Alloy Heat Treatment

Collaboration finds Alloy Heat Treatment latest Apprentice

Alloy Heat Treatment — 23/10/2019

A collaboration between Next Gen Makers and Sandwell College has helped aluminum heat treatment specialists Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) find their latest Apprentice, Thomas Embrey.

The success follows a long wait for the Dudley based firm, who initially found the search challenging despite promoting the opportunity through a number of the usual channels.

“As part of our succession planning for the workforce we identified a number of Apprenticeship opportunities within the company” comments Frank Butler, HR Director at Alloy Heat Treatment.

“We already have a number of apprentices progressing well within the company, but it seemed to be taking a while to find the right individual for our latest role”.Keen to explore new ways to find apprentices and contribute to inspiring the next generation locally to consider a career in industry, Alloy Heat Treatment joined as Champions of Next Gen Makers.

“AHT were promoted to engineering students in a number of our College Engineering Careers workshops at local Colleges, including Sandwell College” says Adam Tipper, Director of Next Gen Makers. “Following a successful work experience placement, Thomas Embrey, at the time a first year student studying a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering, was successful in gaining the Apprenticeship.

“This further demonstrates the suitability of full time College Engineering students, to then go on to gain Apprenticeships with local employers”.

Thomas, pictured with AHT Quality Director Steve Roberts, joins the company as an Apprentice Quality Engineer and part of his apprenticeship will involve him working towards a Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Maintenance (QCF) in addition to accompanying technical certificates.

“Thomas has a great attitude coupled with a good grounding in the principles of engineering and we are sure he will become an integral part of the team here at AHT in years to come. We welcome him on board and look forward to supporting him throughout his apprenticeship and beyond” concludes Frank Butler.

AHT Carries Out Upgrade of Oven 27

Alloy Heat Treatment — 09/08/2021

Alloy Heat Treatment are a sub-contract heat treatment company capable of carrying out precipitation heat treatment of aluminium alloys to the requirements of NADCAP AMS2750E Class 1 (±3°C).

Now, thanks to some recent upgrades, AHT have widened the range of Aerospace Prime Specifications that our ovens can comply with. This was achieved by adding controlled ventilation by means of a servo-controlled fresh-air inlet and exhaust outlet. The detailed design was carried out by our own Design Engineer, with the fabrication and installation carried out by our in-house Maintenance Dept.

If you require precipitation heat treatment of aluminium alloys to these exacting specifications, please contact Ian Perks ian.perks@alloyheat.co.uk

Please visit www.alloyheat.co.uk for other services provided

Alloy Heat declare apprentices as the future of the business

Alloy Heat Treatment — 09/11/2016

The UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, Alloy Heat Treatment have announced a brand new investment drive of £50,000 in supporting their apprentices.

Alloy Heat, who are located in Dudley, have placed their apprentices on Manufacturing and Engineering courses at the University of Wolverhampton and the course is financially supported by the company. They have searched for apprentices who are prepared to undertake Engineering studies as only full-time graduates can access Metallurgy studies.

The company has over 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, they are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

Alloy Heat Administration Director, Joanne Elliott explained: We have got a strong investment in apprentices programme. Weve got around seven people that have come here during the last four years. We have invested heavily in them and their education to get them involved with this company.

They pride themselves on rewarding loyalty and talent which is exemplified by their six current directors. Throughout the leadership team, they have a combined total of over 100 years of experience within Alloy Heat. Three of the directors kickstarted their careers by working on the shop floor at Alloy Heat and the business is keen to replicate this in the future.

Alloy Heat Managing Director, Adrian Church explained: We are aiming to get our apprentices to move around one or two departments, yet they tend to get very good in a specialist role. I anticipate that one or two of them will be selected for leadership or managerial programmes in the future.

The manufacturing skills gap is a hot-topic in Britain, yet Alloy Heats investment drive is designed to address the difficulty the sector faces. Apprentices play a crucial role in becoming the future generation of a highly qualified manufacturing workforce. Alloy Heat make it clear at the interview stage, that they see apprentices as the future of the company.

Alloy Heat Human Resource Director, Frank Butler stated: Our apprentices are motivated staff members who are committed to their role and make a valuable contribution to the business during their training period, with some embracing the role of a Culture Champion.

Alloy Heat holds NADCAP, AS 9100 accreditation, and preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes. The company can process components up to five metres long and three tonnes in weight. They can also offer rapid quenching into either polymer or water (hot or cold) if required.

Aerospace industry can save time and costs by selecting the right materials and processes earlier, say experts

Alloy Heat Treatment — 26/03/2013

Issues with durability and strength of components are predominantly exposed at the metallic testing stage, and can often be avoided through collaboration with heat treatment experts at the design stage.

This is the conclusion of aluminium heat treatment experts, Alloy Heat Treatment, following on from a successful collaboration with Thales. Thales, specialists in electronic on-board equipment and ground-based systems for navigation, air-traffic control and simulation enlisted the expertise of Alloy Heat Treatment to heat treat Elbow and Base Mounting parts used for the Sea King Mk7s high tech Airborne Early Warning radar equipment, to improve properties at the metallics testing stage.

The radar is held onto the Sea King Mk7s helicopter by the elbow. This is then attached to the base mounting part, which is then bolted onto the aircraft. The Sea Kings Mk7 high-tech radar is vital because it allows crews to combat military operations by detecting land and stationary movement. The boom assembly requires in service strength and structural resilience.

The Elbow and Base Mounting parts, were originally designed as castings, but required replacing due to some parts cracking in service. In order to stock a supply of spares, ready to replace a casting at short notice, Thales took the decision to machine the parts from a heat treated (T6) solid billet.

Generally, the effectiveness of the heat treatment of solid billet decreases from outside to centre, and parts machined from billets tend to be produced from the billet centre, which is the least sensitive to heat treatment, hence, has the lowest strength. Thales confirmed this to be the case, with scattering of proof (yield) strength values of 181 to 237 MPa, and hardness values of 81-90HV (Vickers Hardness), where proof stress values of 255MPa minimum and hardness values of 100HV minimum are expected. Thales, being aware of these issues, decided to re-heat treat the parts and nominated Alloy Heat Treatment.

The parts were supplied to AHT in near finished machine state, but had relatively heavy sectioned integral machining bosses which may have impacted on the effectiveness of the heat treatment and residual stress distribution. AHT recommended that heavily bossed areas be machined hollow to allow the parts to uniformly heat up and to uniformly fast cool (quench) during heat treatment. AHT also recommended that parts be quenched into polymer solution, to ensure dimensional stability and to minimise residual stress. Following re- heat treatment of the parts by AHT, metallics testing procedures confirmed that parts had responded as required, exceeding minimum T6 specification values, whilst maintaining dimensional tolerances.

Excessive machining allowance and large cross sectional changes give rise to reduced sensitivity to heat treatment and increased residual stress. Minimal machining allowances could result in parts being scrapped due to the parts not being able to retain dimensional stability during heat treatment.

Uses of polyalkylene glycol (polymer) solutions for quench media have become a necessity for heat treatment of parts that require close dimensional stability. Polyalylene glycol solutions deposit polymers on the parts surfaces during quenching, which slows down the rate of heat transfer during quench. No vapour / steam blankets are generated during the polymer quenching process.

Mark Percox, Technical Manager at Alloy Heat Treatment said: AHT is presented with a manufacturing problem near to end of the manufacturing layout, which has resulted in re-design or re-processing, and in some cases, re-making of parts. Heat treatment is regarded by aircraft OEMs as a special process, and involving heat treatment experts in the material and process selection stage of design, will prove to have huge benefits.

Alloy Heat become one of the first in EMEA to be awarded AS9100 revision D

Alloy Heat Treatment — 11/07/2017

The UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, Alloy Heat Treatment have joined an elite class after being awarded the AS9100 revision D certificate.

Alloy Heat Treatment Quality Director, Steve Roberts stated: We are very proud of this. We are only the fourth company in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africas) to have a certificate for AS9100 revision D issued, and the first subcontract Heat Treatment company in the EMEA to be issued with the certificate.

AS9100 is an aerospace standard based on the ISO 9001 quality system requirements. AS9100 takes the ISO 9001 requirements and supplements them with additional quality system requirements, which are established by the aerospace industry in order to satisfy CAA, DOD, NASA and FAA quality requirements.

Alloy Heat pride themselves on rewarding talent and invited some of their employees including apprentices to the BSI awards ceremony, as Roberts explained: One of the reasons we travelled to the ceremony, was for our employees to gain an insight into the BSI. We invited them so they could see the company being rewarded for our great efforts to achieve this.

Dudley-based Alloy Heats apprentices are on Manufacturing and Engineering courses at Dudley College and the University of Wolverhampton and their courses are financially supported by the company.

Alloy Heat also holds the NADCAP accreditation, and preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes. The company can process components up to five metres long and three tonnes in weight. They can also offer rapid quenching into either polymer or water (hot or cold) if required.

BSIs Chief Executive, Howard Kerr awarded Alloy Heat Treatment with their certificate. BSI support organisations in making excellence a habit. Their services are designed to align with the steps clients need to take in understanding how to achieve best practice and maintaining the positive habit.

AHT to speak at Automotive Engineering Conference

Alloy Heat Treatment — 16/10/2017

Alloy Heat Treatment will be presenting at the forthcoming Automotive Engineering Conference which is being run by the Aluminium Federation (ALFED).

Ian Perks, Sales Director will discuss how value can be added via the heat treatment process. The event will also see talks from BCAST (Brunel), European Aluminium, Milver Metal Company, Aeromet and more - as well as a Keynote address by Professor David Bailey of Aston Business School.

Date: 21-22 November 2017

Venue: ThinkTank Museum, Millennium Point, Birmingham

As part of an agreement, ALFED have extended their member discount to all Made in the Midlands members that wish to attend, as well as offering an Apprentice Rate of £150 for the 2 days (£75.00 per day).

AHT New Website - See our services!

Alloy Heat Treatment — 19/02/2019

Welcome to Alloy Heat Treatment, the UK’s first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. With over 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, we are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

Founded in 1974, we have on site specialists who can give advice on materials, treatments and surface engineering, preferably at the design stage.

At Alloy Heat Treatment, we pride ourselves on our personal relationships with customers. Through training and development of staff at all levels we provide the very best service for all heat treatment requirements.

Our organisation holds NADCAP, AS 9100 accreditation, and preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes, see our full list accessible along the toolbar. Based in Dudley, West Midlands, we are easily accessible to all UK industry via close links to the motorway network.

Please visit our newly designed website for details and information on services we can provide. www.alloyheat.co.uk

FARO Provide Precision when the ‘Heat’ is on

Alloy Heat Treatment — 22/09/2020

When Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) was established in 1974 it became the first UK company dedicated to the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. To satisfy ever increasing demands for its wide range of services, the Dudley, West Midlands based subcontractor has continuously expanded its facilities, invested in the best available heat treatment plant and increased its skilled workforce.

The busy company now operates 19 furnaces that provides the capacity to keep pace with customer demand. Now regarded as a technical leader in its chosen field AHT has the ability to heat-treat a wide variety of aluminium products, from sheet metal to large sand castings, ranging in weight from just a few grams to over 2.5 tonnes.

The NADCAP, AS 9100 accredited business, has achieved preferred supplier status with many aerospace primes and enjoys long term relationships with companies such as Rolls Royce, BAe and Airbus. In addition, AHT has assisted many automotive tier one and sub-tier suppliers in their adoption of aluminium in areas such as the integration of lightweight engine and suspension components. The company also enjoys a strong presence within the challenging motorsport sector and works with teams such as Mercedes and McLaren.

To complement its heat-treatment processes, AHT offers services such as solvent degreasing and dye-penetrant flaw detection. Also, as unwanted distortions can occur in intricate aluminium products due to the rapid heat transfer from the quenching process, the business operates a setting department that removes distortion in the treated condition whilst products remain ductile. To help further increase AHT’s setting department precision capabilities and to speed-up the throughput of its important work, an advanced Quantum E ScanArm was recently purchased from FARO UK.

AHT Director Sales & New Projects Manager, Ian Perks explained. “Although all at AHT are committed to providing an efficient service to our clients and to remaining commercially competitive, the quality of the services that we provide and the premium standard of the heat treated components we deliver to our customers, are of paramount importance to us.

“As a vital aspect of our strict quality regime, we perform regular internal audits to ensure that we continually comply with the requirements of AS 9100:Rev D (BS EN 9100:2018) incorporating BS EN ISO 9001:2015. We also use the data generated by our audits as the basis for making improvement to our quality management system.

“In addition to frequently investing in the best possible heat treatment plant, given the nature of our customers and the challenging technical demands they place on us, we also believe in regularly up-dating our important material testing and dimensional quality control equipment.

“Owing to the speed and precision an advanced ScanArm type device could provide, for many years we have felt that such a device had a part to play in our organisation. Therefore, as our workload grew, recently, we finally committed to placing an order. As we were aware of FARO’s reputation for innovation and for being the market leader in this technology, we didn’t consider purchasing any other brand of laser scanner.

“After considering several FARO models, due to its speed, ease of use and impressive accuracy specification, we chose the Quantum E ScanArm. Also, given that it will be used in a working environment, it helped our decision that the Quantum E has an impressive IP rating and is resistant to the ingress of dust and fluids.

“Given that this is our first FARO ScanArm, we sent two of our operators on a FARO course which enabled them to pick-up the fundamental of the FARO Quantum E and software. As our new FaroArm is now in daily use, our two trained staff members have quickly become competent in the ScanArm’s use, and they will soon be training a further 5 members of staff in it’s use.

A vitally important aspect of our services is our first-class setting department, here, our skilled operators remove distortion from components following the quenching process. In addition to improving our precision capabilities in this area, our new Quantum E has considerably speeded-up these processes. The scans made by our new FARO equipment enables precise corrections to be made to components, then by re-scanning them, our staff are able to ensure that components adhere to customers’ requirements. Also, as our setting fixtures are unable to detect the distortions that occur in a few of our parts, through the use of our new FARO ScanArm we can new guarantee that these parts will machine successfully.”

FARO is recognised as the world’s most innovative portable CMM manufacturer and for more than 35 years the company has designed and sold the most trusted metrology arm technology.

The QuantumE FaroArm, as purchased by AHT, represents the ideal portable solution for business that are looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly and efficient factory inspection system. The advanced FARO device has been tested to withstand the harshest shop-floor environments and to provide the accurate and reliable measuring results that give manufacturers maximum confidence in their quality assurance processes.

When a FARO Laser Line Probe option is attached to a FaroArm, it becomes a supper-efficient ScanArm, capable of delivering up to a remarkable 600K metrology points per second. AHT specified a FARO Quantum E ScanArm fitted with a Prizm Colour Laser Line Probe – the world’s only colour laser line probe for portable measurement arms. When used in combination with the Prizm Laser Line Probe, the Quantum E delivers uncompromising levels of performance across all applications that require accurate colour point cloud data capture.

Reflecting FARO’s leading position in the design and manufacture of measuring arms, Quantum FaroArms are the first Arms in the market that are certified against ISO 10360-12:2016 for articulated arms, setting a new industry performance bar, and ensuring maximum measurement consistency and reliability.

Given the size of AHT’s facility and the requirement to occasional perform measurement and scanning routines in remote areas, it helped that the Quantum E ScanArm benefits from market-leading portability and speed of set-up. In addition, the use of dual hot-swappable batteries supports prolonged cable-free operation, enabling the device to be used for extended period without the need for external power.

Matching the Quantum E’s impressive speed of operation, the ScanArm’s sophisticated new electronic design guarantees optimal wireless operation for scanning and probing, allowing gathered data to be transmitted via high-speed wireless methods across the entire manufacturing floor.

Ian Perks concluded. “So successful has our use of our new FARO Quantum E been, we now anticipate a much quicker ROI than we originally anticipated. In addition to proving to be the perfect choice for the measurement and scanning tasks we purchased it for, since using our new ScanArm, we have found numerous other uses for it across our entire site. It really helps that our Quantum E is portable and quick to set-up, as we are now looking to offer an efficient scanning service, not only to our heat treatment customers, but also to customers that require a scanning service without our heat treatment services.”

AHT support student entry into the Shell-Eco marathon Europe

Alloy Heat Treatment — 30/05/2017

Dudley-based specialists in alloy and aluminium heat treatment and casting, Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) have supported the University of Strathclyde in developing an Eco Vehicle to enter the Shell Eco-marathon Europe.

The competition challenges students around the world to design, build and drive the most energy efficient car. The Prototype class which the University are entering focuses on maximum efficiency, which means passenger comfort takes a back seat.

The Universitys Chassis Team Manager, Robert Hamill explained: We got in touch with AHT and they were very excited to be working with us and were incredibly helpful, especially due to the nature of the project. The main process they carried out was the solution heat treatment of our aluminium chassis which was great.

The project provides students at the University with a wealth of opportunity to hone their craft in many different areas. A host of mechanical, design and electrical engineers have collaborated to develop the Eco Vehicle.

AHT were asked to provide technical assistance for the heat treatment of a fabricated aluminium alloy chassis. During the fabrication process, supplied material temper strength is significantly reduced in the heat affected zone (HAZ). This led AHT to re-heat treat to restore strength to the HAZ and uniform strength properties in general.

AHT Technical Director, Mark Percox explained: We were able to accommodate the size and geometry of the part in our Furnace 30, which is our latest investment, which has rapid quenching into polymer glycol quenching capability.

The chassis was solution treated and polymer glycol quenched to ensure the integrity of welded sections and to minimise quench distortion during heat treatment.

We gave technical assistance in terms of preparation for heat treatment, best heat treatment practice, straightening capability and post-heat treatment strengthening of critical areas.

Alloy Heat Treatment are the UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. With over 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, they are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

Hamill concluded: AHT were very helpful and helped us to arrange transport. AHT let us know of any slight distortion during the quenching and heat treating process. It has been a very smooth process compared to what is could have been. In terms of speaking with other companies, they were definitely the most helpful option.

Restorative heat treatment optimises strength properties of machined aluminium

Alloy Heat Treatment — 12/04/2012

Restorative heat treatment optimises strength properties of machined aluminium

Products machined from large solid blocks of aluminium often suffer with reduced strength properties, potentially leading to catastrophic failure during service. Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT), the UK’s leading subcontractor in heat treating aluminium, provides for restoration of optimum strength properties to proof machined products using re-heat treatment, inspection, testing and release to the required temper.

AHT has the capacity to heat treat automotive and aircraft products up to 2.5m x 2m x 1.9m and 5 tonnes gross weight in its state-of-the-art drop bottom facility, located at its 70,000sq ftDudleysite. In addition to providing straight forward heat treatment to manufacturers and machinists, AHT also offers both hardening and softening heat treatments to material stockists and suppliers who have difficulty in sourcing material in the required temper.

As components become increasingly complex, AHT plays an increasingly important part in its aerospace and automotive customers’ supply chains. A quench distortion correction function, termed as “setting”, endorsed by Nadcap, automotive OEM’s and suppliers is just one added value option provided by AHT.

Setting provides for freshly quenched products to be manipulated to customer supplied checking aids or to specified machining tolerances. The setting process is further supplemented by a refrigeration process, allowing for storage of freshly quenched products at temperatures as low as -29oC (which retards natural age hardening that prevents setting), permitting distortion correction to be undertaken without detriment, in accordance with prime contractors and OEM’s specifications.

Endorsed by NADCAP accreditation and approval by major aerospace and automotive manufacturers, the AHT Team is always available to discuss customer requirements and understand individual requirements.

Image – Post heat treatment - component on setting fixture

Alloy Heat Treatment

Ian Perks– Sales/ New Projects Manager

e-mail: sales@aluminiumheattreatment.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 456777

Website:

www.aluminiumheattreatment.com

Alloy Heat Treatment install Dye-Penetrant Flaw Detection line

Alloy Heat Treatment — 07/03/2018

Dudley based Made in the Midlands Gold member Alloy Heat Treatment, specialists in alloy and aluminium heat treatment, have installed a Dye-Penetrant Flaw Detection line.

Dye penetrant inspection (DPI), also called liquid penetrate inspection (LPI) or penetrant testing (PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials. The penetrant may be applied to all non-ferrous materials and ferrous materials, although for ferrous components magnetic-particle inspection is often used instead for its subsurface detection capability. LPI is used to detect casting, forging and welding surface defects such as hairline cracks, surface porosity, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks on in-service components.

Following successful trials, the company is now able to offer this new process to all customers. This line will accept a maximum product size of: 500mm (h) x 800mm (w) x 800mm (d) and all operators have level 2 PCN in Non-Destructive Testing, whilst parts are certified under the companies ISO 9001:2008 accreditation.

The move follows a succession of new investments by the company, including a £500k investment in 'Oven 30' for the aerospace sector and the launch of a mobile heat treatment service.

If you are interested in trialing this new service, please contact Ian Perks, Director at Ian.Perks@alloyheat.co.uk.

Midlands heat treatment specialists celebrate first South Korean order win

Alloy Heat Treatment — 11/06/2013

Midlands based heat treatment firm Alloy Heat Treatment Limited (AHT) are celebrating after securing their first order to South Korea. The assignment came amidst a string of several export orders within the past six months, making it an exceptionally busy year for the company so far.

Heat Treatment is traditionally considered to be a domestic service, with firms deterred from shipping components long distances to be treated at the final stage of the production process, but the specialised work of AHT has seen interest and orders secured from new customers in France, Germany, Italy, Poland and South Korea so far in 2013.

Having made a name for themselves as the largest subcontractor for aluminium heat treatments in the UK, the company has attracted up to 15 international clients from all over the world in the past 18 months alone, with products treated ranging from fasteners to landing gear and breaking systems.

The firms unrivalled expertise in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys is complimented by its NADCAP Merit status, something equally responsible for the increase in overseas interest according to Director of Sales, Ian Perks, We have had a NADCAP accreditation since 2004, but concentrating our efforts very strongly on maintaining it and gaining the Merit status last year has led to us increase the potential customer base we are able to tap into. In addition, we are also listed on approved supplier lists of prime contractors which has attracted additional clients.

With higher turnovers, the company is now aiming for an increase in growth helped by the expansion in export orders. According to Mr Perks, If export activities continue the way they have been, we are looking at a very successful year for Alloy Heat Treatment. Plus, we also have a couple of big investments in the pipeline which will enable us to support our ever growing customer base.

Design Case Study - Aluminium Products Ltd

Alloy Heat Treatment — 29/09/2021

Aluminium Products Limited (ALPRO) is a privately owned company established in 1937 and has occupied the present site in West Bromwich since 1945. They are a craft foundry retaining the traditional skills of the industry together with 75 years of experience, utilising modern technology including the use of self-setting sand and metal treatment control. With Production covering all types and complexities of Aluminium and Zinc castings, from one off prototypes to productions runs – from simple castings weighing a few grams to large castings weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.

AHT were recently tasked with heat treating a particularly large and heavy circular casting for ALPRO, along with a smaller casting for the same project. To ensure that the part was adequately supported during heat treatment, our Design Engineer was tasked with designing a suitable fabricated mild steel fixture. As the large casting could only fit inside our Oven 25 at an angle, the support structure for this also needed to be angled, with the entire fixture being sized to fit inside a standard Oven 25 treatment frame. The final design achieved this, with room underneath to provide a small platform to accommodate the smaller casting so that they could be processed together.

Fabrication of the fixture itself was sub-contracted to long-time associates Thermal Engineering Services in Doddenham, Worcestershire.

If you have a similar design need, please get in touch with our Design Engineer, Steve West via email or direct dial 01384 453966.

For information about ALPRO, their products and services go to http://www.aluminiumproductsltd.co.uk/

https://alloyheat.co.uk/services/design-services/

Alloy Heat Treatment set to launch specialist mobile heat treatment service

Alloy Heat Treatment — 22/08/2017

Heat treatment specialist, Alloy Heat Treatment, is set to launch a pioneering new process to capitalise on opportunities emerging as part of Industry 4.0.

The Dudley firm, the UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, has developed an innovative mobile heat treatment service.

The firm, a member of manufacturing alliance Made in the Midlands, is targeting the new service in support of the additive layer manufacturing market especially in the aerospace and motorsport sectors.

The additive layer manufacturing market more commonly referred to as 3D printing - has undergone rapid development in recent years and is set to have a huge impact on the future of the whole manufacturing industry.

Ian Perks, Sales Director at Alloy Heat Treatment, said: The proposed service is currently being designed to be transported on the back of a fix-bed lorry.

We aim to fill a gap in the additive layer manufacturing market, as we feel that this innovation will provide a great benefit to aerospace, F1 and Moto GP organisations.

With the global metal addictive manufacturing market predicted to be worth more than $6.6 billion by 2026, the firm is hopeful the service will attract plenty of interest.

As such, it is aiming to steal a march on the competition and become the recognised market leader for the technology.

While opportunities abound in the UK, the firm is not restricting itself to these shores and is looking at markets in Europe for additional growth.

Alloy Heat Treatment would load the service on to the lorry and then drive to a customers designation location to enable them to offer rapid heat treatment processes to tight schedules.

Ultimately, it would offer clients in the aerospace, F1 and Moto GP sector the capability of accessing immediate heat treatment services to ensure a regulated replacement of parts.

Perks concluded: Our company is AS 9100 accredited, which gives us a preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes. It would be fantastic to support these industries to coincide with the growth of additive layer manufacturing. Companies desire easy access to high quality services including heat treatment and we really want to form an integral part in the growth of this market.

Alloy Heat Treatment has specialised in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys for the aerospace industry for more than 40 years. Its ability to work to the specific requirements of a prime contractor, whilst additionally offering bespoke advice and guidance at the design stage is what sets it apart from the competition.

For more information visit: www.alloyheat.co.uk

Design Case Study – Scanning Large/Heavy Castings

Alloy Heat Treatment — 02/09/2021

After adding 3D scanning of client’s parts to their list of services, AHT was presented with a practical problem. AHT were heat treating a couple of particularly large and heavy castings for a regular client and manipulating these castings while they were being scanned with AHT’s new FARO Arm was proving to be a difficult task.

‘We could do with a method of being able to hang these parts from a forklift truck and easily rotate them’ was the brief given to AHT’s Design Engineer.

To complicate the brief further, there were two similar but dimensionally different castings that had to be catered for.

The solution was a fabricated rig, built in two sections. The upper section included two Channels that could be attached to the forks on the forklift, and a lower section, slung underneath and connected with a shaft. At the upper end of the shaft is a thrust bearing, housed in a custom machined housing made by a Kingswinford based machining company, and underneath is a standard flange mounted bearing unit. A cast iron shaft support and retaining washer hold the lower section securely to the shaft.

The lower section features two forks of its own, equipped with rubber feet to prevent damage to the castings, which are held securely in place by two retention pins on flanges at the edge of the castings, the forks going inside the castings.

Careful design and longer retention pins ensure that the rig fits and works with both castings, and a counterweight channel on one end of the lower section counterbalances the frame and casting so that the whole assembly when loaded can be rotated with a light touch.

To keep costs down, the frames were designed to utilise materials left over from previous projects, with the total cost being down to mechanical parts, some standard parts, laser-cut parts and some additional steel sections.

While we can’t show you the castings themselves, the final result has simplified and speeded up the scanning process immensely.

If you have a similar design need, please get in touch with our Design Engineer, Steve West via email

steve.west@alloyheat.co.uk or direct dial 01384 453966.

AHT invest over £500,000 into new oven and software

Alloy Heat Treatment — 27/09/2016

The UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, Dudley-based Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) have recently invested £500,000 into manufacturing aerospace Oven 30.

Oven 30 allows AHT to solution treat larger products and is the largest oven the company have ever owned. Its dimensions are 2.15m by 2.15m on the base and 2.5m high, which is the usable volume that they have to process parts.

AHT managing director, Adrian Church said: Weve built and installed the biggest piece of heat treatment equipment we have ever had, in order to do work for a customer who are making parts for the new Bombardier C Series plane.

We didnt have the capability to quench into polymer, so we expanded it when we learned about the C series. The turnover will increase with the new machine, although our industry is one where we invest speculatively. The production capacity on that line can double for much less investment than that.

Solution treatment is a fundamental requirement for the strengthening of aluminium alloys. It entails the solid state dissolving of alloying elements into the aluminium. This is achieved at temperatures near to the melting point of the material, followed by a quench process to lock the dissolved alloying elements into place. Without this, the alloy cannot be strengthened. AHT have Nadcap approved ovens for the aircraft industry and CQI-9 compliant ovens for the automotive industry.

Oven 30 will also ensure that AHT are saving energy and reduce waste. Production director, Dave Bryant explained: Oven 30 will allow us to quote for more work and we will be able to complete existing work quicker as we can put more product in, so this will improve our efficiency. We can reduce the energy we are using by using one oven rather than three.

In response to manufacturing Oven 30, AHT have invested an additional £35,000 into a new production control system. Church stated: The new DNA software should give us the facility that we dont have at the moment. The software will ensure that customers can log-in via the internet to access our system and view the state of the progress of their parts, which is an innovative move for our business.

AHT enjoy long term relationships with both aerospace primes and sub tier suppliers, applying their heat treatment expertise to semi-finished parts to increase strength, endurance and life span. The company is also Nadcap accredited to work in aerospace, defence and related industries and they have preferred supplier status to primes including Rolls Royce, BAe and Airbus.

For further coverage via BBP Media, please read: BBP Media coverage

How to save on Aluminium stock costs by temper conversion

Alloy Heat Treatment — 25/01/2018

A lack of understanding of the benefits of temper conversion is potentially costing aluminium stockists money - according to aluminium heat treatment experts Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT).

Through temper conversion, it is possible to move stock without having to go back to the mill to purchase further quantities. For example, if an aluminium stockist has sheet, bar or plate in stock in T6 condition, but their customer requires it in T4, Alloy Heat Treatment are able to convert the temper to the required variation. The same goes for changing the temper from O condition or T4 or T5.

AHT Director Ian Perks comments: from experience of visiting customers it is quite often the case regarding temper conversion that there is a general lack of understanding of the application and also the benefits. Over the past few years I have personally visited companies and outlined the process, but often the information is not passed on to the individual that would be most interested. We are hoping to educate Midlands industry that this opportunity is available and that it could save people a lot of money on replacing stock.

Technical Information:

It is possible to temper convert most aluminium alloy grades, where the most common grades are: 1050, 1200, 2014, 2024, 2219, 2618, 6063, 6060, 6061, 6082, 7010, 7049, 7050, 7075, 7175, 7475

*pertains to 7 series grade alloys eg 7050, 7075, 7475 etc

If you interested in learning how your company can benefit from Temper Conversion, contact Ian Perks Ian.Perks@alloyheat.co.uk for an initial conversation

Local heat treatment firm invests to keep work in the UK

Alloy Heat Treatment — 20/07/2012

Dudley based Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) has invested in an innovative 'Oven 25 machine', becoming the only UK-based firm able to carry out the Heat Treatment process of outsized parts.

The result is work remaining in the UK, rather than being off shored to Europe, previously the only other alternative.

AHT can now look forward to further growth as the machine opens up new opportunities within existing aerospace and automotive markets.

Alloy Heat Treatment specialises in heat treating components for the aerospace, automotive and advanced engineering sectors; they can now help clients heat pieces that fit into the basket size of 2630mm X 2400mm X 2300mm in a shorter turnaround time, therefore increasing productivity.

It also has the ability to free up solution capacity on Alloy Heat Treatment's rapid quench line. Ian Perks, sales manager at Alloy Heat Treatment said: “AHT made a strategic decision to invest in a large top loading oven which would free up capacity on our fully automated, rapid quench, drop bottom line. Due to an enquiry from Jennings Foundry at the time of specifying the oven it was constructed to carryout high and low temperature treatments. We are in the process of getting the oven NADCAP approved which will allow us to take on larger components for the aircraft industry.”

Dorset based WRES Ltd is an example of a company drawn to AHT because of the new investment. WRES Ltd specialise in the welding and fabrication of aluminium, stainless and mild steel for sectors such as marine, food, defence, architecture and petro-chem. The company chose AHT as they were the only firm within the UK which offers the service of heat treating larger parts. The firm has also utilised the new Oven 25 for its large fabrication pieces which are being used for a camera equipment jig, the Isis Frame and the Tool Sled, to film beneath the sea.

WRES Ltd Managing Director Alan Hamer said: “Alloy Heat Treatment is the only firm within the UK which we discovered to have the Oven 25 machine for our specific use. They gave us a one-week turnaround time to get the parts over to them and heated in their high-temperature oven. If we didn’t have this option from Alloy Heat Treatment, we would have had to send it to Europe, which would be a longer turnaround time and not very practical for us. I think Alloy Heat Treatment’s new investment is a triumph for keeping manufacturing work within the UK, as opposed to exporting it out to Europe. In turn it has helped us satisfy our clients’ requirements.”

Alloy Heat Treatment are the largest sub contract heat treater in the UK for aluminium alloys. Established for almost 40 years at its Peartree Lane site, the company heat treats everything from small fixings to components five metres long.

AHT Launches New Design Service

Alloy Heat Treatment — 23/08/2021

For some years now AHT have had their own Design Engineer, responsible for the design of any new equipment, ranging from simple heat treatment baskets and fixtures, right up to complete heat treatment plants.

Design Engineer Steve West has almost 40 years’ experience in various industries but mainly in the design of bespoke equipment.

In recent times that experience has been put to use designing equipment for AHT’s customers and AHT can now offer his services, not only to AHT’s customers, but to anyone who has need of a Design Engineer

Should you have any design requirements, then we can offer to assist. Using the latest Autodesk software, we can provide you with the following services.

· 2D Drawings using Autodesk AutoCAD.

· 3D Part and Assembly modelling using Autodesk Inventor

· 2D and 3D drawings from Inventor models, including exploded views

· Reproduction of historical 2D drawings in AutoCAD or conversion to 3D models and drawings

· Generation of 3D part and assembly models for inclusion in online 3D model libraries

· Supply of 3D files in STEP and other formats as required

In addition, we can liaise with customers to design components, assemblies and fabrications for specific applications, these include, but are not limited to, load baskets, racks, stillages, jigs & fixtures. These can be for heat treatment use at AHT or for the customer’s own specific requirements.

We can also look at larger and more complex design projects if required; our Design Engineer having been responsible for the design of much of our own heat treatment plant.

If required, we can also organise manufacture, either in house, or vis one of our trusted sub-contract suppliers.

If you have a specific requirement you wish to discuss, please get in touch.

AHT supporting Quicksilver water-speed project

Alloy Heat Treatment — 18/05/2016

Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) are delighted to be involved in the Quicksilver World Water Speed Record project. The project is a collaborative venture uniting highly-skilled people and firms from across the broad span of British industry, drawn together by the man who founded the project, author Nigel Macknight.

AHT are the UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. With over 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, they are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

AHT Director, Ian Perks explained: We are extremely proud to sponsor the Quicksilver project in its aim to bring the World Water Speed Record back to Great Britain, and it would be great to be a part of that. It is brilliant that there is a concentration of local companies that are also supporting the project.

Quicksilver were searching for a company that had the capability to heat-treat components of the boat, to improve their strength without increasing their weight. Macknight explained: I discovered AHT and outlined to them what we are trying to do. We have several companies that are helping us within that region of the country, and this is a project for them all as well as a prestige project for Great Britain as a whole.

Difficulties that can dog a project of this type have come and gone, and Quicksilver have had more than their fair share of expected and unexpected setbacks. Delays are the inevitable result, but none of that has blunted the resolve of the team members, and supporting companies and individuals to keep up the effort and ensure that a boat is put on the water fit for trials. Their ultimate aim is to bring the prestigious international prize of fastest-on-water back to the UK after its long absence.

Quicksilver are currently at the stage where they have done a lot of the design and research work and that has translated into beginning to build the boat. In turn, the Quicksilver project will continue to require more heat treated components. Macknight said: We certainly regard AHT as our exclusive provider of heat treatment services. AHT will have a part in this right up to the day we say the boat is completed. We will then start testing it, and seeing if it performs as all our design calculations indicated it would.

AHT pride themselves on personal relationships with customers. Through training and development of staff at all levels they are dedicated to providing the very best service for all heat treatment requirements. Their organisation holds NADCAP, AS 9100 accreditation, and preferred-supplier status to many aerospace primes.

As a result of AHTs accreditations and respected status within the aerospace community, Quicksilver recognise that they are the ideal company to work with for heat treatment. Macknight explained: AHT are the market leaders in what they can do with aluminium heat-treatment. We have several important aluminium fabrications on our boat, so its a good match. From the start weve had a very good relationship and they have been extremely supportive and enthusiastic. That is the key to our future successes.

AHTs support of the Quicksilver project will be highlighted when they exhibit between 11-17th July at MAA stand 1/B90 (Hall 1, UK Pavilion) at the Farnborough International Airshow. Perks stated: We are looking forward to exhibiting at the biggest possible occasion for the global aerospace community. We plan to take some of Quicksilvers books to our stand, so that visitors will be entered into a competition to win a copy signed by Nigel Macknight, as author. We will also be displaying the project on our TV at the show." This will ensure that the Quicksilver project is promoted to over 1,500 exhibitors from all over the world and thousands of industry professionals.

This sponsorship deal signifies the collusion of a great British idea to bring the World Speed Water Record back to our shores and the highest quality heat treatment company in the country. Macknight concluded: We have not held the record for nearly 50 years now. Were not doing this for any great financial gain, were doing this for the sake of advancing research and endeavour. We rely on enthusiasm and the professional skill of the people that we are involved with. Weve definitely seen that from AHT, as weve had an abundance of enthusiasm as well as skill coming from their side.

Link to content in Machinery Magazine on Page 4: http://flickread.com/edition/PensordFreeLibrary/573b373c5c931/

Successful specialist has capacity but no room for complacency

Alloy Heat Treatment — 15/09/2014

Following news that manufacturing suffered its worst performance for 14 months a Dudley based heat treatment specialist is still committed to further investment in the training of young people and additional processing plant.

Alloy Heat Treatments recent investment in apprentices and a drop bottom solution treating oven is taking their business to a new level.

Industry estimates suggest 80% of the global heat treatment market is captive; whereby organisations carry out bespoke heat treatment in house, leaving a 20% share for AHT to specialise in the light alloy industries.

Director and New Projects Manager Ian Perks said: Much of our new business comes from the aluminium industry. There is high demand for new body shells for high-speed trains, trams, and buses, so energy saving, lightweighting and design flexibility are paramount criteria. Up to 50% weight reduction and similar ground-breaking solutions result from innovative production methods, like new casting technologies.

AHT predicts a bright business future, necessitating their investment in apprentices as future leaders.

Perks adds: Industry has been losing skilled technologists and engineers and replacing them has been challenging. Our aim is to motivate a new generation of young people to train and gain formal qualifications to ensure the long term survival of our business.

Increased demand has allowed us to employ academically bright young people who are enrolled onto day release degree level courses with tuition fees paid by the company. So far we have been delighted with the people under training. However it does appear that the vast majority of both GCSE and A level students obtaining reasonable grades do not realise just how well qualified they can become by taking up apprentice opportunities."

The company is keen to grow further and following a successful showcase at Farnborough they are putting out a call for even more business, particularly in the automotive sector. Their new oven is designed for intensive use up to 550 degrees centigrade and is used to apply heat treatment to semi-finished parts to increase their strength, endurance and life span.

Charles Addison, Chief Operating Officer at Made in the Midlands said: AHT have a great vision for the future, especially in their attitude to apprentices, who they see as future leaders. This succession planning strategy will be hugely beneficial as they continue to grow.

Perks concludes: We believe in the future of British manufacturing and have the capacity to take on more business but there is no room for complacency. We have created jobs and our capex investment will further reduce lead times for our customers and bring growth to our company.

Alloy Heat Treatment Finds Latest Recruit Through Made Futures

Alloy Heat Treatment — 16/12/2021

Alloy Heat Treatment, member of Made in the Midlands, has found their latest recruit through the Made Futures platform by the Made in Group. The platform, available to members of Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire, is a free tool that allows businesses to connect directly with skilled job seekers. There are over 1000 job seekers signed up to the platform, all of which are looking for a role in the manufacturing sector.

The pandemic has brought about the concept of ‘The Great Resignation’, where employers reported numerous employees leaving their firms. Recent reports by the media claim that it is due to the fact that the pandemic has driven people to find roles that are more inline with their passions. Alongside this, with the aftermath of Brexit and the covid outbreak, many businesses have also been forced to make staff redundant. This has been propelled by firms losing customers, closing up shop during restricted periods and a general loss of sales.

However as the UK manufacturing sector continues to grow after a challenging 18 months, a report by the BBC released in June 2021 states that the sector has experienced the biggest boom in 30 years. Therefore in order for businesses to meet demand they have been on the lookout for skilled recruits to join their growing teams.

The manufacturing sector makes up for around 23% of the UK economy, directly and indirectly. However due to outdated perceptions of manufacturing being ‘underpaid’ and a ‘dirty trade’ many manufacturing businesses struggle to find skilled recruits.

Dudley based Alloy Heat Treatment are specialists in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. With over 40 years’ experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, they have become the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

In recent months the company found their latest recruit, Quality Assistant, through Made Futures. Avon Baines, Alloy Heat Treatment’s latest recruit, found the role on the jobs platform Indeed. However, Made Futures allowed the company to connect directly with Avon and decide for themselves whether applicants were suitable for the role, rather than recruiting through expensive recruitment agencies. Frank Butler, Resources Manager at Alloy, said:

“In the past we have used recruitment agencies to fill roles like this, however due to a lack of skilled applicants, we have had to raise rates of pay to encourage people to come forward. With Made Futures, we have saved time and money by being able to connect with applicants directly. I also thought the platform was really user friendly and easy to navigate around.”

Avon started at the company back in October 2021 and is already making a great impact such as making suggestions on how they can streamline their mechanical tests. After almost a year looking for a permanent role, Avon said:

“It has been great working for Alloy so far, everyone has been very welcoming and training has been clear and easy to follow. I have found a role that suits my needs and I feel like it is going to get better and better as I continue my journey here.”

To find out more about Made Futures and how you can advertise your manufacturing job vacancies, please head to www.madefutures.com.

Alloy Heat Treatment Receives Nadcap® Merit Status for Heat Treating

Alloy Heat Treatment — 09/03/2022

Nadcap® recognizes Alloy Heat Treatment for its superior performance and commitment to continual improvement in aerospace quality

Alloy Heat Treatment announces that it has been awarded Nadcap® Merit status for Heat treating

Quality Director, Steve Roberts stated:

“He is delighted that Alloy Heat Treatment has again been awarded Nadcap® Merit status for Heat Treating, it is a true indication of how dedicated the Team at Alloy Heat Treatment are to providing a quality service to the Aerospace Industry”

Alloy Heat Treatment, an independently owned company, based at Dudley in the West Midlands, has held Nadcap® accreditation since 2005. Having demonstrated their ongoing commitment to quality by satisfying customer requirements and industry specifications, the Nadcap® Task Group has determined that Alloy Heat Treatment has earned special recognition. This means that, instead of having their next Nadcap® audit in twelve months, Alloy Heat Treatment has been granted an accreditation that lasts until 29th February 2024.

Jay Solomond, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Performance Review Institute, said:

“Nadcap® accreditation is globally recognized as a hallmark of quality and is a major accomplishment. For many years, the aerospace industry has incorporated Nadcap into its approach for handling risk, as it demonstrates compliance to industry standards and customer requirements. I wish to congratulate Alloy Heat Treatment which has gone a step beyond, by achieving 24-month Merit status. This entitles them to a less frequent audit schedule which reduces audit-related costs and demonstrates the trust that the aerospace industry has in them, based on their past performance in Nadcap® audits. PRI is proud to support the continuous improvement of quality at Alloy Heat Treatment and within the wider industry. Well done to everybody involved.”

Growing aerospace supplier strives for unique finish

Alloy Heat Treatment — 20/03/2012

Alloy Heat Treatment Limited, the largest sub contract heat treater in the UK for aluminium alloys, is currently enjoying a period of continued growth as the results of stringent quality procedures pay off.

For almost 40 years the Dudley-based business has operated as nothing less than a centre of excellence in aluminium heat treatment.

Alloy Heat Treatment – or AHT – serves the leading names in aerospace, automotive and advanced engineering from its Peartree Lane premises.

The business places great emphasis on seeking approvals and is particularly proud of being part of NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Programme).

Its list of approvers reads like a roll-call of some of the biggest names in engineering and includes Airbus SAS, BAe systems, Boeing, Rolls Royce and Westland Helicopters.

Quality manager Steve Roberts believes one of the key reasons for the company’s success and longevity is its versatility.

“The advantage of having so many approvals - especially in the aerospace industry - is that we are listed on the approved supplier lists of the prime contractors, so customers seek us out.”

As well as offering its extensive range of heat treatment services, the business offers a number of ancillary processes such as vapour degreasing, using a “state of the art” SED compliant sealed unit, dye-penetrant inspection and shot blasting.

The business also owns what it believes is a unique drop-bottom system, boasting 5 rapid quench, fully automated ovens, with other ovens offering cold, warm, hot water and polymer quench facilities.

Steve continues:“I think what makes us different is our unique technical ability gained through specialising in heat treatment of aluminium alloys” Steve explained, “we can handle everything from small fixings to components five metres long.”

The combination of leading-edge technology and years of experience enables AHT to deliver a wide range of aluminium heat treatments including solution treatment, rapid quenching, setting and ageing.

AHT is a 24-hour operation and employs 37 people at two units on the Grazebrook Industrial Park.

It also has in place a robust environmental policy and is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards and seeks to continually improve its performance.

Ultimately, AHT has built its reputation on delivering an excellent service to customers and a commitment to absolute quality.

As one customer said: “We have been using AHT for over thirty years and we use them exclusively now. They are professional and have a good technical staff and backup service. We can discuss any problems or issues and we know that we can rely on their expertise and advice.”

Alloy Heat Treatment launch Youtube Channel to share best practice

Alloy Heat Treatment — 08/01/2018

Specialists in alloy and aluminium heat treatment and casting Alloy Heat Treatment have a launched a Youtube channel, in order to our share best practice relating to aluminium heat treatment with UK industry.

Existing videos include:

How high quality heat treatment is ensured
How we set heat treated alloys
How we use our automated line
How to treat aluminium: quenching
How to prepare aluminium for heat
How we designed and made our quenching
Who are alloy heat?

Take a look at our Youtube channel now

Since the early 1970s, we have specialised exclusively in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys and are the UKs first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. With 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, we are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

Founded in 1974, we have on site specialists who can give advice on materials, treatments and surface engineering, preferably at the design stage.

At Alloy Heat Treatment, we pride ourselves on our personal relationships with customers. Through training and development of staff at all levels we are dedicated to providing the very best service for all heat treatment requirements.

Our organisation holds NADCAP, AS 9100 accreditation, and preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes.

AHT turns up the heat with further investment in new technology.

Alloy Heat Treatment — 21/01/2015

Continuous improvement and further investment mark the start of another successful year for Dudley heat treatment specialists, Alloy Heat Treatment.

AHT, based on Grazebrook Industrial Park, have made a New Years resolution to dedicate time and resources to continuous improvement for their staff and customers alike.

After investing heavily in 2014, the heat treatment specialists have committed a further £500,000 investment in new plant, training and workshop improvements in line with their company motto Learning, Evolving and Growing.

The investment comes in the form of a new drop bottom oven with water tank, polymer tank, and rinse tank line, as well as an electronic tracking system, which has improved communication between AHT customers and the shop floor team.

The semi automated heat treatment plant is much larger than any of the existing kit that AHT have, which will ultimately improve the application of corrosion protection, and means that their customers can now send products up to 2m x 2m x 2.5m for treatment.

Sales and New Projects Manager, Ian Perks, said: This oven will come into its own with orders from the Aerospace sector due to its size. With advances in technology across the board in the manufacturing sector, much of the work coming to us from this area means we need to keep up and this new system means we can handle bigger clad sheets and larger skins.

Installation of the electronic tracking system has proved very popular with AHTs customers, allowing them to communicate with the Aircraft department for updates on orders, capacity and lead times. The next step will be an electronic dispatch system, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2015.

Ian went on to explain As a company we recognise and appreciate the benefits a good organisational culture can bring to both the employee and customer perspective, so it is with that in mind that we planned the improvements to both workshop and office space.

Working with The Black Country Skills Factory and Dudley College, AHT have taken on a further three apprentices, bringing their total workforce to an impressive 55 members of staff. The new starters will be stationed within the Quality, Maintenance and Aircraft departments.

Further plans for 2015 include a trade mission to Italy, in association with the UKTI. With 40% capacity available for commercial applications, AHT are looking to increase their customer base, especially in Italy, as well as plans to increase their presence on the NADCAP approved supplier list.

Visit stand F09 at #MIMExpo19

Alloy Heat Treatment — 05/06/2019

Visit stand F09 at #MIMExpo19

Alloy Heat Treatment will be exhibiting at Made in the Midlands 10th anniversary manufacturing show.

We will be on stand F09 at the Ricoh Arena on Thursday 20th June we look forward to seeing past, present and possible new customers. Come along to see us if you have any questions or wish to hear more about our services.

The AHT team who will be available to talk to on the stand and at the show, are as follows:

Ian Perks, Sales Director
Steve Roberts, Quality Director
Chelsea Day, Marketing assistant

Alloy Heat Treatment is recruiting!

Alloy Heat Treatment — 14/02/2019

ALLOY HEAT TREATMENT

Block 6 Grazebrook Industrial Park Peartree Lane Dudley West Midlands DY2 0XW

Telephone: 01384 456777 Email: frank.butler@alloyheat.co.uk & steve.roberts@alloyheat.co.uk

Vacancy Details:

Job Title: Quality Engineering Apprentership

Number of Positions: 2

Interview Start Date: ASAP

Employment Start Date: ASAP

Application Closing Date: 28.02.2019

MAIN FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Perform Quality activities in accordance with “National and International standards”

KEY DUTIES
1) Carry out BHN hardness testing
2) Carry out inspection of customer components
3) Perform Pyrometry duties
4) Ensure that all weekly checks in relation to quality are carried out.
5) Carry out daily Quality Audit to verify correct heat treatment processes have been carried out in relation to the works programme.
6) Fill in appropriate paperwork in relation to “Acceptance/Rejection” of inspection results
7) Update job knowledge by participating in education opportunities

Future employment prospects with the company:

The successful applicants will possess good results in science based subjects and will study for an Extended Diploma in Manufacturing following which a degree level course may be pursued.

Training provided by your company (if applicable):

Full financial sponsorship to be provided by the company

Skills required:

Good communication and IT skills required.

Personal qualities required:

Reliable/Flexible/Punctual/ enthusiastic with a keen desire to learn all aspects of the quality department and develop accordingly.

Qualifications required:

5 GCSEs graded A-C including English Language and Maths or equivalent.

The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £3.70 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year.

Alloy Heat Treatment win prestigious Made in the Midlands award

Alloy Heat Treatment — 20/10/2016

Alloy Heat Treatment were crowned the overall winner at the 2016 Made in the Midlands awards on 20th October at IET Birmingham: Austin Court in a prestigious celebration of Midlands manufacturing success.

Danielle Brown MBE delivered a fantastic motivational speech to Midlands manufacturers, regarding the importance of celebrating success. Lord Mike Whitby also told manufacturers that now is the ideal time for collaboration in the new post-Brexit economic climate.

Alloy Heat Treatment secured their first ever Made in the Midlands Award, following their recent investment of over £825,000 into securing the highest quality equipment, software and apprentices. Sales Director, Ian Perks exclaimed: We are very proud and very humble. We are extremely proud to be crowned the overall winners of the Made in the Midlands awards this year.

Earlier this year, Alloy Heat Treatment invested £500,000 into purchasing the biggest piece of equipment in their company history, in the form of aerospace Oven 30. They also spent a further £250,000 on Oven's 28-29 which are both variable temperature quench tanks. Alloy Heat Treatment also invested £35,000 into an innovative DNA production control software to provide customers with an insight into the journey of their product.

Perks added: Winning this award would not have been possible without our Managing Director, Adrian Church who has done an incredible job in securing the future of Alloy Heat Treatment through these investments. Its unbelievable that all of our hard work throughout the year has paid off by receiving this great award.

Alloy Heat Treatment also spent over £50,000 on new apprentices, as they are paying for all of their Manufacturing and Engineering courses at the University of Wolverhampton. They have invested strongly into seven apprentices within the last four years. The apprentices all have the opportunity to gradually rise into managerial or leadership roles within the company.

Additionally, Alloy Heat Treatment sponsor the Quicksilver world water speed project. The project is a collaborative venture uniting highly-skilled people and firms from across the broad span of British industry, drawn together by the man who founded the project, author Nigel Macknight.

Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt concluded: Today was a brilliant celebration of Midlands manufacturing success. It was our honour to crown Alloy Heat Treatment the overall winner of the Made in the Midlands award following their great work throughout the year. I would like to thank all of our applicants for their dedication to the manufacturing sector and for coming together to celebrate local manufacturing achievement.

Alloy Heat Treatment team up with Quicksilver World Water Speed Record Challenge team to regain title

Alloy Heat Treatment — 10/10/2012

Dudley based Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) is collaborating in the Quicksilver World Water Speed Record Challenge team's bid to regain the prestigious title for Britain.

The Quicksilver team is developing a complex sheet-aluminium fabricated structure called the trunnion hoop, a key element of the upper hull of their boat, and AHT will apply heat-treatment processes to make the component as strong as possible, giving the UK a better chance of bringing home the record.

Quicksilver's aim is to win back the water-speed title some 45 years after America. Then Australia took it from the UK in 1967. Applying the same principles as the Bloodhound SSC land-speed record attempt, the project has united a team of highly-skilled volunteers. Both iconic projects are showcasing some of the UK’s finest manufacturing talent.

The technological and environmental aspects of the water and land speed projects are set to encourage the next generation of engineers. The unique technology implemented is being shared amongst a diverse workforce involved in chasing both records. The Quicksilver and Bloodhound projects are aiming to put British manufacturing back on the map.

Ian Perks, sales manager at Alloy Heat Treatment said: “Nigel MacKnight contacted me a few months ago to introduce his project to Alloy Heat Treatment. After an impressive presentation from Nigel to the fellow Directors, it was clear to us all that specialised heat treatment was essential. We feel confident that we can apply our expertise in giving this prestigious project the best possible chance of victory. Moving forward, Mark Percox then spent some time with Nigel to understand what exactly was required from the structure, with a treatment being formulated. Alloy Heat Treatment are delighted to sponsor the Quicksilver project. We wish all the team well in their efforts to bring the record back to the UK shores and are proud to be showcasing the best of British manufacturing.”

The project took shape in 2005 and is being led by its founder, Nigel Macknight. Quicksilver’s philosophy is to implement modern technology in design, construction and operation within a state of the art boat capable of speeds of over 350 mph. Once the vessel has been thoroughly tested, the attempt to break the world record will take place on the UK’s Coniston Water.

Nigel MacKnight, founder of the Quicksilver project said: “The trunnion hoop is a major load-bearing element made of 6082-T6 alloy of three different skin thicknesses. Post-fabrication heat treatment of this component will increase its strength considerably, with no attendant weight penalty. An important target for Quicksilver, with AHT's help, is to achieve a high power-to-weight ratio for the boat through as many phases of the construction process as possible.”

Knowledge is key and in this case, the impressive voluntary contribution comprises a team of highly-qualified individuals within their own specific fields – for example, structures specialists and electronics and propulsion specialists – all playing their part. An assortment of big and small firms have also contributed or pledged equipment, materials and services to the ambitious project. The strong allegiance within Britain’s manufacturing community instils the hope that the Quicksilver World Water Speed Record Challenge team, alongside Alloy Heat Treatment, can achieve their goal.

Made Futures Careers Event

Alloy Heat Treatment — 24/03/2021

Organized by the Made in Group, the Made Futures virtual careers week (22nd-26th March) is aimed at jobseekers, graduates and students looking for opportunities in manufacturing. At the forefront of innovation, the exhibition will showcase virtual 3D stands with a series of touchpoints for a ‘life like’ experience and Alloy Heat Treatment will be part of the groundbreaking experience.

We are just one of many companies exhibiting at the Made Futures Virtual Careers week. Adapting to the times and getting up to speed with the digital era, our stand encapsulates everything you would expect from a physical exhibition. The multiple touchpoints will take visitors to different information available on the stand from ‘about us’, to product/ service brochures and jobs available.

Exhibitors at the interactive virtual exhibition highlight the manufacturing sector’s dedication to overcoming current and ongoing sector challenges. With millions of UK residents losing their jobs, coupled with the existing skills gap in UK manufacturing, we will be available at the Made Futures exhibition to offer our support to jobseekers and find our next employees.

There’s still time, attend the exhibition to visit our stand and to talk directly with a member of our team:

Made Futures Careers Week

Midlands heat treatment firm steps in to fill gap in Dorset

Alloy Heat Treatment — 15/10/2013

Following the closure of a major aviation firm offering heat treatment services in Bournemouth last year, many of the regions manufacturing businesses have been left struggling to find suitable alternatives.

With the company having been the main provider of heat treatment in central South England, its decision to move operations to Spain has left a significant demand for the service as many companies have failed to identify other local providers to fill the gap.

Midlands based Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT) have now stepped in to tackle the growing demand. Already working with a couple of firms in the South, the company would like to think there is a strong demand to warrant additional premises in the Dorset region.

Having been awarded the prestigious NADCAP Merit Status last year, overall, AHT has got nearly thirty years of experience in heat treating aerospace components. One of the companies AHT is currently helping out with its expertise is Christchurch based NFF Precision Ltd.

Tony Rogers, Director at NFF Precision, says The support from AHT to NFF LTD has been excellent and their team has worked very hard to help us. We are very pleased to be working together with a business of this calibre which is extremely important to NFF LTD. With both companies being NADCAP approved in the aerospace and defence sector, the future looks good for us and we are looking forward to a successful working relationship.

Alloy Heat Treatments Sales Director, Ian Perks, adds, The only challenge we are currently facing is the transport from our Midlands base in Dudley down to Bournemouth and vice versa. Due to the distance, transport times and costs are higher than usual. However, if the demand in the South of England turns out to be high enough, we would consider opening up additional premises in the area in order to provide local businesses with the same service we currently offer to our clients in the Midlands.