("the Property"). more..

November 09, 2010

Ma’aden and Alcoa Pour First Concrete for Middle East’s First Integrated Aluminum Smelter and Can-Sheet Rolling Mill

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ma’aden, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, and Alcoa, today poured first concrete for the Middle East’s first fully integrated aluminum smelter and food grade can sheet rolling mill, at Raz as Zawr in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. more..

November 08, 2010

US Steel delivers final offer to Hamilton workers

Sunday, 07 Nov 2010 It is reported that a new effort to avoid the lock out of 900 Hamilton steel workers will be tabled on November 6th 2010 potentially delaying a lock out at the former Stelco.more..

November 06, 2010

Massey Fatal Mine Blast Said to Be Target in Grand Juries’ Probe

Nov. 5 (Bloomberg) -- The April 5 explosion of a Massey Energy Co. coal mine that killed 29 miners is being investigated by two federal grand juries in West Virginia, according to a person close to the probe. more..

November 05, 2010

Types of Atmosphere Heat-Treating Equipment (part 1)

Atmosphere furnaces are characterized by their use of a “protective” atmosphere to surround the workload during heating and cooling. The most common furnace atmosphere, however, is air. Often, nothing more is needed. When an air atmosphere is used (e.g., low-temperature tempering operation), the final condition of the material’s surface or “skin” is not considered important. more..

November 04, 2010

Metalloinvest, Iron-Ore Supplier to U.S. Steel, Sees Prices Rising by 33%

Metalloinvest, the Russian iron- ore supplier to ArcelorMittal, U.S. Steel Corp. and Corus Group Ltd., sees prices of the raw material rising as much as a third in a year and plans to expand production. more..

November 03, 2010

RAD CON commissions batch annealing furnaces at Pang Chang Metals

RAD-CON Inc, a leading supplier of 100% hydrogen bell type batch annealing furnaces, has completed the commissioning of a bell type furnace at Pang Chang Metals Co Ltd at Taichung in Taiwan.more..

November 02, 2010

UkrFA to begin negotiations with US on ferrosilicomanganese deliveries

The Association of Ukrainian Ferroalloy Producers (UkrFA) has announced that it will negotiate directly with the US Department of Commerce on the possibility of assumption of voluntary self-restraints on prices in the supply of the Ukrainian ferrosilicomanganese to the US for 2011, instead of the 163 percent antidumping (AD) duty on imports this product.more..

November 01, 2010

Lucifer Furnaces' High Speed Dual Chamber Furnace to Australia

Lucifer Furnaces is sending a heavy duty high-temp furnace to Australia for use in manufacturing of cutting tools and tooling equipment. more..

October 29, 2010

China official says no plans to cut rare earth quotas

China has no plans to cut its export quota for rare earths next year, a senior official at the department responsible for the minerals said at a conference in Xiamen. more..

October 28, 2010

Classification of Heat-Treating Equipment (Part 2)

With respect to heat-treating furnaces, there are a number of special-purpose types, including: more..

October 27, 2010

Nucor Nearing Start-Up Of New Plate Heat-Treat Facility

Nucoris nearing completion of its Hertford County, North Carolina, plate mill’s new heat-treating facility, Steel Business Briefing learns.more..

October 26, 2010

US university selects compact Lucifer furnace unit

Lucifer Furnaces has installed a dual-chamber space-saving furnace unit at Vincennes University, Indiana, for use in its precision manufacturing technology programme. more..

October 25, 2010

Raese wants business philosophy taken to Senate

BLUEFIELD — John Raese is no stranger to southern West Virginia. He’s been visiting the region for almost a quarter century, meeting with people and often asking for support in elections. Raese was the last candidate to challenge U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, when he ran in 2006 for the seat Byrd had held for 49 years.more..

October 24, 2010

Making long rails puts company on new track

Why Steel Dynamics is making extra-long, 240-foot railroad beams

Plant changes focus from producing beams to turning out product that saves railroads money more..

October 23, 2010

New Large Angle Grinder from Metabo More Powerful, Runs Longer

Designed for Heavy-duty Metal Cutting and Grinding

WEST CHESTER, Pa., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, has introduced a new large angle grinder in the Metabo Metal Masters series. more..

October 22, 2010

New Hampshire copper investment continues to innovate copper investment casting

Alcumet Incorporated, a provider of copper casting for industries across the country has recently announced their initiative to bring a new level of innovation to the industry. more..

October 21, 2010

Classification of Heat-Treating Equipment (Part 1)

Heat-treating furnaces can be divided into two main types: batch and continuous. The fundamental difference between these two styles is not in the materials of construction, although there are differences due to inherent design requirements. Instead, the key differences lie in how workloads are positioned in the units and how they interact with the atmosphere within the furnaces. more..

October 20, 2010

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation Announces Agreement to Purchase Assets of Alexco, LLC

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Oct. 13, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (Nasdaq:KALU) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of Alexco, LLC, a manufacturer of hard alloy extrusions for the aerospace industry based in Chandler, Arizona. The Company intends to fund the purchase price of approximately $90 million with existing cash on hand. The transaction is anticipated to close in December, 2010 subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including receipt of third party consents.more..

October 19, 2010

Esmark Steel Group acquires assets of Kelco Metals Inc

Tuesday, 19 Oct 2010Esmark Steel Group, the wholly owned steel services subsidiary of diversified holding company Esmark Inc, announced that it has acquired the assets of Schaumburg, Illinois based value added steel distributor Kelco Metals Inc. for more than USD 9 million. more..

October 15, 2010

Chile celebrates as last man freed

Chile has completed the rescue of 33 miners trapped half a mile below the Atacama Desert for more than two months, sparking celebrations at the mine site and on city streets throughout the South American country.more..

October 13, 2010

Siemens expands the range of application of its RCB system

Tuesday, 12 Oct 2010Simetal RCB Temp from Siemens VAI Metals Technologies offers operators of electric arc furnaces a precise, contact free method to measure steel bath temperatures. At the heart of Simetal RCB Temp is the Siemens Refining Combined Burner system equipped with an optical sensor and analyzing unit.more..

October 12, 2010

Foreign firms buy coal reserves

Companies from Russia, India and the Ukraine have bought more than one billion tons of West Virginia's most valuable coal reserves during the past two years. more..

October 11, 2010

AFC-Holcroft Installs Furnaces in China

AFC-Holcroft and partner company Shanghai Powermax announced the commissioning of several large orders in China. Bodycote Wuxi started production on its latest AFC-Holcroft furnace, with the entire line now consisting of six AFC-Holcroft/Powermax UBQ 36-48-36 furnaces and companion equipment. An international supplier of bearings expanded production at its plant in China with a total of six AFC-Holcroft/Powermax UBQ 72-72-56 furnaces. These represent some of the largest sealed quench furnaces installed in China, with loads larger than 7,000 kg. Some of the furnaces are used to heat treat windmill bearing races with very deep case depths and stringent specifications. more..

October 08, 2010

Ternium, Nippon Steel to Establish JV in Mexico

Ternium S.A. and Nippon Steel Corp. signed definitive agreements to form a joint venture in Mexico for the manufacture and sale of hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets to serve the Mexican automobile market. The new joint venture will operate under the name of Tenigal SRL de CV (Tenigal). Tenigal plans to build a hot-dip galvanizing plant in the vicinity of Monterrey City that will feature state-of-the-art equipment and technology with an annual production capacity of 400,000 metric tons. more..

October 06, 2010

Siemens to supply a copper rod rolling mill to Chinalco

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has received an order from the Southwire Company to supply a copper rod rolling mill for the largest non ferrous metal producer in China. The end customer is Chinalco Kunming Copper Co Limited. The new mill will be erected on a Greenfield site in Kunming, with commissioning by year end 2011.more..

October 05, 2010

Rio Tinto Alcan to invest USD 487 million in Icelandic smelter

Sunday, 03 Oct 2010Rio Tinto Alcan has announced an investment of USD 140 million in a leading-edge casting facility to produce value added billet at its aluminium smelter at Straumsvik in Iceland bringing total investment announced in recent weeks in ISAL to USD 487 million. more..

October 04, 2010

RAD CON to supply hydrogen annealing furnace system to Femco Steel

RAD CON Inc, one of the world’s leading suppliers of 100% hydrogen, bell type batch annealing furnaces for strip and wire and has been selected to provide Femco Steel Technology with a 100% hydrogen annealing furnace system. The furnace installation will answer FST's needs for the efficient, reliable normalizing that the company's ultra high quality tubing products require. more..

October 03, 2010

China Rejects Any Price Hike From Australian Mining Tax

The secretary-general of the China Iron & Steel Association, Shan Shanghua, has emphasized that China will not accept any increase in iron ore prices arising from the Australian government’s proposed mineral resources rent tax (MRRT).more..

September 30, 2010

Edwards Wins Orders for Steel Degassing Equipment

Edwards won orders worth over $1.5 million for its new-generation steel degassing equipment in India. The dry pumping technology is replacing traditional steam-ejector systems in vacuum-degassing (VD) processes, enabling users to produce higher quality products with significantly reduced operating and energy costs. Steel degassing modules will be installed at companies including Laxcon Steel and Bhawani Steel to run the VD and vacuum oxygen decarburizing (VOD) processes to produce degassed alloy steels and stainless steel used in automotive, electrical and power industries. more..

September 29, 2010

Steel Dynamics to Buy Joist-Making Assets from Commercial Metals Company

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STLD) today announced that it has agreed to acquire from affiliates of Commercial Metals Company (CMC), certain facilities and assets of CMC's former steel-joist manufacturing operations. These assets will become a part of SDI's wholly owned subsidiary, New Millennium Building Systems. The transaction is expected to close within the next 30 days.more..

September 28, 2010

Indian coal demand may triple in next two decades

India’s coal demand may more than triple in the next two decades as Asia’s second-fastest growing major economy seeks the fuel to generate electricity and run steel and cement plants.more..

September 27, 2010

BHPB adds a month to PotashCorp acceptance deadline

BHP Billiton has extended the acceptance deadline for the hostile US$130/share bid for Canada’s Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan by a month.more..

September 23, 2010

PSI Awarded New Contract In Chinese Steel Sector From Shougang Group

Summary: Shougang Qian'An Iron and Steel decides in favour of PSImetals 5.

Steelonthenet.com - Berlin, Germany - PSI Chinese subsidiary PSI Information Technology Co., Ltd. has been awarded by Shougang Qian'An Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. with the implementation of the production management system PSImetals 5 for the planning of two steel making plants and two hot rolling mills.more..

September 22, 2010

Baoji Titanium Industry to Use Car Bottom Furnace from Solar Manufacturing

Solar Manufacturing announces it has shipped the largest vacuum car bottom furnace ever manufactured to Baoji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. in Shaanxi, China.more..

September 21, 2010

Gerdau Ameristeel to acquire California mini-mill

Gerdau Ameristeel is acquiring the issued and outstanding shares of TAMCO, a California mini-mill steel producer.more..

September 20, 2010

AxleTech Unveils New Headquarters in Michigan

TROY, Mich., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- AxleTech International, a General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) company, today opened its new state-of-the-art world headquarters facility. AxleTech is a global provider of axles, suspensions, brake systems and aftermarket components for heavy duty commercial and military vehicles. more..

September 18, 2010

Foster Wheeler Signs License Agreement for Advanced Pulverized-Coal Technology in India

Foster Wheeler AG (Nasdaq: FWLT) announced today that a subsidiary of its Global Power Group has entered into a 20-year agreement with The Saraswati Industrial Syndicate Ltd., to provide an advanced technology license for wall-fired subcritical and supercritical pulverized-coal (PC) steam generators to be sold in India.more..

September 17, 2010

Types of Oven Equipment

Ovens may be designed for intermittent loading (one batch at a time) or for a continuous flow of work using some form of conveyance through the unit. Oven equipment sizes vary dramatically, from small bench-top units in laboratory environments to huge industrial systems with thousands of cubic feet (cubic meters) of capacity. Ovens operate with air atmospheres but may be designed to contain special atmospheres such as nitrogen or argon. They may incorporate special construction, such as adaptations for retorts, that allows the use of special atmospheres for the processing of very specialized applications.more..

September 15, 2010

Abakan to Acquire Interest in Powdermet and its Advanced Material Technologies

An initial payment of $500,000 has been paid with a closing for the remaining purchase price anticipated on or before September 30. The acquisition is expected to bring substantial value to Abakan's existing investment portfolio.more..

September 14, 2010

Lucifer Steel Stamps Furnaces Supplied To Sossner

Sossman Steel Stamps has recently set up two Lucifer Furnaces, one heat treating & one industrial oven. more..

September 13, 2010

Arch Coal resumes full operation of Utah coal mine

Arch Coal's Canyon Fuel Company subsidiary today announced that its Dugout Canyon mine in Carbon County, Utah, has restarted its longwall mining system and is in the process of resuming production. more..

September 12, 2010

Chinese iron fist on emissions has steel industry gasping

An Abrupt command from Beijing to follow through with iron fisted energy and carbon emission cuts has thrown China's industrial heartlands into chaos.more..

September 10, 2010

Cooling of Metal Parts by Radiant Heat Transfer (part 1)

When cooling thin, hot metal parts that are placed into a cold (black-body) furnace chamber or still-air cooled in a room-temperature environment, it can be assumed that the heat energy that is radiated from the metal surfaces will be by radiation and convection. more..

September 08, 2010

St. Marys Foundry Installing New Heat Treat Oven

St. Marys Foundry Inc., St. Marys, Ohio, is in the process of installing in-house heat treat capacity that it hopes to have online by mid-December. more..

September 07, 2010

Muffle ovens are capable of temperatures to 760C

Lucifer Furnaces has shipped two dual-chamber atmosphere muffle ovens to a customer for the purpose of heat-treating superconducting wire used in medical, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. more..

September 06, 2010

Realities and perception on steel growth potential in India

The new Steel & Natural Resources Strategies moves away from the common perceptions on the growth potential of the Indian steel industry. The reports critically examines the macro economic conditions globally and in India both in the short and longer term perspectives and brings out some of the most thought provoking points the stakeholders in the industry need to keep in mind. more..

September 03, 2010

P&L Heat Treating Purchases Pit Nitriding Furnace

SECO/WARWICK sold a pit nitriding furnace equipped with ZeroFlow technology to P&L Heat Treating & Grinding for its Youngstown, Ohio, commercial heat-treat facility. more..

September 02, 2010

Gerdau selects Tenova to supply two walking beam furnaces

Friday, 27 Aug 2010Gerdau Acominas and Tenova LOI Italimpianti signed, at the end of July 2009, a contract for the supply of two Walking Beam Furnaces for Slabs to be installed in the new Plate Steckel mills of the Gerdau Acominas Plant in Brazil. more..

August 31, 2010

ArcelorMittal Monlevade places order for the construction of a new Blast Furnace

Luxembourg& Belo Horizonte, 18 August 2010. A new, modern blast furnace, which will become the “B” furnace, will form the hot metal base of ArcelorMittal’s capacity expansion at their Monlevade plant in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sized at 8m hearth diameter, with 22 hot blast tuyeres, it will deliver 1.12 million tons of hot metal per year to the steelmaking facilities. more..

August 28, 2010

ALD Vacuum Acquires Stake in Dynatech Furnaces

Germany’s ALD Vacuum Technologies has taken a 30% stake in India’s Dynatech Furnace Pvt. Ltd., which has more than 20 years of experience in the manufacture of heat-treatment furnaces, especially vacuum-based technology. more..

August 27, 2010

Stockpile: BHP’s hostile bid for Potash Corp steals the headlines

BHP Billiton tops the headlines this week, after the world’s largest miner announced ambitions to get even bigger and more diverse with a bid for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.more..

August 26, 2010

NanoMaterials Innovation Center Operating Microwave Furnace

The Western Hemisphere’s first high-temperature (1500°C) continuous-production microwave furnace is now fully functional at New York’s NanoMaterials Innovation Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alfred Technology Resources, near the campus of Alfred University. Arizona-based Spheric Technologies sold the Spheric/Syno-Therm system and has been providing assistance with setup, training and beta testing. A variety of American companies are using the furnace for proprietary microwave research. For example, a major metals supplier plans to conduct its own metallurgy tests using the furnace. more..

August 24, 2010

SKF Aeroengine to invest $18 million in N.Y. heat treat facility

New York Governor David A. Paterson on August 17 announced that SKF Aeroengine North America will invest nearly $18 million in a new heat treat facility in Falconer, N.Y. The company will retain all 691 high-paying positions in Chautauqua County. As part of this investment, the company will be installing a new high-tech vacuum furnace. This furnace will allow for a heat treatment process called Pyrowear 675, which involves both vacuum carburizing and vacuum hardening. The heat treatment process in bearing manufacturing is viewed as a very critical operation. more..

August 21, 2010

Anshan still bullish on US deal

Steelmaker confident of overcoming objections to investment

BEIJING - Anshan Iron & Steel Group said on Friday that it remained committed to an investment deal in the United States, a day after reports that it had delayed the deal following objections from a group of US congressmen. more..

August 20, 2010

U.S. lawmakers cheer as China steel firm backs out

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawmakers from U.S. steel-producing states on Thursday cheered a decision by Chinese steel company Anshan Iron & Steel Group to back off plans to invest in a U.S. steel plant. more..

August 19, 2010

Tisco Orders Large Vacuum Decarburization Plant

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies will install a new vacuum decarburization plant at Taiyuan Iron & Steel Co.’s (Tisco’s) steel works in the Shanxi Province. It will be designed as a double system with a capacity of 180 metric tons, making it one of the largest plants of its type in the world. The new plant will feature a special copper ladle cover that is designed to substantially reduce the formation of slag skulls on the upper part of the furnace. The plant is scheduled to come into production in mid-2011. more..

August 17, 2010

Siemens VAI Metals Wins Contract from Steel Authority of India

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has received an order from the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) to supply an RH vacuum degassing plant to the Rourkela Steel Works in the state of Orissa.

The new plant will allow high-quality steel grades up to cold-rolled non-oriented types to be produced. The order is worth a total of some ten million euros. The RH plant is scheduled to come into operation by the middle of 2012.more..

August 16, 2010

Chinese steel mills disguising their capacity expansion

It is reported that although Hebei steel output and production capacity ranks the first in the country, its backward steel production capacity is also No1 in China.more..

August 14, 2010

The Annealing Process Revealed (Part One: Basic Principles)

One of the most fundamental processes that must be performed on steel is annealing. While a relatively simple heat treatment to perform, there are a number of factors that must be carefully considered and controlled. In this article, we will discuss the basic principles behind the annealing process. Let’s learn more. more..

August 13, 2010

Lucifer Furnaces has launched a gas-tight oven for use with inert atmosphere.

The Model 46GT-O18 oven, constructed with a continuously welded and structurally reinforced furnace shell and a gasketed door assembly, operates with a positive flow of inert atmosphere to +1,600F. more..

August 12, 2010

Leak Rates, Leak Detection and Leak Repair

This is the 12th in a series of articles in our Vacuum Heat-Treatment Series. What follows is a discussion about acceptable leak rates, leak detection and leak repair methods used on most vacuum vessels. Controlling the leak rate is of major importance in producing sound metallurgical components. more..

August 11, 2010

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation Acquires Nichols Wire Facility, Florence, Alabama

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Aug 9, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (KALU 39.56, -1.64, -3.98%) today announced it has completed the acquisition of the Nichols Wire facility in Florence, Alabama which manufactures bare mechanical alloy wire products, nails and aluminum rod for aerospace, general engineering, and automotive applications. The facility, which employs approximately 100 personnel, will be integrated into Kaiser Aluminum's Fabricated Products business segment. The business typically generates annual value added revenue, which represents net sales less the hedged cost of alloyed metal, of approximately $15 million at profitability levels comparable to the existing Fabricated Products portfolio. more..

August 09, 2010

Gas burn for power seen "moderate" over next 5 years: BentekLatest News in Global Markets

Demand for natural gas in the power sector over the next five years will remain moderate at best and will not be enough to offset the potential downward price impact of currently rapid U.S. shale growth, according to a report from Bentek Energy, LLC.more..

August 06, 2010

Major Factors Supporting China’s Steel Price Rebound, Study

Frbiz.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms, discusses China's steel price trends. more..

August 05, 2010

Liquid Metal Embrittlement

Question

I saw a demonstration of a corrosion phenomenon in which a piece of flexible copper tubing was immersed for about a minute in liquid mercury, removed and bent until it broke apart like glass. Can you explain what happened?

Answer more..

August 04, 2010

Seco Warwick Allied Commissions Walking Hearth Furnace for Chanden Steel Ltd.

Mumbai, India- SECO WARWICK Allied recently commissioned a walking hearth furnace at Chandan Steel Ltd. The furnace is used for heating stainless billets for hot piercing. more..

August 03, 2010

Guinea hopeful Rio deal will speed iron-ore project

CONAKRY – A deal between Rio Tinto and Aluminum Corp of China could speed up development of Guinea's Simandou iron-ore deposits, but the government of the West African state has not yet approved it, Mines Minister Mahmoud Thiam told Reuters. more..

August 01, 2010

Steel industry faces stern resilience test

In another classic case of decentralization overkill, Vietnam has an unwieldy steel industry on its hands, experts say. more..

July 31, 2010

Canada’s Lakeside Steel to build manufacturing facility in Alabama

Lakeside Steel Inc. Thursday announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Thomasville, Alabama. Once fully operational, the new facility is expected to add 192,000 tons of capacity, approximately doubling the Company's total production capacity and creating sufficient new capacity on OCTG casing products. The project is expected to be financed through a combination of equity and debt. more..

July 29, 2010

All About Nickel-Based Alloys (part 2)

Question

What can you tell us about nickel-based alloys? more..

July 28, 2010

Seco/Warwick S.A. Commissions Three (3) Vacuum Furnaces for Motor Sich JSC, Ukraine

SECO/WARWICK S.A. has commissioned three horizontal, front loading vacuum furnaces for Motor Sich JSC, located in the Ukraine: more..

July 27, 2010

Purging of Furnaces – How Do We Know When It’s Safe?

The generic and practical information presented here is not intended to replace or supplement federal, state and local codes, government standards, insurance requirements, company policies and procedures or common sense. Nor is it intended to replace or supplement the equipment manufacturers’ instructions and operating and maintenance manuals that should always be thoroughly read, understood and followed. Comprehensive personnel training should be provided by the equipment manufacturer and their sub-suppliers unequivocally to everyone who will be associated with and operating heat-treating equipment. more..

July 26, 2010

Solar Manufacturing Ships Vertical Top Loading High Temperature R&D Vacuum Furnace to NETL

Solar Manufacturing has shipped a new Model VTC-714 Vertical Top Loading high temperature R&D furnace to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in Albany, OR. NETL is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and part of DOE's national laboratory system. NETL supports DOE's mission to advance the national economic and energy security of the United States. more..

July 25, 2010

Massey accused of disabling safety detector

Massey Energy Co, owners of the Upper Big Branch coal mine in Virginia where 29 miners died in an explosion earlier this year, is facing new allegations of tampering with safety equipment. more..

July 23, 2010

Vale, steelmakers rise on Chinese demand outlook

Vale SA led gains among raw-materials producers in Sao Paulo trading on speculation that China, the world’s fastest expanding major economy, will ease measures to curb domestic growth. more..

July 22, 2010

Siemens modernizes electric arc furnaces in Finland and Saudi Arabia

Linz, Austria, Siemens VAI Metals Technologies received orders to modernize electric arc furnaces for both the Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed) and Outokumpu Oy, a Finnish steel producer. Both plants will be equipped with a new hydraulic system which will improve the efficiency, availability and productivity of the furnaces. The orders are worth several million euros. The projects are scheduled to be finished in the fall of 2010 and by the end of 2011 respectively.more..

July 21, 2010

Massey accused of disabling safety detector

Massey Energy Co, owners of the Upper Big Branch coal mine in Virginia where 29 miners died in an explosion earlier this year, is facing new allegations of tampering with safety equipment.more..

July 19, 2010

Clarion accident shows perils of steel jobs

Inside U.S. Steel's Clairton Works, human scale gets lost.

Workers measure weight in tons, temperature in thousands of degrees. They climb multi-story ovens, feed fires hot enough to burn impurities from coal and fix 4-foot-wide pipes full of unbreathable, explosive air. From their ovens comes the bedrock of industry, the spines of skyscrapers and rail networks.more..

July 16, 2010

Steel strategy aims to upgrade technology, not defend obsolete mills

VietNamNet Bridge – The steel industry association has been warning that the nation already has too many steel mills, and the Government has put the brakes on some new mills. However, even though investors have been slow to implement approved projects, no licenses have yet been yanked. VietNamNet interviewed a high Industry & Trade Ministry official to find out why.more..

July 15, 2010

All About Nickel-Based Alloys (part 1)

Question

What can you tell us about nickel-based alloys?

Answer more..

July 14, 2010

Seco Warwick Allied Commissions Hydrogen Atmosphere Annealing System for Uttam Galva Steels Ltd.

Mumbai, India- SECO WARWICK Allied has commissioned a 54,400 MTPA capacity 4 base Hydrogen atmosphere annealing installation for Uttam Galva Steels Ltd., Khopoli (near Mumbai). more..

July 13, 2010

China's steel output in 2010 may hit new high

China's steel output in 2010 might hit a new high of 620 to 630 million tonnes, a 10 percent increase year on year, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong forecast at a forum Monday. more..

July 11, 2010

Cliffs buys North American coal assets for US$757 million

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc, North America’s largest iron-ore pellet producer, has agreed to purchase privately-owned coal producer, INR Energy LLC's West Virginia coal operations for US$757 million in cash.more..

July 09, 2010

Stress Corrosion Cracking, Hydrogen Embrittlement of Nickel Alloys

Question
What can you tell me about stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement of nickel alloys?

Answer more..

July 07, 2010

Cliffs buys North American coal assets for US$757 million

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc, North America’s largest iron-ore pellet producer, has agreed to purchase privately-owned coal producer, INR Energy LLC's West Virginia coal operations for US$757 million in cash.more..

July 06, 2010

U.S. lawmakers urge China steel investment probe

TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. Congressional Steel Caucus, a bipartisan group of 50 lawmakers, is calling for an investigation into whether a recent U.S. investment by China's Anshan Iron & Steel Group should be blocked more..

July 05, 2010

Gerdau Ameristeel named DOE Energy Champion

Gerdau Ameristeel, the second largest mini-mill steel producer in North America, was recently named to the Department of Energy’s 2010 list of the nation’s Energy Champions, thanks in large part to energy savings at the company’s Knoxville scrap recycling and rebar production plant. more..

July 01, 2010

Question:
We have discovered intergranular cracks at a certain weld location in a Monel (Ni-32Cu) vessel. An earlier failure of some Monel heat-exchanger tubes was also intergranular and appeared to be hydrogen-related. We believe the vessel is experiencing hydrogen embrittlement. Among other symptoms, the vessel hardness is now 95 HRB (it was only 80-85 HRB when it was placed in service). Can hydrogen be baked out of Monel? If so, what temperature would you recommend and for how long? more..

June 30, 2010

Siemens to renovate blast furnace 1 for ArcelorMittal Tubarão

ArcelorMittal Tubarão has commissioned Siemens VAI Metals Technologies to renovate blast furnace 1 at its Tubarão Works in Brazil. more..

June 29, 2010

The Steel Industry Remembers Senator Byrd

“Senator Byrd fought hard for the steel companies not only in West Virginia, but nationwide,” President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson said. more..

June 28, 2010

The Nuclear Renaissance: Opportunities for the Heat-Treating Industry

“The choice is not if we are willing to be in the midst of a nuclear revival, the choice is what to do about it now that we are.”more..

June 25, 2010

West Virginia offers Alcan $10 million loan

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin pledged Wednesday that the state would lend Alcan Rolled Products $10 million to improve its Ravenswood plant and keep jobs in the region. more..

June 24, 2010

Vacuum Hardening of Tool Steels

Question

Can you provide a candid and independent assessment of tool steel hardening using vacuum technology? more..

June 23, 2010

ATI chooses firm to supply rolling mill in Brackenridge

Allegheny Technologies Inc. said yesterday that it has selected a company to design, engineer and supply the $1.16 billion hot rolling mill it plans to install at its Brackenridge plant, a rolling mill that one analyst said will be the "mother of all rolling mills." more..

June 21, 2010

Steel Shares Traded in U.S. May Advance on Chinese Demand, Barron's Says

U.S. Steel Corp., Nucor Corp., Steel Dynamics Inc. and AK Steel Holding Corp. are at “attractive” prices and the stocks may rise if demand in China increases and the global economy avoids another slowdown, Barron’s reported. more..

June 18, 2010

Moody's sees stable outlook for steel industry

LONDON (MarketWatch) - The European steel industry has benefited from higher prices and continued strong demand in China, but the recovery remains fragile, according to a report from Moody's Investors Service on Thursday. more..

June 17, 2010

Salt Bath Hardening of Tool Steels

Question:
Can you provide a candid and independent assessment of tool-steel hardening using salt bath equipment? more..

June 16, 2010

Outokumpu to increase quarto plate production in Degerfors, Sweden with euro 104 mln investment

The Finland-based stainless steel maker Outokumpu Oyj said it would increase capability and capacity of stainless steel quarto plate production in Degerfors, Sweden with investment of euro 104 million.more..

June 15, 2010

BHP Billiton to increase development in West Africa

Publishing Date14 Jun 2010 5:08pm GMTAuthorMining JournalBHP Billiton is reportedly pushing ahead with plans to develop an iron-ore hub in West Africa worth in excess of US$5 billion.more..

June 14, 2010

AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER SENATE FAILURE TO PASS THE MURKOWSKI RESOLUTION

Washington, D.C.– Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), whose members produce more than 75 percent of the steel produced in America, issued the following statement on the Senate’s failure today to pass S.J. Res 26: more..

June 11, 2010

Shaoguan Hongda Gear Co Purchases Turnkey Nitriding System

Nitrex Metal Inc. received an order from Shaoguan Hongda Gear Co. Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of transmission components, for a turnkey nitriding system.more..

June 10, 2010

Nadcap Advice (Part 2)

Readers send us quite a number of questions related to planning and preparing for Nadcap audits and ask for suggestions about the offsets during SATs and TUSs. Here are a few more.more..

June 09, 2010

ArcelorMittal, Rivals Plan $30.4 Billion Mills in Indian State

June 4 (Bloomberg) -- ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, Posco and five rivals may spend a combined 1.42 trillion rupees ($30.4 billion) to build plants in southern India, after investments were stymied in other states. more..

June 08, 2010

Delaco Steel forms joint venture with steelmaker ArcelorMittal

Dearborn-based Delaco Steel Corp. has formed a joint venture with a subsidiary of Luxemberg-based ArcelorMittal S.A., the world's largest steelmaker, to operate two laser welding plants that primarily serve the automotive industry.more..

June 05, 2010

The end of pickling pastes?

The TIG Brush®, invented by Australian product development company, Ensitech, is a safe, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way of removing ‘heat tint’.more..

June 04, 2010

Nadcap Advice (Part 1)

Readers send us quite a number of questions related to planning and preparing for Nadcap audits and for suggestions about the offsets during SAT and TUS. Here is a sampling.more..

June 02, 2010

U.S. slaps punitive penalties on Chinese steel gratings

The U.S. Commerce Department Tuesday set final antidumping duties (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on imports of steel gratings from China, a move which might escalate trade disputes between the two countries.more..

June 01, 2010

Rio chairman says Australia's economic reputation could be destroyed

Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis has warned that Australia’s “excellent reputation” in the global economy is under threat due to the government’s proposed resources super profits tax (RSPT).more..

May 31, 2010

Mideast emerging as strong contender for steel industry

JEDDAH - Commodity reported that Middle East region is now emerging as a strong contender for steel industry as not only government backed projects but also independents have been heavily investing in the steel capacities that is poised to change the recognition of the region from oil pocket to steel hub in coming years.more..

May 30, 2010

Specialty Heat Treating Orders Vacuum Furnace System

ECM USA, a subsidiary of ECM Technologies, received an order from Specialty Heat Treating for an ICBP vacuum furnace system. A recent expansion at Specialty Heat Treating’s Elkhart, Ind., facility required an expandable furnace system that could handle growth in capacity and quenching media. The ICBP system utilizes heating cells attached to a central transfer system to convey loads within the heat-treatment system from the heating cells to several possible quenching media. more..

May 29, 2010

Rio chairman says Australia's economic reputation could be destroyed

Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis has warned that Australia’s “excellent reputation” in the global economy is under threat due to the government’s proposed resources super profits tax (RSPT). more..

May 28, 2010

Radyne Ships Bright Annealing System

[May 5, 2010] Radyne Corp., an Inductotherm Group company, shipped its new oxygen-free copper-wire bright annealing system to a supplier of electrical-grade copper and aluminum wire. more..

May 27, 2010

All That Glitters…

Question:
I want to subcritical anneal a part in hydrogen that is made from 304 stainless steel. The annealing temperature I want to use is approximately 1700ºF (925ºC). The part is gold plated, and I noticed what appears to be the onset of melting. Am I in trouble? more..

May 26, 2010

The Influence of Manganese in Steel

They say that everyone and everything gets 15 minutes of fame somewhere, sometime, somehow. Well, for manganese, its time is now. The effect of a particular alloying element on both the steelmaking process and the steel’s response to heat treatment depends on the individual element and on its (complex) interactions with other elements, either individually or collectively. Manganese is considered, next to carbon, the most important elemental addition to steel. Let’s learn more. more..

May 25, 2010

Logistics Plus named a finalist for steel industry excellence

The American Metal Market Association recently nominated Erie-based Logistics Plus Inc. as a finalist in its first-ever awards for Steel Industry Excellence.

Logistics Plus competed with other companies nationwide for top honors in the category of logistics/transportation provider of the year and was chosen as one of two finalists. more..

May 24, 2010

Virginia Casting Industries Investing $9.1 Million, Establishing New Manufacturing Operation

To be Located in Former Intermet Facility, 300 New Jobs

Richmond- Virginia Casting Industries, LLC, will invest $9.1 million to establish a ductile iron components manufacturing operation in the City of Radford, creating 300 new jobs. The company will occupy the former Intermet New River Foundry facility. Virginia successfully competed against Michigan for the project.more..

May 21, 2010

Causes for Heat-Treat Distortion

Question:
Can you talk about what causes distortion in heat treating and how to avoid it? more..

May 19, 2010

Steelworkers to fight Severstal layoffs

WARREN - Twenty skilled trades workers at the Severstal Warren steel mill are scheduled to be laid off next week in a move the union president plans to quickly fight in arbitration.more...

May 18, 2010

Rio Tinto Restart Iron Ore Expansion in Canada

Rio Tinto has announced the re-commencement of its expansion programme in its Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) operations. The Board of IOC has approved new investment of US$401 million (Rio Tinto share US$235 million) to increase its annual concentrate capacity by four million tonnes to 22 million tonnes by 2012. more...

May 17, 2010

Deal to open Georgetown steel mill 'very close'

As many as 230 jobs hinge on talks' outcome

ArcelorMittal steel officials and the local union are in talks about reopening the Georgetown mill, the union says, which officials said would put more than 100 people back to work and give the hard-hit area a much needed economic boost.more...

May 14, 2010

Senate climate bill does not protect US steel industry, AISI says [UPDATE]

The draft climate bill unveiled this week doesn't go far enough to protect the U.S. steel industry amid continued concerns that manufacturing will leave the United States, according to Thomas J. Gibson, president of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). more...

May 13, 2010

Driveline-Component Supplier Orders Induction Hardening, Tempering System

Inductoheat, Inc. delivered an induction hardening and tempering system to a leading supplier of driveline components. The machine was designed specifically for hardening and tempering hub spindles and ball races. more...

May 11, 2010

Norsk Hydro to buy Vale

Norway's Norsk Hydro ASA said Sunday it will pay $4.9 billion to buy Vale SA's aluminum business, marking the largest-ever international acquisition by a Norwegian company, according to reports.more...

May 10, 2010

Rio to expand Canadian unit

Rio Tinto plc will resume the expansion of its Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) unit with an investment of more than US$400 million.more...

May 07, 2010

Tips for Selecting Induction Heating Equipment

Question:
Can you provide some general guidelines on how to purchase induction heating equipment? more...

May 05, 2010

Atmospheres

With the reputation of benefits from low pressure vacuum carburizing increasing in the heat treating industry, Solar Atmospheres is pleased to announce an increase of capacity available to our customers. more...

May 04, 2010

Tenova Core resumes work at Severstal Columbus facility

Tenova Core has been contracted to design and supply a melt shop material handling system as part of the Severstal North America Phase II project at its Columbus facility. more...

May 03, 2010

BHP Billiton "dissapointed" about new mining tax in Australia

BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP, LSE:BLT) has expressed its disappointment with the Australian Government’s plan to impose a new resource rent tax. more...

April 30, 2010

US Steel Canada to sell bar bloom and billet mills to Max Aicher North America

Thursday, 29 Apr 2010US Steel Canada Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of United States Steel Corporation, announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell the No 1 Bar Mill and the No 3 Bloom and Billet Mill located at its Hamilton Works to Max Aicher (North America) Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Max Aicher GmbH & Co. KG of Germany. more...

April 29, 2010

Loading Orientations for Gears

by Daniel H. Herring - April 28, 2010

Questions:

We have two questions for you today.

1. For gear wheels, which orientation is better for minimum distortion: a horizontal one (i.e. one above another with spacers in between) OR a vertical orientation (i.e. side by side of each, suspended on a horizontal bar)?

2. For pinion, which position is better: vertical (i.e. side-by-side in a vertical way) OR horizontal (i.e. one above another in horizontal way)?

Answers: more...

April 28, 2010

worldsteel short range outlook for 2010-11

Wednesday, 21 Apr 2010The World Steel Association has released its short range outlook for 2010 and 2011. It forecasts that apparent steel use will increase by 10.7% to 1,241 million tonnes in 2010 after contracting by 6.7% in 2009. more...

April 27, 2010

Harmony to close three shafts at Virginia

After "careful" review, Harmony Gold Mining Co said it will close three of its shafts that form part of the Virginia operations in the Free State, affecting about 3,700 employees.more...

April 26, 2010

SMS Meer modernizes a finishing mill for Nucor in record time

Wednesday, 21 Apr 2010SMS Meer has modernized a finishing mill for Nucor Steel Darlington in just five weeks. The new continuous finishing mill allows much shorter stand changing times and also much reduced setup and adjustment times. This consequent modernization has yielded a real competitive edge.more...

April 23, 2010

China to investigate iron ore pricing

Publishing Date16 Apr 2010 3:29pm GMTAuthorMining JournalChina, the world’s largest consumer of iron ore, said it is investigating the possibility that the world’s three largest producers of iron ore may be monopolising control over pricing of the steel-making material.more...

April 22, 2010

Bake-out Cycle After Plating

Question:
Our customer is requiring us to bake nickel-plated parts for 90 minutes at 350ºF (175ºC). If the parts are exposed to a higher temperature, say 1700ºF (925ºC) instead, will that suffice? more...

April 21, 2010

Kobe Steel to set up aluminum forged parts company in China

TOKYO, April 14, 2010 - Kobe Steel, Ltd. has decided to establish a company in China to produce and market aluminum forgings for automotive suspensions. Plans call for the new company to be established in June in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Following construction of a plant, Kobe Steel anticipates that production will begin in August 2012.more...

April 20, 2010

Rio Tinto to invest $340 million in a new Molybdenum Autoclave Process Facility at Kennecott Utah Copper

(South Jordan, UT) – Kennecott Utah Copper, today announced that its parent company, Rio Tinto, will invest $340 million in the construction of a new Molybdenum Autoclave Process (MAP) facility at Kennecott Utah Copper (KUC) in Magna, Utah. more...

April 19, 2010

ACCC delays BHP-Rio tie-up review to give them time to respond From:

AUSTRALIA'S competition regulator has suspended its timetable for reviewing a proposed iron ore joint venture between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to give the parties time to respond to an earlier request for information. more...

April 18, 2010

Case Studies: Creating Salvage Cycles for Carburized Gears

by: Daniel H. Herring

Case studies provide valuable insights into the heat-treat process. They expand our knowledge about the investigative methods needed to overcome specific problems. more...

April 16, 2010

New National Bronze Foundry Starts in Ohio

More melting and casting capacity increase range of products

National Bronze & Metals has completed a three-year expansion project in Lorain, OH, and the result is a new, $22-million foundry that’s larger than the former operation and capable of propelling the company into new markets for its brass, bronze, and copper-alloy products. more...

April 14, 2010

Carbon Flux

Question:
I have always been confused by the term “carbon flux” and how it relates to the carburizing process. Can you explain this in laymen’s terms and provide a short explanation of the various factors that influence carburizing? more...

April 13, 2010

New Carbon Fiber Plant to be Built in Moses Lake, WA

SGL Group and BMW Group jointly announced today at an event in Seattle that their joint venture, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, will build a state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, WA. During the initial phase, US$ 100 million will be invested and 80 local jobs will be created. more...

April 12, 2010

US Sets Hefty Final Duties on China Steel Pipe

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday set final anti-dumping duties ranging from 30 percent to 99 percent on more than $1 billion of Chinese-made steel pipe in one of the biggest US trade cases on record.more...

April 09, 2010

AISI FILES CHINA CURRENCY COMMENTS TO HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

China’s Currency Manipulation Has Injured Domestic Steel and Other Manufacturing Industries more...

April 08, 2010

Hot Zone Construction

Typical all-fiber-lined hot zone

This is the eighth in a series of articles in our Vacuum Heat-Treatment Series. This part talks about vacuum hot zones, their history, construction and maintenance. The type of hot zone construction is often important both to the material and to the process. more...

April 07, 2010

Induction for better productivity and reliability

The pipes or tubes stand out for their excellent straightness and minimum ovalityINDUCTION heating and heat treating is a key process technology for the metal fabricating, automotive, and engine building industries. more...

April 06, 2010

ArcelorMittal to put portion of $138 million investment in local facilities

ArcelorMittal facilities in East Chicago and Burns Harbor are going to receive a chunk of $138 million in planned capital investments, the steelmaker said Wednesday.more...

April 02, 2010

A Discussion About LNG and LPG

Question:
Is LNG the same thing as natural gas, and how does it differ from LPG? more...

March 31, 2010

NLMK commissions high-capacity ladle furnace

Novolipetsk Steel has commissioned a high-capacity 4 mtpa ladle furnace that will enable the company to produce new steel grades for automotive, white goods and electrical engineering applications. more...

March 30, 2010

Ceralink Receives Phase I Award from NASA

Ceralink Inc. has been awarded a $100,000 SBIR Phase I contract by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop an automated microwave surface heating system to solidify lunar regolith (soil). Lunar regolith is easily disturbed and detrimental to equipment and operations on the moon, as was identified by the severe complications from dust on the Apollo space missions. Surface stabilization is paramount to future lunar missions. more...

March 29, 2010

US steel execs want govt to get tough on trade

WASHINGTON: US steel executives on Thursday urged Congress to get tough with Beijing on trade, while a Chinese official pressed President Barack Obama’s administration not to label his country a “currency manipulator” with an undervalued yuan. more...

March 25, 2010

Osisko to buy Brett Resources in US$365m deal

Publishing Date22 Mar 2010 11:52am GMTAuthorMining JournalOsisko Mining Corp has announced a friendly C$372 million (US$365 million) takeover bid for Brett Resources Inc.more...

March 24, 2010

Tenova to install a new HPH bell type annealing plant at Tianjin No 1

The Chinese Tianjin No 1 Iron & Steel Group in Tianjin has awarded a contract for the installation of an HPH bell type annealing plant for annealing cold-rolled steel coils to LOI Thermprocess a company of LOI Italimpianti Tenova.more...

March 23, 2010

Rio Tinto and Chinalco team up on Simandou

Aluminium Corp of China (Chinalco) will inject US$1.35 billion into Rio Tinto’s Simandou Iron Ore project in Guinea. more...

March 22, 2010

Solar Atmospheres of Western PA and RTI International Metals Enter Into Long – Term Supply Agreement

Solar Atmospheres of Western PA, located in Hermitage, PA, announced today that it has signed a long term agreement with RTI International Metals, Inc. (NYSE:RTI). Solar will provide the services of Vacuum Heat Treating, Vacuum Creep Forming, and Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Inspection (NDT) of structural titanium components, manufactured by RTI, for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.more...

March 19, 2010

Siemens To Build Gas Turbine Plant In North Carolina

Siemens will build a new 60Hz gas turbine production plant at its existing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. The initial investment will be approximately $135m. more...

March 18, 2010

Heat Treatment of Nitinol Alloys (Part 1)

Nitinol (˜50% nickel, ˜50% titanium) alloys exhibit two closely related and very unique properties: shape memory and superelasticity (also called pseudoelasticity). Shape memory refers to the ability of Nitinol to undergo deformation at one temperature, and then recover its original, undeformed shape upon heating above its "transformation temperature." Superelasticity occurs at a narrow temperature range just above its transformation temperature. In this case, no heating is necessary to cause the undeformed shape to recover, and the material exhibits enormous elasticity – some 10-30 times that of ordinary metal. more...

March 17, 2010

STEEL INDUSTRY PRAISES SENATORS’ CALL FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT ACTION TO STOP CHINA’S CURRENCY MANIPULATION

U.S.government must take a stand against China’s protectionist trade practices more...

March 16, 2010

Siemens to Supply Five Strand Comb-Caster to Chinese Steelworks

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies will supply a five-strand combi-caster to Handan Steel Works, part of Handan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., China. The new plant will be capable of producing a total of 1.45 million tons of beam blanks and blooms per year and is scheduled commence production operations in the summer of 2011. The order is worth approximately ten million euros. During the past four months Siemens VAI had already received orders from Handan Iron & Steel for the supply of a rod and a bar mill. more...

March 15, 2010

Australia urges China to keep out of iron ore talks

Australia on Monday urged China stay out of difficult iron ore price negotiations with global mining giants after steel mills lobbied Beijing to intervene.more...

March 12, 2010

Union anger at Corus 'apathy' over Redcar plant

Unions claim Corus is not doing enough to find potential buyers for its Redcar steel plant, which is being partially mothballed. more...

March 11, 2010

The Role of the Heat Treater in Reverse Engineering

by Daniel H. Herring
March 4, 2010

Reverse engineering was the undercurrent of the 2003 movie thriller Paycheck starring Ben Affleck as a brilliant, yet brain-wiped engineer who had to solve the mystery of what he had spent the last few years of his life doing so right. One of the challenges that all engineers in this field face is how the components they are reverse engineering were heat treated. It’s time to understand more about this technique and how our industry can contribute to its success. Let’s learn more. more...

March 10, 2010

Tenova Core installs beam reheat furnaces at Hyundai Steel

Monday, 08 Mar 2010Tenova Core has recently completed the successful start up of two 235 tonnes per hour walking beam furnaces for reheating slabs for a new plate mill at Hyundai Steel's Dangjin in South Korean plant.more...

March 09, 2010

Oil and gas pipe maker TMK IPSCO to open facility near Marcellus Shale to meet growing demand

HARRISBURG, PA. — An oil-and-gas pipe maker says it plans to open a new facility close to the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve beneath Appalachia.more...

March 05, 2010

AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE APPLAUDS CONGRESS FOR EFFORTS TO HALT EPA FROM ECONOMICALLY-DAMAGING REGULATION OF STATIONARY SOURCES

Legislative Action Essential to Preserving Jobs

Washington, D.C.– The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) applauded efforts in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to prevent economically-damaging action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate greenhouse gases from stationary sources. Most American manufacturing facilities, including steel mills, would be impacted. more...

March 04, 2010

Managing Distortion in the Heat Treatment of Gears

Question:
We are doing gear hobbing, then case carburizing followed by oil quench and temper. Post heat treat, we perform gear grinding. If, for example, we have achieved a Gear Class of “7” during hobbing (for both profile as well as helix), what could be the best class after heat treatment? Is it possible to contain the distortion within “1 class” (i.e. “8”) for this case? What is your experience in this regard? more...

March 03, 2010

Steel Sell Off Creates Buying Opportunity

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Stocks of US and global steel majors have corrected sharply during the past six weeks.more...

March 02, 2010

Specialty Heat Treating to expand its Elkhart facility

Sunday, 28 Feb 2010It is reported that Specialty Heat Treating, a company that specializes in enhancing the properties of processed steel, will expand its facility in Elkhart, a move that is estimated to create up to 26 jobs by 2012.more...

February 26, 2010

Inductoheat Inc. ships billet heating system for upset forging

Inductoheat Inc. has recently designed, built and shipped a 600kW, 3kHz induction billet forge heating system to a leading supplier of automotive driveline components. This induction system for upset forging is capable of heating 1.5” to 3.0” diameter and 7” to 15” long billets at a nominal rate of 300 parts an hour. more...

February 25, 2010

MRO (Maintenance Repair Operations)

Question:
I’ve heard the term “MRO,” but I don’t know what it is or how it applies to heat treating. Can you help?

Answer:
MRO stands for "maintenance repair operations" and is typically applied to aftermarket components in all types of industries. Aerospace would be a prime example of an industry that would benefit from this type of strategy to keep their fleets flying. more...

February 24, 2010

UPC Completes Furnace Control Upgrades, Centralizes Monitoring

United Process Controls (UPC) has completed major upgrades in furnace control and data acquisition for a south central U.S. energy equipment supplier. The new multi-furnace control systems featuring Protherm 400 programmable controllers monitor and manage 4 batch carburizing furnaces, a vacuum furnace, 3 pit furnaces, and 4 draw furnaces.more...

February 23, 2010

Anti-dumping duty on Chinese tyre, steel

NEW DELHI: Concerned over surge in imports particularly from China, India has slapped anti-dumping duty on several stainless steel products and radial tyres. more...

February 22, 2010

First ever Danieli Micromill started up at CMC Arizona

Wednesday, 10 Feb 2010CMC Steel Arizona in Mesa has realized its vision with the new generation of Danieli of continuous casting rolling, compact, micro mills.more...

February 20, 2010

CastExpo ‘10 Preview

A week in the sun never sounded so good. For metalcasters enduring weak demand and idle production, the fresh ideas and technical insights upcoming at CastExpo will seem even more welcome than a few days of warm weather and relaxation. more...

February 19, 2010

Rio Tinto Alcan to invest US$7.6 million in Beauharnois facility to continue serving the aluminium primary foundry market

MONTREAL, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ - Rio Tinto Alcan plans to invest US$7.6 million in its Beauharnois, Quebec facility to maintain casting production to serve its primary foundry market customers. Construction work and other preparations are underway, and additional capacity could be online as early as this spring.more...

February 18, 2010

Variable Hardness Levels for A2 Tool Steel

Original Question:
We are a small machine shop and have some A2 tool steel measuring 1/8" thick by 3" square that we have heat treated to 50 HRC. We then wire EDM these pieces but didn't perform a stress-relief temper. I need to lower the hardness. Will stress-relief tempering do this for me? more...

February 16, 2010

Steel tube company expands in Youngstown

French-owned V&M Star to add 350 jobs.

A Texas-based steel pipe company has announced an expansion of its manufacturing plant in Youngstown. The 650 million dollar investment comes after the U-S declared that China has been illegally dumping steel in the American Market. more...

February 15, 2010

Air Products makes offer to acquire Airgas

Industrial gas distributor rejects requests to discuss deal

The offer was made in a letter to Airgas' board of directors after the CEOs of the two companies discussed Air Products' interest in acquiring Airgas and after Air Products made two written offers, and these offers and Air Products' requests to discuss them were rejected by Airgas. more...

February 12, 2010

China's demand on steel industry drives prices higher

Vale, the world's biggest iron ore producer, said it would ''struggle'' to meet demand for the steel-making raw material this year as China's economy expands. more...

February 11, 2010

Annealing to Achieve Soft Parts for Low-Carbon and Stainless Steels

Question
We manufacture gaskets for an automotive application made of both 1008 low-carbon steel and 305 stainless steel and want to anneal them. The gaskets are typically stampings around 0.50-0.75 inches (13-19 mm) in outside diameter and up to 0.020 inches (0.51 mm) thick. The anneal specification calls for a hardness less than 100 HK. Can this be done and what style unit would you recommend? more...

February 10, 2010

Emerson Adds Stainless Steel Transmitter Housing to Its Vortex Flowmeter Family

CHANHASSEN, MINN (February 3, 2010) -- Emerson Process Management announces the expansion of its Rosemount® 8800D Series of Vortex flowmeters to include stainless steel transmitter housings, which are often required for applications in corrosive environments. This new stainless steel housing increases the reliability and longevity of the transmitter in these environments, greatly reducing the overall cost of ownership. more...

February 09, 2010

Steel industry to continue restructuring

China is to speed up restructuring in the steel sector, supporting the development of three to five major steel enterprises in an effort to address the long-standing problems of overcapacity and low industry concentration, the Securites Daily reported Monday, citing a senior official. more...

February 08, 2010

Atmosphere Furnace Leak-Determination Procedure: Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel Test

The question is often asked, “Do I have an air leak or a water leak in my furnace, and how can I tell them apart?” Fortunately, there is a really simple test procedure that yields very accurate results. Here’s how it works. more...

February 05, 2010

U. S. Steel Announces Management Changes in North American Sales and Marketing Organizations

PITTSBURGH -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) today announced two advancements in the company's North American sales and marketing organizations. Robert Y. Kopf III has been appointed general manager-North American flat-rolled marketing. more...

February 04, 2010

Worthington Industries Inc acquires strip steel assets from Gibraltar Industries Inc

Metals manufacturing company Worthington Industries Inc reported on Monday that its Steel Processing business unit has acquired the steel processing assets of Gibraltar Industries Inc. more...

February 03, 2010

ArcelorMittal to restart blast furnace

EAST CHICAGO -- The glow of molten metal will be the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel as ArcelorMittal and United Steelworkers of America Local 1011 officials announced the restart of the No. 4 blast furnace and the No. 3 steel producing plant.more...

February 02, 2010

China failure to lower iron ore price shows limits to economic clout

HONG KONG: China is pressing to turn its status as the world's biggest steel producer into clout over global miners and cheaper iron ore prices.more...

February 01, 2010

China reschedules Zimbabwe steel maker debt

China has rescheduled to 2013 the debt of Zimbabwe's biggest iron and steel maker following a request by the Zimbabwean government, according to official sources. more...

January 31, 2010

Good news for steelworkers at Severstal, U.S. Steel

DEARBORN/ECORSE -- Announcements in two steelmaking centers indicate the industry is taking an up turn.

Severstal North America, with its headquarters in Dearborn is restarting facilities in several other locations in the United States. At nearby Ecorse, 1,400 unionized workers have been called back to U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Works plant. more...

January 29, 2010

Severstal to Restart Idled North American Facilities

Russia-based global steelmaker OAO Severstal (Severstal) announced Monday that as part of its North American 2010 operating plan, certain facilities will be restarted that had been idled previously as a result of weak market conditions. more...

January 28, 2010

Atmosphere Furnace Leak Checking Procedure: Smoke Bomb Test

The following procedure will help you determine if your atmosphere furnace has an air leak (radiant tubes, door seals, quench chutes, shaft seals, etc.). A symptom of a leaky furnace is that your process requires excessive amounts of natural (enrichment) gas added to the endothermic gas (or nitrogen/methanol) atmosphere to maintain your furnace dew point or carbon setpoint or if excessive internal sooting is observed. more...

January 27, 2010

US steel producers will find it hard to raise prices

NEW YORK: Steel production costs, like iron ore, metallurgical coal and natural gas, are already slated for sharp gains in the first half of 2010, but US steel producers will find it difficult to pass on those increases to customers who have slowly increased orders. more...

January 25, 2010

Essar Steel to open a 250,000 tonnes p.a. Processing Centre in Jebel Ali Free Zone

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has just announced that it will be home to a steel processing and service centre for Indian multinational conglomerate Essar Group’s subsidiary Essar Steel Middle East FZE. more...

January 22, 2010

Kobe Steel Output to Rise to Near Record Levels on China Demand

Kobe Steel Ltd. said output will rise to near record levels last seen before the global financial crisis because demand from China and Southeast Asia is increasing. more...

January 21, 2010

Latrobe Special Steel Wins AIST Award

Latrobe Specialty Steel’s VIM-VAR expansion project won the Association for Iron & Steel Technology's (AIST) award for 2009 Project Excellence. more...

January 20, 2010

Yichang Three Gorges orders two continuous annealing lines

Wednesday, 20 Jan 2010 - Yichang Three Gorges, China, has placed an order with SMS Siemag, Germany, for the supply of two continuous annealing lines. Both lines will process ultra-thin sheet which will then be electroplated and used as packaging material. more...

January 19, 2010

(3rd LD) Hyundai Steel starts its first-ever integrated furnace

Hyundai Steel Co., South Korea's No.2 steelmaker, on Tuesday started its first-ever integrated blast furnace in this southwestern coastal city after a three-year construction period. more...

January 18, 2010

Baoshan Steel Shares Drop After 2009 Earnings Fall (Update1)

Jan. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., China’s biggest steelmaker, dropped to the lowest in almost a month in Shanghai trading after full-year net income fell 11 percent to 5.75 billion yuan ($842 million). more...

January 16, 2010

U.S. Steel attacks investment act in court

U.S. Steel Corp. urged a Canadian judge to throw out a government lawsuit that claims the steelmaker failed to live up to commitments it made when it acquired Stelco Inc. in 2007.more...

January 15, 2010

Crucible Industries LLC in Geddes partners with Pennsylvania steel firm

Geddes,NY -- Crucible Industries LLC has partnered with Latrobe Specialty Steel Distribution to sell and market Crucible Particle Metallurgy, a very hard steel used in the automotive, aerospace and tool industries. more...

January 14, 2010

North American Aerospace Tubing Manufacturer First to Attain Dual Nadcap Accreditation

Plymouth Tube Company's - Salisbury Mill - has attained Nadcap accreditation for both heat treating and material testing laboratories. more...

January 13, 2010

Global Industry leader, Essar Steel to open a 250,000 tonnes p.a. Processing Centre in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 12, 2010 (ME NewsWire): The Jebel Ali Free ZoneJebel Ali Free ZoneJebel Ali Free Zone Jafz (JafzaJafza) has just announced that it will be home to a steel processing and service centre for Indian multinational conglomerate Essar Group's subsidiary Essar Steel Middle East FZE. more...

January 12, 2010

Seco/Warwick Allied Completes Installation of 7 Base Hydrogen Bell Annealing System in Columbia, South America - Mumbai, India -

Hydrogen Bell Annealing Equipment installed at Corpacero, Barranquilla Columbia more...

January 11, 2010

Steel offtake up 8% in Apr-Dec on auto, core sector demands

NEW DELHI: India’s steel consumption rose close to 8 per cent during April-December 2009, over the year ago period, buoyed by strong demand from the automobile and infrastructure sectors, as per the provisional data of steel ministry. It is estimated that growth gathered pace in the three months to end-December compared with the first half of the current financial year ending September, partly due to low base effect of the previous year. more...

January 08, 2010

Influence of Alloying Elements in Steel – Manganese (Part 1)

This blog is the continuation of "Influence of Alloying Elements in Steel: Part 1," which was posted March 4, 2009. You can read that blog here. more...

January 06, 2010

Evraz to deliver NTMK's API grade slabs to its North American mills

SteelOrbis - The Russian steel producer Evraz Group plans to supply its North American pipe producing mills with up to 400,000 mt of slabs per year produced at its Russia-based subsidiary Nizhny Tagil Iron and Steel Works (NTMK), the Russian information agency Prime-TASS reports citing vice president of Evraz's Urals division, Dmitry Sotnikov.more...

January 05, 2010

Oven Materials of Construction to Resist Hydrobromic Acid Corrosive Attack

Question:
We are interested in designing an oven, and there is hydrogen bromide in the area (it is used as a flux). It can sometimes drip onto the oven, and fumes can also enter the unit. We are planning on using 304 stainless steel for the oven design but don’t know if it will hold up. Do you have any information on this or know where to look? more...

January 04, 2010

Steel stalwarts raise prices

New Delhi, Jan. 2 (PTI): A rise in demand in the local markets has prompted steel companies SAIL, Tata Steel, Essar, Bhushan and JSW to raise prices of their products by up to Rs 2,000 a tonne.more...

December 30, 2009

U.S. sets preliminary penalties on Chinese steel grating

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) --The U.S. Commerce Department said on Tuesday that it has set preliminary antidumping duties (AD)on imports of steel grating from China, a move that might escalate trade disputes between the two countries. more...

December 29, 2009

Despite meltdown, metals industry sees yr-end shine

Mumbai: The year 2009 seemed to have ended well for the Indian metals industry, which saw quite a number of deals being executed, despite the continued slowdown in the US and Europe. more...

December 28, 2009

ArcelorMittal may buy mines to boost iron ore supply

ArcelorMittal, the world’s biggest steel-maker, may buy more mines in 2010 to increase its supply of iron ore as prices for the raw material used to make the metal are expected to rebound.more...

December 24, 2009

Oven Materials of Construction to Resist Hydrobromic Acid Corrosive Attack

Question:
We are interested in designing an oven, and there is hydrogen bromide in the area (it is used as a flux). It can sometimes drip onto the oven, and fumes can also enter the unit. We are planning on using 304 stainless steel for the oven design but don’t know if it will hold up. Do you have any information on this or know where to look? more...

December 23, 2009

Alcoa may be cut to junk by Moody’s on Ma’aden deal

Alcoa Inc, the largest US aluminum producer, may have its credit rating lowered to junk status by Moody’s Investors Service on concern about a new joint venture with the Saudi Arabian Mining Co amid the industry’s slow recovery.more...

December 22, 2009

Steel prices set to soar globally

After hitting a high in July-August 2008, steel prices declined by more than 50-60% in the aftermath of the global recession.more...

December 21, 2009

Lions Gate Metals Inc. and Ausnico Limited Announce Business Combination

Lions Gate Metals Inc. and Ausnico Limited announced that they have entered into a binding letter of intent ("LOI") dated December 17, 2009 containing the principal terms of the business combination transaction disclosed in the Company's news release dated September 3, 2009.more...

December 18, 2009

Can-Eng to Build Heat-Treating Plant for Steel Castings

Russian project is one part of a complete railcar manufacturing complex

Can-Eng Furnaces reports it has an order from a Russian railcar manufacturer for two 10-metric tons/hour rotary-hearth furnaces for normalizing steel castings. TVSZ will install the equipment at its plant in Tikhvin, Russia, to quench and temper components for railroad truck assemblies, side frames, and bolsters. more...

December 17, 2009

Flame Hardening 101

Question:
We have a possible interest in doing flame hardening on the end of a 52100 shaft. Who does this type of work? more...

December 16, 2009

Keppel AmFELS Opts for Induction Straightening

EFD Induction recently delivered one of its new generation Terac 25 induction straightening systems to Keppel AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. The delivery makes Keppel AmFELS the first purchaser in the Americas of the new Terac 25 system. more...

December 15, 2009

Severstal Said to Be in Talks to Sell Steel Service Centers Share Business

Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- OAO Severstal, Russia’s largest steelmaker, is in talks with two potential strategic buyers for its U.S. steel service centers, a person familiar with the process said. more...

December 14, 2009

Nation rolls out steel tax on US

China, the world's largest maker and consumer of steel products, fired back yesterday at the United States for its anti-dumping measures against Chinese steel exports, launching its own punitive taxes on steel from US as well as Russia. more...

December 11, 2009

China Slaps Penalties on U.S., Russian Steel

BEIJING - China said Thursday it will impose penalties on steel imported from the United States and Russia, claiming the countries were allowing it to be sold at a cut price. more...

December 10, 2009

Vacuum Hot-Zone Construction for the Heat Treatment of MIM Materials

Question:
I am interested in sintering 316L or 17-4PH MIM materials. Should I sinter these steels in a graphite or metal hot zone? What are the differences in a graphite versus a metal hot-zone furnace? more...

December 09, 2009

Mesa steel mill to employ about 200

CMC Steel Arizona officially opened its state-of-the-art steel mill in east Mesa Tuesday in the face of an economic recession that has severely depressed demand for the plant's output.more...

December 08, 2009

Rising Chinese steel capacity a worry for other nations

The fall in steel prices in the wake of global economic meltdown has consigned many balance sheets of groups taking the metal in the red. The drop in demand in the final quarter of 2008 was so steep and steel product prices turned so uneconomic, particularly for high cost mills in western countries, that the industry in many regions was forced to switch off half the capacity.more...

December 07, 2009

Horsehead Holding to acquire International Metals Reclamation Company

Dec 03, 2009 - Horsehead Holding Corp. is planning to acquire The International Metals Reclamation Company, Inc. (INMETCO), a recycler of metals-bearing wastes in North America. Horsehead is a producer of specialty zinc and zinc-based products and a recycler of electric arc furnace dust. INMETCO is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Vale Inco Limited, a producer of nickel, copper and cobalt. Both Horsehead and INMETCO are based in the US. more...

December 04, 2009

China Works on ‘Feasible’ Plan to Cut Steel Capacity (Update2)

Dec. 3 (Bloomberg) -- The Chinese government is studying a “more feasible” plan to tackle steel overcapacity in the world’s largest producer of the metal, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said. more...

December 03, 2009

Bending Fish Hooks

Question
When I tried to heat a high-carbon steel fish hook so that I could bend it to a different shape, it broke. How do I heat and bend this steel without it breaking? Should I cool it slow or fast or cool and reheat it again to keep its strength? more...

December 02, 2009

Niagara Falls, NY, USA: Globe Specialty Metals Reopens Metallurgical Grade Silicon Plant

Globe Specialty Metals, a silicon manufacturer, has reopened its Niagara Falls plant, investing $27 million and creating 138 jobs as part of the first phase of a $60 million economic development project. The company has restarted its two furnaces and has upgraded the equipment used to produce approximately 30,000 tons of metallurgical grade silicon each year. more...

November 30, 2009

BHP dismisses reports ore venture is in trouble

BHP Billiton on Thursday brushed aside reports its proposed US$116bn Western Australian iron ore joint venture with Rio Tinto was in difficulty only weeks ahead of a deadline for the mining groups to conclude a “definitive agreement”. more...

November 27, 2009

Duties on Chinese steel imports provoke retaliation in U.S., Canada could face similar rebuke

TORONTO - Canadian steel producers applauded a preliminary decision by Ottawa to slap a duty on Chinese steel imports, but reaction to a similar move by the United States indicates Canadian-Chinese trade relations could suffer as a result. more...

November 26, 2009

Tips for Nickel Brazing Two Inconel 625 Parts Using BNi-3 Filler Metal (Part 2)

Question:
We are investigating brazing a large cylindrical component to a series of tubes and supporting them in a graphite fixture. Both are manufactured from Inconel 625 alloy. We will use a BNi-3 braze alloy. Can you provide us with any tips on how to proceed?more...

November 25, 2009

Ipsen Ships Titan Vacuum Furnace to Japan

Ipsen, Inc. announced today that the company recently shipped a new Titan Vacuum Furnace to Japan. The furnace features a 1.9-bar nitrogen or argon internal quench system, diffusion pump, an energy efficient graphite hot zone with shaped graphite heating elements capable of processing temperatures up to 2,400 ºF (1,315ºC), and a Vacu-Prof interactive control system. The unit has an 18" (457 mm) wide x 18" (457 mm) high x 24" (610 mm) deep effective work zone, and is capable of handling loads up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). more...

November 24, 2009

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Leading Economic Indicators on the Rise

September-October Steel Shipments and Inventories more...

November 23, 2009

SABIC, Danieli ink deal to build steel plant

DUBAI - Saudi Basic Industries Corp said Sunday its unit, The Saudi Iron and Steel Co., or Hadeed, signed a contract with Italian steel mills builder Danieli & Co to build a steel plant in the kingdom.more...

November 20, 2009

Severstal Mill In Ohio To Resume Operations

WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) -- Severstal Wheeling Inc. says its cold rolling mill in Yorkville, Ohio, is resuming operations in mid-December. more...

November 19, 2009

Tips for Nickel Brazing Two Inconel 625 Parts Using BNi-3 Filler Metal

Question:
We are investigating brazing a large cylindrical component to a series of tubes and supporting them in a graphite fixture. Both are manufactured from Inconel 625 alloy. We will use a BNi-3 braze alloy. Can you provide us with any tips on how to proceed? more...

November 18, 2009

Beijing China - Strong demand leading to steel overcapacity in China

21st Economic Herald citing Mr Tang Bin Chief Engineer of National Development and Reform Commission said in 7th China Iron and Steel Annual Meeting lately held in Beijing that "Now, some small blast furnaces and the outdated facilities which have been closed before are starting operation again." Nowadays, production speed and investment is picking up in China steel industry, driving oversupply to increase again. The data shows, national output of crude steel was posted at 472.47 million tonnes during January to October 2009 edging up 10.5% from one year ago, and the output came at 51.75 million tonnes in the single month of October a growth of 42.4%YoY.more...

November 17, 2009

Waukee Engineering Opens Sales & Service Centers in China

Waukee Engineering Company, a leader in flow meters and controls and a member of United Process Controls, has recently made substantial investments to boost its presence in China. more...

November 16, 2009

ArcelorMittal Energy Project to Create Jobs

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded ArcelorMittal $31.6 million to fund an industrial energy efficiency project at its Indiana Harbor facility in East Chicago. more...

November 13, 2009

Essar Steel continues to bleed: loses $123M in Q2

Essar Steel Algoma Inc. remains in the grips of akness in the global economy.more...

November 12, 2009

Tips for a Successful Ammonia Installation

Question:
My company is looking at using anhydrous ammonia to nitride gears for wind turbines. Do you have information on specifications, tanks and installation details? more...

November 10, 2009

Air Products awarded $30 million from feds to build ‘green’ power plant at Works.

MIDDLETOWN — A ?$300 million project that will create about 220 temporary construction jobs and generate electricity for AK Steel’s Middletown Works operations is headed to Middletown. more...

November 09, 2009

Dow Corning acquires U.S. and Brazilian silicon metal manufacturing assets

Dow Corning Corporation has acquired two chemical grade silicon manufacturing assets from Globe Specialty Metals, in an acquisition valued at approximately $175 million (USD). more...

November 06, 2009

US slaps tariffs on Chinese steel imports

The US imposed duties of as much as 99 per cent on steel pipes from China after American producers led by US Steel Corp. complained they were being dumped at below-market prices. China's government protested.more...

November 05, 2009

Nitriding of Hot-Forming and Blanking Dies

Question:
I have several questions. The first is about hot-forming dies. These are not “impact” dies. They are used for a slow press at high pressure. We heat them up on two “platen” machines to 1450°F (790°C). They currently do not have any surface treatment on them. I am wondering if gas or ion nitriding would help extend their life? more...

November 04, 2009

Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has signed a research agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop the next generation of fuel nozzles for "lean burn" combustion technology systems, which would be used on future environmentally responsible gas turbine aircraft engines. more...

November 03, 2009

United Spiral Pipe Dedicates New Plant in Pittsburgh

The new United Spiral Pipe (USP) facility, which is expected to create approximately 120 new full-time manufacturing jobs in Pittsburg, required about 320,000 hours of local building and construction trade labor to build the facility. more...

November 02, 2009

China, ‘Prisoner of Success,’ Facing Ore Price Gain (Update1)

Oct. 30 (Bloomberg) -- China’s biggest adversary in this year’s iron ore price talks is China.

The nation’s 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package has sparked record imports of the steelmaking material and prices may jump 14 percent next year to the second-highest on record, according to a Bloomberg News survey of analysts. more...

October 30, 2009

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. to Idle Three Iron Ore Pellet Furnaces

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF), a global mining and natural resources company, today reported that it has initiated production curtailments at two of its six North American Iron Ore mines. more...

October 29, 2009

Considerations in Cooling Large Loads

Question:
We process large-size components and heavy loads in our gas-fired car-bottom furnace. What can we do during the cooling portion of the cycle to protect the area from all the heat that’s being generated? more...

October 28, 2009

Polish Operation Receives Grant to Expand Services.

VAC AERO’s Kalisz, Poland Operation Receives EU Grant to Expand Services.

VAC AERO Kalisz Sp. z o.o. recently received a grant equivalent to approximately $400K CDN from the European Union Sectoral Operational Program for the Improvement of the Competitiveness of Enterprises. The grant application was based on expanding special process capabilities for the heat treating and coating of shafts for gas turbine engines. more...

October 27, 2009

Coal earnings to gauge strength of steel recovery

Earnings reports from a string of U.S. coal producers starting this week should provide another gauge on the strength of the rebounding manufacturing economy. more...

October 26, 2009

Balli Steel Reports China Dominating Global Steel Market

Balli Steel has revealed that China is dominating the global steel market as worldwide production declines

LONDON, ENGLAND, Balli Steel, one of the world's largest privately owned independent commodity traders, reports that China is expanding into the iron ore market and increasing its steel production capacity, against a backdrop of declining worldwide production. more...

October 23, 2009

Precautions When Using Hydrogen for Partial Pressure and Quenching

Question:
What safety measures should I put into place if I am using hydrogen for partial pressure or quenching? more...

October 21, 2009

Rio Tinto boosts iron ore guidance on strong production

Rio Tinto has reported record third-quarter iron-ore production in the period to end-September, and has boosted its guidance for the full year by up to 7.5%. more...

October 20, 2009

Metaldyne Corporation Completes Sale of Substantially All of Its Assets to MD Investors Corporation

Click image to enlarge Plymouth, Mich. -- MD Investors purchased certain assets related to Metaldyne's Sintered Products, Vibration Controls Products, European Forging Products and Powertrain Products Groups, including its balance shaft module, driveline machining and assembly, and tubular products operations. In addition, certain chassis related assets were acquired. more...

October 19, 2009

Edwards installs steel degassing system in India

Edwards has won an order worth more than £200,000 for its new generation steel degassing system in India. This is the first system of its kind in the country and has been installed at Shyam Forgings Pvt in New Delhi. It is being used to perform Vacuum Oxygen Decarburizing (VOD) in a production environment and offers potential energy cost savings of more than 90 per cent over traditional steam ejector systems. more...

October 16, 2009

Experience with Helium and Hydrogen for Partial Pressure and Quenching

Question:
When is helium and hydrogen used as a partial-pressure atmosphere, and can they be used for quenching? Will using these gases result in cycle-time savings? more...

October 15, 2009

Twin towers warship sets sail

A ship built of salvaged steel from the World Trade Center is to be reunited with the city it was named after. more...

October 14, 2009

China to invest as much as US$9 billion in Guinea, Minister Says

China may invest as much as US$9 billion in Guinean infrastructure over the next five years, Mines Minister Mahmoud Thiam said. more...

October 12, 2009

SECO/WARWICK offers free trials for a limited time in new 25 Bar HPQ equipped with PreNit and FineCarb Technology

SECO/WARWICK has recently introduced a 25 Bar Single Chamber Vacuum Furnace as a process alternative to furnaces using an oil quench. In certain applications, the 25 Bar HPQ™ delivers the same hardness properties as an oil quench. When equipped with optional PreNit and FineCarb advanced LPC vacuum carburizing, this technology can reduce cycle times up to 50% in certain applications.more...

October 09, 2009

Carpenter, Manhattan Scientifics Partner on New Class of Metal Alloys

Carpenter Technology Corp. and Manhattan Scientifics Inc. announced a joint technology agreement involving a new class of high-strength metals with broad applications in aerospace, energy, defense, transportation and medical products. more...

October 08, 2009

US mulls import penalties on Chinese steel pipes

WASHINGTON: The United States launched a probe on Wednesday to look into slapping penalties on imported Chinese steel pipes in a move that could widen a trade spat between the two key powers. more...

October 07, 2009

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY TO REVITALIZE BOSSIER CITY FACILITY

Governor Jindal Announces Northwest Pipe Co. to Revitalize Idle Bossier Facility

Pipe Manufacturer Will Create up to 120 New Jobs

BOSSIER CITY, LA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2009) - Today, Governor Bobby Jindal joined Northwest Pipe Company's Tubular Group President Bob Mahoney, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) President David Rockett and several local leaders to announce the revitalization of Northwest Pipe's facility in Bossier City that has been idle for three years. Recently, Northwest Pipe Co.'s tubular products group began work on a major revitalization of its dormant Bossier City facility. When fully operational, the re-tooled facility is expected to create up to 120 jobs at an average annual salary of $39,000 plus benefits. more...

October 06, 2009

Thermcraft Acquires Contemporary Kilns, Inc.

Acquisition Expands Thermcraft’s Presence into the Quartz Fabrication Industry

Winston Salem, North Carolina, September 24th, 2009 Acquisition Expands Thermcraft’s Presence into the Quartz Fabrication Industry WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— September 24, 2009 —Thermcraft, Inc., the nationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-quality custom and standard industrial and laboratory heaters, ovens and furnaces, has acquired Contemporary Kilns Inc., Thermcraft President Tom Crafton announced today. more...

October 05, 2009

Ipsen Ships Titan Vacuum Furnaces to European Client

Ipsen, Inc. announced today that the company has shipped two new Titan Vacuum Furnaces to a manufacturer of hydraulic components and complete hydraulic systems located in Europe. more...

October 02, 2009

American Iron and Steel Institute Disappointed by Boxer-Kerry Climate Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) expressed its disappointment in the Boxer-Kerry climate bill, known as the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, introduced today by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which aims to reduce emissions by 20 percent by 2020 – going further than the House bill that was passed in June. more...

October 01, 2009

THE HEAT TREAT DOCTOR: Stainless Steels Part Two: Heat Treatment Techniques

Heat treating of stainless steels depends to a great extent on the type (wrought or cast) and grade of stainless steel, as well as the reason for the treatment, most often to ensure that the properties altered during fabrication are restored (e.g. corrosion resistance, ductility, or hardness) so that the stainless steel component can perform in its intended service environment. There are quite a variety of different heat treatments available. Let’s learn more.more...

September 30, 2009

Grupo Mexico rises to 2-year high on liability offer

Grupo Mexico SAB rose to the highest in two years after Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd offered to limit the Mexican miner’s liability if the Indian rival wins a court case over US copper producer Asarco LLC. more...

September 29, 2009

Westinghouse Specialty Metals Orders Vacuum Annealing Furnace

Westinghouse Specialty Metals Plant in Blairsville, Pa., purchased a high-vacuum retort annealing furnace from SECO/WARWICK. The furnace, which will be used to process zirconium tubes, is custom engineered to meet the exceptionally tight uniformity standard of ±5ºF in the 48-inch x 6-inch x 216-inch hot zone. The furnace is rated for 1200ºF and will be equipped with a cold cap high-vacuum diffusion pump. Westinghouse is increasing their plant capacity to meet the needs of customers in both China and the United States. more...

September 28, 2009

China Metallurgical shares rise in Shanghai debut

Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd rose 28% on its first day of trading in Shanghai, less than half this year's average debut gain, as rising supply and valuation concerns weighed on demand. more...

September 24, 2009

How to Achieve Different Mechanical Properties on SAE 4340 at 30 HRC

Question:
We have a competition here at school and are trying to heat treat two samples of DIN 1.6582 to achieve hardness in the range of 25–33 HRC in two ways. more...

September 23, 2009

State 'cautiously optimistic' about big new steel plant

Company may not decide until next year

BATON ROUGE -- The state's chief industry-hunter told a joint legislative committee Monday that he remains "cautiously optimistic" that a Charlotte, N.C., steel-manufacturing plant will locate to Louisiana, but an announcement may not come until the second quarter of 2010. more...

September 22, 2009

Acerinox to Post Third-Quarter Profit as Steel Recovery Starts

Sept. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Acerinox SA, the world’s biggest stainless-steel maker, expects to make its first profit since the second quarter last year as European and U.S. customers replenish dwindling stockpiles.more...

September 21, 2009

Grupo Mexico wins bankruptcy judge’s support to retake Asarco

Grupo Mexico SAB should be allowed to regain control of its bankrupt U.S. copper mining unit, Asarco LLC, by giving creditors almost US$2.5 billion, a judge said, rejecting an offer from Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd.more...

September 18, 2009

Steel Production in China to Rise 6%, MIIT Forecasts

Sept. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Steel production in China, the world’s largest maker, will rise 6 percent this year as demand from manufacturers and builders increases, according to figures from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. more...

September 17, 2009

Heat Treating 440C Stainless Steels

Question:
I have a question on vacuum hardening 440C stainless steel. Just combing the literature, I see references to 1700°F (925°C) and 1900°F (1040°C) austenitizing as well as low tempering 350°F (175°C) and 900°F (315°C) for secondary hardening. There are also references to the need to freeze for retained austenite (RA). The old heat treat I worked at did not do much if any 440C, so I have no real hands-on experience to draw upon. How would you process it? more...

September 16, 2009

SMS Concast to Supply VD/VOD Facility

Brazil’s Dedini S/A Industrias de Base awarded an order for a VD/VOD facility to Switzerland’s SMS Concast. The plant will be treating 30-ton to 35-ton heats of carbon steel, low-alloy and stainless steel grades. more...

September 15, 2009

Rio selling ore at interim price as talks stall on Hu

Rio Tinto, whose chief iron-ore negotiator in China is in prison for allegedly stealing trade secrets, said annual contract talks remain suspended and it's selling the material at an interim price to Chinese mills.more...

September 14, 2009

Mechel Announces Commissioning New Equipment at Beloretsk Metallurgical Plant

Beloretsk, Russia – September 11, 2009 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces commissioning of the new production line for cold-deformed reinforcement wire held today at its Beloretsk Metallurgical plant (BMP) subsidiary. more...

September 11. 2009

China Strongly Opposes U.S. Duties on Steel Oil Pipes (Update1)

Sept. 10 (Bloomberg) -- China “strongly opposes” a ruling by the U.S. Commerce Department to impose duties of as much as 31 percent on steel pipes, the Ministry of Commerce said today. more...

September 10, 2009

Critical Temperatures for Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels

Question:
As 15-5 Mo and 17-4 PH are martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steels, I assume they have the typical critical temperatures where austenite begins to form and completes formation. I know the upper critical is below 1800°F, the solution temperature. But I am trying to get a handle on the lower critical. Can you help?more...

September 09, 2009

China swoops on Aussie iron ore, uranium firms

State-owned firms to fund explorers in return for supply contracts and equity

SYDNEY: Chinese state-owned firms expanded their footprint in Australia’s mining industry yesterday, agreeing to help fund two iron ore explorers in return for supply contracts and taking a controlling stake in a uranium prospector. more...

September 08, 2009

Steel recycling on the rise

Over a third of global steel production now comes from recycled scrap material, but recycling rates vary a lot across the globe, according to a report by the WorldWatch Institute.more...

September 04, 2009

Timken collaborates with Daido Steel Co to expand its steel solutions offerings in Asia

Friction management and power transmission products and services provider The Timken Company (NYSE:TKR) expanded its engineered steel solutions offering to customers in Asia by collaborating with Daido Steel Co Ltd (Tokyo:DADSF), the company revealed on Wednesday. more...

September 03, 2009

Annealing Platinum-Iridium Alloys

Question:
We anneal a platinum-iridium alloy at around 2550ºF (1400ºC) using a direct gas-fired box furnace, followed by water quenching into an external tank. We want to wind up with less surface oxidation and are hoping to “improve" the atmosphere. What atmosphere conditions are needed? What changes or improvements can you suggest that might help and what is the "correct/best" atmosphere for keeping this material at least clean if not bright? more...

September 02, 2009

Ipsen Ships Vacuum Furnace to Taiwan

Ipsen Inc., Cherry Valley, Ill., shipped a new HR58x48 2-Bar Nitrogen Quench MetalMaster® Horizontal Vacuum Furnace to a Kaori Heat Treatment Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of plate heat exchangers and related components, with locations in the Taiwan area and mainland China. more...

September 01, 2009

Rio Coal Sale Approved

Publishing Date 21 Aug 2009 11:35am GMT Author Mining Journal The US$761 million sale of Rio Tinto’s Jacobs Ranch coal mine to Arch Coal Inc has been approved by the US Federal Trade Commission.more...

August 31, 2009

U.S. Steel Restarts Hamilton, Ontario Blast Furnace (Update2)

Aug. 28 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Steel Corp., the largest U.S.- based steelmaker by sales, is restarting one of two Canadian blast furnaces to meet an increase in demand. more...

August 28, 2009

Toyota to expand Huntsville plant

Toyota Motor Corp. will invest $147 million to expand the capacity of its Huntsville, Ala., plant to produce four-cylinder engines.more...

August 27, 2009

Annealing Copper and Copper Alloys

Question:
We have some bent coils of 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) diameter copper tubing. The curved portions are "work hardened" by the bending process. If this material were left in a shed where the ambient temperature reaches approximately 100ºF (38ºC), would the tubing anneal over period of time? more...

August 26, 2009

ArcelorMittal restart of East Chicago blast furnace returns employees to work

EAST CHICAGO | Shifts in operations at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor East will return some employees to work at the plant, but leave some without work within the next month.more...

August 25, 2009

USW VICTORY: Government of Canada Investigates Chinese Steel Dumping

TORONTO, Aug. 24 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers union welcomes today's announcement of a federal investigation into unfair steel imports from China and seeks legal reform that would allow it to participate in this process.more...

August 24, 2009

US Navy takes delivery of $1B ship containing steel salvaged from World Trade Center rubble

AVONDALE, LA. — With the signature of Cmdr. Curt Jones — inked at precisely 9:11 a.m. CDT Friday — the Navy took delivery of the New York, a $1 billion amphibious vessel with a bow containing 7 1/2 tons of steel salvaged from the rubble of the World Trade Center.more...

August 22, 2009

Solar-Panel Manufacturer Purchases Bell-Type Furnaces

L&L Special Furnace Co. shipped two high-uniformity bell-type furnaces for use in the manufacturing of photovoltaic solar panels. more...

August 21, 2009

Continued Tightness in Coal Market

Krishnan Exclusive To Coal Investing NewsFont Scale: 20 August 2009 @ 11:13 am ET Print E-Mail
Rising Chinese interest in buying US steel-making coal is stirring the US markets. In addition to Consol Energy Inc confirming a sale recently, several ships have been hired to haul US coal to China. Analysts cite demand in China, steel mill restarts and Australian struggles to fill orders for a metallurgical coal price rise to $160 a metric tonne from less than $100 a few months ago.more...

August 20, 2009

JUNE STEEL SHIPMENTS UP 12.1 PERCENT FROM MAY Down 47.5 Percent from Last Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that for the month of June 2009, U.S. steel mills shipped 4,797,000 net tons, a 12.1 percent increase from the 4,282,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, May 2009 and a 47.5 percent decrease from the 9,136,000 net tons shipped in June 2008. more...

August 19, 2009

Charter Wire Starts Up Hydrogen Annealing Furnace System

RAD-CON, Inc. announced that a 100% hydrogen annealing furnace system, commissioned for Charter Wire’s new manufacturing facility in Menomonee Valley, Wis., is now operational. more...

August 18, 2009

More Warning Signs in Concrete than Steel

Concrete structures show warning signs of construction issues faster than steel structures, according to an industry expert.more...

August 17, 2009

Arrested: Rio four

Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu and the three other Rio employees detained in China have been officially arrested (although not yet charged according to Rio Tonto).more...

August 14, 2009

Rio to sell North American coal mines

Rio Tinto will offload the bulk of its remaining North American coal assets via an initial public offering (IPO), tentatively valued at US$500 million.more...

August 13, 2009

South Korean Company Orders Vertical Strand Annealer

South Korea’s Poongsan Corporation ordered a HICON/H2® vertical strand annealer from EBNER for its Ulsan facility, which will be used to bright anneal cold-rolled copper and copper-alloy strip. The strip is heated to a maximum of 1742°F in a gas-fired muffle furnace using high convection in a straight hydrogen process atmosphere. more...

August 12, 2009

Therm-Tech expands into Loveland

LOVELAND - Heat-treating specialist Therm-Tech of Waukesha, Wis., has set its sights on the growing aerospace industry and has opened Therm-Tech of Colorado in Loveland as its regional manufacturing base. more...

August 10, 2009

China steel mills say suppliers encourage speculation

Publishing Date 31 Jul 2009 1:49pm GMT Author Mining Journal China's steelmakers, stalled in iron-ore price talks with Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, said producers of the steelmaking material are encouraging speculative trading, and wants to control the role of importers.more...

August 07, 2009

Miller Centrifugal Casting Acquired by Austrian Firm

Miller Centrifugal Casting Co., a Cecil, Washington County-based metal casting foundry, has been acquired for an undisclosed price by foundry Eisenwerk Sulzau-Werfen of Austria.more...

August 06, 2009

Segregation and Banding in Steel Revisited

Question:
It has been suggested to us that we make it standard practice to check all incoming material for "banding." We are told that it can affect the microstructure, especially core hardness and strength. What do you think?more...

August 05, 2009

U.S. Steel Locks Out 150 Workers at Canadian Plant (Update1)

Aug. 4 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Steel Corp., the largest U.S.- based steelmaker by sales, locked out the remaining workers at a Canadian plant idled since March after failing to reach a new labor agreement. more...

August 04, 2009

Minmetals studying restart of Avebury

China Minmetals Corp, the nation’s biggest metals trader, is studying the restart of the Avebury nickel mine in Australia after a rebound in prices.more...

August 03, 2009

Unlike Tatas, LN Mittal doesn't regret global acquisitions

NEW DELHI: Unlike business icon Ratan Tata, steel tycoon L N Mittal has no regrets about his global acquisition spree that earned him the 'biggest steel maker' title and, with it, tons of problems. more...

July 31, 2009

Timken announces the sale of their Needle Roller Bearings business to JTEKT

On July 29, 2009, the Timken Company signed an agreement to sell the assets of its Needle Roller Bearings business, which primarily serves customers in the automotive original-equipment sector, to Japan’s JTEKT Corporation in a cash transaction. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals and certain closing conditions. more...

July 30, 2009

Understanding Pressure Scales (psia versus psig)

Question:

What is the difference between psia and psig? more...

July 29, 2009

International Enforcement

China’s detention of Rio Tinto Group executives amid allegations of espionage and bribery should serve as a reminder to foreign companies that they may also risk prosecution by enforcement agencies in the US. Singapore-based law firm Cassin Law LLC advised that "it is not just domestic law that may be involved”, said Cassin's Richard Cassin. more...

July 28, 2009

Burton Industries Orders Vacuum Carburizing Furnace

Ipsen, Inc. received a purchase order from Burton Industries for an AVAC™ (acetylene vacuum carburizing) low-pressure carburizing furnace with a 2-bar gas and oil quench. This furnace system was ordered as part of Burton’s expansion program. It will have a 36-inch x 48-inch x 36-inch workspace. Ipsen will design and build this unit at its Rockford, Ill., facility and will install the furnace in the coming months. Ipsen offers both single and multi-chamber AVAC furnaces for low-pressure carburizing applications. more...

July 27, 2009

BHP Billiton to expand Mt Arthur

BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, said it would spend US$260 million to expand output at the Mt Arthur thermal coal mine in Australia by 30% amid a rebound in demand. more...

July 24, 2009

Siemens VAI starts up vertical slab caster at Baosteel, China

In the Spring of 2009, Siemens VAI Metals Technologies started up and commissioned a new vertical slab caster at Baosteel's Special Steel Branch in Shanghai, China. This solution enables a wide range of highly critical steel grades to be continuously cast, which would otherwise not be possible to produce in a conventional bow-type caster. more...

July 23, 2009

NFPA 86 and Furnaces Operating Below 1400ºF (760ºC)

Question:
We have an electrically heated mesh-belt furnace that uses an exothermic gas atmosphere. We normally use the furnace for brazing at temps of 1900ºF (1040ºC) and higher. We'd also like to anneal parts at 1100ºF (590ºC). I was wondering if we'd be violating NFPA 86 guidelines if we ran exothermic gas at furnace temps lower than 1400ºF (760ºC)? The furnace has flame curtains at either end. What do you think? .more...

July 22, 2009

Peru government rejects Doe Run smelter plan

Peru’s government rejected a proposal by Doe Run Peru to reopen its shuttered lead and zinc smelter, saying the company needs to put up more cash.more...

July 21, 2009

SECO Warwick to Open New Test Facility to Help HVAC Manufacturers Change from Copper to Aluminum

Citing the need for HVAC/R manufacturers to change production from copper to aluminum condensers and evaporators, SECO/WARWICK S. A. is scheduled to open a new test facility in September 2009 to allow customers to run trials and prototype cores. The HVAC/R industry is changing from copper to aluminum for several reasons: more...

July 20, 2009

Redcar Must Be Saved

They have been producing and processing iron and steel in Redcar on Teesside for around 150 years.

Generations of workers have sweated and struggled to make a living, have brought up families and lived their lives in the shadow of the works. more...

July 17, 2009

Peru Government Rejects Doe Run Smelter Plan

Peru’s government rejected a proposal by Doe Run Peru to reopen its shuttered lead and zinc smelter, saying the company needs to put up more cash.more...

July 16, 2009

Decarburization Protection for M-Series High-Speed Steel

Question:
How do you protect the surface of M-series high-speed steel from decarburization? Is there a coating or paint that can be applied?more...

July 15, 2009

China widens inquiry into steel industry

The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Tuesday efforts to free an Australian detained in China over claims of spying took precedent over bilateral ties and he was not worried about antagonising Beijing.more...

July 14, 2009

Commercial Metals Boosts Output on Asia, U.S. Demand

July 13 (Bloomberg) -- Commercial Metals Co., the largest Texas-based steel recycler and producer, may increase operating rates at its mills by 10 percentage points as China’s economic stimulus boosts demand and U.S. customers replenish depleted stockpiles. more...

July 13, 2009

World's largest wind farm scrapped in financial downturn

The Texas oil billionaire T Boone Pickens has scrapped a $10 billion (£6.3billion) plan to build the world's largest wind farm.more...

July 10, 2009

Alcoa (AA) Expands Into Oil and Gas Market, Agreeing To Buy IP From Noble Corp (NE)

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) announced that it has reached an agreement with Noble Corporation (NYSE: NE) to buy Noble's intellectual property pertaining to welded aluminum risers used in offshore oil and gas exploration and development. more...

July 09, 2009

Rio Employees Held in China

Rio Tinto, deadlocked in talks on iron ore prices with Chinese steel mills, said four of its employees have been detained for three days in Shanghai.more...

July 08, 2009

Bodycote Opens Finnish Heat-Treatment Center

Bodycote Finland opened a new heat-treatment center in Tampere’s Vehmainen quarter on May 19. The 3,500-square-meter facility is intended primarily for the case hardening and austempering of large machine parts, gear wheels and axles. more...

July 07, 2009

Tenova successfully commissioned one furnace in France and one in Germany.

Düsseldorf, June 30th, 2009. Tenova Italimpianti Deutschland GmbH, a Company of Tenova LOI Italimpianti, has successfully commissioned two furnaces in June. more...

July 06, 2009

Arcelor-Mittal to re-open furnace in Belgium plant

BRUSSELS: Steelmaker Arcelor-Mittal would re-open the second blast furnace at its plant in Ghent, Belgium, in August, local media reported on Sunday. more...

July 04, 2009

ArcelorMittal Keen To Cooperate With Chinese Cos On Iron Ore

BEIJING -(Dow Jones)- ArcelorMittal (MT), the world's biggest steel producer by output, hopes to cooperate with Chinese steel makers on iron ore exploration and mining, Roland Verstappen, global vice president of the firm, said Saturday.more...

July 03, 2009

U.S. Steel to recall 900 employees in Canada and Illinois

U.S. Steel Corp. is recalling about 900 laid-off steelworkers to resume production in Ontario and a blast furnace in Illinois, but the company declined to say whether laid-off steelworkers in the Mon Valley will be returning to their jobs. more...

July 02, 2009

Nitriding Stop Off

Questions:
We have heard of a stop-off material called “Sel-Nite” that is used in the nitriding process and were wondering if you had heard of it, whether it worked and, if so, how effective it is? more...

June 30, 2009

Sapa Group makes $95 million offer for Indalex

Merged firm would have 21 aluminum extrusion plants in North America

Aluminum products firm Sapa Group plans to buy bankrupt aluminum extruder Indalex in a move that could increase the Scandinavian firm's North American extrusion capacity by as much as 315,000 metric tons annually. The $95 million purchase plan is to be presented to a bankruptcy court judge for approval as lead (or stalking horse) bidder in an early July auction of assets.more...

June 29, 2009

Australia to probe alleged aluminium dumping by China

Publishing Date 24 Jun 2009 10:23am GMT Author Mining Journal Australia is investigating the alleged dumping of aluminum extrusion products by China, the world’s largest producer of aluminum, after an application by domestic producer Capral Ltd. more...

June 26, 2009

Austempering SAE 1050 Steel

Questions:
We are thinking of making a part out of SAE 1050 steel and austempering it to produce a hardness of 42–48 HRC. However, the part is quite thick, being approximately 0.130” (3.3 mm) in the thickest section. We were wondering if it is too thick for austempering? Also, what should our salt temperature be? more...

June 25, 2009

US, EU file unfair-trade cases against China

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: While the US and the EU filed charges with the WTO over Chinese export restrictions, Beijing asked the trade body to probe a US poultry ban more...

June 24, 2009

Siemens expects new contracts worth nearly USD 21 bn

Thanks to stimulus plans unveiled by governments worldwide, diversified German group Siemens AG expects to win contracts worth 15 billion euros (about USD 20.75 billion) over the next three years. Of the amount, the entity anticipates green technologies to account for about 40 per cent. more...

June 23, 2009

'Steel cycles have become much shorter'

The global recession has impacted all commodity sectors, but more so steel. Prices touched an all-time high of over $1200 per tonne and crashed by over 60% from those levels in the same year. Steelmakers across the world are burdened with heavy debts. However, the surge in demand from the rural sector has come to the rescue of domestic firms. DNA invited Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director and group CFO, JSW Steel, Anil Sureka, executive director (finance), Ispat Industries, Vikram Amin, executive director (sales and marketing), Essar Steel, and Pawan Burde, senior research analyst, Angel Broking, for a discussion on the issues facing the sector and its prospects. more...

June 22, 2009

Essar Steel Algoma's New Cogeneration Facility

Essar Steel Algoma of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontaio, Canada announced the started up of a new, 70 MW Cogeneration Facility. Final performance testing was conducted on June 13, 2009, which confirmed the facility meets all necessary operating standards as required by the Ontario Power Authority. more...

June 19, 2009

H-Band Boron Steels

Questions:
We make steel shackles for padlocks, and the material we use is 15B21H steel. The parts are carbonitrided, and we need to achieve a 40+ HRC core hardness. We also must comply with SAE J1268. My questions are as follows: more...

June 18, 2009

Hearing held on stabilizing, revitalizing US steel industry

The Congressional Steel Hearing, chaired by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, held a hearing on Tuesday to listen to the concerns of the steel industry and discuss policy solutions aimed at stabilizing the industry. more...

June 17, 2009

Congressional hearing focuses on stabilizing weak steel industry

Union leaders, steel industry executives and analysts testified Tuesday before a congressional panel on Capitol Hill petitioning lawmakers to support legislation that would help save the domestic steel industry. more...

June 16, 2009

NEW PM DEVELOPMENT FACILITY

TAT Technologies, Inc., Summit, N.J., will open a Technology Development & Training Center in a recently acquired 5,000 sq. ft. building located in the Stackpole complex in St. Marys, Pa., reports Harb S. Nayar, president. more...

June 15, 2009

Steel ministry for higher duty on iron ore, steel products

NEW DELHI: The Steel Ministry is understood to be pushing for 15 per cent export duty on iron ore, besides a similar percentage of import duty on vital steel items to protect the interests of the domestic steel industry. more...

June 12, 2009

Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton plan iron ore joint venture

World steel industry attacks the plan as noncompetitive

Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto has scrapped its $19.5 billion deal with China's Chinalco, choosing instead to raise $15.2 billion in a stock sale and setting up an iron ore production joint venture in Western Australia with rival Australian miner BHP Billiton.more...

June 11, 2009

Induction Heating of Forgings

Question:
We typically induction heat the upset ends of long drill pipe for the oil industry. Our forging process takes place at 2100-2300ºF. The steel we use is typically 4140/4330. At what temperature would incipient melting occur, and at what temperature would we start seeing a drooping effect? We are concerned that the ends stay concentric to the body. Also, when normalizing, should all the residual stresses caused from forging or cold working be taken out? We normalize and temper in a continuous furnace after forging.more...

June 10, 2009

Rio and BHP's savings to double from merger

RIO Tinto and BHP Billiton could reap $US20 billion ($25.2billion) in savings from the ambitious plan to combine their huge West Australian iron ore operations -- double the amount previously flagged.more...

June 09, 2009

China fears iron ore 'monopoly' in Rio-BHP venture

CHINESE steelmakers have toughened their opposition to the $US116 billion iron ore joint venture between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, denouncing the plans as monopolistic.more...

June 08, 2009

ArcelorMittal Lets Potential Buyer Tour Plant

HENNEPIN — Members of United Steelworkers of America Local 7367 as well as state and local legislators have been trying to pressure ArcelorMittal to put Hennepin rolled-steel plant up for sale if the company is not going to operate the facility it closed this winter.more...

June 05, 2009

China's iron ore stockpile will reach 120m tonnes

CHINA'S swelling iron ore stockpile is expected to soar as high as 120 million tonnes this month, with as much as 60 million tonnes entering the country's ports in May alone and more ships already lining up in Tianjin harbour in the country's north.more...

June 04, 2009

Stress Relief (Part 2: Alternative Techniques)

In Part 1, we talked about what stress relief is, how it is performed in an oven or furnace and talked about a few typical applications. However, there are other ways (typically by mechanical methods) to perform a stress-relief operation than by applying heat. more...

June 03, 2009

Worthington Industries Inc acquires Piper Metal Forming Corp

Worthington Industries Inc (NYSE:WOR), a metal processing company, said on 1 June that it has acquired the assets related to the business of Piper Metal Forming Corporation, U.S. Respiratory Inc and Pacific Cylinders Inc for an undisclosed sum. The acquired assets will be included in Worthington's Pressure Cylinders business segment. more...

June 02, 2009

China’s U.S. Dumping Probe May Not Hurt Ties, Steel Group Says

June 2 (Bloomberg) -- China’s first investigation into dumping of U.S. steel products may not increase trade frictions between the two countries as the volume affected is “too small,” Beijing-based Mysteel Research Institute said. more...

June 01, 2009

Virbhadra Singh Committed to Curb Cheap Steel Threat

Virbhadra Singh brings in a breath of fresh air to the steel ministry. He may not be the youngest minister, but demonstrates energy that could embarrass many youngsters. Excerpts : more...

May 29, 2009

Heat Treatment of Copper-Beryllium Alloys

Question:
Can you explain to me the difference between AMS-H-7199 and AMS 2728 when it comes to heat treating copper-beryllium alloy parts? more...

May 28, 2009

Steel increase comes as spotlight again falls on pricing formula

Africa’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal South Africa, confirmed on Wednesday that it intended raising prices for the first time in nine months as of July 1. The company said it would roll over its May prices into June, but gave notice to its customers that it would increase prices on both long- and flat-steel products as from July.more...

May 27, 2009

Kennametal to sell high speed steel drills business to Top Eastern Drill

Kennametal, Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its high speed steel drills business and related product lines to Top Eastern Drill Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of high speed steel drills and taps, for approximately $29 million. more...

May 26, 2009

Severstal says no plans to leave US market

MOSCOW — Russia’s largest steelmaker Severstal said Friday it had no immediate plans to sell any of its loss-making U.S. assets and would seek to turn them into profitable ventures. more...

May 25, 2009

Temperature Uniformity Survey Tips (Part One: Atmosphere Furnaces)

Temperature uniformity surveys (TUS) are a key part of any good heat-treat operation. Specifications such as AMS 2750D (Pyrometry) have been referred to by some as the nemesis of many a good heat treater or quality engineer. However, if our goal is to ensure we are heat treating to the tightest practical tolerances, we must find ways to streamline the process for checking uniformity so that we will want to do it more often and with better accuracy. Let’s learn more.more...

May 22, 2009

Aussie Rio Tinto shareholders seek new Chinalco deal Production and Markets

Publishing Date 21 May 2009 9:54am GMT Author Mining Journal Top Australian shareholders in Rio Tinto Ltd called for changes to the company's planned US$19.5 billion tie-up with China's state-owned Chinalco, and a newspaper reported that Chinalco will restructure the deal. more...

May 21, 2009

Rio Tinto says half of China iron-ore mines may have shut

Publishing Date 18 May 2009 10:46am GMT Author Mining Journal Roughly half of China's iron-ore mines may have shut down since prices dropped, opening the door for other low-cost producers to supply China with the key mineral for making building materials, an executive at Rio Tinto said on Monday. more...

May 20, 2009

Inauguration of New Powder Production Facility for Spherical Cast Tungsten Carbide (SWC)

Tekna Plasma Systems Inc., Sherbrooke, Canada, is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new induction plasma powder production line for metal and ceramic powders. This new line will increase Tekna’s capacity to over 200 tons per year and will be used mainly for producing Spherical Cast Tungsten Carbide powder (SWC) and for customized powder treatment tolling services.more...

May 19, 2009

Lucifer Furnaces has released Series 4099 ovens - large, high-velocity models ideal for tempering, annealing, stress relieving, shrink fitting and heat treatment of large workloads. more...

May 18, 2009

Sinter Hardening (Part 1: Alloying Additions)

Question: I am investigating sinter hardening and want to understand the role that Mn, Cr and Si play in hardenability since they are lower-priced alternatives to, say, Ni or Mo. What alloy elements are better in a PM grade? I seem to recall that there is an equation that relates the effect of different alloys additions. Can you help me find it? more...

May 15, 2009

China cuts loans to curb steel overproduction: reports

China has told banks to curb loans to steel makers that are increasing production despite falling demand and falling prices, state media reported Thursday.more...

May 14, 2009

AK Steel Likely to Idle Ashland, KY Steel Operations

Company Adjusting To Automaker Announcements And Continued Global Downturn

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel announced today that it will likely idle most of its Ashland (KY) Works beginning late in July or early August. The idling will affect about 750 hourly and salaried employees, and is the result of recent announcements by GM and Chrysler of significant production curtailments, along with the continuing global recession. The company said the plant is likely to remain idled at least through the balance of 2009.more...

May 13, 2009

Supplier of Flanged Axle Shafts Orders Induction Systems

Inductoheat Inc. shipped two VSM95 induction-hardening systems to a supplier of flanged axle shafts for heavy-duty trucks. The VSM95 system is used for high-volume scan hardening of many cylindrical parts. This machine has a dual-spindle arrangement that allows for 70 inches of travel while scan hardening two, 60-pound flanged axle shafts at 30 inches/minute. A STATIPOWER® SP7 power supply uses 600kw at 1/3 kHz to achieve the desired penetration depth for this application. To keep the system flexible, it automatically adjusts for varying part lengths and is integrated in a fully automated cell with robot. more...

May 12, 2009

Siemens to build wind turbine production facility in the U.S.

Additional capital investment in green technologies - 400 new jobs to be created

Siemens intends to build a new production facility for wind turbines in the state of Kansas. Initially, 400 new jobs are expected to be created in the new wind turbine production facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. When production begins at this facility, Siemens will be able to even more effectively meet the strong demand for wind turbine equipment in North and South America in the future.more...

May 11, 2009

Solar Atmospheres Receives Patent for Low Pressure Vacuum Carburizing

Solar Atmospheres chief executive officer, William R. Jones, announced the receipt of U.S. Patent No. 7,514,035 B2 issued on April 7, 2009. The patent is for a "Versatile High Velocity Intergral Vacuum Furnace". more...

May 08, 2009

Stress Relief (Part 1: Steel Components)

Stress relief is a type of heat treatment used to reduce or remove internal stress induced into metal components from various manufacturing methods (bending, shearing, forging, sawing, machining, grinding, milling, turning, welding, heating, cooling). As a general rule, the larger or more complex the part, the greater the amount of internal stress present.more...

May 07, 2009

Wire Form & Compression Spring Manufacturer Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - May 5, 2009) - Spring manufacturer Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. will celebrate its 10th anniversary next month. Founded by original partners, James West, Scott Pitney, and Mark West, the manufacturer has upgraded its facility four times since 1999 to keep up with the growth and demand for compression spring, torsion, extension and flat spring manufacturing. more...

May 06, 2009

More low-priced steel imports may be coming

AISI members concerned about foreign mills dumping steel on U.S. market

With the world steel market in recession, buyers in North America can expect even more low-priced steel imports in the near future. more...

May 05, 2009

Bodycote Appoints President of Aerospace, Defense and Energy Division

Bodycote Thermal Processing

Bodycote, the world's leading provider of heat treatments, hot isostatic pressing and coatings services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tracy Glende as President of its newly formed Aerospace, Defense and Energy division. more...

May 04, 2009

Alcoa To Sell Wire Harness And Electrical Distribution Business -

(RTTNews) - Aluminum producer Alcoa, Inc. (AA: News ) Thursday said it agreed to sell its wire harness and electrical distribution business to Platinum Equity, a California-based private equity group, for an undisclosed amount.more...

May 01, 2009

Jindal Steel in talks with Aussie co for coking coal exploration JV

NEW DELHI: Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL) is in advanced talks with New South Wales-based mining firm Hudson Resources to form a joint venture for exploration and mining of coking coal in Australia, said a person who is mediating in the proposed venture. The JV is expected to absorb investments of $100 million, once mining commences in the proposed coal block. more...

April 30, 2009

Steel inventories too high; timing of recovery unclear--analysts

Analysts agreed world steel inventories are too high, but differed on the
timing of any recovery as they addressed a packed house Tuesday at the
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries annual convention in Las Vegas.more...

April 29, 2009

Selas Heat Technology Company Aquires Pryonics, Inc.

Montgomeryville, PA, April 24, 2009 - Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC (“Selas”) announced today the acquisition of Pyronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Pyronics”) from its owner. The combined companies have robust synergies that now allow Selas to offer one of the widest range of products of industrial burners, process burners, mixing systems and related combustion accessories and equipment. more...

April 28, 2009

Global steel demand to drop 15%

World steel demand is likely to fall 14.9 per cent this year, making the decline by far the biggest in the industry since the end of the second world war, according to forecasts issued Monday by the World Steel Association. more...

April 27, 2009

Health and Safety in the Heat-Treat Shop
by Daniel H. Herring - April 3, 2009

When most of us think about health and safety in the heat-treat shop, we tend to focus on things that are hot, heavy or dangling overhead. The threats we can see, smell, hear or perhaps even taste are most often dealt with quickly. The old adage, “what you can’t see, won’t hurt you,” doesn’t apply in our industry. Let’s learn more. more...

April 24, 2009

Houston HT - the fastest growing heat treater in North America

Houston Heat Treat/Houston, Texas, USA. We do not have to hesitate for one second before naming Houston HT as the fastest growing heat treater in North America in the past two years. more...

April 23, 2009

Blast furnace problems at Mittal and USS could affect workforce

ArcelorMittal (AM) is readying for the outage of the No. 4 blast furnace at its Indiana Harbor facility--the only one currently in operation there--in a move which the company said will result in more layoffs more...

April 22, 2009

Flame Treating & Engineering Co., The

Come and see what we have to offer!

As in past years, Flame Treating will again be participating in the EASTEC Exposition sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers on May 19-21 in Springfield, MA. more...

April 21, 2009

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. Announces Operation Efficiencies and Additional Third Party Accreditations

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. announces numerous header and secondary operation efficiencies as well as additional third party accreditations within the realm of our cold formed fastener product line. more...

April 20, 2009

Lufkin Industries Inc./Lufkin, Texas, USA.

It's unfortunate that so few captive heat treaters like to advertise their heat treating departments no matter how impressive, however "it is what it is" and we can understand their viewpoint even if we don't always agree with it. more...

April 17, 2009

Micro Air Clean Air Systems has developed a new mist collector using the newest technology and proprietary engineering to achieve extreme efficiency (99.98%) without the use of additional HEPA filters. more...

April 16, 2009

Plan steers stimulus cash to steel cities

WOLLONGONG risks becoming a ghost town if the steel industry declines any further, the main steel union has warned.more...

April 15, 2009

TMK Ipsco/Baytown, Texas, USA. If it has to do with heat treating we’re interested! April 14/09

“DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction of a new heat treat facility has been completed at TMK IPSCO's Baytown Works in Baytown, Texas. more...

April 14, 2009

USW, OCTG Producers File Case Against China

Seven domestic oil country tubular goods (OCTG) producers and the United Steelworkers (USW) filed an antidumping trade case against China imports with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. more...

April 13, 2009

Datapaq Releases a New Data Logger for Furnace Surveying

Datapaq's XDL12 data logging system provides the complete solution for temperature uniformity surveying in batch and vacuum furnaces where data collection, external to the furnace is desirable.more...

April 10, 2009

Seco/Warwick. "A New England Manufacturer has purchased a 2 BAR Vacuum Brazing Furnace from SECO/WARWICK to enhance their vacuum brazing capabilities for specialized products used in fabricating machinery." April 6/09 more...

April 09, 2009

Bodycote’s Kitchener has been awarded Nadcap accreditation to AC7102 for Aerospace Heat Treating services.

Bodycote. Bodycote’s Kitchener, ON (Canada) facility, part of the Heat Treatment North American division, has been awarded Nadcap accreditation to AC7102 for Aerospace Heat Treating services. more...

April 08, 2009

Timken Receives Precision Slot Quench System, Induction Preheaters

Thermatool Corp. announced the successful commissioning of a precision slot quench system along with multiple induction preheaters for austenitizing and tempering operations on an induction/gas quench-and-temper line at Timken Steel. more...

April 07, 2009

Datapaq Introduces External Data Logging System

April 2009 - Datapaq, the worldwide leader of temperature profiling systems, announces the release of its' new external data logging system - XDL12. The XDL12 Furnace Survey System provides the complete solution for performing temperature uniformity surveys in batch and vacuum furnaces where external data collection is required. more...

April 06, 2009

Mark Siebenaller's views on the US and Heat Treatment

Recently we welcomed Mark Siebenaller over from Eurotherm-UK (Global Business Director – Heat Treatment) he visited a variety of our Customers along with Current opportunities we have across the US.more...

April 03, 2009

Steel industry wants out of ETS

Now is not the time to impose new costs on businesses contributing significantly to employment and export revenues, New Zealand Steel president Ross Murray told MPs reviewing the Emissions Trading Scheme yesterday.more...

April 02, 2009

Local jobless rate increases at fastest pace since '80s

The Pittsburgh area unemployment rate has climbed more steeply in the 12 months that ended in February than it had since the collapse of the steel industry in 1983.more...

April 01, 2009

Australia approves China investment in Fortescue

Australia approved a US$438 million Chinese investment in iron-ore producer Fortescue Metals Group on Tuesday, only a few days after it stunned investors and blocked a separate Chinese mining investment. more...

March 31, 2009

American Iron and Steel Institute Supports Automakers in Meeting New Emissions Requirements Announced by the Department of Transportation

American Iron and Steel Institute

The steel industry is working with automakers on advanced lightweight steel technologies to boost fuel efficiency and cut emissions WASHINGTON, March 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) said today that it is actively supporting automakers as they work to produce more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles that can meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) new requirements. more...

March 30, 2009

Wallwork Heat Treatment Ltd./Bury UK suffered a fire in Bury, UK

Wallwork Heat Treatment Ltd./Bury UK. One of the larger commercial heat treaters in the UK, Wallwork in Bury, UK (near Manchester) suffered a fire earlier this week. Not an uncommon event by any means in the heat treating industry; the only written comments we have come across are below. In addition to this brief note further down we have a news item about the company from February 2009. March 25/09 more...

March 27, 2009

PLANSEE Manufactures Huge HIP Cylinder

The furnace construction department of PLANSEE Metall GmbH manufactured a cylinder for the world’s largest hot isostatic press (HIP) for Sweden’s Avure Technologies. more...

March 26, 2009

Solar Manufacturing Ships Two Vacuum Furnaces for Diffusion Bonding of Porous Metal Products

Souderton, Pa.- Solar Manufacturing, Inc. recently completed the shipment of two large vacuum furnaces to a major, multi-divisional manufacturer of diffusion bonded porous metal products used for filtering, transpiration cooling and noise suppression.more...

March 25, 2009

Lawmakers push "Buy American" resolutions

LORAIN — The Chinese are taking advantage of the recession to dump foreign steel here, and America needs to fight back by using American-made steel for the bridges, buildings and other economic stimulus projects, U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton said Monday. more...

March 24, 2009

Schnitzer Steel Acquires Puerto Rico Metals Recycler

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has acquired Ponce Resources, Inc., of Salinas, Puerto Rico. Terms of the transaction were not announced. more...

March 23, 2009

“Pinpoint” Laser Heat-Treating Process Now Available

Laser Cladding Services, of Houston, Texas, USA, has introduced LaserHeat, a laser pinpoint heat-treating process, to their array of laser treatment services designed to extend the lifecycle of critical parts.more...

March 21, 2009

A Deeper Look at Green Industry Jobs By Heide B. Malhotra

WASHINGTON—More than 2 million Americans applied for unemployment insurance during 2008, the highest annual level since 2002, according to U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.
The Obama administration is scrambling to find new employment opportunities for the nation’s unemployed. more...

March 20, 2009

China alumina imports up on weak prices

Publishing Date 13 Mar 2009 12:21pm GMT Author Mining Journal Chinese aluminium smelters are increasing imports of spot alumina after overseas prices fell more than 10% in less than a month and because of more bank credits, smelter officials and traders said on Friday. more...

March 19, 2009

U. S. Steel Announces Management Changes at U. S. Steel Canada Subsidiary

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) today announced two management changes at its U. S. Steel Canada Inc. subsidiary. David J. Rintoul, who currently serves as general manager of U. S. Steel's Great Lakes Works near Detroit, Mich., has been named president-U. S. Steel Canada. more...

March 17, 2009

Alcoa sees China as linchpin in aluminum market Production and Markets

Publishing Date 11 Mar 2009 10:21am GMT Author Mining Journal China has been the linchpin in the global aluminum industry with its sizable production cuts and measures to boost industrial demand, steps that have brought the global market into balance despite a rapid decline in the metal price, Alcoa Inc's chief executive said on Tuesday.more...

March 16, 2009

Heat Exchangers are available with copper brazed plate.

February 26, 2009 - Offered in sizes to meet various dimensioning and installation requirements, brazed plate heat exchangers are available with stainless steel plate packs, with thermal output from 1,700 to 8.5 million BTUs/hr, and copper brazing. Various accessories and internationally accepted connection types are available. Areas of use include radiant heating, snow melt, HVAC, and commercial/domestic hot water applications. more...

March 10, 2009

Aluminum Industry to Benefit From Stimulus Package

The Aluminum Association announced that $6.5 billion from the nation’s stimulus plan will be spent for more aluminum transmission lines. This will enable new renewable sources of clean, green energy such as solar and wind to be connected to the transmission grid. more...

March 06, 2009

Sudden, painful Iron Range slump evokes talk of the '80s

The Minntac plant in Mountain Iron will see layoffs of 590 people, half its workforce.

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Mining layoffs and slowdowns. An imploding economy. A drop in steel demand. The current business climate reminds some on the Iron Range of the tough times in the 1980s, when similar conditions crushed the region's mining industry.more...

March 04, 2009

U.S. Steel Further Consolidates Operations for Greater Efficiency

PITTSBURGH, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United States Steel Corporation announced today that further consolidation is necessary to maximize efficiency while meeting customer demands. more...

February 27, 2009

Benefits of Heat Treating (Part 5): Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) Diagrams

The phase transformations described in "Benefits of Heat Treating" Parts 2, 3, and 4 occur by nucleation and growth and are diffusion-controlled. The kinetics or rates of these transformations are a function of temperature and steel composition and can be described with a TTT diagram for the eutectoid steel.more...

February 26, 2009

Universal Wrecking Corp. Completes Scrap Metal Recycling Project

Universal Wrecking Corp. recently completed a project that consisted of the purchase of scrap metal as well as various obsolete equipment from a private client. Competitive scrap prices were paid to the for their scrap metals and the work was completed safely.more...

February 20, 2009

MTI Seeing the Impact of Sluggish Economy

Reflective of the U.S. recession, Metal Treaters experienced a large decline in sales in January 2009. A total $55.6 million in sales was reported. By comparison, in January 2008 the industry tallied $72.2 million in sales.more...

For more information on our services, please contact us via e-mail

Mark Tate - Plant Manager - MTate@HoustonHeattreat.com

David Sullinger - Sales or Customer Service - dsullinger@houstonheattreat.com

or call us at 281-590-9600.