Jeff Kirchner

Find me on:

Recent Posts

Stainless Wear Materials

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Jun 7, 2015 2:38:00 PM

Nickel Institute offers a 31 page PDF on the   Review of Wear and Galling Characteristics of Stainless Steel. This publication compares common materials (stainless) against other grades and other stainless.

Read More

Topics: Uncategorized

Welding NITRONIC

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on May 11, 2015 1:08:00 PM

 

NITRONIC 50

 
Welding this grade can be performed with AWS A5.9 ER209. If it is a thick cross section, it is recommended to use AWS A5.9 ER209. ER209 has a small addition of ferrite to resist cracking in the weld for thick sections.
 
Filler metal ER309 provides good strength, but not similar corrosion resistance. Welding the low carbon austenitic grades, it would be recommended to look at 316L (no weld strength) vs ER209 (which provides strength and corrosion, but not fully austenitic in the weld).
 
Read More

Topics: Uncategorized

New way to shop for High Performance Alloys

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Nov 5, 2014 1:29:00 PM

   We like to do things a little different than other companies (hopefully you have noticed and are a fan). 30 years ago, we were founded on being able to supply materials quickly - without having huge minimum purchase requirements. We catered to job shops and repair shops to keep them and their customers happy through the years. If you only needed a piece 1.2" long, we would gladly quote it and take care of that need. Back in the day, our stock order minimum was only $50. With inflation and QC what it is, we have had to raise it to $75 though the years.

Read More

Topics: maximum for the minimum

NITRONIC 60 is out of this world

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Sep 23, 2014 12:02:00 PM
High Performance Alloys worked with NASA on another project, one that keen observers can see in the night sky.  The International Space Station (ISS), which is the third brightest object in the night sky according to NASA, was another high-profile project for High Performance Alloys.
Read More

Topics: NASA, NITRONIC 60, impact resistance in space, ISS

Mars Rover

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Aug 29, 2014 6:00:00 AM

For nearly two decades, NASA has been acquiring information from rovers sent to explore the surface of Mars. High Performance Alloys played an integral role in the first Mars rover mission, Pathfinder and its successors, the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity’s assembly.

Read More

Topics: MarsRover, NASA, NITRONIC 60, JPL

Annealed is fine? (Breaking the   misinformation barrier)

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Aug 26, 2014 9:37:00 AM

  What is the difference between Solution Annealed,  Bright Annealed, Mill Annealed and Annealed/Cold Finished? The actual differences are subtle and can explain minor variations in strength, overall corrosion resistance but also surface finish quality. We talk primarily about Nickel based and Austenitic stainless grades here.

Read More

Topics: austenitic grade, annealed, annealed & cold finished, bright annealed, elevated mechanical properties, grain refinement, mill annealed, solution annealed

High Performance Alloys featured on NATGEO

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Aug 22, 2014 9:00:00 AM
High Performance Alloys was chosen to participate in the National Geographic’s television series “Showdown of the Unbeatables.” The Tipton, Ind. based company was more than happy to participate and highlight the strength of their metals.

 According to the National Geographic’s website, Showdown of the Unbeatables has the “very best American companies do battle with their prize products.”   High Performance Alloys faced off against California-based company, Republic Lagun in the  fifth episode of the series. Republic Lagun brought their expertise in machining to the table while High Performance Alloys supplied the super durable alloys.   The alloys High Performance supplied were hardened and aged Cobalt 6B and a nickel-based alloy, Inconel 718. These alloys faced off against the VGC 4428 industrial super drill supplied by Republic Lagun.

 
The Unbeatables’ film crew spent a day filming various activities at the Tipton based plant. They also conducted several interviews with business owner David Kirchner, and the founder Russ Kirchner.   Interestingly, High Performance Alloys lifted one of the company’s 11,000lb forklifts using chains and their .312 diameter super stainless steel. The steel lifted it with ease.
 
After shooting in Tipton, the Kirchners were off to California for the faceoff. The show features two hosts, one for each group. The Kirchners met with their host, Zane Lamprey, and set out to put their alloy to the test.   Republic Lagun was given three minutes to drill through the metals. They were able to push through the Inconel 718, but were not able to get through the Cobalt 6B in time. High Performance Alloys was crowned the winner.
 
High Performance Alloys is proud to show off the strength of their metals against a tough test in Republic Lagun. Beyond that, they were able to showcase the potential of their metals and just how strong they really are.
 
written by Kaegan Stogsdill
Read More

Topics: High Performance Alloys, NATGEO, zane lamprey, INCONEL 718, cobalt 6B, showdown of the unbeatables

Community and Charity Programs

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Aug 20, 2014 2:55:00 PM
 
Despite larger projects, High Performance Alloys enjoys helping in the surrounding community on smaller, more intimate projects. Ten years ago, High Performance Alloys played a role in the creation of a new tabernacle for the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Kokomo.
Read More

Topics: NITRONIC 50

Passivating NITRONIC 60

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Nov 25, 2013 9:00:00 AM

Passivation of materials is needed from time to time due to potential contamination of processes, aesthetic  appearance or function within a system. It is used to remove surface contaminants from forming, machining, shot peening and heat treating. This surface preparation generally does not change the tolerances, and should not etch or pit the surface.

For aerospace applications using NITRONC 60, AMS 2700 Method 1 or 2 can be employed to clean the surfaces. Usually just a small amount of nitric will clean it up nicely in Method 1, such as a Type 1 or 6.    We have found the citric acid in Method 2 to be ineffective to sufficiently brighten the appearance, though it may be employed as a process. 

Typically, materials being removed are due to a free iron concern. Free iron from tool steels, racks for storage and rollers can leave trace amounts during transfer. The free iron then will oxidize and give the appearance that the stainless is rusting, even when it is only the surface. 

Read More

Topics: NITRONIC 60, cleaning nitronic 60, NITRONIC 60 passivation, passivation

How a Niton XRF metal analyzer is used in metal distribution for PMI (Positive Metal Identification)

Posted by Jeff Kirchner on Nov 21, 2013 11:19:00 AM

A Niton XRF metal analyzer used in metal distribution

An article in 2012 about a Naval supplier misidentifying materials prompted the discussion internally about what procedures and services we could implement in order to remedy a situation like this. It offers peace of mind in knowing that the material you are buying is actually what you are buying. Without this high tech piece of equipment, you would have to depend on the reliability of your supplier and their entire supply chain to get it right every time. It is simple math that the more products that are handled, the greater chance for misidentification.

Read More

Topics: PMI, reverse engineering, metal identification, third party inspection

Subscribe Here!

Recent Posts

Posts by Tag

See all