Alloy Heat Treatment (AHT)(www.alloyheat.co.uk), a Dudley-based specialists in alloy and aluminium heat treatment and casting, has supported the University of Strathclyde in developing a vehicle to enter the Shell Eco-marathon Europe.

The competition challenges students around the world to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient car; the prototype class that the university is entering focuses on maximum efficiency, so passenger comfort takes a back seat.

Robert Hamill, the university’s chassis team manager, said: “We got in touch with AHT, and they were incredibly helpful, especially due to the nature of the project.”

AHT was asked to provide technical assistance for the heat treatment of a fabricated aluminium alloy chassis. Mark Percox, AHT technical director, said: “We were able to accommodate the size and geometry of the part in our Furnace 30; this is our latest investment, offering a fast polymer glycol quenching capability.

“The chassis was solution-treated and quenched to ensure the integrity of welded sections and to minimise quench distortion during heat treatment. We gave technical assistance in terms of preparation for heat treatment, best heat-treatment practice, straightening capability and post-heat-treatment strengthening of critical areas.”

AHT says it is the UK’s only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys. It has over 40 years’ experience as a sub-contractor and is focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys.