Manufacturing data together with heat treating knowledge can be synthesized with physics and data-based modeling approaches in a closed loop to provide insight for improving process efficiency and product quality for overall reduction in operating and energy costs. This article provides case studies of data analytics for coil batch annealing and batch carburizing.

An in-depth understanding of technology trends not only keep materials engineers relevant, but also puts them in the driver’s seat when it comes to formulating strategies and executing projects. Some of today’s technology trends that are relevant to materials engineers include data analytics, artificial intelligence (machine learning and deep learning), blockchain, digital thread and digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles.

Preventive multi-frequency testing using eddy current ensures heat-treated parts meet specifications.

Research conducted at a brass-strip plant in Zutphen, Netherlands shows how nonlinear modeling can be used to predict the grain size and hardness of annealed strip based on composition and process variables. Production data gathered over the course of a year were used to train a feed-forward neural network that achieved a correlation coefficient of more than 86% when presented with new input data. The standard deviation between predicted and measured grain size was about 4.2 µm.

By effectively mitigating the historical paradox between strength and ductility, a new advanced high strength steel with a mixed microconstituent structure enables automotive sheet steel to meet automobile efficiency requirements.

When the first aluminum hood launched in 1977, the mills were delivering rectangular blanks separated by paper to protect the delicate outer surfaces. This article reviews important advances in aluminum forming and heat treating in the latter part of the twentieth century.

The conclusion of this article series reviews the lasting impact of Ford’s extensive use of aluminum on some of its most popular, high-volume vehicles. It addresses future prospects for aluminum auto body sheet (ABS) production and challenges associated with electric vehicle development.

The early days of aluminum development occurred between 1886 and 1948, when the aluminum and automotive industries were both new and undergoing rapid changes in technology and scales of production.