TPT March 2007

Industry News

coating, solution annealing and specialist heat treatment, will dedicate the time and expertise of its principals in lieu of cash as its contribution to the joint venture. The company is considering similar joint venture structures in future to exploit other industries and applications such as medical, aeronautics, electronics, automotive and defence. Mr Doug Parrish, CEO of MicroFuze, said, “ We are delighted to formalise our relationship with ATC, who will help drive this platform technology to the next level and provide market penetration in a shorter timeframe. ”

Cooperation agreement for microwave diffusion treatment (MDT) technology

MicroFuze International Plc has announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with surface treatment specialist Applied Thermal Coatings (ATC), USA, to further develop and assist the commercial roll-out of its Microwave Diffusion Treatment (MDT) technology. MDT is quick, cheap and clean, and can make cheap steel nearly impenetrable, providing a large number of potential uses for parts, components and accessories which require hardening, lubricity, wear resistance and corrosion protection. Industries that will benefit from MDT include power generation, automotive, aeronautical and general manufacturing. MicroFuze International, through its 85 per cent owned US subsidiary, MicroFuze Americas Inc, holds the sole licence to commercialise the US Department of Energy’s patented process for MDT. Mr Harley Grant, CEO of ATC, said, “ The MicroFuze MDT technology has exciting prospects and, importantly, has immediate

application for the US energy sector and for the power generation industry globally. ATC has been assisting with the development of MDT for some time and welcomes the opportunity to proactively drive the technology across other industries. ” MicroFuze and ATC will form MicroFuze Energy LLC, which will be the vehicle to license the technology for the energy sector. The company is in the process of obtaining independent test results on its finished products, and is also testing multiple turbine blades in the development microwave, with reports that the diffusion of boron into hard steel turbine blades continues to bring encouraging results. MicroFuze will own 90 per cent of the company, and ATC will own the remaining 10 per cent. ATC, whose technologies include conventional diffusion, thermal

MicroFuze International plc – UK Email : info@microfuze.com Website : www.microfuze.com

Applied Thermal Coatings, Inc – USA Fax : +1 423 267 0637 Website : www.appliedthermalcoatings.com

China’s Metals Fair returns in May Metals Fair, the 3 rd China International Metals Industry Fair 2007, will take place from 18-20 May 2007 in Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Guangzhou. As with the last event, Metals Fair will consist of three exhibitions – China International Sheets, Tube & Wire Exhibition, Guangzhou International Stainless Steel Exhibition, and China International Metal Recycling Exhibition.

Hosted by the China Iron and Steel Association and China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association, the event is organised by the Metallurgical Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (MC-CCPIT).

Metals Fair is expected to attract a large number of exhibitors and visitors to the region, with product display and technology exchange for the entire metals industry. Exhibits will include iron and steel, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, metalworking, foundry, forging, furnace and heat treatment, ferroalloy, refractory products and metal recycle. Organisers believe that this year’s show will reflect the rapid growth and development of China’s economy. With enormous volumes of crude steel and non-ferrous metal production, China is now at the centre of research and development for the global metal industry. Ideally located, Guangdong Province can claim to be the biggest metal consuming market and processing centre in China and southern Asia. Metallurgical Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (MC-CCPIT) – China Fax : +86 10 65248384 Email : mail@metalsfair.com • Website : www.metalsfair.com › Metals Fair will take place at the Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Centre

20

M arch /A pril 2007