Heat Treat Today

20 News Items to Keep You Current

June 12, 2026 / HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 20 news items, including Solar Atmospheres’ addition of new vacuum heat treating and titanium processing capacity, Airtech Advanced Materials Group’s partnership with Evergreen Additive Manufacturing, Aalberts surface technologies’ Nadcap accreditation for coatings and thermal spray processes, and more!

Equipment

1. ITP Co. Ltd. has installed a new hot isostatic pressing (HIP) system supplied by Quintus Technologies to strengthen production capabilities for precious metal equipment used in glass manufacturing, supporting improved densification, product consistency, and manufacturing efficiency for precious metals.

2. New strip casting systems for rare-earth magnet manufacturing, supplied by Retech, are expected to support thermal processing operations tied to neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet production in the U.S., serving industries including energy, electronics, automotive, and defense. The systems are designed for vacuum metallurgy applications involving high-temperature melting and casting processes used in advanced materials manufacturing.

3. Created by Metacarpal, the GEM prosthetic hand uses a fully mechanical design to deliver durability and functionality without batteries, sensors, or electronics. The device showcases how precision machining, Aluminum 7075, and surface engineering contribute to lightweight, wear-resistant systems, highlighting the rolse of materials and thermal processing technologies in advancing prosthetic performance while improving reliability for users in demanding environments.

4. IperionX has commissioned a 300-ton, six-axis SACMI powder metallurgy press to expand U.S. titanium component manufacturing capacity, supporting the production of near-net-shape parts for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. The technology forms titanium preforms that can be sintered and forged into finished components, increasing production flexibility and supporting high-volume manufacturing pathways.

5. Solar Atmospheres has expanded its vacuum heat treating and titanium processing capabilities with the commissioning of a new vacuum furnace designed for hydriding and dehydriding (HDH) of titanium as well as a range of thermal processing applications. The addition is expected to increase capacity for titanium processing and vacuum heat treating operations, including annealing, stress relieving, solution treating, and aging.

6. Rio Tinto has begun commissioning a major expansion of its AP60 aluminum smelter technology in Quebec, increasing primary aluminum production capacity and supporting North American supply for transportation, construction, electrical, and consumer goods markets. The project centers on aluminum smelting, a high-temperature thermal processing operation that converts alumina into primary aluminum through electrolytic reduction.

7. Wall Colmonoy has expanded its vacuum brazing capacity with the addition of two new TITAN H6 vacuum furnace supplied by Ipsen to support the production of aerospace and defense components. The investment is expected to increase capacity for vacuum brazing and vacuum heat treating operations involving stainless steel and nickel-alloy heat exchanger cores and other high-temperature assemblies.

8. Isostatic Toll Services (ITS) has opened a new hot isostatic pressing (HIP) facility in Ohio, expanding certified thermal processing capacity for aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial applications. The new operation adds HIP systems, manufactured by American Isostatic Presses, Inc. (AIP), to the company’s global network, supporting clients with additional capacity, scheduling flexibility, and supply-chain resilience.

9. Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) has commissioned SMS group to modernize automation systems at its Butler, Indiana, hot strip mill through a controls upgrade that supports rolling operations and associated thermal processing functions within the facility. By updating the automation architecture that supports rolling and temperature-controlled manufacturing operations throughout the mill, the project is expected to help maintain stable production and support future operational requirements.

10. METEX Heat Treating Ltd. has expanded its ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited metallurgical laboratory capabilities by adding Tensile Testing (ASTM E8/E8M).

11. SSAB has awarded SMS group a contract to build a gas atomization plant at its Oxelösund, Sweden, site, enabling industrial-scale production of high-strength steel powders for additive manufacturing applications. The facility will use advanced melting, atomization, and powder-handling technologies to produce high-purity, spherical metal powders for 3D printing, helping meet growing demand across defense, industrial, and mobility sectors.

12. TZCO Chain Manufacturing has granted final acceptance to SMS group for a fully automatic MP 3150 closed-die forging press at its new facility in Jinzhong, China. It is designed to produce excavator track links at high volumes while reducing material waste, machining requirements, and production costs through advanced forging and automation technologies.

SACMI powder press at IperionX’s titanium manufacturing campus in Virginia

Company & Personnel

13. Airtech Advanced Materials Group and Evergreen Additive Manufacturing have entered into an exclusive partnership to expand large-format additive manufacturing solutions for maritime applications. By combining Airtech’s advanced materials portfolio with Evergreen’s manufacturing expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of large-scale 3D-printed tooling and components, supporting more efficient and flexible production across the maritime industry.

14. Solar Atmospheres of Western PA marked a major milestone with a 25^th anniversary event that brought together employees, clients, partners, and community members for a day of reflection, connection, and looking ahead.

15. Ipsen announced the launch of its newest regional service hub, strategically located to support clients throughout Alabama and Georgia. Officially launched in June 2026, the new hub provides regional clients with a single point of contact for routine maintenance, preventative service, and technical support.

16. SECO/WARWICK marked its 35^th anniversary, highlighting the company’s evolution from a Polish-American partnership founded in 1991 into a global supplier of heat treatment and vacuum metallurgy technologies.

17. Hubbard-Hall has appointed Stephen Boyd as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing extensive financial and manufacturing experience to the company’s executive team.

Airtech and Evergreen maritime AM partnership

Kudos

18. Aalberts surface technologies has achieved Nadcap accreditation for coatings and thermal spray processes at its Kalisz, Poland, facility. The milestone strengthens the company’s position in aerospace surface engineering and supports manufacturers that rely on high-performance thermal spray coatings and heat treatment technologies for critical components.

19. Norsk Titanium’s Plattsburgh, New York facility has earned Nadcap accreditation for additive manufacturing.

20. Aalberts surface technologies’ Wadsworth team continued their 24-month merit on the Nadcap certificate, achieving zero findings on both the heat treating and quality management system audit.

20 News Items to Keep You Current Read More »

Controls Upgrade Modernizes Steel Mill Operations

June 11, 2026 / CONTROLS NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) is modernizing automation systems at its Butler, Indiana, hot strip mill through a controls upgrade that supports rolling operations and associated thermal processing functions within the facility. By updating the automation architecture that supports rolling and temperature-controlled manufacturing operations throughout the mill, the project is expected to help maintain stable production and support future operational requirements.

SDI has commissioned SMS group, a provider of technology and plant solutions for the metals industry. SMS groups will replace legacy process automation systems with a new generation platform across the mill’s hot strip production line, which includes equipment and processes that rely on coordinated temperature control throughout steel manufacturing.

The upgrade will replace the existing X-Pact® ProBAS automation system with the latest X-Pact® Embedded platform. The project scope includes migration of process automation functions, hardware replacement, and software updates designed to minimize disruption to production while extending the life of the facility’s automation infrastructure.

The Butler facility produces hot-rolled steel products for a range of end markets. The project is designed to improve operational reliability, maintainability, and long-term performance for steel production serving automotive, construction, and industrial markets.

Press release is available in its original form here.
Main image caption: First coil production with the modernized process automation is scheduled for late 2026. Image Credit: SMS group

Controls Upgrade Modernizes Steel Mill Operations Read More »

Heat Treat Economic Indicators for June: Growth Continues

June 11, 2026 / HEAT TREAT ECONOMIC NEWS

Heat Treat Today has gathered the four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators for June 2026. The results suggest continued growth across the heat treat industry, though at a more measured pace than the elevated levels seen during the spring months.

May’s data points to anticipated expansion in all four indicators, with each remaining above the growth threshold. Inquiries are projected at 54.0 (from 63.0 in May). Bookings are expected to hold steady in growth territory at 60.0 (up from 57.5 in May). The Backlog index is giving strong signals at 61.0 (up from 60.7 in May). Meanwhile, the Health of the Manufacturing Economy index forecasts an optimistic rise to 65.0 (up from 57.1 in May), its strongest reading recorded during the past 12 months.

June’s indicators suggest suppliers continue to anticipate favorable business conditions in the month ahead. While inquiry activity is expected to moderate from the elevated levels reported earlier this year, strong bookings and sustained backlog growth point to ongoing demand and a healthy pipeline of work. The sharp improvement in manufacturers’ outlook for the broader economy further reinforces expectations that heat treaters will continue to benefit from steady activity across key markets as the industry moves into the second half of 2026.

The results from this month’s survey (June) are as follows: numbers above 50 indicate growth, numbers below 50 indicate contraction, and the number 50 indicates no change:

Anticipated change in Number of Inquiries from May to June: 54.0
Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from May to June: 60.0
Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from May to June: 61.0
Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from May to June: 65.0

Data for June 2026

The four index numbers are reported monthly by Heat Treat Today and made available on the website.

Heat Treat Today’s Economic Indicators measure and report on four heat treat industry indices. Each month, approximately 800 individuals who classify themselves as suppliers to the North American heat treat industry receive the survey. Above are the results. Data collection began in June 2023. If you would like to participate in the monthly survey, please click here to subscribe.

Heat Treat Economic Indicators for June: Growth Continues Read More »

Join the Companies Shaping Heat Treat’s Future at the Furnaces North America 2026

June 9, 2026 / Heat Treat Events

Furnaces North America (FNA) 2026 isn’t just where heat treat professionals gather — it’s where the industry’s leading suppliers, innovators, and technology experts come together to share what’s next.

With registration now open, hear what two key event sponsors have to say about why FNA remains the premier event for the heat treating community.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a trade show around heat treatment globally, anywhere, that has this many knowledgeable people in one place at one time as Furnaces North America.” — Matt Clinite, Vice President of Sales, Ipsen

“If you’re within the heat treat segment, I think Furnaces North America is a must-attend show because you get the opportunity to see what is going on in the segment, what’s coming down the road, hear from your peers and colleagues what is on their minds and where they’re heading. And if you want to stay competitive and you want to be prepared for the future, it’s definitely the place to have great conversations.” — Patrick Reliecke, Technical Sales Account Manager, RoMan Manufacturing

Why do industry leaders keep coming back to FNA?

35+ technical sessions covering the latest trends, technology, and best practices
150+ suppliers showcasing cutting-edge equipment and services in one dynamic trade show floor
High-energy networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders from around the world
Insightful discussions on new equipment, emerging tech, and industry challenges

Who should attend?

Heat treating professionals at every level — from company leaders and department managers to engineers, operators, technical directors, and quality personnel.

When and where?

October 12–14, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 South Capital Ave, Indianapolis, IN

Whether you’re looking for new technology, strategic partnerships, or practical solutions to today’s challenges, FNA 2026 brings the people and ideas shaping the future of heat treating together under one roof.

Join the Companies Shaping Heat Treat’s Future at the Furnaces North America 2026 Read More »

Sustainability Insights: Data-Driven Process Heat — Why Control Heat When You Can Optimize it?

June 9, 2026 / CONTROLS TECHNICAL CONTENT, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT TECH

Smart controls, connected systems, and hybrid energy strategies are reshaping what American manufacturers expect from their process heat equipment. In this Technical Tuesday installment, Markus Kirk, international business development manager for Digitalization and Process Heat at Phoenix Contact, outlines how U.S. process heat OEMs can move beyond basic temperature control toward fully optimized, data-driven thermal system — covering the role of IIoT connectivity, machine learning, virtualization, and cybersecurity standards in building equipment that is audit-ready, energy-efficient, and built for long-term lifecycle value.

This Sustainability Insights article was first published in Heat Treat Today’s May 2026 Sustainable Heat Treat Technologies print edition.

Across the United States, process heat OEMs are shifting from purely mechanical design to software-driven, performance-centered solutions. American manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, and heavy industry expect systems that adapt quickly, deliver consistent results, and support long-term energy and sustainability goals.

Hybrid heating — combining natural gas or hydrogen with electric boosting — is gaining strong momentum in the U.S. because it improves temperature uniformity, shortens recovery times, and reduces emissions. These advantages align with rising energy costs, state-level decarbonization initiatives, and corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) commitments. Smart electrode placement and advanced proportional–integral–derivative (PID) strategies help stabilize throughput during production changes, part transitions, and batch-continuous operations, reducing risk and improving repeatability.

Built for U.S. Compliance: Security, Connectivity, Safety & Virtualization

Real-time monitoring, IIoT connectivity, and machine learning (ML) have become essential in American heat treating environments. High-resolution temperature and energy data help operators detect anomalies early, while ML-driven control loops automatically correct deviations. This supports better part quality, higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and fewer unplanned stoppages.

Security expectations in the U.S. are well-defined. NIST CSF and ISA/IEC 62443 guide cyber security hardening; NFPA 86 and ISO 13577 define burner safety and system architecture requirements. OEMs that build equipment around these standards and provide audit-ready documentation stand out in a market where internal audits, client-specific requirements, and on-site assessments are routine.

Virtualization is another driver in the U.S. market, especially within large installed bases. Virtual PLCs and software-defined architecture allow new functionality like load management or predictive energy control, and updated regulation strategies to be added without hardware lock-in. Code written in IEC 61131-3, C++, Python, or Simulink can execute securely at the edge while feeding cloud dashboards and web-based HMIs. This makes modernization and retrofits faster, cleaner, and easier to deploy across geographically distributed facilities.

Engineering Speed and Lifecycle Value for American OEMs

U.S. OEMs must deliver consistent quality across product lines while reducing lead time. Modular function blocks for signal conditioning, ratio/Lambda control, burner management, autotuning PID, ramping, interlocks, and diagnostics support standardized engineering practices from small batch furnaces to large continuous systems. Adding ML-based anomaly detection helps convert operator experience into data-driven best practices, enhancing uptime and enabling scalable remote-service programs — an increasingly important revenue source in the U.S. market.

Accurate temperature measurement remains the foundation of reliable heat treatment. Certified, cybersecure I/O modules ensure precise signal integrity, support regulatory compliance, and reduce panel complexity. This reinforces both product quality and plant safety — critical in industries governed by AMS, CQI-9, Nadcap, and OEM-specific client standards.

Whether American OEMs manufacture high-volume standard equipment or engineer custom thermal systems, the competitive formula is consistent:

Open ecosystems for rapid integration and IP protection
Security-by-design for audit-ready operation
Hybrid-energy readiness for decarbonization without compromising performance
Virtualization for scalable features
Lifecycle digital services that support recurring value

Open PLC and edge-centric platforms make this evolution practical. They enable U.S. OEMs to reuse proven code modules, expand capabilities quickly, and differentiate in a market driven by uptime, serviceability, and total cost of ownership. As the U.S. heat treat industry continues modernizing, the winners will be the OEMs combining intelligent control, secure connectivity, hybrid energy strategies, and software-defined flexibility — turning process heat equipment into resilient, future-ready performance systems.

About The Author:

Markus Kirk
Intl. Business Development Manager, Digitalization & Process Heat
Phoenix Contact

Markus Kick brings 25+ years of hands-on industrial expertise across process automation, thermal heat treatment systems, instrumentation, control engineering, and data-driven decision making. He is known for turning industrial digitalization trends into scalable, high-impact solutions that accelerate OEM innovation and deliver measurable value across global manufacturing environments.

For more information: Contact Markus Kirk at mkirk@phoenixcontact.com.

Sustainability Insights: Data-Driven Process Heat — Why Control Heat When You Can Optimize it? Read More »

Ohio Facility Opens for HIP Processing

June 9, 2026 / AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, HIPING NEWS

Isostatic Toll Services (ITS) has opened a new hot isostatic pressing (HIP) facility in Ohio, expanding certified thermal processing capacity for aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial applications. The new operation adds HIP processing capability to the company’s global network, supporting clients with additional capacity, scheduling flexibility, and supply-chain resilience.

Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the new ITS-Ohio facility joins the company’s existing operations in Bilbao, Spain, and Mississippi. All ITS facilities operate under Nadcap accreditation and AS9100D certification, providing HIP processing services for aerospace and other high-performance components.

The Ohio facility adds large-format and high-pressure HIP capability, including systems capable of processing components up to 44″ in diameter by 100″ in height at pressures up to 25,000 PSI. The facility is equipped with HIP systems manufactured by American Isostatic Presses, Inc. (AIP), based in Columbus, Ohio.

“Our investment in Ohio reflects our commitment to supporting [clients] with certified capacity, responsive service, and direct technical engagement,” said Tyler Persaud, general manager of ITS-Ohio. “The addition of ITS-Ohio strengthens our global network and positions us to meet growing demand across aerospace, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial markets.”

ITS-Ohio has achieved Nadcap accreditation, AS9100D certification, and client approvals, including approval from Rolls-Royce, enabling the facility to support qualification programs and production requirements.

Press release is available in its original form here.
The main image shows the shop floor at the ITS-Ohio facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Image Credit: ITS-Ohio

Ohio Facility Opens for HIP Processing Read More »

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News from Abroad: Steel, Aluminum, and Production Expansion

June 5, 2026 / ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS

In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight several major global developments — from a new integrated steel complex in Vietnam and specialty steel production growth in Sweden to aluminum smelter upgrades in Norway and the startup of a high-capacity steel production line in China — reflecting continued efforts to expand output, improve efficiency, and strengthen industrial supply chains through advanced thermal and metallurgical processing technologies.

Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.

Steelmaking Partnership Expands Production Capabilities

VinMetal partners with Primetals Technologies for two new production lines in Vietnam. | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies

“VinMetal, the steel manufacturing arm of Vingroup, has partnered with Primetals Technologies to create a large integrated steel complex in Ha Tinh, Vietnam.”

“Primetals will serve as the technology integrator and execute a pre-engineering package for the full scope of equipment, enabling early preparations for civil work.”

Investment Expands Aluminum Smelter Capacity

Alcoa invests in its Mosjøen aluminum smelter. | Image Credit: Alcoa Norway

“Alcoa Corporation will invest $65 million at its Mosjøen smelter, Norway. It plans to expand foundry production capabilities to include recycled content in the casting process at the facility.”

“The investment will expand and upgrade the Mosjøen casthouse, to increase production capacity by up to 75,000 metric tons.”

New Quenching Line Supports Specialty Steel Growth

SSAB is expanding production capacity for specialty steel. | Image Credit: Adobe Stock / flashmovie

“SSAB has decided to invest in a new quenching and tempering (Q&T) plant in Oxelösund, which will be crucial for growth in advanced wear and protection steels such as Hardox 500Tuf and Armox.”

“‘This new quenching plant will initially increase capacity by approximately 100,000 tons, enabling us to meet the most demanding [client] requirements,’ says Per Elfgren, head of SSAB Special Steels.”

New Casting and Rolling Line Produces First Coil

The Primetals Technologies team celebrates the first coil at Zhangshou Special Steel’s Arvedi ESP line. | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies

“On May 13, after just five days from the first cast, the first coil was successfully produced at the new Arvedi ESP (endless strip production) plant from Primetals Technologies at Zhongshou Special Steel’s facilities in Luanzhou, Hebei Province, China.”

“With its 130-millimeter-thick caster, four roughing stands, and five finishing stands, it represents the most powerful and productive Arvedi ESP line installed to date in China. The plant is designed to cover a wide mix of grades ranging from low-carbon to high-strength low-alloy steels.”

News from Abroad: Steel, Aluminum, and Production Expansion Read More »

New Furnaces Boost Vacuum Brazing Capacity

June 4, 2026 / AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, BRAZING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Wall Colmonoy has expanded its vacuum brazing capacity with the addition of new vacuum furnaces, supporting the production of aerospace and defense components. The investment is expected to increase capacity for vacuum brazing and vacuum heat treating operations involving stainless steel and nickel-alloy heat exchanger cores and other high-temperature assemblies.

The expansion includes two TITAN H6 vacuum furnaces supplied by Ipsen. One furnace has been installed at Wall Colmonoy’s Oklahoma City facility, while a second unit is scheduled for installation at the company’s Cincinnati location this summer.

The 2-bar vacuum furnace recently installed at the Oklahoma City features a 36″ x 48″ x 36″ graphite hot zone, a 3,000-pound load capacity, a maximum operating temperature of 2400°F (1315°C), and ±10°F temperature uniformity. Designed for high-vacuum brazing, the furnace supports consistent processing of critical components while increasing capacity to meet growing demands.

John Mars
Vice President / General Manager, Aerospace and Defense Division
Wall Colmonoy

“Due to rapidly increasing stainless steel/nickel alloy heat exchanger core production, we needed to expand high-temperature vacuum brazing capacity,” said John Mars, vice president and general manager for Wall Colmonoy, Aerospace and Defense Division. The Oklahoma City expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen heat treating and brazing capabilities across Wall Colmonoy’s operations.

Press release is available in its original form here.

New Furnaces Boost Vacuum Brazing Capacity Read More »