Monday 2nd August 2004
Dr Arron Rimmer of ADI Treatments Ltd, West Bromwich, recently visited Germany and South Africa to conduct seminars on Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI). The events were at the invitation of design and production engineers and included a workshop for hands on appreciation of relevant ADI castings case studies.
Hosting the first meeting for Daimler Chrysler, Dr Thomas Behr from the Research & Technology Division brought together an international audience in Stuttgart-Möhringen. This successful workshop attracted nearly 100 participants from different DC Business Units including Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group, and Commercial Vehicle Department. While already using ADI in production, the company was keen to explore new austempering opportunities for vehicle components.
ADI Treatments Ltd was launched in 1998 and provides design and know-how as well as heat treatment services. The business operates the largest furnaces of their kind in Europe and works closely with foundries and manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler to develop component solutions. Dr Rimmer's presentation included details of the furnace technique, which uses a unique controlled atmosphere sealed quench design developed in the USA. He also covered the range of ADI grades that can be processed and described how the austempering treatment is tailored to the casting and its composition.
In South Africa a series of seminars were arranged by Mr Chris Stoffberg CEO of Mineral-loy cc. The audiences comprised mining and agricultural engineers interested in the wear properties and toughness of ADI. Dr Rimmer was able to illustrate his presentations with suitable case studies and suggest design solutions.
Speaking on his return Dr Rimmer observed, " Interest from both UK and overseas is growing rapidly as more manufacturers appreciate the technical and cost benefits of ADI. We are always happy to visit to help identify these opportunities, and to provide an expert processing service. Our West Bromwich factory is now carrying out significant work from mainland Europe and we anticipate setting up more regional facilities in the future".
Further seminars have been arranged in Germany, France, Italy, and in the UK at the ICME's East Anglia and West Midlands branches.
Further information: Dr Arron Rimmer
ADI Treatments Ltd
Doranda Way
West Bromwich B71 4LE
Tel ++44 (0)121 525 0303
Fax ++44 (0)121 525 0404
E mail: arron.rimmer@aditreatments.com
13 11 03
