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Blogs by Joanne McIntyre

Paris floods sink barge, stainless project on hold
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 February 2018
A historic barge moored on the Seine in Paris which was due to be renovated with the support of Alloy Corporation, NSSC and Nippon Yakin Kogyo, sank during recent flooding in the French capital.
Have you seen The Big Elk?
By Joanne McIntyre | 01 February 2018
This amazing sculpture - the world's largest of an elk - is made from highly polished 316 stainless steel and is designed to improve road safety.
Nano-texturing creates bacteria-killing spikes on stainless surfaces
By Joanne McIntyre | 25 January 2018
By using an electrochemical etching process on a common stainless steel alloy, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a nanotextured surface that kills bacteria while not harming mammalian cells.
Nickel: part of the solution to combat climate change
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 January 2018
Did you know that nickel and nickel alloys play a crucial role in the production of renewable energy - enabling clean power to be a central part of our efforts to tackle global warming?
Grade 304: the workhorse of the stainless steel industry
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 November 2017
It doesn’t matter what you call it – 304, 1.4301, 18/8 or even V2A – most people in the business will know what you mean. There are two (or perhaps three) obvious reasons for this. Grade 304 was one of the first stainless steel grades developed, it quickly became the workhorse for the stainless steel industry and consumers, and it retains this pre-eminent position to this day.
Stainless fasteners ensure reliable and safe industrial assembly
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 November 2017
Anders Söderman is the Technical Director at Bumax AB up in Åshammar in Sweden. The company is a world leader in the production of stainless steel fasteners. Stainless Steel World talked to him about his work and his associated interest in corrosion resistant alloys.
Budd Metroliner researcher seeks information
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 October 2017
A researcher is writing a book about the stainless steel high speed 'Budd Metroliner' trains which were built in the 1960s in Philadelphia, USA. However the dissolution of the Budd company left little documentation and few people with personal recollections remain. Perhaps you can provide some information on this fascinating USDOT project from the past?
North Sea wind power hub to become reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 19 October 2017
There has been a lot of talk recently about the growth of wind power across Western Europe. One project in particular caught my eye recently due to both its size and ingenuity. The North Sea hub will be providing wind power to up to 100 million people by 2050.
South Africa: a focus on integrating the value chain
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 September 2017
South Africa’s stainless industry is centred on fabrication and value-adding activities. Given the tough economic climate it has endured over the past 18 months, Stainless Steel World spoke to two experts from the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association, Executive Director Mr. John Tarboton and Market Intelligence Specialist Ms. Lesley Squires, about the current market situation.
3D scanning assists piping replacement
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 August 2017
In a recent large-scale project, high definition 3D and CT scanning technology was successfully deployed to design replacement piping in a nuclear power plant. The technology could offer significant advantages over current maintenance methodologies at power plants.
Gum metals pave the way for new applications
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 July 2017
Metals which can be bent as gum pave the way for new industrial applications, for example in the aerospace industry.
Four-footed wisdom
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 July 2017
Sometimes inspiration can come from unexpected quarters, and whether you are contemplating your business or private life, some advice will always ring true.
Stainless mesh a good acoustic and aesthetic choice
By Joanne McIntyre | 29 June 2017
The Taylor Center for Performing Arts is a new addition to the Canadian Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area, both the aesthetic and acoustic properties of the performance hall required careful material choice, with stainless steel wire mesh playing an important role.
A sunny forecast for renewables
By Joanne McIntyre | 22 June 2017
We hear a lot about renewable energy but is it really replacing fossil fuels? Oil is still historically cheap, solar has a reputation for being costly, and what about President Trumps' love of fossil fuels? The truth may just surprise you...
High strength CRA ideal for landing gear
By Joanne McIntyre | 01 June 2017
A new high strength corrosion resistant alloy developed in Canada offers advantages over existing materials for aircraft landing gear and other demanding applications.
Amorphous steel alloy breaks records for strength
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 May 2017
In April 2016 a team of engineers announced it had developed and tested a type of steel with a record-breaking ability to withstand an impact without deforming permanently. The new steel alloy could be used in a wide range of applications, from drill bits, to body armour for soldiers, to meteor-resistant casings for satellites.
Lightweight solutions for vehicles
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 April 2017
Scientists from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in Germany are working with material experts to develop future-oriented stainless steel solutions for the automotive industry.
Maintenance-free tunnel built to last 100 years
By Joanne McIntyre | 20 April 2017
The Holmestrand station is a prestigious development and part of a high speed railway development by NSB AS, the Norwegian state-owned railroad company, that will create a triangle from Oslo to south Norway and then up to Bergen. The use of duplex in the construction will ensure that it remains maintenance free and fully functioning for at least a century.
Outside corner TIG welding on steel: a step-by-step guide
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 April 2017
TIG, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding – more properly known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) – is a technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to supply current to the welding arc. Guest blogger Morgan Franklin has prepared a guide for mastering this technique.
Improving on the Iron Horse
By Joanne McIntyre | 23 March 2017
The cost effectiveness of stainless steel in the railway industry is now an accepted fact. There are significant cost and safety related benefits to choosing stainless steels.
What is Keyhole TIG?
By Joanne McIntyre | 07 March 2017
Guest blogger Ms Belinda Latz, Operations Manager at at K-TIG in Australia looks at Keyhole GTAW (known as K-TIG), a relatively new welding variant of the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process.
How stainless steel saves construction firms money
By Joanne McIntyre | 23 February 2017
This week guest blogger Mr Euan Garcia from Sanyo Seiki Stainless Steel Corporation discusses the excellent lifecycle cost characteristics of stainless steel in the construction industry.
Duplex lends strength to fifteenth-century palace
By Joanne McIntyre | 09 February 2017
Duplex stainless steel is helping to achieve an historically accurate copy of a fifteenth-century architectural treasure in Berlin.
Hydrogen Council promotes the perfect green fuel
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 February 2017
Great news for the hydrogen and fuel cell community at the beginning of 2017: thirteen leading energy, transport and industry companies have launched a global initiative to voice a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the energy transition.
Meeting the challenge of butt-welding stainless steel
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 January 2017
The challenge of welding is a topic that recurs frequently in Stainless Steel World and this week we’ve got a virtual tool that will help you achieve great results.
Put your back into it…exo-skeletons become a reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 January 2017
Move over Ripley, exo-skeleton technology has developed from alien-slaying to everyday use on the workshop floor.
Molybdenum and tungsten in duplex stainless steels
By Joanne McIntyre | 08 December 2016
This week Jan-Olof Nilsson completes his series on the composition of duplex stainless steels with a look at chromium and the important role it plays.
How many is too many?
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 November 2016
The development of new grades is a never ending process. While some argue there are too many grades, is too much choice ever really a problem?
Additive manufacturing offers production advantages
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 November 2016
There are many advantages in using additive manufacturing/digital parts transfer to produce stainless steel components.
Welding duplex remains a hot topic
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 October 2016
A highlight of the Duplex world Seminar this year was an acclaimed plenary from Lars Haldorsen of Statoil, who shared his knowledge on the challenges of welding duplexes.
Low-cost, light weight titanium
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 October 2016
An improved titanium alloy — stronger than any titanium alloy on the market — gets its strength from the novel way atoms are arranged to form a special nanostructure.
A lasting reminder
By Joanne McIntyre | 08 September 2016
When Ronald Westerhuis was commissioned to produce a national monument, he chose stainless steel to create a sculpture that will be beautiful, respectful and long lasting.
Stainless rebar dramatically extends life expectancy
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 July 2016
By using a combination of stainless steel and carbon rebar during construction, the life expectancy of a structure can be extended by a factor of ten.
Timing is everything
By Joanne McIntyre | 14 July 2016
“The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese” - Willie Nelson, American singer, songwriter and activist.
ITER – Unlimited energy
By Joanne McIntyre | 30 June 2016
One million components, ten million parts…the ITER Tokamak will be the largest and most power fusion device in the world.
Filtration fit to protect our oceans
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 June 2016
With two thirds of the worlds’ goods transported by sea, the threat of infestation of marine environments with foreign organisms calls for robust filtration materials.
Iranian market offers massive potential
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 May 2016
Following the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran in January, producers of stainless steels and alloys are eager to re-enter this massive market.
UK steel industry in crisis
By Joanne McIntyre | 07 April 2016
The impending sales of Tata Steel UK is a devastating blow to the UK’s steel industry and raises questions about the government’s handling of the crisis.
Will China’s new 5 year plan reform its stainless industry?
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 March 2016
The new five year plan promises moderate growth and reforms of the stainless industry which currently suffers from massive over capacity.
Nitrogen + Syngas 2016
By Joanne McIntyre | 25 February 2016
The global nitrogen market has taken a negative turn and prices have fallen to global cost floor set by Chinese urea producers.
Welding Grade 91 with dissimilar metals
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 January 2016
A project started in late 2013 has examined the integrity of welding Grade 91 (high chromium alloy steel) to stainless steel grades 304 and 316.
Pioneering research into multiphase flow
By Joanne McIntyre | 14 January 2016
A pioneering joint industry project (JIP) into the dynamic forces affecting the integrity of piping systems, particularly through multiphase flow, is underway.
Corrosion-Resistant Alloys: Five Remarkable Facts
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 November 2015
This week, guest blogger Jessica Kane provides an insight into some interesting things you may not yet know about stainless steels.
Architectural marvel shines in Singapore bay
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 November 2015
Built in the shape of a massive lotus flower the external stainless steel composite material of the Singapore Art Science Museum is both durable and beautiful.
3D printing/Additive manufacturing rapidly expanding
By Joanne McIntyre | 29 October 2015
A recent article looked at what is happening in the fairly new field of 3D printing of nickel alloys and superalloys.
Chinese chemical and nuclear industry overview
By Joanne McIntyre | 22 October 2015
The explosive growth in production capacity means the Chinese market is hard-pressed to keep up and absorb increased production rates.
Duplex families and applications: Part 3 reviewed
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 October 2015
The final article in this fascinating series by Jacques Charles looks at the lean duplex grades and presents some conclusions.
Duplex families and applications: Part 2 reviewed
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 September 2015
The second part of a 3-part review of duplex families and their applications takes a look at the main duplex developments since 1991.
Getting nuclear back on track
By Joanne McIntyre | 03 September 2015
Nuclear power generation is recovering from the impact of the Fukushima accident, to the benefit of stainless steel suppliers.
Duplex families and applications: a review in 3 parts
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 August 2015
Duplexes have been around for over 80 years, but only took off commercially post-1950s. What does the future hold? A 3-part review reveals all…
Value for money; an insider’s view of procurement
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 August 2015
A successful procurement strategy requires flexibility, reliability, accuracy and common sense.
Tubes pipes & fittings find alternative markets
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 July 2015
Cancelled projects due to low oil prices have forced the tubes pipes & fittings market to search elsewhere for business.
Tubes pipes & fittings find alternative markets
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 July 2015
Cancelled projects due to low oil prices have forced the tubes pipes & fittings market to search elsewhere for business.
Desalination market raises demand for duplexes
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 June 2015
Unexpectedly heavy rainfall in recent years stifled desalination projects; now water demand is rising again and new projects will benefit duplex in particular.
What’s in a name?
By Joanne McIntyre | 11 June 2015
Unless you’re a metallurgist, navigating the complexities of stainless steel terminology can be confusing. A recent article provided an easily understood guide.
Super-hydrophobic metals now a reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 21 May 2015
Scientists at the University of Rochester (USA) have used lasers to make metals ultra water repellent, opening a world of possibilities for these amazing materials.
Recycling of CRAs during decommissioning of nuclear plants
By Joanne McIntyre | 30 April 2015
Nuclear energy is often criticized for producing vast amounts of contaminated waste, but did you know almost everything in a decommissioned plant is recycled?
Controlling duplex stainless steel edge cracking
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 April 2015
Edge cracking can occur as a hot rolling defect during duplex production; Stainless Steel World recently published a technical paper on solving this problem.
Reaching for the skies…the soaring potential of 3D printing technology
By Joanne McIntyre | 09 April 2015
The practical application of 3D printing technology is progressing rapidly and it will eventually have a wide ranging effect on the stainless steel industry.
Can mankind survive without stainless steels?
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 March 2015
Stainless steels have a large impact upon our lives but are they really indispensable? Expert Jan Olof Nilsson certainly thinks so and argues a good case.
FLNG, the world’s biggest floating structure
By Joanne McIntyre | 19 March 2015
Made from big amounts of stainless steels, including duplex grades, and with a life expectancy of fifty years the FLNG is the largest LNG processing plant in the world.
Flow Control Exchange rocks Rio!
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 March 2015
On 3 & 4 March the inaugural Flow Control Exchange Conference & Exhibition kicked off in sunny Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Turkey...the land of opportunity?
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 February 2015
Turkey is one of the countries with the highest production growth rate of stainless steels in the past decade. Therefore some think success in Turkey’s stainless steel business is almost guaranteed.

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