Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects are becoming one of the most common methods to implement, large, complex projects. Undertaking EPC projects involves a meticulous approach towards planning, sourcing, and managing materials, equipment, and services essential for major construction and industrial endeavours. These projects, spanning diverse sectors such as oil and gas, energy/power, and infrastructure development, entail a multitude of challenges and risks within their entire lifecycle. Project teams must ensure that their engineering and construction projects are well pl ..read more

Precipitation hardening, also known as particle hardening or age hardening, is a heat treatment method used to increase the yield strength of many different metals, including most structural alloys. The process was originally discovered by Alfred Wilm, who aimed to strengthen aluminium alloys. He decided to try to apply the quenching method used for carbon steels to aluminium alloys. The process of age hardening aluminium was patented by him in 1906. His research also led to the discovery of the earliest types of age-hardenable aluminium–copper alloy, Duraluminium. Since then, age hardening ha ..read more

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, procurement transformation is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. While the traditional procurement models are becoming outdated, the integration of technology plays a central role in driving meaningful change. This article explores how a comprehensive approach, combining technology integration with cultural shifts, empowers procurement departments and leaders to navigate a successful transformation journey. Key Takeaways Transformation is one of the most overused phrases in business. Transformation in procurement will often relate to ..read more

Copper is a widely used metal that possesses a unique combination of properties, such as being malleable, ductile, and conductive. Like any other metal, it undergoes a decomposition or oxidation process which involves physical and chemical changes. Now, let’s delve deeper into copper corrosion. Does Copper Rust or Corrode? Corrosion is a natural process that occurs as metals react with the atmosphere, chemicals, or other specific conditions. This transformation leads to a different appearance along with changes to the metal’s mechanical properties and a weaker structural integrity. Copper form ..read more

In today’s fast-paced, dynamic business environment, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) stands out as a crucial and significant avenue for optimising the impact that procurement and supply chain management can have on an organisation’s success. SRM has evolved into a broad range of topics and processes, usually involving collaboration with strategic suppliers which may be defined as those critical to the business, highest spend contributors or innovative partners.  Despite its potential benefits, it is not uncommon for many organisations to face challenges associated with initiating ..read more

The term sandblasting describes blasting abrasive material against a surface by using compressed air. Although sandblasting is often used as an umbrella term for all abrasive blasting methods, it differs from shot blasting where the abrasive media is propelled by a spinning wheel. The sandblasting process was first patented by General Benjamin Chew Tilghman in the 1870s after observing the abrasive effects of sand on windows in the desert. Thomas Wesley Pangborn took this concept even further by adding compressed air in 1904. That’s enough about the history, let’s get into it. Key Takeaways S ..read more

Shot blasting is one of the most effective surface preparation methods wherein irregularities on the metal’s surface are removed through abrasion. This process is different from sandblasting as shot blasting uses a centrifugal wheel, while sandblasting uses compressed air to deliver its media. Key Takeaways Shot blasting employs wheel blast equipment to propel abrasive materials like steel shot and grit onto surfaces for finishing. The process uses centrifugal force, unlike sandblasting which relies on compressed air. Shot blasting is generally more aggressive and efficient than sandblasting ..read more

Corrosion is a destructive phenomenon wherein the surface of the metal deteriorates from chemical or electrochemical reactions. Its pervasive nature impacts virtually all industries – infrastructure, electronics and the automotive industry, to name a few. Let’s delve into the nature of corrosion, the types of corrosion and how to combat their effects. What Is Metal Corrosion? Metal corrosion occurs when the metal surface reacts with a corrosive environment or is subjected to other unfavourable conditions that cause the surface to corrode. Oxidation or rust formation occurs on the exposed surfa ..read more

Shot peening is a cold working process that alters the mechanical properties on the metal’s surface and creates a compressive residual stress layer. Its primary purpose is to prevent the spread of microcracks on a surface. Shot peening also improves a material’s fatigue resistance, strength, and durability, making it effective in increasing its service life. Shot Peening Process Shot peening is a cold working process that subjects the material’s surface to plastic deformation using peening media. The process uses shot media that generally comes in the form of steel, ceramic, or glass beads. Th ..read more

Fretting is a phenomenon that causes damage when metal surfaces come into contact through repeated rubbing or cyclic sliding motion. The friction-induced damage from fretting results in material transfer and corrosion, leading to mechanical wear. At first, this description may sound similar to galling but these two processes have fundamental differences. Galling generally refers to the wear damage associated with gross relative motion on a much larger scale than the small amplitude relative motion associated with fretting contacts. Let’s discover the reasons behind the fretting process, a ..read more