A new President and a change in direction for manufacturing in this country. The outgoing flow of manufacturing from the country has been stemmed and now there is an influx of manufacturing back into the country. In addition, the direction of attention of available resources, both human and material are now starting to be driven in a different direction, both as an effect of policy change as well as obsolescence of things that should have been maintained properly or that merely have reached the end of their life cycle.At any rate the change bodes new challenges and requires different assets to accomplish the job.
To regress, I entered the materials world as a young engineer in the 1950s. At that time, it was a different world. Most of the periodic table was empty at that point. Steel was the material of choice because of its abundance, its cost, and a foundation of an industry ready to produce it, shape it, heat treat it for desired properties and finish it into shapes required for a growing list of applications. Plastics were used for toys and even then, a now-banned lead was used to cast toys. Aluminum was light and therefore it was ideal for an emerging aircraft industry. Because of cost of producing it, expense of material was too great for anything else. Not many remember that the first aluminum utensils were for the French King on his birthday. The other materials that were used were copper alloys, brasses and bronzes, and that was about it.
However, today all of this has changed. The periodic table is now full. From a few basic steels, an extensive Table, listing steels for many different applications, is available and more steels are constantly being added. These include steels for structural applications, chromium steels for hot working, such as dies for extrusion and forging, tool steels, a growing list of stainless steels for corrosion resistance, specialty steels, and now micro-alloyed steels. In addition, because of need for lightness, aluminum and titanium alloys are now under development. Nickel, cobalt and iron superalloys are available for today's aircraft requiring increased payloads and designed to fly at higher altitudes. Chromium and refractory alloys are now starting to emerge for space applications requiring even higher temperature and corrosion resistance. Sounds exciting? well yes, but with the loss of manufacturing to outsourcing we have a problem of skilled labor. This includes people that use their hands as well as their brains. In other words, with the influx of returning industry and a change in priorities for manufacture, there is now becoming a shortage of people that were machinists, die makers, welders and other skills requiring hands-on skill. These people were developed in special schools called Trade Schools. However, due to over supply, these schools have largely disappeared and to make matters worse the pool of qualified machinists and welders, etc, is aging at a time where more are needed. Robots are replacements, in some cases, however, we now start limiting available jobs, and that is another problem.
Therefore, where are we going today? Well certainly we need people to man industry returning to the country. In addition, look at the national statistics of our transportation system. In our area, trains ordered by the transit system have faulty welds and they require repair. Track for railroads is old and new technology is required to improve travel by train. Bridges are all aging and are in desperate need of repair or replacement. Newer improved roadways are needed. In addition, our nuclear reactors are also aging and in need of costly repairs or replacement. These reactors provide the cleanest energy that we have to date. They also hold the promise of production of cheap hydrogen to replace environmentally unfriendly hydrocarbon fuels. New energy efficient housing is required. All of this requires laborers with hands on experience. Therefore, we predict that in the near future, more emphasis will be placed on re-establishment of trade schools. These will become alternatives to the complex issues now emerging at our Universities.
Yes, a changing world, some of it back to the basics. However, there is always a need for new technology, with some of the problems that it brings. Except for offshore rigs, the ocean remains largely unexplored and it is three quarters of the earths surface. In addition we are fast approaching the capability of faster travel and even unmanned space travel. Even colonization of unknown worlds is becoming a possibility. My kids when they were young used to say," are we there yet."? I'm afraid the answer is still no. There are a lot of challenges in the next few years. Change is always with us and as long as brain power and skill of hand power is required, it remains a good and an exciting thing. I look forward to the next few years as we begin building our infrastructure.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Expansion In Magnetic Technology
MagnaTech has been active in development of soft magnetic alloys since the 1980s. At that time Hoganas Sweden developed a powder metallurgy alloy that contained phosphorus. However, Hoganas did not develop the alloy for magnetic applications, but because it contributed solid solution strengthening to iron.
At this time, in America, General Motors was developing a new motor concept for automotive engines. They therefore approached Hoeganaes, Riverton for assistance in making this part. However, General Motors was familiar with silicon steel, not powder metallurgy. Therefore we convinced GM that this new phosphorus iron I was developing for magnetic relays would do the job for their application. Therefore, the phosphorus irons were developed for magnetic applications and a new market for powder metallurgy technology was born. Later on, powder metallurgy ferritic stainless steels were developed for applications that sacrificed some magnetic performance for improved corrosion resistance.
Since then MagnaTech has become more active in consulting and testing of laminated magnetic alloys, such as molybdenum permalloy and iron cobalt alloys. MagnaTech has used only ASTM Specification BA596 (Equivalent ASTM A773) for testing these materials, and continues to do so. However there is now a demand for determinimg core loss of these materials for AC applications. MagnaTech is considering modifying their test equipment to also accomplish this testing in accordance with ASTM A927.
In addition to the above, the alloys of interest require carefully controlled heat treatment to perform to the level expected of the device.MagnaTech is interested in developing qualified sources to provide this service.
MagnaTech has been active both in research and development of heat treatment of these materials as well as in development of procedures for the testing of these magnetic materials that require properties for critical performance. If your company has need for these services please contact MagnaTech and we will quickly respond to your requirements.
At this time, in America, General Motors was developing a new motor concept for automotive engines. They therefore approached Hoeganaes, Riverton for assistance in making this part. However, General Motors was familiar with silicon steel, not powder metallurgy. Therefore we convinced GM that this new phosphorus iron I was developing for magnetic relays would do the job for their application. Therefore, the phosphorus irons were developed for magnetic applications and a new market for powder metallurgy technology was born. Later on, powder metallurgy ferritic stainless steels were developed for applications that sacrificed some magnetic performance for improved corrosion resistance.
Since then MagnaTech has become more active in consulting and testing of laminated magnetic alloys, such as molybdenum permalloy and iron cobalt alloys. MagnaTech has used only ASTM Specification BA596 (Equivalent ASTM A773) for testing these materials, and continues to do so. However there is now a demand for determinimg core loss of these materials for AC applications. MagnaTech is considering modifying their test equipment to also accomplish this testing in accordance with ASTM A927.
In addition to the above, the alloys of interest require carefully controlled heat treatment to perform to the level expected of the device.MagnaTech is interested in developing qualified sources to provide this service.
MagnaTech has been active both in research and development of heat treatment of these materials as well as in development of procedures for the testing of these magnetic materials that require properties for critical performance. If your company has need for these services please contact MagnaTech and we will quickly respond to your requirements.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Fusion Nuclear Reactors
When I attended the Naval Academy many many years ago, there were no electives, only selection of a language. Nuclear engineering was just coming into being.. There was one course and it really consisted of atomic structure because very little else was known..
Didn't pay too much attention to its progress until 1958, when I became employed by Sylvania Corning Nuclear that I became interested in nuclear engineering again. At that time I was hired by the Research Laboratory to work on refractory metal alloys and beryllium that would be part of the first nuclear reactor that would propel an airplane. The feature was that the plane would never have to land, and there would be merely an exchange of crews and supplies. Good idea, except no one considered the weight. When they did and found the idea impractical, I now believed that I was out of a job. Therefore I found employment in the beryllium industry that was also heavily involved in the growing nuclear industry. Not sure that all has been declassified so am not going there.
It was not long after that the concept for a fusion nuclear reactor was conceived. As I recall, Princeton University was active and still is a key player.In a simple sense the concept was to concentrate and accelerate neutrons within a field shaped by super conducting magnets to collide, react and create electrical energy for public consumption. This is a simplistic explanation because I am far from being a nuclear physicist. However I am interested in materials and they have been stumbling blocks to its development.
I previously discussed Generation IV reactors, which are conceived for introduction between 2020 to 2030. Fusion nuclear reactors are still not conceived to come on stream until 2050.
Reasons for this still evolve around material development. Superconducting magnets are still not advanced as desired to concentrate and accelerate the neutrons.In addition, alloys that stand the elevated temperatures and neutron wall loading are still in the infant stage of development.
MagnaTech believes that we have little to contribute to the development of super conducting magnets. However, we do believe that we can assist in improvement of structural materials required to sustain the harsh environment and conditions imposed by reactions occurring at the walls. The environment consists of complex combinations of high temperature , high stresses, reactive coolants and extensive radiation damage.What this means is that alloys that have strength sufficient at operation at temperatures as high as 500 C at stress levels imposed in a highly reactive corrosive environment are needed. Candidate materials for the structural components include reduced activation ferritic martensitic steels that can be joined to form complex structures.In addition the surface must be resistant to corrosion attack from possible liquid coolants and from radiation degradation. A tall order, but MagnaTech believes that we have technology available that can resolve some of these anticipated problems. Therefore MagnaTech is seeking opportunities to partner with others to advance our concepts to resolve some of the material problems resisting the development of these advanced fusion nuclear reactors. MagnaTech would therefore be delighted to engage in dialogue with other companies that would be interested in advancing this technology.
Didn't pay too much attention to its progress until 1958, when I became employed by Sylvania Corning Nuclear that I became interested in nuclear engineering again. At that time I was hired by the Research Laboratory to work on refractory metal alloys and beryllium that would be part of the first nuclear reactor that would propel an airplane. The feature was that the plane would never have to land, and there would be merely an exchange of crews and supplies. Good idea, except no one considered the weight. When they did and found the idea impractical, I now believed that I was out of a job. Therefore I found employment in the beryllium industry that was also heavily involved in the growing nuclear industry. Not sure that all has been declassified so am not going there.
It was not long after that the concept for a fusion nuclear reactor was conceived. As I recall, Princeton University was active and still is a key player.In a simple sense the concept was to concentrate and accelerate neutrons within a field shaped by super conducting magnets to collide, react and create electrical energy for public consumption. This is a simplistic explanation because I am far from being a nuclear physicist. However I am interested in materials and they have been stumbling blocks to its development.
I previously discussed Generation IV reactors, which are conceived for introduction between 2020 to 2030. Fusion nuclear reactors are still not conceived to come on stream until 2050.
Reasons for this still evolve around material development. Superconducting magnets are still not advanced as desired to concentrate and accelerate the neutrons.In addition, alloys that stand the elevated temperatures and neutron wall loading are still in the infant stage of development.
MagnaTech believes that we have little to contribute to the development of super conducting magnets. However, we do believe that we can assist in improvement of structural materials required to sustain the harsh environment and conditions imposed by reactions occurring at the walls. The environment consists of complex combinations of high temperature , high stresses, reactive coolants and extensive radiation damage.What this means is that alloys that have strength sufficient at operation at temperatures as high as 500 C at stress levels imposed in a highly reactive corrosive environment are needed. Candidate materials for the structural components include reduced activation ferritic martensitic steels that can be joined to form complex structures.In addition the surface must be resistant to corrosion attack from possible liquid coolants and from radiation degradation. A tall order, but MagnaTech believes that we have technology available that can resolve some of these anticipated problems. Therefore MagnaTech is seeking opportunities to partner with others to advance our concepts to resolve some of the material problems resisting the development of these advanced fusion nuclear reactors. MagnaTech would therefore be delighted to engage in dialogue with other companies that would be interested in advancing this technology.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
More Cncerning Three D Printing
Three-D printing has been making inroads into part manufacturing since the beginning of this century. The impetus for this progress is because we need to make parts faster and cheaper. If only one part of a kind, such as a forging die is needed, now it appears to be that Three-D printing is the way to go. Also, if a complex, thin walled part that is made of expensive material and much waste as chip or scrap is generated form the part, then again Three-D printing may be the answer. I attended a show in New Jersey last week and examples of parts were on exhibit that demonstrated both situations discussed above.
However, Three-D printing requires not only a precise computer engineered model to produce a complex part, but also either an electron beam or a laser to melt the particles deposited as fine incremental layers that are built to generate the volume of the part desired. These components are expensive and mandatory start-up expenses that cost $600,000 to $1,000,000.
Powders are also expensive in respect to wrought, cast or forged alloys .These powders are mostly gas atomized, requiring protection to minimize surface oxidation. As a result, depending on the powder size distribution required to distribute the thin layers for melting, these powders may cost as much as $100 per pound. Although, there are increasing numbers of gas atomized powder producers, alloy compositions are more limited as opposed to wrought compositions, which are readily available commercially.
Once a decision has been made that the cost and time saved is justified, then production of the part may also yield additional problems. First, thickness of the powder layer and the direction of the laser or electron beam required to melt the powder layer requires careful consideration or else porosity, contamination between layers or inconsistency in chemistry may result. The part, if used in a critical application where safety and lives are at risk, must satisfy the physical and the mechanical properties of the wrought alloys already satisfying the properties required of the part for performance. In this case, almost a secondary operation, known as hot isostatic pressing is required to assure a pore-free structure. Additional heat treatment may also be necessary to provide a uniform microstructure rather than a non-uniform cast structure. Required properties of existing specifications must be assured.
In addition to the internal core properties, the surface of the part may also require careful consideration and modification. Most parts in service fail either from corrosion, fatigue, impact or wear. Therefore careful consideration of the surface is required. Three-D parts normally have rough surfaces that require some modification to provide a desired surface finish. In addition, some surface modification may be required to protect the working surface from the environmental factors causing the part to corrode, fatigue, wear or fracture from impact.
As we have described, there is still much work to be accomplished before advanced manufacturing becomes competitive with current processing. However, at least two prime manufactures within the past week have become more committed to continuing development of the current processes. General Electric has a consortium in process whereby they are studying how these processes can be used in their applications, such as turbine engines, windmill construction and other areas as well. An off the road equipment manufacturer has also challenged innovators to come up with ideas that will increase the use of advanced manufacturing processes to reduce cost and time for production for three of the components that are used on their equipment. Yes, there is much interest in advanced manufacturing and MagnaTech believes that we can assist in overcoming currently troubling problems..
However, Three-D printing requires not only a precise computer engineered model to produce a complex part, but also either an electron beam or a laser to melt the particles deposited as fine incremental layers that are built to generate the volume of the part desired. These components are expensive and mandatory start-up expenses that cost $600,000 to $1,000,000.
Powders are also expensive in respect to wrought, cast or forged alloys .These powders are mostly gas atomized, requiring protection to minimize surface oxidation. As a result, depending on the powder size distribution required to distribute the thin layers for melting, these powders may cost as much as $100 per pound. Although, there are increasing numbers of gas atomized powder producers, alloy compositions are more limited as opposed to wrought compositions, which are readily available commercially.
Once a decision has been made that the cost and time saved is justified, then production of the part may also yield additional problems. First, thickness of the powder layer and the direction of the laser or electron beam required to melt the powder layer requires careful consideration or else porosity, contamination between layers or inconsistency in chemistry may result. The part, if used in a critical application where safety and lives are at risk, must satisfy the physical and the mechanical properties of the wrought alloys already satisfying the properties required of the part for performance. In this case, almost a secondary operation, known as hot isostatic pressing is required to assure a pore-free structure. Additional heat treatment may also be necessary to provide a uniform microstructure rather than a non-uniform cast structure. Required properties of existing specifications must be assured.
In addition to the internal core properties, the surface of the part may also require careful consideration and modification. Most parts in service fail either from corrosion, fatigue, impact or wear. Therefore careful consideration of the surface is required. Three-D parts normally have rough surfaces that require some modification to provide a desired surface finish. In addition, some surface modification may be required to protect the working surface from the environmental factors causing the part to corrode, fatigue, wear or fracture from impact.
As we have described, there is still much work to be accomplished before advanced manufacturing becomes competitive with current processing. However, at least two prime manufactures within the past week have become more committed to continuing development of the current processes. General Electric has a consortium in process whereby they are studying how these processes can be used in their applications, such as turbine engines, windmill construction and other areas as well. An off the road equipment manufacturer has also challenged innovators to come up with ideas that will increase the use of advanced manufacturing processes to reduce cost and time for production for three of the components that are used on their equipment. Yes, there is much interest in advanced manufacturing and MagnaTech believes that we can assist in overcoming currently troubling problems..
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Generation IV Nuclear Reactors
The Department of Energy has recently requested proposals for the development of alloys that will sustain the harsh environment of a nuclear reactor. The reason for this request results from a Nuclear Energy Road Map that was recently presented to Congress for approval. There are many reasons for this program to proceed. Our current reactors are at the limit of their life and extending service is expensive. Current reactor designs have shown that large on-site reactors as replacements cannot possibly compete with low cost, abundant natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels. However, in a green society, hydrocarbon fuels are considered a threat to the ozone layer.
Therefore a different approach offers a possibility to resolve the issue of expense of new reactors and the emissions problems associated with fossil fuels. There are approximately six designs of these new concept reactors. However, all have been generated using computer modeling and have not been tried using real world technology.
The new designs operate under the concept of the Brayton cycle as opposed to the conventional Carno Cycle. Unfortunately the Brayton Cycle, for most efficient operation, experiences temperatures as high as 1600F (870C). The first problem encountered is what materials can be used at these temperatures that will satisfy current pressure codes. So far two alloys have been identified as probable materials. Both are Haynes nickel based alloys with high chromium, tungsten and cobalt additions.We have studied the properties of Haynes Alloy 230 and believe that our patented processes can assist the alloys to overcome the problems of high temperature creep, hot corrosion and radiation effects, as well as possibly strengthening the core properties. We therefore have submitted a proposal to develop or modify this alloy to satisfy the current requirement. This is the first step in proving the worth of development of Generation IV nuclear reactors.
If MagnaTech or others can resolve the performance of the alloys to satisfy current pressure codes, then it is expected that the new type reactors would become commercial as early as 2030 or as late as 2050. If successful, then the advantages are that the reactor would be smaller, more efficient and built off-site. Also, at those temperatures the secondary heat could be used to make cheaper hydrogen to be used as an automotive fuel. Combining the two cost factors now make the cost of developing Generation IV reactors economical. MagnaTech looks forward to participating in the development of these new, more efficient economical, environmentally more friendly reactors to supply an ever increasing population that will require cleaner, more efficient, safe energy. MagnaTech would appreciate any input from readers who are interested in this area of development. We do need cleaner, cheaper more friendly fuels that do not increase greenhouse pollution. MagaTech would love to establish contact with all inetrested parties seeking material advances in alloy or design development within this area of research. MagnaTech appreciates your participation and awareness in this potentially revolutionary cleaner energy future.
Therefore a different approach offers a possibility to resolve the issue of expense of new reactors and the emissions problems associated with fossil fuels. There are approximately six designs of these new concept reactors. However, all have been generated using computer modeling and have not been tried using real world technology.
The new designs operate under the concept of the Brayton cycle as opposed to the conventional Carno Cycle. Unfortunately the Brayton Cycle, for most efficient operation, experiences temperatures as high as 1600F (870C). The first problem encountered is what materials can be used at these temperatures that will satisfy current pressure codes. So far two alloys have been identified as probable materials. Both are Haynes nickel based alloys with high chromium, tungsten and cobalt additions.We have studied the properties of Haynes Alloy 230 and believe that our patented processes can assist the alloys to overcome the problems of high temperature creep, hot corrosion and radiation effects, as well as possibly strengthening the core properties. We therefore have submitted a proposal to develop or modify this alloy to satisfy the current requirement. This is the first step in proving the worth of development of Generation IV nuclear reactors.
If MagnaTech or others can resolve the performance of the alloys to satisfy current pressure codes, then it is expected that the new type reactors would become commercial as early as 2030 or as late as 2050. If successful, then the advantages are that the reactor would be smaller, more efficient and built off-site. Also, at those temperatures the secondary heat could be used to make cheaper hydrogen to be used as an automotive fuel. Combining the two cost factors now make the cost of developing Generation IV reactors economical. MagnaTech looks forward to participating in the development of these new, more efficient economical, environmentally more friendly reactors to supply an ever increasing population that will require cleaner, more efficient, safe energy. MagnaTech would appreciate any input from readers who are interested in this area of development. We do need cleaner, cheaper more friendly fuels that do not increase greenhouse pollution. MagaTech would love to establish contact with all inetrested parties seeking material advances in alloy or design development within this area of research. MagnaTech appreciates your participation and awareness in this potentially revolutionary cleaner energy future.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
New Nuclear Reactors for Cleaner, Lower Cost Energy
This topic brings me a long way back to the beginning of my career. At that time I was employed by Sylvania-Corning in their Research Laboratory in Bayside, New York to develop new materials for a nuclear reactor that would permit a plane to fly continuously without ever landing. General Electric was the prime contractor. Unfortunately the reactor was so heavy compared with the lift capacity of the plane, therefore an impractical application.
However, there were many things that we developed that were incorporated into a novice nuclear program that led to the application of today's nuclear reactors for electrical energy and to the nuclear reactors that serve to power our modern submarines and aircraft carriers.
However, now forty years have passed and these reactors are being extended beyond their intended time limit of service. Efforts are still being made to extend their life for an additional twenty years.
These reactors are large and the efficiency level is decreasing as life is extended. In addition, America has remained stagnant in development and modernization of existing reactors, compared with European countries.
It is refreshing to know that the Department of Energy is now very active in programs to decrease the size of future reactors while improving efficiency at lower cost. In addition, a new factor has entered the equation. In the past we did not consider acts of terrorism to be a big issue. Now these are issues to be seriously considered and become part of the technology in developing new reactors for tomorrow.
To permit development of these lighter efficient reactors, new concepts have been developed that require improved efficiency in cooling to permit the reactors to operate at higher temperature and pressure. Present materials will not have this capability. Therefore there is current interest in the development of new materials that can withstand the higher temperature and pressure that is anticipated. For the new concepts to be exercised these new materials and coolants and reaction to creep and corrosion become immediate areas of influence for success of the concepts. MagnaTech believes that we have some technology to offer in improvement of current and new materials and intend to actively pursue opportunities in the development of these materials. Therefore MagnaTech is interested in partnering with companies that have thermal capability to permit heat treating and reaction of materials that we believe that can improve performance of these potential reactors of tomorrow. Should you believe that you can team with MagnaTech to develop these new materials, we would be pleased to consider a partnership or consulting to develop new materials for these nuclear reactors of the future. Please contact us regarding potential commercial application.
However, there were many things that we developed that were incorporated into a novice nuclear program that led to the application of today's nuclear reactors for electrical energy and to the nuclear reactors that serve to power our modern submarines and aircraft carriers.
However, now forty years have passed and these reactors are being extended beyond their intended time limit of service. Efforts are still being made to extend their life for an additional twenty years.
These reactors are large and the efficiency level is decreasing as life is extended. In addition, America has remained stagnant in development and modernization of existing reactors, compared with European countries.
It is refreshing to know that the Department of Energy is now very active in programs to decrease the size of future reactors while improving efficiency at lower cost. In addition, a new factor has entered the equation. In the past we did not consider acts of terrorism to be a big issue. Now these are issues to be seriously considered and become part of the technology in developing new reactors for tomorrow.
To permit development of these lighter efficient reactors, new concepts have been developed that require improved efficiency in cooling to permit the reactors to operate at higher temperature and pressure. Present materials will not have this capability. Therefore there is current interest in the development of new materials that can withstand the higher temperature and pressure that is anticipated. For the new concepts to be exercised these new materials and coolants and reaction to creep and corrosion become immediate areas of influence for success of the concepts. MagnaTech believes that we have some technology to offer in improvement of current and new materials and intend to actively pursue opportunities in the development of these materials. Therefore MagnaTech is interested in partnering with companies that have thermal capability to permit heat treating and reaction of materials that we believe that can improve performance of these potential reactors of tomorrow. Should you believe that you can team with MagnaTech to develop these new materials, we would be pleased to consider a partnership or consulting to develop new materials for these nuclear reactors of the future. Please contact us regarding potential commercial application.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Is There A Need For New Steels?
Hi: Price of gas down to much lower levels. However, that appears to be a sham because now that this price of gas is much more favorable, the States want to increase the cost again through taxation. Obviously there is a continual need for maintenance on the roads, especially bridges. However, life for these things is at least 30 years and funds were established long ago, by those with vision, to maintain the assets that were constructed. Why then now are we running out of these funds and why a need for a tax increase to pay for what we have already planned for? Well that is politics, and we do not participate in that game.
However, we do have an interest in materials and materials include steel. In fact, when life was more sane, steel was the name of the game. If you wanted to get lofty and fly, then a much more expensive aluminum came into play, because of its low density.
I haven't counted the number of the steels that we have in inventory now, but I would guess a number somewhere in the thousands, including all modifications. Therefore, the question, why is the automotive industry in need of new steels? Well, these days , we can't leave politics out. In addition although fuel, called gas, was great because it provided additional freedom to go farther and see places and things that we only read about. Now, too much of a good things brings problems such as exhaust problems causing bad things such as smog and other related issues.
Well, what is the problem? Aha, it is the steels. They are much too heavy, causing us to use too much gas. Gas isn't bad; steels are.Therefore, let us get rid of those nasty steels that we have used all these years. After all, we have the greatest innovators that were ever born, and in addition we have computers that can remember all this. After all, why should we need to think about this.
Ah, but there is a solution at hand. My gosh, we have been using aluminum all these years to build gadgets that fly and we have been very innovative here. Why not get rid of those nasty steels and use aluminum. Cost, no problem. We will save the cost by saving on gasoline usage. Wow, two problems fixed.
But how about safety/ After all steels are much stronger and therefore when road rage catches up to us and we get in an accident what bad is going to happen? Not to worry, our modern day engineers can resolve this with the aid of their trusty computer. Problem resolved.
However, we now return to the land of reality. We have a billion dollar industry in existence that has resolved our materials problems for years. Stainless steels evolved from a need to combat corrosion, Tool steels were developed to permit us to machine more and more materials, including steels, that were harder, more complex and required closer tolerances. In fact there is a family of steels that are called superallys and these, at least in this country, evolved from the evolution of stainless steels.
Well, the steel industry is once again challenged to come up with a new family of steels that can resolve the issue of high cost gasoline plus tax, How can the industry accomplish this need? Well, current thinking is to improve the modulus of elasticity and if possible, decrease the density. MagnaTech has some ideas regarding this area of opportunity, to resolve some of the current problems. We are currently creating a proposal to accomplish some of these objectives and are interested in partners to share the solution to this current problem. If you are interested, please contact us. We are innovators not producers, and therefore, there could be good profit for you as a manufacturer of what we can innovate. Call or email us at your convenience.Thank you.
However, we do have an interest in materials and materials include steel. In fact, when life was more sane, steel was the name of the game. If you wanted to get lofty and fly, then a much more expensive aluminum came into play, because of its low density.
I haven't counted the number of the steels that we have in inventory now, but I would guess a number somewhere in the thousands, including all modifications. Therefore, the question, why is the automotive industry in need of new steels? Well, these days , we can't leave politics out. In addition although fuel, called gas, was great because it provided additional freedom to go farther and see places and things that we only read about. Now, too much of a good things brings problems such as exhaust problems causing bad things such as smog and other related issues.
Well, what is the problem? Aha, it is the steels. They are much too heavy, causing us to use too much gas. Gas isn't bad; steels are.Therefore, let us get rid of those nasty steels that we have used all these years. After all, we have the greatest innovators that were ever born, and in addition we have computers that can remember all this. After all, why should we need to think about this.
Ah, but there is a solution at hand. My gosh, we have been using aluminum all these years to build gadgets that fly and we have been very innovative here. Why not get rid of those nasty steels and use aluminum. Cost, no problem. We will save the cost by saving on gasoline usage. Wow, two problems fixed.
But how about safety/ After all steels are much stronger and therefore when road rage catches up to us and we get in an accident what bad is going to happen? Not to worry, our modern day engineers can resolve this with the aid of their trusty computer. Problem resolved.
However, we now return to the land of reality. We have a billion dollar industry in existence that has resolved our materials problems for years. Stainless steels evolved from a need to combat corrosion, Tool steels were developed to permit us to machine more and more materials, including steels, that were harder, more complex and required closer tolerances. In fact there is a family of steels that are called superallys and these, at least in this country, evolved from the evolution of stainless steels.
Well, the steel industry is once again challenged to come up with a new family of steels that can resolve the issue of high cost gasoline plus tax, How can the industry accomplish this need? Well, current thinking is to improve the modulus of elasticity and if possible, decrease the density. MagnaTech has some ideas regarding this area of opportunity, to resolve some of the current problems. We are currently creating a proposal to accomplish some of these objectives and are interested in partners to share the solution to this current problem. If you are interested, please contact us. We are innovators not producers, and therefore, there could be good profit for you as a manufacturer of what we can innovate. Call or email us at your convenience.Thank you.
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