Exploring The Future Of Thermo-Mechanical Processing

Team Industry Outlook

Historically, the process of metal forming was based on conventional techniques involving trial and error methods, resulting in poor quality despite huge manufacturing costs. As time evolved, many methods were employed to improve the process and reduce the manufacturing cost; one such process is thermo-mechanical processing. With advancements in technology, thermo-mechanical processing (TMP) has evolved, enabling novel design practices in the manufacturing of metals. TMP through technology-powered design techniques is significantly improving the micro-structural characteristics of metals to meet the requirements of modern-day mechanical engineering. It has become an integral part of metal manufacturing, ranging from steel to different kinds of alloys. Today, this technique is largely used to manufacture carbon steel, particularly low-carbon steel.

Technology Boosting Steel Production
Despite the development of various types of metal, steel continuous to be the most preferred metal for construction purposes and also in automobile industry. Given the high demand in the market, steel manufacturers are forced to manufacture in large quantities, compromising on the quality. A new design technique called Inline Process helps to produce high strength steel in a faster manner.

This technique involves integration of radial-displacement rolling into the TMT enabling robust steel with high geometric tolerance. It allows for the optimal utilization of properties of metal to give it high strength. When it is a question of technology adoption, manufacturing industry is always considered a forerunner. Hope that technology may bring about further improvements in the process thermo-mechanical treatment of metals so as to cater to the industry needs.

With an aim to throw light on the future of thermo-mechanical processing, a conference on TMP will be held in Shenyang, China between 24 – 26th of August 2020. The conference explores the key technology aspects associated with thermo-mechanical processing. Some of the topics of discussion during the event include Technology and Product Development in TMP of Steel and Non-Ferrous Alloys, Physical Metallurgy of TMP, and Intelligent Manufacturing.

Artificial Intelligence is already impacting the manufacturing industry as a whole and it is sure to accelerate the metal manufacturing process by improving thermo-mechanical process if leveraged effectively. Today’s experimental trail methods are no longer feasible for the production in large scale.