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PERFORMANCE TITANIUM GROUP

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Understanding Specification MIL-T-9046 – Which Grade Do You Really Need?

Back in 1955, specification MIL-T-9046 was born, covering Titanium Sheet, Strip, and Plate. This specification tends to cause a lot of confusion for clients because it covers nearly 20 different types of titanium, and several conditions within some of the alloys. On top of that, during several revisions of the spec, a new alloy designation code was given to each type. We hope the following table and discussion helps to ensure procurement of the right type of titanium for your requirements.

The above table appears in the back of MIL-T-9046J (available for free download at http://assist.dla.mil), but we like our version better. *If you agree, you are welcome to email us at sales@performancetitanium.com and we will gladly share a copy.

Back to the good stuff. Specification MIL-T-9046 was cancelled in September 1999. Its last active revision was “J”, and the code designations for that revision are featured in the far right column of the above table. In the MIL-T-9046 cancellation notice, future acquisition was directed to SAE AMS-T-9046, which is also now cancelled. If your contract requires use of the superseding specification, refer to this discussion for help.

Since the MIL-T-9046 specification has been used for decades, often times a drawing will call out an old code such as “MIL-T-9046 Type 3 Comp C”. Using the table above, we can determine that “Type 3 Comp C” means the requirement is for 6Al-4V, and the drawing is pulling from an older revision of the specification, either Revision F or H. These days, it is unusual to procure material whose certifications will still use older revisions. Certifications would most likely display this requirement as “MIL-T-9046J AB-1”. Check with your Sales Rep if you have questions.

The code designations for Commercially Pure grades of titanium were established in the most unfortunate fashion. Under MIL-T-9046 Revision J, Commercially Pure Grade 1 titanium would now be referred to as “CP-4”, Commercially Pure Grade 2 titanium became “CP-3”, Commercially Pure Grade 3 titanium became “CP-2” and Commercially Pure Grade 4 titanium became “CP-1”. If you are unsure which grade you require, please contact us for help. Although the names sound similar, the differences between the grades are significant.

Berkshire Hathaway to buy Precision Castparts for…. $37,200,000,000

This week, Berkshire Hathaway revealed plans to acquire Precision Castparts Corp (PCC) for a whopping $37.2 billion, amounting to Warren Buffett’s largest deal in history. PCC is a Portland, Oregon-based aerospace supplier, manufacturing various complex structural airframe components and other parts for the aerospace and oil and gas markets.

PCC’s organization is comprised of companies dealing in Investment Cast Products, Airframe Products, and Forged Products, including Wyman-Gordon, Special Metals Corp, and Titanium Metals Corp (TIMET). PCC famously purchased TIMET, a major domestic source of titanium mill products, in 2013 for $2.9 billion.

This deal comes off the heels of the $1.5 billion consolidation of Alcoa and Pittsburgh-based RTI International Metals, a global manufacturer of titanium specialty metal products.

Check out highlights from the press release below, or view the full press release here.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. to Acquire Precision Castparts Corp. for $235 Per Share in Cash

PCC will remain headquartered in Portland, Ore. as a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway


OMAHA, Neb. & PORTLAND, Ore. – Aug. 10, 2015 – The boards of directors of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A; BRK.B) and Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”) (NYSE: PCP) have unanimously approved a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire, for $235 per share in cash, all outstanding PCC shares. The transaction is valued at approximately $37.2 billion, including outstanding PCC net debt.

“I’ve admired PCC’s operation for a long time. For good reasons, it is the supplier of choice for the world’s aerospace industry, one of the largest sources of American exports. Berkshire’s Board of Directors is proud that PCC will be joining Berkshire,” said Warren E. Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chairman and chief executive officer.

“We are very pleased to be joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway,” said Mark Donegan, PCC’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We see a unique alignment between Warren’s management and investment philosophy and how we manage PCC for the long-term. We believe that as part of Berkshire Hathaway, PCC will be exceptionally well-positioned to support our customers’ needs into the future. This transaction offers compelling and immediate value for our shareholders, and allows PCC’s employees to continue to operate in the same manner that has generated many years of exceptional service and performance to our customers.”

The transaction requires approval by a majority of PCC’s outstanding shares. Closing is expected to occur during the first quarter of calendar 2016, subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and competition clearance in certain foreign jurisdictions.

PCC will continue to do business around the world under the Precision Castparts name and maintain its headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

Michigan Baja Racing Team

Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to sponsor Michigan Baja Racing Team. They compete with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Baja, which is a student competition wherein the teams each build and race a single seat off-road vehicle. We were able to interview Justin Lopas, Team Captain, for insight into the team and competition. [Read more…]

Titan – Combat Robot by Team Xenos

In March, PTG was able to provide 6AL-4V, 0.125” sheet and 0.5” plate to Team Xenos, a combat robotics team from Akron STEM High School. They’ve now finished their competition for the year and were able to share some follow-up comments, photos, and a video of their robot Titan:

“Team Xenos would like to thank you for everything PTG did to help with funding the robot. This year we had some trouble finding funds to finish this off, and without your help we would have never finished.

Your Titanium held up extremely well, even when other parts of the robot may not have. While most robot’s baseplates were completely destroyed, it took two competitions and seven fights for your bottom plate to even begin to bend. Even after all the fights the weapon went through, it never bent either. The closest it came was the knife-sharp point on the tip of it beginning to chip.
We received many compliments on our drive system, and it would never have turned out as well without your help.”

Watch the short video below to see Titan in action:

We are looking forward to seeing how this team progresses and what they will design for next year!
To find out more about Team Xenos and read about their robot Titan, visit: http://teamxenos.weebly.com/titan.html

Mini-Tour of PTG’s Warehouse

All day, every day, we are cutting titanium bars, plates, blocks, and sheets for our customers.  Take a peek at Performance Titanium Group’s Warehouse to find out where all the magic happens!

Team Spyder and FIRST Robotics

We have had the absolute pleasure of working with one of our local FIRST Robotics teams, Team Spyder. When we first contacted Team Spyder last year, they were quick to bring their robot out to do a demonstration for us – we were amazed by the knowledge and ability of these students!

In April, we went to see Team Spyder compete at the San Diego Regionals, where they won several awards and placed 6 out of 58. Pretty impressive!

We got in touch with Philip Thomas (Team President) and Kent Roberts (Mechanical Lead and Drive Team Coach) to give us a behind the scenes look into Team Spyder and the FIRST Robotics program.

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CAD rendering of Team Spyder’s robot.

PTG: Philip, tell us a little bit about the team.

Philip: Team Spyder is the Poway High School Robotics Team. The team started as an engineering club, but in time developed into a robotics club with participation in the First Robotics Competition. The team’s first year in FRC was in 2004, with only seven members. That year, Team Spyder won the highest rookie seed award, and developed a reputation for learning and success.

Over the years, Team Spyder has grown to be one of the largest clubs at Poway High with 63 current members. Our vision is to inspire engineering throughout the community, and our mission is to create a culture of engineering inspiration throughout the community. Team Spyder works towards its mission and vision through demonstrations, attending city council meetings, and hosting and assisting multiple STEM competitions, fairs, and events throughout San Diego.

Team Spyder is a club that not only teaches students about the principles of engineering, but also cultivates a passion for leadership, dedication, and success. Team Spyder is about inspiring students to tackle the challenges of the future, and encouraging them to make a difference within the STEM fields. However, Team Spyder not only encompasses its student members. The team is also composed of the many adult mentors and volunteers who give their time and knowledge for the team, and the many companies, corporations, and foundations that sponsor and donate to the team. Without their help, Team Spyder would not be the success it is today.

[Read more…]

Slight drop in Q2 ATI Surcharge

The second quarter is upon us, and ATI Specialty Materials has published new titanium surcharges. However, nothing to write home about.

ATI’s RMS (raw material surcharge) is published quarterly, and fluctuates based on critical elements used in the melting of products.

ATI 6AL-4V and 6AL-4V ELI Bar and Plate Surcharges dropped to $5.15/lb, down a whopping 3 cents from the prior quarter.

CP Grades 2 and 4 remained stable at $3.70/lb for Bar and Plate.

PTG Supports Team Xenos

PTG is very excited to be sponsoring another robotics team! This time the team is competing in combat events. Team Xenos comes from Akron STEM High School. The team consists of six members, in grades 9 and 10. They give us some insight into combat robots and the journey they’ve had so far.

 

Team Xenos

[Read more…]

ATI Surcharge Holds Steady

The first of the year brought a newly published quarterly titanium surcharge from ATI, with no significant changes.
The 6AL-4V titanium bar and flat products surcharges dropped a penny from last quarter, to $5.18/lb. The 6AL-4V ELI surcharge followed suit, listing at $5.18/lb.

Commercially Pure Grades 2 and 4 held firm from fourth quarter 2014, at $3.70/lb for bar and flat products.

Though surcharges remain flat, lead times have greatly extended at various domestic titanium mills. Small diameter products may require 30+ weeks lead time, while larger diameters and plates are running 14-22 weeks.

PERFORMANCE TITANIUM GROUP: A CUT ABOVE THE REST