News for February 2011

News Archive

HMC introduced for machining hardmetals

Machining specialist Mitsui Seiki, based in Japan and the US, has developed a new HU100A-5XLL Horizontal Machining Centre (HMC), specially designed for machining large, complex, and heavy hard metal parts up to 6600 lbs.

Electrolytic nickel production increased

Japanese non-ferrous metals producer Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd (SMM) plans to increase the electrolytic nickel production capacity of its Niihama Nickel Refinery (Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan) from the current 41,000 tons per year to 65,000 tons per year in 2013.

Selective laser welding could optimise bone implants Selective laser welding could optimise bone implants

A team of mathematicians from The University of Queensland, Australia has created a prototype bone implant design using selective laser melting, in which a high-powered laser is used to melt metal powder into the required shape, layer by layer.

New engineering headquarters open New engineering headquarters open

Matcon, an engineering company involved with handling powders and other materials in intermediate bulk containers, has moved to a new 2,800m2 site headquarters based in Evesham, Worcestershire, UK.

AMG acquires aluminium alloy producer

Global alloy specialist AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV has acquired KB Alloys, LLC for US$23.5 million cash.

ECHA Sixth Stakeholders’ Day

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Sixth Stakeholders' Day will take place from 17-18 May 2011 in Helsinki, Finland.

Japan increases tin imports

Japan's imports of refined tin increased by 60% in 2010 to 35,266 tonnes, almost meeting the current high of 36,883 tonnes imported in 2006.

Volkswagen invests in Slovakia

Volkswagen’s Slovak unit has reported that the company plans to give it €$1 billion over the next few years to boost car and car parts production.

SKF steps up US activity with appointment of new president

SKF has appointed Poul Jeppesen as president of its North America division, with an overall responsibility for Canada, Mexico and the United States. Poul Jeppesen reports to Tom Johnstone, SKF President and CEO, and is a member of SKF Group Management.

Miba adds to India manufacturing

Miba has taken a minority share in the sintered components manufacturer, Maxtech Sintered Product Pvt. Ltd (MSPPL), based in Pune, India.

Ferro increases silver production

Ferro Corporation's electronic materials business plans to increase production of its electronic grade silver powder and silver flake at its facility in New Jersey, USA.

Höganäs reports best ever Q4

The world’s biggest iron powder producer, Höganäs has had its best fourth quarter ever, according to its 2010 year-end report.

Umicore bounces back

Belgian materials group Umicore reports significant recovery in 2010.

EPMA Summer School

The European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) is planning a Powder Metallurgy Summer School, which will take place in Dresden, Germany.

Sandia in MEMS accord

Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, US, will help Mexican engineering students learn to design tiny microelectromechanical devices (MEMS) which often contain powder injection moulded (PIM) components, according to a memorandum of understanding between Sandia and the University of Guadalajara.

HIP technology brochure now in French and German

The European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA)’s 'PM HIP Technology' brochure is now available in French and German versions.

ATI reports 33% growth in sales

Speciality metals provider Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI) has reported year end sales of US$4.05 billion, a 33% increase compared to 2009.

PM applications on the up at San Diego PM applications on the up at San Diego

According to the MPIF, Randall M. German, fellow of the APMI, associate dean of engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at San Diego State University, says that powder metallurgy (PM) and powder injection moulding (PIM) applications in aerospace, defense, and medical markets are attracting R&D and academic attention at the US university.

Mineral tagging scheme begins in Rwanda

Rwanda's New Times newspaper, the country's Geology and Mines Authority (OGMR), has set up a mineral tagging and sealing scheme which aims to curb the illegal trading of conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum and tantalite.