November 11, 2003

Topic: A Combined HIP and Heat Treat Process for Aluminum Castings Speaker: Dr. Stephen J. Mashl                  Manager, Research and Development                  Bodycote HIP - NorthAmerica, Andover, MA 01810

 Directions: Cugino's, 1076 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111, Ph: (860) 665-0881

Main Street is Route 176. Cugino's is south of Route 175 (Cedar Street). Use alleyway to parking area in rear. Directions to Cugino's

 Technical Chairperson: Al Hutwagner
Social Hour Sponsor: Bodycote Berlin Division
Reservations: Call Laura or Patti at Dynamic Metals (860) 583-3336 by noon November 7th. Thanks!

 Abstract:

The Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process has been used since the 1950's to eliminate porosity in castings and thus, improve ductility, fatigue and impact strength in these components.  Initially an expensive process used only for aerospace materials, improvements in equipment and processing technique have made the HIP process sufficiently cost effective to now be used on automotive aluminum castings.

Recent development efforts at Bodycote have been aimed at combining Densal®, Bodycote's aluminum specific HIP process, with down stream heat-treating. Initial results are extremely encouraging, indicating that mechanical properties will equal or exceed the properties of identical parts put through the current, conventional processing route. This presentation will provide a review of the obstacles to a combined process, present current results, and speculate on how a combined HIP and heat treat process might be effectively incorporated into a large scale aluminum casting operation.

 Speaker’s Bio

Dr. Stephen Mashl joined Bodycote IMT, Inc. in 1998 as Manager of Research and Development.  In this capacity, Steve leads the R&D group as they conduct studies to develop new and novel applications of isostatic densification processes and provide technical support to Bodycote's four, North American HIP facilities and their customers.

Steve obtained his BS MS and PhD degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, though not concurrently. Following receipt of his bachelor’s degree, Steve spent 5 years working in the steel industry as a metallurgical engineer, quality supervisor, and melting supervisor. Graduate studies and research positions at the US Dept. of Energy - Ames Laboratory and the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. have concentrated on various aspects of powder metallurgy processing and solidification studies.