IFHTSE Global 21: heat treatment and surface engineering in the first decades of the twenty-first century Part 12 – A synthetic update

Abstract

A synthesis report is presented on progress to end 2009 in the IFHTSE initiative Global 21: heat treatment and surface engineering in the first decades of the twenty-first century. Launched in 2005, Global 21 was set up as a framework within which to conduct an evolving study on the state of the art and development trends in heat treatment and surface engineering. Its objectives were, and remain: to outline current economic, political, scientific, and industrial factors globally and set heat treatment and surface engineering against that background; to generate specific papers and other contributions on a range of economic, scientific and industrial topics from recognised authorities; and to hold workshops and discussions whenever possible or appropriate at IFHTSE conferences.