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.

Ford Motor Company’s stamping division looks to leap into Industry 4.0 the same way Henry Ford led the transformation from Industry 1.0 to 2.0.

This article reports on outcomes from an additive manufacturing workshop that developed guidelines for AM data management to realize the promise of Materials 4.0 and achieve process qualification for AM parts.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has tremendous potential in many areas of industry, and the opportunities in heat treating cannot be overlooked. Large amounts of process and operational data can be gathered in heat treating. The potential for predictive processes, maintenance, and productivity will be fully realized as the heat treat industry combines data from multiple sources and focuses on evaluating, and acting on, both real-time and historical data that is readily available.

Today’s materials engineering leadership role is expected to expand and have a greater impact on evolving the organizational, technological, and strategic initiatives of original equipment manufacturers.

Patent analytics enable analysis of hundreds or even thousands of patents, leading to insightful conclusions related to technologies and markets. This article gives some examples of patent analysis related to materials and processing technologies.

The Materials Genome Initiative aims to enable discovery, manufacture, and deployment of advanced materials twice as fast as using traditional development methodologies, at a fraction of the cost. This article explores how semantic technologies address three of the key challenges outlined in the MGI Strategic Plan.

Increasing use of nonmetallic materials in wind turbine blades is driving the development of nondestructive microwave test methods.

This article summarizes the outcomes from a NIST-sponsored workshop that examined the additive manufacturing (AM) data management pain points experienced by small- and medium-sized enterprises in interacting with larger organizations and government procurement agencies. Three prominent themes emerged: cost of compliance, technology gaps associated with uncertainty and AM process qualification, and a desire for government leadership to address these issues. The article includes lists of specific action items proposed at the workshop to address these challenges.

The latest advancements in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) systems are changing the landscape for rare earth element analysis.

Profile of David Furrer, the 2018-2019 President of ASM International

With a strong strategic plan, ASM faced the changing landscape caused by the pandemic with new task forces and acceleration toward virtual offerings.

Industry 4.0 is an emerging technology trend in the manufacturing arena that emphasizes the connectivity of physical and digital process across product development cycles. This article presents some examples of how Industry 4.0 will affect heat treating operations.

Determining the root cause of avionics failures requires a disciplined and systematic analytical process supported by sophisticated equipment. This article reviews some of the analytical tools and techniques used to understand and prevent avionics failures.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM technical committees update; volunteer profile for Dana Drake; women in engineering profile for Mary O'Brien.

This article reviews the analytical techniques used for phase identification in components, including x-ray diffraction, metallography/microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, trasmission electron microscopy,and atom probe tomography. The article addresses the advantages and disadvantages of each technique compared to the other approaches.

The circular economy and sustainability are multifaceted concepts and thus should be pursued through collective advancements across various scientific fields.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM Eisenman garden refurbished; launch of the ASM Sustainable Materials Engineering Committee; Ji-Cheng Zhao named 2023 recipient of the J. Willard Gibbs Phase Equilibria Award; Harry Bhadeshia named 2022 Henry Clifton Sorby awardee; volunteer profile for Blake Whitley.

Designed with key input from members, ASM International’s new Data Ecosystem provides a digital platform to assist engineering design and manufacturing stakeholders working in the Materials 4.0 era.