Contamination effects on cooling curve behavior of polymer quenchants
Polymer quenchants are commonly used for induction hardening, aluminum heat treating, and open tank heat treatment of steel. Contamination is always a problem. Dirt...
3D printing and additive manufacturing in gearing
If you had the opportunity to walk the SME-sponsored tradeshow RAPID + TCT this past April in Detroit, Michigan, then you saw a tremendous...
Q&A with Evan Duncanson
What is gear skiving?
Gear skiving is a process for cutting slots on a gear, a challenging operation that requires high accuracy. Manufacturers need to...
Internal cooling channels: Challenges, potential for gear applications
One of the best-use-cases of powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) is for the fabrication of internal channels, especially complex ones. Rocket engines...
Q&A with Tom Zelickman
Tormach recently launched the Chip Conveyor Kit accessory for its 1500MX CNC Mill. What is its function?
At its core, what this kit adds is...
Straight-tooth vs. spiral-tooth bevel gearing
Bevel gears are essential components in mechanical power transmission systems, particularly when the requirement is to transfer motion and torque between intersecting shafts. These...
Distortion and residual stress development during quenching
In this column, I will discuss the different types of precipitation hardening stainless steels and discuss their physical metallurgy.
Introduction
The problem of distortion is universal...
Effects of prior microstructure on distortion
In this column, I will discuss the effects prior microstructure plays in the distortion response during heat treatment.
Introduction
In the typical manufacturing process to manufacture...
Subtractive chemical processes differentiated and explained
There are two primary types of subtractive chemical processes: (non-spontaneous) electrochemical processes and purely chemical processes. In reality, both processes are (on a very...
Converting rotary motion into linear motion
When speaking about gears, the most common application is to translate speed and torque via rotation. Some gear systems accomplish this using parallel axes,...
Q&A with Steven Sumner
Why is nitriding gears and other parts so critical?
As we’re looking at manufacturing things, we need to make them so they last. Heat treating...
Filtration for oil and polymer quenchants
In this column, I will discuss the different types of filtration that are available for cleaning oil and polymer quenchants.
Introduction
As an oil is used,...
Metric gearing in robotic applications
In the realm of robotics, precision and efficiency are paramount. From intricate surgical procedures to the delicate movements of industrial arms, every component plays...
Q&A with Santosh Plakkat
What is peel grinding?
Cylindrical grinding is broadly classified into “external” and “internal” grinding of cylindrical surfaces; there are many methods of external cylindrical grinding...
The meta-stable microstructure of martensite
In this column, we will discuss martensite and its formation.
Heat treating steel involves heating the component into the austenite range. Once the part is...
Noncircular gears, though not common, can play critical role
With the new year begun, many people are making resolutions regarding their health. The desire to “get into shape” is a popular resolution. The...
Left, right, center: Gear orientation matters
For many months, there has been a debate regarding whether the United States would be better run by one of two political parties. Those...
Polymer quenchants – Sodium Polyacrylate (ACR)
In previous columns, I discussed three different types of polymer quenchants: PAG, PEOX, and PVP. In this column, I will discuss the use of...
Q&A with Veronica Becker
You were recently named the new executive director of ASM International. What are your responsibilities?
In a nutshell, the responsibilities are to lead the organization...
Q&A with Neil Owen
What are some of the industries that Stresstech serves, and what compels businesses within those industries to seek you out?
Stresstech, historically, has been successful...
