Understanding the fluctuation of key indices can
help you forecast and plan for your own operation. The graphs below were compiled
by Air Products economists to illustrate three-year trends for utility and
metals pricing as well as industrial production. We'll continue to keep you updated
once a quarter.
Industrial Production Indexes
Source: US Federal Reserve Bank Board of Governors
Click here to view the graph.
Utility Pricing Metrics
Source: Inside F.E.R.C., Bureau of Labor Statistics
Click here to view the graph.
Steel Prices
Source: Market Pricing
Click here to view the graph.
Key Metals Prices
Source: London Metals Exchange
Click here to view the graph.
top
With increasing demands on the properties of sintered components used in the
automotive industry, it is no longer sufficient to merely obtain better properties.
Consistency must also be obtained.
Although many variables are considered to improve consistency, many overlook the
sintering atmosphere as a variable. While most of the variables are established
during the design stage of the component, the atmosphere can change
during the sintering process, which ultimately influences the product's final properties
and consistency. As a result, sintering atmosphere control is critical with
sinter-hardenable, alloyed products.
Air Products and Surface Combustion can help optimize your sintering operation.
We can analyze your operation to help you determine which atmosphere is best for your
process.
To find out how you can improve your sintering atmosphere—resulting in better, more
consistent properties—read
this article (PDF, 529 K) or contact us.
top
Dry air contains, by volume, 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, almost 1% argon, trace
amounts of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, other gases, and varying amounts of water
vapor and pollutants. So how does Air Products cryogenically separate
out these gases to produce gas so pure that we measure impurities in parts per
million? This illustration demystifies the process.
To have Air Products help you with your gas supply, contact us
or call 800-654-4567, code 449. Or if you're interested in touring one
of our plants near you, give us a call, or contact your local ASM chapter.
top
As an effective inert shroud, gaseous nitrogen has been used for some time in the
aluminum extrusion industry to reduce the formation of oxides on the exit side of the
die bearing. Liquid nitrogen can be employed as a cooling medium as well as
an inerting agent. Die cooling has been shown to lower extrusion process temperatures
and contribute to increased extrusion velocities.
One can usually lower press costs and improve extrusion velocities by using either liquid
nitrogen or gaseous nitrogen—especially as the relative active cycle becomes a larger
portion of the total cycle (i.e., shorter dead cycle intervals, longer billets, etc.). Higher
extrusion velocities have helped our customers increase production without adding lines.
For more detailed information about using gaseous and liquid nitrogen to enhance
aluminum extrusion, read the full article (PDF, 4MB)
or contact us.
top
West Coast Sales Engineer Wanted
Air Products is looking to expand our applications team to provide additional
support to the metals industry on the West Coast. We are looking for commercially
oriented engineers who have experience working in or selling to the aerospace industry
or its supply chain. In addition to a general metallurgical processing background, the
successful candidate will have experience in providing product applications support in
at least one of the following areas related to the aerospace industry: heat treating,
thermal spray applications, welding, or general fabrication techniques. Along with a
degree in engineering or metallurgy, the ideal candidate will have an MBA or equivalent
business experience. If you think you can be successful working independently with key
decision makers at aerospace and metal fabrication companies located along the
West Coast of the U.S. to create commercial opportunities for our industrial gases
and related equipment, apply online at
www.airproducts.com/Careers/NorthAmerica/.
Click on Career Center in the left navigation bar and apply for job #24381—Aerospace Industry Engineer. Air Products is an
equal opportunity employer.
top
Annemarie Weist
Senior Principal Research Engineer
Q:
Our gas quenching process uses a lot of gas and then vents it. Can we purify and reuse that gas?
A:
Depending on impurities, gas volumes and ease of capture, many gases can be and are recycled.
Discover how and improve your recycling today.
As seen in Industrial Heating, past "Ask the Expert" questions can be viewed at
www.airproducts.com/MetalsAskTheExperts.
Learn whether you're following best practices in atmosphere supply and other
operational areas by assessing your process at
www.metalsassessment.com.
Send us a question.
Each quarter we'll select the most challenging question to win a $100 gift certificate.
Congratulations to Elliott Frauenglass, last quarter's winner.
top
Our representatives hope to see you at these events to discuss your metal processing needs.
top
Guido Plicht
Don't be deceived if Guido Plicht appears relaxed when he's working on a heat treatment
problem for a customer. Behind his tranquil appearance is a vigorous, ruminating mind.
"I'm a patient person, and in this business you need to be patient," says Plicht, European
Metals Processing Commercial Technology Lead. "Solving problems is like doing research
or development. You will encounter difficulties along the way. If you're not patient, you
will not get results."
The Germany-based Plicht travels extensively throughout Europe helping Air Products'
customers get the most out of their heat treating processes. And although he sees
common issues from customer to customer, he frequently encounters new demands
where his persistence and the teamwork of his colleagues come in handy.
"One customer asked us to find a way to purify his off-gas system to recycle gas.
Another wanted to use liquid nitrogen to reduce rust problems on his cold rolling strip,"
says the 15-year Air Products veteran. "You tap your own experience and talk
with others inside Air Products—for example, our Cryogenic group has
expertise with liquid nitrogen. And you work closely with customers. It's a process of
putting together the pieces of a puzzle.
"But we always look at problems over the long term. It allows you to see and understand the
whole process. In the end, the new problems that are the most challenging are the ones
that make this job fun."
top
top
You can request more information or any
of the documents referenced in this issue by calling us at 800-654-4567,
code 449, or by sending an email to gigmrktg@airproducts.com.
top
Use this link to unsubscribe from Air Products' quarterly Metals E-Mail Newsletter.
© Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 2006 330-07-041.1-US
7201 Hamilton Boulevard • Allentown, PA 18195-1501
