Advanced production techniques such as Hot Isostatic Pressing can help reduce supply chain bottlenecks and unlock new design possibilities in a rapidly-expanding nuclear sector, says Ian Tough, Market Development Manager, BodycoteNuclear power plays a critical role in modern energy networks, providing reliable baseload electricity with zero carbon emissions at the point of source. As global…
read moreAerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are increasingly turning to specialist heat treatment and surface finishing partners for rapid and scalable support across the New Product Introduction lifecycle, says Vanessa Pfeiffer, Director Strategic Market Development Aerospace, Defence & EnergyAerospace manufacturers are under growing pressure to scale new platforms without compromising quality, capacity, traceability, cost control…
read moreEric Hutton – Bodycote’s SVP operations and global technology advisor aerospace, defence and energy, explains how integrating thermal processing within a coordinated, locally delivered network can reduce supply chain risk for aerospace programmes.Recent disruptions to global shipping routes have highlighted the vulnerability of international logistics, but a significant source of aerospace supply chain risk lies…
read moreAs new nuclear build projects face serious supply chain constraints, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) may be the breakthrough manufacturing solution for faster, safer, and at scale components THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION HAS thrust nuclear back into the spotlight. But delivering new reactors on time and within budget remains elusive. One key issue? The manufacturing supply…
read moreThe race to decarbonise our energy-intensive industries no longer a distant goal—it’s a business imperative. The UK’s
read moreStainless steels along with nickel based alloys are often selected for many applications in corrosive environments. While resistance to corrosion makes them a favourable choice, poor tribological behaviour may prevent a broader use of these materials. The Kolsterising® process is a proven method for the surface hardening of these materials by the diffusion of carbon.…
read moreIntroduction As industries worldwide continue to prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility, innovative manufacturing techniques that minimise environmental impact are increasingly in demand. In the field of heat treatment, low pressure carburising (LPC) offers significant environmental advantages over traditional carburising techniques. This article will explore the benefits of LPC and how it contributes to a greener, more…
read moreIntroduction The food and beverage industry requires high-performance materials to withstand the demanding processing conditions and maintain strict hygiene standards. Kolsterising® is a unique surface hardening technology developed by Bodycote, specifically designed to enhance the properties of stainless steel. This article will explore the advantages of Kolsterising® and its application in the food and beverage…
read moreHexavalent chrome, also known as chromium (VI), has been widely used in various industries for its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability. However, its toxic nature poses significant risks to human health and the environment. To address these concerns, High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) coatings technology has emerged as a REACH-compliant alternative, offering performance that exceeds customer requirements…
read moreWhat is cavitation erosion? Cavitation erosion is an effect of surface deterioration and surface material loss, mostly in hydraulic machinery and the associated components. Pressure differences in high-velocity liquids can cause vapor or gas pockets, which collapse abruptly on the surface of the material due to the pressure change near the surface. These exploding gas…
read moreSalt bath nitriding has long been a popular surface treatment process in the metalworking industry, primarily used to enhance wear resistance, corrosion protection, fatigue strength and a cosmetic black finish. The process typically involves immersing components in a molten salt bath containing a mixture of alkali cyanides, cyanites, carbonates, and other nitrogenous compounds. This treatment…
read moreOnce a 3D printed metal part is produced, the component is often far from ready to be used for its intended purpose, particularly applications in safety-critical industries with stringent quality standards such as aerospace, medical, energy and automotive. As-built metal parts can contain microstructure defects and material porosity that may be created during the additive…
read moreElectron beam welding (EBW) is a fusion welding process that uses a beam of high velocity electrons to produce a high integrity weld. A concentrated beam of high energy electrons impinges upon the surfaces of the materials to be welded and produces an enormous amount of heat, which melts and joins the two materials. The…
read moreHistorically, the first ion implanter was helium based, constructed and operated in 1911 at Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge by Ernest Rutherford and his students. In 1949, Shockley filed for a patent, “Semiconductor Translating Device” describing the p-n junction fabrication using ion implantation. In 1954, he filed another patent, “Forming of Semiconductor Devices by Ionic Bombardment”…
read moreThe process by which molten metal freezes in a shaped casting is a complex process. The first metal to freeze at the mold’s surface is typically fine grained and dense due to chilling from the mold surface. As molten metal solidifies, it shrinks. To If sufficient liquid metal is not delivered to the solidification front, pores will form. …
read moreArticles The frequently asked questions of Kolsterising® Kolsterising®, proprietary to Bodycote, is a technology that greatly improves the mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant materials. Some of the more commonly asked questions from our customers are answered below. Conventional heat treatments, such as nitriding or nitrocarburising will negatively impact the corrosion resistant properties of stainless steel alloys. Unlike conventional treatments,…
read moreGalling is a type of mechanical wear caused by a combination of friction and adhesion between sliding surfaces typically under a compressive load. It is the result of tearing and slipping of the crystal structure at the surface once the protective chromium oxide layer has worn away. Further mechanical forces cause the material to become…
read moreThe achievable surface hardness mainly depends on the base material. Alloying elements such as chrome and aluminium lead to higher hardness. The Nitriding depth depends on customer requirements. Also the component’s condition at delivery, i.e. distortion, heat treatment status also affect the layer parameter to be achieved. Dimensional changes can further be positively influenced by…
read moreArticles Decarbonising aerospace - The role of thermal processing At the Paris Airshow last week, one theme came through loud and clear: sustainability is no longer a side conversation in aerospace. It is now front and centre. Whether the topic was propulsion systems, materials innovation or advanced manufacturing, sustainability was woven through every part of…
read moreThanks to the wide range of applications, Nitriding and Nitrocarburising processes are becoming more and more important. In addition to mechanical and technological characteristics, corrosion resistance is of vital importance for the functionality of surfaces. The Corr-I-Dur® process not only enhances wear properties, but also significantly improves the corrosion resistance. Corr-I-Dur® has very little effect on distortion and dimensional changes…
read more
