Purdue Heat Treatment Consortium - Experts in Heat Treating
At Purdue University, we are dedicated to advancing the science and technology of industrial metal treating through cutting-edge research and collaboration. This dedication is manifested through the Purdue Heat Treating Consortium (PHTC), in which we strive to serve members’ needs, develop innovative heat treating technologies with favorable licensing, and educate professionals at all levels.
PHTC focuses on conducting pre-competitive, advanced research that benefits all members, while also offering opportunities for proprietary projects tailored to individual organizations. Our collaborative research is jointly defined by Purdue faculty and industry members to address real-world challenges, with projects executed by talented M.S. and Ph.D. students who often go on to work for consortium companies. Beyond involvement in the research projects, members gain unparalleled access to Purdue's state-of-the-art research facilities, expert faculty, and cutting-edge test equipment—resources often beyond the reach of individual companies.
Learn more about PHTC operations and benefits below, as well as current and prior PHTC-sponsored and affiliated projects!
PHTC Attributes
- Industry-Focused Heat Treatment Research
- Collaborative, member-driven pre-competitive projects
- Company-specific proprietary projects
- Graduate and undergraduate level projects
- Renowned Faculty Leadership and Expertise
- A proven track record of successful projects
- Sustainability and environmental focus
- Ferrous and non-ferrous materials
Member Benefits
- Collaborative, Interactive Project Experience
- Semi-annual meetings and presentations
- Member project voting and scoping
- Project IP licensing priority
- Exclusive member/faculty/student networking
- Customized Participation and Access
- Discounts on multiple projects and equipment
- Flexible engagement options
- Annual membership commitment
Current Graduate Research Projects
- Contact Fatigue Properties of Heat-Treated Medium Carbon Steel Gears via Surface Mechanical Testing (Prof. Zhang, Prof. Wang, Dr. Shang)
- Stress-Relaxation Approach to Predicting Residual Stresses in Quenched Aluminum Alloys (Prof. Trumble, Prof. Sandhage)
- Bainitic Hardening via Salt-Free Austempering (Prof. Johnson, Prof. Sandhage, Prof. Krane)
- Environmentally friendly, Biobased & nontoxic quench fluids (Prof. Youngblood, Prof. Titus)
- Quantifying Carbon Footprint of Heat Treatment Processes via Life Cycle Assessment (Prof. Zhao)
Previous Graduate Research Projects
- Assessment on the contact fatigue properties of heat-treated medium carbon steel gears via surface mechanical testing (Prof. Zhang, Prof. Wang, Dr. Shang)
- Quantifying Environmental/Carbon Footprint of Heat Treatment Processes via Life Cycle Assessment (Prof. Zhao)
Previous Heat Treating-related Senior Design Projects
- 2021 | Cummins | Effects of Thermal Treatments on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Alloy and Tool Steels (PDF)
- 2018 | Haynes | Homogenization of Ni-and Co-based Superalloys (PDF)
- 2018 | California Pellet Mill | Evaluation of Induction Hardening of 4140 Steel Ring Dies (PDF)
- 2017 | Haynes | Optimization of homogenization cycles for Ni-based superalloys (PDF)
- 2016 | Haynes | Optimization of Superalloy Homogenization Cycles (PDF)
If you are interested in learning more about PHTC, please contact:
Mark Gruninger, Managing Director of Industrial Consortia
Mike Titus, Technical Director of PHTC