Research and Development Complete on Steel Laser Ultrasonic Technology

1 June 2000
Research and Development Complete on Steel Laser Ultrasonic Technology
    CANTON, Ohio, June 1 The Timken Company
announced completion of research and development of a laser gauging system
that will enable a more efficient manufacturing process for seamless
mechanical steel tubing while reducing energy consumption.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991012/TKRLOGO )
    In conjunction with technical partners, Timken engineers developed the
technology application concepts and successfully tested them. This enabled the
company to begin development of a prototype gauging system targeted for
implementation in a Timken manufacturing facility in 2001.
    The company was awarded a $1.4 million grant in June of 1999 from the
United States Department of Energy for the development of laser ultrasonic
technology. Timken was recently awarded the remaining portion of the initial
grant to begin prototype development. The Department of Energy will fund 60
percent of the total project cost, now projected at $2.6 million.
    "Our technical partners' expertise, combined with our own process
knowledge, brought us to a successful completion of phase one of the project,"
said Raymond V. Fryan, director, process improvement - alloy steel. "All
technical concepts necessary for the success of this project have been proven
true and will be implemented in the prototype gauging system." Timken, in
cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada and the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, began developing the system in March of 1999.
    The laser-based system measures the product to ensure that steel tubes are
produced at near exact shape, eliminating the need for removing excess
material from the tube wall. "This technology will further enhance the quality
of Timken(R) steel by producing tubing at even tighter tolerances with a more
uniform wall thickness. This will result in time savings and increased
efficiency in customer production processes," said Diana S. Gats, director,
business development and marketing - steel.
    Timken is the largest producer of alloy seamless mechanical tubing in the
world and is an industry leader in applying new technologies to a proven
manufacturing process. The company invests nearly $50 million a year in
research and development to meet customer needs for quality products that are
efficiently produced. Timken steel products, including bars, tubes and
precision steel components, are highly engineered for specialty applications.
    The Timken Company ( http://www.timken.com ) is a leading
international manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels with
operations in 24 countries.  The company employs 21,000 people worldwide and
reported 1999 sales of U.S. $2.5 billion.