Schott reports fire at Duryea plant
On March 3, 2015, Schott North America Inc. suffered a fire at their premises in Duryea, Pa. The employees and the local fire departments reacted quickly, and fortunately there were no injuries. The course of the fire is currently under investigation. The team in Duryea is working hard to restart operations as soon as possible. Schott will share further details soon.
Ferro acquires laser marking industry leader TherMark
Ferro Corp. has acquired privately held TherMark Holdings Inc., a leader in laser marking technology, for $5.5 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. TherMark’s unique patented technology uses precise lasers to quickly and permanently fuse marking materials to metals, ceramics, glass, plastics and other hard surfaces. The specially formulated marking materials, supplied by Ferro, consist of glass-based ceramic glazing material and pigments, with the addition of a thermal absorber.
FCO Power develops SOFC for residential fuel cells in apartments
FCO Power Inc. announced further development of its next-generation solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack for residential fuel cell systems in existing apartments. This all-ceramic SOFC stack has a unique stack cooling structure, which allows the use of thin layers and simultaneously homogenizes the overall stack temperature distribution. As a result, the hot module volume, including heat insulation materials, is less than one quarter of that of existing products.
Corning Gorilla Glass helps take Gionee slim smartphones to next level
Corning Inc. announced that Gionee Communication Equipment Co. Ltd. has chosen Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with NDR for both the front and back glass panels of its newly announced Ultra Smartphone Elife S7. Gionee is the current Guinness World Record holder for the thinnest smartphone. Its new 5.5 mm thin device will use the optical clarity of Gorilla Glass to showcase the smartphone’s vivid 5.2-inch screen.
H.C. Starck’s tantalum supply chain again declared compliant with Conflict Free Smelter Program
H.C. Starck announced that its tantalum supply chain has been again declared free of “conflict minerals” following an independent audit. The audit was conducted by a third party auditor assigned by the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition and Global e-Sustainability Initiative as part of the Conflict Free Smelter Program.
Alcoa completes acquisition of Tital
Lightweight, high-performance metals compnay Alcoa announced that it has completed the acquisition of privately held Tital. Alcoa closed the transaction, which was announced on December 15, 2014, after receiving all of the required global regulatory approvals. This acquisition strengthens Alcoa’s ability to capture growing demand for advanced aircraft engine components, in particular, those made of titanium.