By utilizing LPB, U. S. Steel Tubular Products' pipe performance designers will be able to engineer an applied layer of high residual compression to any specific area of a tubular product. U. S. Steel Tubular Products' Product Development group and representatives from Lambda are also testing the ability of the LPB process to mitigate sulfide stress cracking in high-strength P110 grades.

LPB extends component life by creating a deep, stable layer of compression in part surfaces. Unlike other surface treatments, LPB induces a very low amount of cold work, making the protective layer thermally and mechanically stable. Processing is performed using basic Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines or robots, allowing for quick and easy integration into manufacturing facilities. No alteration of the component's material or design is required. LPB can be applied to a wide variety of alloys, including titanium, aluminum, nickel-based alloys and steels, and is currently in use in the aerospace, nuclear and medical industries.

"The LPB process will allow U. S. Steel Tubular Products to offer our customers a wide range of engineered product solutions with longer-lasting, more resistant parts designed to perform in situations that involve challenging field conditions," said U. S. Steel's Senior Vice President – Tubular Operations Douglas R. Matthews, who also serves as president of U. S. Steel Tubular Products.

"The relationship that will result from this agreement has almost limitless possibilities. The combination of innovation and experience that Lambda and U. S. Steel Tubular Products possess means that we will be able to do more than ever before to help solve material cracking and fatigue issues," said Paul Prevey, chief executive officer of Lambda Technologies Group.

Source: United States Steel Corporation