A British foundry technology center is adding a large-scale vacuum furnace to expand its annealing capabilities for oversized titanium castings used in the aerospace and energy sectors. The system will increase capacity for large components requiring high process cleanliness and uniform temperature distribution while relieving existing heat treatment equipment at the facility.
SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of industrial heat treatment equipment with operations in North America, will supply its Vector vacuum furnace with a work zone measuring 1,600 x 1,500 x 2,000 mm (63 x 59 x 79 in). The furnace is designed to accommodate oversized parts and new types of castings being developed by the client.
The system features a round heating chamber with additional heating elements installed in the door and rear wall to support temperature uniformity. It also includes gas cooling up to 6 bar and a high-vacuum system consisting of two mechanical pumps, a Roots blower, and a diffusion pump.
Sales Manager
SECO/WARWICK
“The system was designed for heat treating large, demanding cast components. A key advantage of the furnace is its spacious work zone and very good temperature distribution in the heating chamber — achieved in part thanks to additional heating elements installed in the door and the rear wall of the chamber,” said Grzegorz Głuchowski, sales manager at SECO/WARWICK.
The furnace also incorporates dew point control to prevent water vapor condensation and a partial pressure system designed to limit the evaporation of alloying elements during vacuum processing. These features support process stability and help protect hot zone components from contamination.
The equipment will be used for processing large titanium castings, which require high process cleanliness because titanium can react oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Vacuum heat treatment helps prevent surface oxidation and material degradation during processes such as annealing.
The new system will be the second furnace supplied by SECO/WARWICK to the British company, which develops material technologies and produces castings for the aerospace, energy, and heavy industry sectors. The additional furnace will increase its production capabilities for advanced metal castings.
Press release is available in its original form here.
