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ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES • MARCH 2014 38
We Need to Change the Perception of Heat Treating
eat treating is an extremely important technology and is critical to help solve many engineering prob-
lems and meet industrial demands for improved materials performance. Traditionally, heat treating
process development has advanced incrementally through empirical trial and error (experience-based
progress), and even through serendipitous discoveries. Such advancements are very time consuming,
highly inefficient, usually only marginally effective, and can be costly. In addition, it is unfortunate that
manufacturers are decimating their internal experienced technologists and metallurgists; gone is the
mentoring system to support the growth and capability of fresh new technical talent.
We must change this heat treating paradigm from experience-based technological evolution to a
faster, more effective science-based technological revolution to meet ever increasing market demands. Traditional
equilibrium and isothermal-based process systems are no longer adequate to meet desired more stringent part per-
formance specifications.
Heat treating is a multivariant technology, and many dynamic reactions occur simultaneously, which defy simple analy-
ses. We must drive development of science-based technology to even higher levels through the use of simulation-based
engineering and science (SBES). Numerical outputs frommodels and simulation provide data on degrees of freedom, pos-
sibly characterizing alternative solutions. Simulation techniques lend themselves to direct animation that can provide
additional detailed visualization of properties and high-speed process dynamics. We now have a far better understand-
ing of deformation mechanisms and of the best use of optimum reaction pathways for maximum part strengthening.
These smart tools provide the capability to produce tailored heat treat processes and designer-specific materials that
provide product engineers even greater flexibility to handle the increasing market demand of “more for less.”
How do we change the paradigm? I believe this involves two objectives:
(1) Change the design and manufacturing perception of heat treating from a burdensome and difficult part of the
product manufacturing process to a clear understanding of the need for heat treatment from a technological stand-
point—maybe even changing the term heat treating to thermal engineering.
(2) Foster a closer, more proactive working
relationship between materials scientists
and product and manufacturing engineers
through better communication—creating
a team approach to defining the optimum
material for the application and the ther-
mal process required to achieve required
performance attributes.
The bottom line is that whatever it is
called and no matter how it is perceived,
we simply can’t do without heat treating.
George D. Pfaffmann, FASM
Ajax-TOCCO Magnethermic Corp.
HTPRO2 H
It’s Not Too Early to Think About the
ASM HTS/Surface Combustion Emerging Leader Award
The ASM HTS/Surface Combustion Emerging Leader Award was established in 2013 to recognize
an outstanding early-to-midcareer heat treating professional whose accomplishments exhibit ex-
ceptional achievements in the heat treating industry. The award was created in recognition of
Surface Combustion’s 100-year anniversary in 2015.
The award acknowledges an individual who sets the “highest standards” for HTS participation and
inspires others around him/her to dedicate themselves to the advancement and promotion of vac-
uum and atmosphere heat treating technologies.
Rules for submitting nominations:
• Candidates must be a member and an active participant in ASM International and HTS.
• Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger and employed full time in the heat
treating industry for a minimum of five years.
• Candidates must be submitted by an ASM International member.
• Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with the nomination form.
• Nominations should clearly state the nominee’s impact on the industry and/or
service and dedication to the future of the HTS.
The award shall be presented to one recipient every two years at the General Membership Meeting at
the HTS Conference and Exposition. Recommendations must be submitted to ASM Headquarters no
later than April 1 in the year in which the award is to be presented. The first award is to be presented
in 2015. Winner receives a plaque and $4000 cash award funded by Surface Combustion.
A selection committee consisting of five members will be appointed every two years by the HTS
Awards and Nominations Committee. Three members of the selection committee will be appointed
by Surface Combustion. The selection committee will submit a report for approval by the HTS
Awards and Nominations Committee and the HTS Board, which shall include the rationale and doc-
umentation used for award selection.
For rules and nomination form for the ASM HTS/Surface Combustion Emerging Leader Award, visit
the Heat Treating Society Community website at and click on Mem-
bership & Networking and HT Awards. For additional information, or to submit a nomination, con-
tact Sarina Pastoric at 440/338-5151, ext. 5513, or email .
Heat Treating Society Looking
for Volunteers
Get Involved!
Serve on a Heat Treating Subcommittee!
The HTS Technical Programming Committee is
seeking enthusiastic, committed members to
serve on various technical subcommittees, which
develop, promote, and execute programming for
HTS events. The committee is currently looking
for members in the following technical subcom-
mittees: Applied Energy, Quenching and Cooling,
Vacuum, Atmospheres, Research and Develop-
ment, Cryogenics, and Brazing.
Interested members should review the Subcom-
mittee Best Practices on the HTS website and con-
tact .