AK Steel said today that one of the company's employees has been recognized by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for distinguished research. Grant Thomas, Ph.D., Research Engineer at AK Steel, in collaboration with two research colleagues from the Colorado School of Mines, has received the AISI "Finalist Medal" for the technical paper entitled, "Tensile Properties Obtained by Q&P Processing of Mn-Ni Steels With Room Temperature Quench Temperatures."
The paper highlighted the collaborative research conducted by AK Steel and the Colorado School of Mines in regard to the development of third generation advanced high-strength steels. These products, which feature enhanced formability, are expected to help automakers further decrease vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing occupant safety.
"We applaud Grant and his co-authors for receiving the Finalist Medal from AISI," said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. "Grant's contributions to the award-winning paper reflect his technical expertise, as well as AK Steel's commitment to meeting the needs of automotive customers now and in the future."
According to AISI, the Finalist Medals are awarded for technical papers having special merit and importance in connection with the activities and interests of the iron and steel industry. Papers are judged based on their potential value to the future prosperity of the industry, technical excellence and originality, effective communication and breath of interest to AISI members.
Dr. Thomas joined AK Steel in 2012 as an Engineer at the company's Research Center in Middletown, Ohio. He was promoted to Research Engineer in 2014. Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Iowa State University, as well as a Master's degree and a Doctor of Philosophy, both in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, from the Colorado School of Mines.
AK Steel
AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets. The company employs about 6,100 men and women in Middletown, Mansfield, Coshocton and Zanesville, Ohio; Butler, Pennsylvania; Ashland, Kentucky; Rockport, Indiana; and its corporate headquarters in West Chester, Ohio. Additional information about AK Steel is available on the company's web site at www.aksteel.com.
AK Tube LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AK Steel, employs about 300 men and women in plants in Walbridge, Ohio and Columbus, Indiana. AK Tube produces carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive and other markets. Additional information about AK Tube LLC is available on its web site at www.aktube.com.
AK Coal Resources, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of AK Steel, produces metallurgical coal from reserves in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. AK Steel also owns 49.9% of Magnetation LLC, a joint venture headquartered in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, which produces iron ore concentrate from previously mined ore reserves.