Souderton, Pa. – Solar Atmospheres and ASM International at Materials Park in Ohio have partnered to offer a new Vacuum Heat Treating Course. This new course provides students with a means to combine basic vacuum heat treatment theory with hands-on instruction using the new ASM laboratory vacuum furnace donated by Solar Atmospheres, Inc., and manufactured by Solar Manufacturing Inc.

The first class of the new ASM course offering was taught in December 2013, with subsequent courses scheduled for April 2014, and September 2014. The course was developed by Solar Atmospheres’ consultant in chemistry and metallurgy Virginia Osterman, PhD, who works closely with Solar Atmospheres Research and Development group. This course covers the background of vacuum measurement, vacuum furnace design, and vacuum technology as it applies to various metallurgical processes.

Osterman notes, “Having a basic understanding of vacuum theory and its application in heat treating in itself is valuable, however with the added benefit of the new Mentor Vacuum Furnace students now can see how to put theory into practice and get a better understanding as to why the use of vacuum heat treat processes add value to a product.”

Source: Solar Atmospheres

West Lafayette, Ind. - Purdue Research Foundation and Cook Medical officials announced plans to establish a $12 million evergreen investment fund to support Purdue-based life sciences companies.

“The Foundry Investment Fund provides Cook with the opportunity to join Purdue in an effort to repeat the Cook Biotech story for other companies”

"Converting Purdue innovation into new products, companies and jobs is perhaps the most valuable way for our university to live up to its land grant heritage and contribute to the progress of our state," said Mitch Daniels, president of Purdue University. "This fund will help a new and larger generation of Purdue innovators move their technologies to the public."

The Foundry Investment Fund, a not-for-profit fund, will seek to join with other investors to fund companies that are based on Purdue technology or expertise in the areas of human and animal health and plant sciences. The Foundry Investment Fund will provide a match to outside investors’ funds, adding critical capital for the transition from the discovery of a promising technology to founding a viable life sciences company. Returns on the investments will remain in the fund for future investments.

"Cook has a long history of commercializing life-changing medical innovations that originated at Purdue," said Mark Bleyer, president of Cook Biotech Inc. "We have seen firsthand how innovative technology, when guided by thoughtful business practices and supported by sufficient financial funding, can result in products that improve lives in amazing ways."

Established in 1995, Cook Biotech develops and manufactures advanced biologic tissue grafts engineered from natural tissue sources. Based on discoveries made at Purdue, these tissue-engineered medical products have been used worldwide in more than 1.5 million surgical repairs. Product applications include treatments for hernias, fistulas, and wounds.

"The Foundry Investment Fund provides Cook with the opportunity to join Purdue in an effort to repeat the Cook Biotech story for other companies," Bleyer said.

The Foundry Investment Fund will:

• Stimulate outside parties to invest in Purdue-based life sciences businesses.
• Provide critical capital funds to entrepreneurial ventures that originate from Purdue innovation or expertise.
• Be self-sustaining through returns from prudent investments.
• "Clearly, raising capital is one of the most challenging endeavors that entrepreneurs face, and offering a match of funds from the Foundry Investment Fund will help drive interest in our life sciences companies and draw funding opportunities from across the country," said Dan Hasler, president and chief entrepreneurial officer for the Purdue Research Foundation.

Those who could be matching investors are non-Purdue entities such as venture capital firms, corporations, angel groups or qualified individuals.

Source: Purdue Research Foundation

Spring pins are used in many different assemblies for a variety of reasons: to serve as hinge pins and axles, to align components, or simply to fasten multiple components together. Spring pins are formed by rolling and configuring metal strip into a cylindrical shape that allows for radial compression and recovery. When properly implemented, spring pins provide reliable robust joints with excellent retention.

Click here to download the white paper from SPIROL.

Source: SPIROL Int’l Corp.

Illustrating what manufacturing is, and what it isn’t, is the purpose behind Manufacturing Day. I know the next MFG Day is not until Oct. 3, 2014, and that probably seems far off, but before you know it, the day will be here. Did you know that last year’s Manufacturing Day included more than 825 manufacturers, in 48 states, opening their doors to more than 35,000 guests.

• Will your facility be hosting an event?
• Did your company participate in the first two events?
• How do you see this helping the manufacturing industry?

Reports after the last event show the enthusiasm growing. Commenting right after MFG Day 2013 was Jay Timmons, NAM president and CEO, stating, “The robust response and participation in Manufacturing Day from across America shows manufacturers’ commitment to developing the talent needed for a 21st-century workforce. By opening shop floors to young and curious minds around the country, we are able to show that modern manufacturing is a technology-driven industry that offers secure, good-paying jobs and the ability to develop products that will change the world.”

Make sure to register to stay informed as plans unfold for the third annual MFG Day.

I’d appreciate hearing what you have in mind for Oct. 3, 2014.