Advanced Ultra High-Strength Steel, continuing the discussion from TLT with Ted McClure

In this episode, we talk to Ted McClure, Manager at TribSys LLC, who discusses his interview for the feature article on advanced ultra high-strength steel (A-UHSS) that appeared in the July issue of Tribology & Lubrication Technology. We get some more information on some of his recent work including the project with the Auto-Steel Partnership, providing more depth on the article.

To provide some background, A-UHSS is revolutionizing the auto industry due to low weight, high strength and ability to absorb and repel energy. Its unique properties allow it to meet new requirements and standards, yet this material requires specialized lubrication considerations. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, "advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) require less energy and emissions to produce than other automotive structural materials, make lighter parts that reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel economy, and are fully recyclable."

To the right, you can see part of Ted's contribution to the article, highlighting the various testing that can be done on a material and the benefits or drawbacks to each.

To find out more about this unique material, click the slider bar above to play the episode now, download the episode, or read (and translate) the transcript. You can read the article here, or read the entire issue and explore the archives here.

Helpful links:

• STLE website for articles, research and information on A-UHSS and related topics


• American Iron and Steel Institute


• Steel Market Development Institute


• Presentation that highlights some of Ted's work with the Auto-Steel Partnership


• Ted's Metalforming chapter, in the STLE Tribology Data Handbook, 2nd Edition


• TLT article on "Energy Efficient Automobiles," covering other methods that manufacturers and suppliers are developing to increase energy efficiency

August Webinar: Antifriction Coatings & Anti-Seize Pastes with Chad Chichester

On August 17, 2011, Chad Chichester will be discussing how antifriction coatings and anti-seize pastes reduce wear, optimize friction and perform under extreme environmental conditions. Listen and learn with this upcoming webinar! For more information, view the flyer or event listing, or read the overview below.

What: Lubrication Beyond Oil & Grease: Anti-Friction Coatings and Anti-Seize Pastes
Who: Chad Chichester, Lubricants Application Engineer, Dow Corning Corporation
When: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT, with bonus Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Where: STLE University, broadcast directly to your computer
Abstract: See the event listing for more information


The registration deadline is Monday, August 15, 2011. Please note that there is limited space available, so register soon to guarantee your seat. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing, and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. This event is $39 for members and $59 for non-members. Your purchase includes reading and/or reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied to the recertification process. For more information, please click here.

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, or to register multiple people, contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) with Sukbae Joo

This episode features a focus on CMP, chemical mechanical planarization/polishing, and ECMP, electrochemical mechanical planarization/polishing. Sukbae Joo, a PhD candidate at Texas A&M, is conducting research in this field, and provides his perspective on CMP/ECMP and its role within the tribology field. He includes some of the challenges presented by this type of work, but also the successes he's had. To listen, click play in the slider bar above, download the episode, or read/translate the transcript.

This research plays an important role in the semiconductor industry, given that this method is used to create objects like optical lenses, LCD panels, MEMS, field emission displays, and plasma display panels (PDP) for televisions. These consumer applications are constantly changing and being improved upon - which creates a need for better methods and technology to create the products. CMP/ECMP is a path to that goal.

Sukbae also mentions his work on hydrogen embrittlement, which was the subject of his poster for the 2011 STLE Annual Meeting Student Poster Competition. In addition to entering the contest, he was the Vice Chair, helping to organize the competition for all those involved. Next year, he will become the Chair, and we look forward to his further involvement with STLE! You too can get involved. Visit our website for more details and to get started today.

What was your student poster competition experience like? How can it be improved? What would you like changed for next year? Tell us! Post a comment below, or send an email to klemar@stle.org.

July Webinar: MWF Focus with Dr. Fred Passman

This month, Dr. Fred Passman will be discussing new and emerging issues in the metalworking fluid field. Dr. Passman has previously served as an instructor for STLE, and most recently has completed the Metalworking Fluid Hot Topics course at the 2011 STLE Annual Meeting, which was very well received, and provided an incredible amount of updates to the industry. He also provided an interview for our podcast, which you can listen to here. For more information on this webinar, view the event flyer, the event listing, or read the overview below.

What: Emerging Issues in Metalworking Fluids: Biofilm Control

Who: Dr. Fred Passman, BCA, Inc.

When: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Central, with 30 minute bonus Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.

Where: STLE University, broadcast directly to your computer

Abstract: See the event listing for more information

The registration deadline is Monday, July 18, 2011. Please note that there is limited space available, so register soon to guarantee your seat. To register, visit the STLE Store, click on the "STLE University" Department to filter the results, and click "Add to your products" at the bottom of the webinar listing to begin the purchase process. This event is $39 for members and $59 for non-members. Course cost includes reading and/or reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for ease of use), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which may be applied to the recertification process. For more information, please click here.

We hope to see you at the event. If you have any questions, contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.