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CHTE UPDAT
“A group like this is rare. We have the opportunity to con-
nect with credible industrial experts on similar issues. It sig-
nificantly reduces the time it takes to get answers.” Gaster
also appreciates the fact that CHTE members can leverage
research dollars and work on multiple research projects at
the same time.
COLLABORATION AT WORK
Thermatool, a global organization that serves the ther-
mal processing industry, and Timken Co., a global manu-
facturer of bearings, conducted simulation testing at CHTE
demonstrating that Thermatool’s precision slot quench ring
offered a crucial heat treating method to meet Timken’s in-
dustrial demands. “CHTE provides an avenue of communi-
cation between members for trusted, independent analysis.
This is the type of value that CHTE brings to its members,”
says Thermatool president Mick Nallan. “It’s why we joined
and continue to stay actively involved.”
MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM COLLABORATIVE
WORK AT CHTE
Bringing greatminds together towork on solutions that
address heat treating challenges is why the Center for Heat
TreatingExcellence (CHTE) atWorcester Polytechnic Institute
(WPI) was founded. Today, under the direction of Diran Ape-
lian, Alcoa-Howmet Professor of Mechanical Engineering at
WPIanddirectoroftheMetalProcessingInstitute,andRichard
Sisson, George F. Fuller Professor of Mechanical Engineering
and director of CHTE, it is a thriving collaborative effort with
20 members worldwide.
Apelian says CHTE’s success comes from members
working together with WPI faculty and students. “The cen-
ter’s intent is to enhance the position of the heat treating in-
dustry by applying research that solves real-world problems.
Member-driven research enhances the industry’s technolo-
gy base, profitability, public image, and the education of its
members,” he explains.
“We value being able to interact with other compa-
nies and organizations in noncompetitive discussions,”
says Ian Donaldson, director of advanced engineering ap-
plications at GKN Sinter Metals. “Members are involved in
the strategic direction of CHTE, have early access to new
ideas, and by working with students and fellow members
on common issues, we all benefit from fresh ideas and in-
novative solutions.”
John Deere, one of the founding members of CHTE,
was active in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industries of
the Future Program, which created a Vision 2020, seeking
solutions to address the heat treating industry’s need to stay
competitive. “The greatest benefit to us is networking with
other corporations, suppliers, and users on research proj-
ects,” says Bob Gaster, senior staff engineer at John Deere.
CHTE tested andmodeled Thermatool’s precision slot quench
ring for fellowmember Timken with winning results.
ABOUT CHTE
The CHTE collaborative is an alliance between the indus-
trial sector and university researchers to address short-term
and long-term needs of the heat-treating industry. Member-
ship in CHTE is unique because members have a voice in se-
lecting quality research projects that help them solve today’s
business challenges.
Research projects are member driven. Each research
project has a focus group comprising members who provide
an industrial perspective. Members submit and vote on pro-
posed ideas, and three to four projects are funded yearly.
Companies also have the option of funding a sole-sponsored
project. In addition, members own royalty-free intellectual
property rights to precompetitive research and are trained on
all research technology and software updates.
CHTE projects now in progress include:
• Nondestructive Testing for Hardness and
Carburization
• Improving Furnace Alloys and Fixtures
• Gas Quench Steel Hardenability
• Induction Tempering
CHTE is located in Worcester, Mass., on WPI’s New En-
gland campus. The university was founded 150 years ago this
year. For more information about CHTE, its research projects,
and member services, visit , call 508.831.5592,
or email Rick Sisson at , or Diran Apelian at
.