May/June_AMP_Digital

FEATURE A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 0 5 8 2 We want to mitigate the time and effort required to obtain this data, which is why novel, nondestructive testing is essential for advancement. Heat treatment is applied to parts after several value-added processes, augmenting part value and properties. Any method to prevent sectioning to characterizematerial properties would offer substantial pay- back, just as proven process control and record keeping will ensure traceability for cost mitigation and optimization proj- ects. But we all know, as more data and measurement tools become available, auditors and standards committees will require heat treaters to use them. The paradigm shift should enable the test data to pro- mote reduced testing when process data shows control. We can advance together by accurate testing and precise process control, to minimize system deviations that lead to more oversight. Modeling requires testing data to build databases, not the other way around. This data must be correct, or mod- els will lead us to poor decisions. There are inherent errors, bias, and noise in any testing method or measurement tool. Manufacturers and operators should train on best practices, calibrations should be effective, and consumables should be stocked. These are all factors tominimizewaiting on answers and believing what you are seeing. Just like interpretations of news andmandates, process and test data interpretations must be correct to make accu- rate and timely decisions. We hope you enjoy your time read- ing this issue of HTPro and that you stay safe and healthy. Benjamin T. Bernard Board Member, ASMHeat Treating Society Vice President, Global Sales, Surface Combustion Inc. BACK TO ESSENTIALS: PROCESS AND TEST DATA W e wish all the Heat Treat- ing Society community, family, and coworkers health and calm during this un- precedented time. COVID-19 made uncertainty our new normal. We have been searching for data and tests to control the situation and find a path forward, while inter- pretations and reactions to man- dates, legislation, and precau- tions, have lead to introspection of what is essential and non-essential. With respect to this issue of HTPro ’s focus—testing and process control—what is essential and non-essential? The standards committees definewhat is required. Materials pro- cessers must provide data. Testing to approve material char- acteristics is paramount per industry standards, but time lag for sample preparation is nonetheless a delay. Time ismoney and waiting on answers is wasteful. From casting through fi- nal machining, we can model, control, and collect data, but testing is the final answer. There are many points in thermal processing where control and process data can provide con- fidence that the result will satisfy testing. Temperature con- trol, atmosphere composition, and cycle timers can be in control, while quench or cooling may introduce distortion. Root cause analysis and process failure mode analysis all need data to succeed. Data-driven decisions are supported by testing and process control. Bernard HEAT TREAT RELATED SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS AT IMAT 2020 Planning is underway for the inaugural IMAT conference whichwill be held this fall. Core programming fromASMAffil- iate Societies, including the Heat Treating Society, will serve as the backbone of IMAT technical sessions. The schedule for heat treating related content is listed below. For more infor- mation, visit www.imatevent.org. Monday, September 14 • Additive Manufacturing • Light Metal Technology • Materials Processes for Automation • Materials Processing: Bonding and Joining • Materials Processing: Coatings and Thermal Treatments • PSDK XV: Phase Stability and Diffusion Kinetics Tuesday, September 15 • Additive Manufacturing • Advanced Aluminum Alloys and Processes • General Heat Treating • Light Metal Technology • PSDK XV: Phase Stability and Diffusion Kinetics • Emerging Professional Activities: Domes Day, HTS Strong Bar Competition, and Fluxtrol Student Research Competition (Phase 1) Wednesday, September 16 • Additive Manufacturing • PSDK XV: Phase Stability and Diffusion Kinetics • Emerging Professional Activity: Fluxtrol Student Research Competition (Phase 2) GUEST DITORIAL