Cummins Inc., a global leader in power and technology, announces a breakthrough collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to develop a new high temperature steel alloy. This innovative material aims to enhance the durability and ultimate efficiency of Cummins' engines, providing significant benefits to their customers and fleets.As a prominent manufacturer in the engine and power markets, Cummins continuously strives to improve the performance, capability, and durability of their products. The partnership with ORNL, initiated in 2018, focuses on researching and developing an alternative steel alloy with superior high temperature oxidation resistance and strength, while remaining affordable. The project has yielded prompt and effective results, demonstrating the potential for substantial improvements and efficiencies in Cummins' engines.Corey Trobaugh, Cummins Director of Applied Science and Technology, expresses pride in the team's valuable work and the future advancements it promises. Previous materials utilized in engine components hindered efficiency gains and emissions reductions due to premature degradation from oxidation, scaling, and cracking. The new steel alloy addresses these limitations by exhibiting significantly enhanced strength at elevated temperatures, surpassing the commonly used 4140 commercial steel.Comparing the novel alloy to 4140 steel, the new material showcases an impressive 85% increase in Ultimate Tensile Strength and a remarkable 143% boost in fatigue strength at 600°C. Engine tests featuring pistons made from this alloy exhibited minimal oxidation, scaling, or cracking, even under aggressive, long-term conditions. Additionally, the new medium carbon steel offers a temperature capability increase of at least 50°C compared to current 4140 steels. The cooperative development of this alloy received support from the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office LightMAT Program.With a commitment to innovation, Cummins continues to push the boundaries across its power solutions portfolio, aiming to better serve customers while promoting a more sustainable future. The development of this groundbreaking steel alloy exemplifies their dedication to advancing engine technology and delivering high-quality products.
Cummins Inc., a global leader in power and technology, announces a breakthrough collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to develop a new high temperature steel alloy. This innovative material aims to enhance the durability and ultimate efficiency of Cummins' engines, providing significant benefits to their customers and fleets.As a prominent manufacturer in the engine and power markets, Cummins continuously strives to improve the performance, capability, and durability of their products. The partnership with ORNL, initiated in 2018, focuses on researching and developing an alternative steel alloy with superior high temperature oxidation resistance and strength, while remaining affordable. The project has yielded prompt and effective results, demonstrating the potential for substantial improvements and efficiencies in Cummins' engines.Corey Trobaugh, Cummins Director of Applied Science and Technology, expresses pride in the team's valuable work and the future advancements it promises. Previous materials utilized in engine components hindered efficiency gains and emissions reductions due to premature degradation from oxidation, scaling, and cracking. The new steel alloy addresses these limitations by exhibiting significantly enhanced strength at elevated temperatures, surpassing the commonly used 4140 commercial steel.Comparing the novel alloy to 4140 steel, the new material showcases an impressive 85% increase in Ultimate Tensile Strength and a remarkable 143% boost in fatigue strength at 600°C. Engine tests featuring pistons made from this alloy exhibited minimal oxidation, scaling, or cracking, even under aggressive, long-term conditions. Additionally, the new medium carbon steel offers a temperature capability increase of at least 50°C compared to current 4140 steels. The cooperative development of this alloy received support from the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office LightMAT Program.With a commitment to innovation, Cummins continues to push the boundaries across its power solutions portfolio, aiming to better serve customers while promoting a more sustainable future. The development of this groundbreaking steel alloy exemplifies their dedication to advancing engine technology and delivering high-quality products.