Ceramic Industry articles from February 2007

Ceramic Industry archives from February 2007

Focus on R&D.(INSIDE CI)
February 1, 2007... French mathematician and philosopher Henri Poincare said, "Science is built of facts the way a house is built of bricks; but an accumulation of facts is no more science than a pile of bricks is a house:' Without study, analysis and direction,...

International calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... Feb 6-7 Gemini V and VI Series Training ** Norcross, Ga., www.micromeritics.com Feb 6-9 Surfaces 2007 ** Las Vegas, Nev., e-mail jweller@hanleywood.com, www.Surfaces.com * Feb 6-10 Cevisama 2007 ** Valencia, Spain,...

Micromeritics announces first Instrument Grant award winner.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Micromeritics has awarded an AutoChem II 2920 Catalyst Characterization System to the Berkeley Catalysis Center in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California Berkeley. Micromeritics recently launched its Instrument...

AMETEK acquires General Ceramics.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... AMETEK, Inc. has added the technology for ceramic components to its microelectronics packaging business with the acquisition of General Ceramics, a privately owned manufacturer of engineered hermetic microelectronic packages for electronic...

Ceralink grants MAT sublicense to Harrop Industries.(IN THE NEWS)(microwave assist technology)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Ceralink Inc. has granted its first microwave assist technology (MAT) sublicense to Harrop Industries for the building and sale of a production-scale microwave assist electric elevator kiln. Ceralink is the exclusive authorized source for MAT...

Alfred University will receive $5 million for Inamori School.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... New York State has allocated $5 million through the New York State Construction Fund for the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University. State Senator Catharine Young recently made the announcement to students, faculty and guests....

Johnson Matthey to sell ceramics division and refocus its activities.(IN THE NEWS)(Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Johnson Matthey has agreed to sell its Ceramics Division to a company established by Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP, a private equity investment fund, for approximately 226 million euro (~US$297 million) in cash. The transaction is conditional...

Units of GE, Toshiba and Bayer join to form new company.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a new corn pany created by the sate of GE's Advanced Materials business to Apollo Management, L.P., will operate as one global entity focused on technology and service excellence in the silicones, quartz...

Bullen to sell silicon growing and fabrication assets to Lam Research.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Bullen Ultrasonics recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the silicon growing and fabrication assets at its Franklin St., Eaton, Ohio, and Suzhou, China, plants to Lam Research Corp. Under the terms of the...

Resco announces acquisitions.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Resco Products, Inc. has acquired the assets of New Castle Refractories Co., including its plants located in New Castle, Pa.; Newell, W.V.; and Massillon, Ohio. New Castle Refractories manufactures brick and special shapes in silicon carbide,...

PNNL improves access to available technologies.(IN THE NEWS)(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Details of more than 150 technologies developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and available for licensing are now consolidated at http://availabletechnologies.pnl.gov/. A Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, PNNL...

ArmorWorks to develop lightweight fastening system.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... ArmorWorks has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) to develop a high-performance, lightweight fastening system to attach blast protection kits to vehicles. Currently,...

Cookson to sell Monofrax to RHI.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Effective December 18, 2006, Cookson entered into an agreement to sell Monofrax, a fused-cast refractories business that forms a separate part of Cookson's Ceramics division, to RHI AG of Austria for $45 million (23 million [pounds sterling])....

BNP Media launches Clear Seas Research.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... BNP Media, the publisher of Ceramic Industry, recently announced the creation of Clear Seas Research, a separate entity designed to deliver superior business-to-business market research. Clear Seas Research competes in multiple b2b industries...

Lafarge announces plan to sell Roofing activity to PAI Partners.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Lafarge recently announced that its board of directors has considered that an offer from PAI Partners for the company's Roofing activity is the best solution for the Group and its shareholders, as well as for the industrial future and the...

EU launches 570 billion R&D program.(IN THE NEWS)(research and development)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The 7th Framework Program, the European Union's (EU) research and development program, aims to increase Europe's growth and competitiveness. With funding of more than 54 billion euro (~US$70 billion), it is the largest investment to date on the...

Growth spurs Goodfellow's move to Pittsburgh area.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Goodfellow Corp. recently announced the relocation of its North American headquarters from the Philadelphia area to Oakdale, Pa., near Pittsburgh. "I consider this move to be a major advance in the growth and development of Goodfellow in North...

EPA finalizes TRI rule.(IN THE NEWS)(Environmental Protection Agency)(toxics release inventory)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized a Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) rule that encourages reductions in chemical emissions and increases in recycling at facilities nationwide. The EPA also announced its decision to...

ASI to hold web seminar on Public Nuisance Lawsuits.(IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Adhesives & Sealants Industry magazine (ASI) and Thomas McMahon of Howrey LLP will explore "Public Nuisance Claims Against Building Product Manufacturers" in a web seminar February 20 at 1 p.m. The latest trend in product liability law involves...

Hauck Manufacturing Co.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brian Boehmer has been named Kromschroder product manager for Hauck Manufacturing Co. He has been with the company for nine years in a variety of sales positions, including ceramic product manager and export sales....

Oneida Ltd.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Tim Runyan has joined Oneida Ltd. as executive vice president and chief global supply chain officer. He has extensive experience in business and operations management consulting, supply chain optimization, and business development, and has...

Ferro Corp.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Sallie B. Bailey recently joined Ferro Corp. as vice president and chief financial officer. She replaces Thomas M. Gannon, who has expressed an interest in pursuing opportunities outside the Ferro financial organization. Bailey formerly served...

Refractory Specialties Inc.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Refractory Specialties Inc. (RSI) recently announced the addition of Domenico Sciaretta in the position of product manager. He will be involved in the development of new product lines with the goal of increasing...

Piezo Technologies.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Piezo Technologies recently announced several top-level management changes. Dennis Fletcher, who has guided Piezo Technologies' process and production efficiency improvements since he joined the company in 2004, will take over as president. In...

Almatis.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Oscar Groomes recently stepped down from his position as chief executive officer of Almatis. He will assume a new role within the group as a non-executive board member, following his decision to relocate to the U.S. due to personal reasons....

Alcoa.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Charles D. McLane, Jr. recently became Alcoa's chief financial officer, succeeding Joseph C. Muscari, who retired to become chairman and chief executive officer of Minerals Technologies, Inc. McLane, the company's controller since 2002, becomes...

CeraMaterials.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)
February 1, 2007... CeraMaterials has appointed Jerry Weinstein president. Formerly program manager for Starfire Systems, Weinstein has focused his efforts in developing composite materials solutions for applications in erosion/corrosion, defense, thermal...

Toxics in packaging compliance.(CERAMIC DECORATING)
February 1, 2007... The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) sent letters in mid-2006 to six beverage distributors asking them to confirm compliance with the group's model packaging law that bans the intentional addition of four metals, including lead and...

Safety first.(KILN CONNECTION)
February 1, 2007... "MythBusters" on TLC is one of my favorite TV programs. Lately, the show has taken an interesting turn--most of their mythbusting efforts seem to be associated with blowing things up. Whether they are blowing up buildings by igniting insect...

Walking on air: visitors to the Grand Canyon will soon have a true bird's-eye view, thanks to a new glass walkway set to open next month.(Glass innovations)(MRJ Architects)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Grand Canyon West, a destination owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe at the Grand Canyon's western rim, will open The Skywalk to the public on March 28. The Skywalk will be the first-ever cantilever shaped glass walkway to suspend more...

R&D lab equipment and instrumentation directory.(Directory)
February 1, 2007... R&D LAB EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION DIRECTORY 2007 R&D LAB EQUIPMENTS AND INSTRUMENTATION DIRECTORY BATCHING AND MATERIALS HANDLING Company Balances Blenders...

High-temperature thermal characterization: a graphite furnace and modular design are enabling a new thermal analysis system to address the high-temperature needs of the ceramic industry.
February 1, 2007... Developments in ceramic technology are providing industry with ever-increasing high-temperature solutions. This trend has placed increased demand on developers of analytical instruments to provide systems capable of the measurement of various...

Automated X-ray scattering: designed for the structural analysis of advanced materials and thin films, a new X-ray diffraction system combines flexible instrument geometry with a comprehensive knowledge-based software platform.
February 1, 2007... X-ray scattering is a powerful tool in the determination of the structure of materials. It is possible to calculate the positions of scattering centers within a material by looking at the pattern of X-rays scattered by the sample. Since X-rays...

Back it up: choosing to upgrade a tunnel kiln with an efficient back-up lining system can provide cost savings and product quality improvements for many years.(special report: refractories)
February 1, 2007... Back-up insulation plays a very important role in the thermal performance of refractory lined kilns that are used to fire ceramic products. Commonly used backup insulation is typically lower in density relative to the hot face refractory,...

Brick by brick: a new report from the BIA offers details on brick shipment data and analysis, as well as brick's value to the industry, wall share analysis, and expanded data on competing materials.(special section: brick & clay record)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As part of its new Knowledge Capital Program, the Brick Industry Association (BIA) recently launched the first edition of its Annual Brick Industry Report. The new report replaces the annual Sales and Marketing...

A glass act: a recent study shows that using recycled granular glass as a grog in brick manufacturing can dramatically reduce energy consumption.(special section: brick & clay record)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The use of recycled glass in brick manufacturing is not a new concept. In the 1970s, following the first energy crisis, the U.S. Bureau of Mines sponsored research to determine how much energy could be saved by using...

Ultrasonic machining.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... DMG The Ultrasonic 20 linear is reportedly capable of machining conventional metals, such as steel, aluminum, carbide and hardened steel, and advanced materials like glass and ceramics, through an ultrasonic tool. Ultrasonic machining...

Nanocrystalline tin oxide.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Nanophase Technologies Nanocrystalline tin oxide is produced by the company's patented NanoArc[R] synthesis process using the most recent advances in finite particle size control. According to the company, NanoArc tin oxide consists of...

Horizontal shaft impactors.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Stedman The Grand Slam[TM] series of horizontal shaft impactors reportedly uses high-chrome metallurgy to significantly increase the wear life of machine components, reducing metal replacement costs. Tackling a variety of applications from...

Castable refractories.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Allied Mineral Products, Inc. According to the company, its new TUFFCRETE family of refractory products is a series of low-cement castables that is specifically designed to be installed by shotcreting, but can also be pumped,...

Industrial finishing equipment.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Binks and DeVilbiss Equipment options from these companies reportedly offer high levels of contaminant-free finishing. The line of high-efficiency spray booth air filters (AF HE) is appropriate for all general industrial applications. AF...

Attritor.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Union Process, Inc. A new S-Series Attritor has been designed for cryogenic milling of aluminum powders. The S-50 has a special cover with a Teflon shaft seal for ultimate grinding results at low temperatures. It features a vent port for...

Conductor materials.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Ferro Corp. This company's new RoHS-compliant silver and gold HIC conductor materials reportedly meet existing high-performance requirements for automotive, medical, military and telecom applications while providing a systems approach to...

Dual chamber furnaces.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Lucifer Furnaces, Inc. The Space Saver line of dual chamber furnaces features low-mass, energy-efficient ceramic fiber insulation. By employing lightweight, low-mass ceramic insulation instead of traditional brick, the furnaces save...

Nepheline syenite.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Mineral Development LLC This company recently announced the availability of Fluxbond 200, a 200-mesh Arkansas nepheline syenite. Fluxbond is also available in a 30-mesh product, and the company offers both in quantities to meet...

Superheated steamer.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... MHI Inc. A new (patent applied for) superheated steamer has been developed for layering, epoxy drying and other film uses where superheated steam is required at one atmospheric pressure. Rapid drying of ceramics is reportedly an ideal...

Furnace tiles.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... Blasch Precision Ceramics Ceramic tiles for pusher and belt style furnaces are now available from this company. The high-strength, high-flatness furnace tiles, which are suitable for MIM, PIM, PM and heat treating applications, reportedly...

MES brochure.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... SYSCON-PlantStar This company recently announced the availability of a new brochure on its manufacturing execution systems (MES), which offer accurate real-time data and analysis tools to provide instant information on the status of every...

Bell lift kilns.(WHAT'S NEW)
February 1, 2007... L&L Kiln Mfg., Inc. This company recently announced the development of a line of large industrial-grade bell lift kilns designed for industrial ceramics and other applications. The first model is 100 cubic ft (66 x 47 x 54 in. high)....