Today is September 11, 2025. It will be, perhaps, one of the most memorable days in your young lives. Seeing as most of you are either in your 30s or younger and have really never experienced a tragic situation such as yesterday’s killing of Charlie Kirk, it will most likely be emblazoned in your minds for life. It is, without a doubt, one of the most horrific and unfortunate, events that you will ever live through. I pray to God that is the case.
Twenty-four years ago today, I was 39 years old. That morning, I was on an early flight from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. By the time I got off the plane, rented a car, and was almost to my first sales call of the day at Stokes Vacuum, I stopped at a McDonalds very close to Stokes and learned of the tragic events of 9/11 as everyone in the restaurant was watching the TV in disbelief. It is a memory that literally causes water to well up in my eyes even now, 24 years later, as I write this letter to you. The visceral response has not abated over the last 24 years. A mix of anger and sadness (mostly anger) still stir in my stomach when I think about it. I could easily weep about it, but I’m a man … so I try (unsuccessfully) not to cry.
Charlie Kirk’s murder, I sense, will be the same seminal event in your young lives. It is a tragic and devastating day.
As Christians, we don’t let emotions or emotionalism rule our lives. But, let’s remember that Jesus wept. And we, being lovers of Him and followers of Him, can certainly weep in this situation. We can also be angry, confused, and even deeply despairing about our world. We do not, however, dwell in our emotions, we do not sin in our anger, and we don’t remain in a state of confusion, or despair forever. Christ has given us hope and we will return to hope. But first we grieve.
I know that each of you has a kind and Christlike heart. I know that you have been praying for Mr. Kirk’s family and friends … as we ought to do and as we, thanks to the grace of God, desire to do. I also suspect that tears have been shed on their behalf and will continue to be shed. This is a testament to the grace of God working in you.
I also know that your Christ-filled hearts are not without hope. Mr. Kirk, because of his faith in the perfectness of Christ, is today with Him. His presence with Christ has nothing to do with how good a man he was — it is solely dependent on what he believed about Jesus (Romans 4:5, But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness). Fortunately, Mr. Kirk is in a better place. And for that, we are thankful.
As we process this tragedy, let’s continue to pray for the Kirk family, for each other, and for those who do not currently share our Faith in Christ — specifically that this event might make us love Christ all the more and make us closer to Him and compel others to trust in His perfectness and love for them.
If you are one of many heat treat professionals watching AM take over the industrial world with bated breath, it may be time to stop watching and start doing. This article highlights the rapid rise of AM and how changes in your heat treat operations may be needed.
This informative piece was first released inHeat Treat Today’sAugust 2025 Automotive Heat Treating print edition.
For manufacturers who produce customized or complex parts and components for the medical, aerospace, automotive, and other industries, additive manufacturing (AM) with metals has the potential to bring innovation and agility to the process.
However, because AM is a somewhat nascent technology, there are still challenges to address before it is widely accepted throughout the manufacturing industry. Fortunately, as research and development continue, the aerospace and automotive industries are beginning to acknowledge that parts made via AM are robust enough for use in safety-critical applications. Manufacturers who want to use AM to gain a competitive edge are advised to zero-in on the most suitable method for metals and determine in which applications AM presents an economically viable solution.
The Additive Manufacturing Market
AM, also known as 3D printing, is the process of creating an object based on a digital file, such as a computer-aided design (CAD) or one created with a laser scanner. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that often involve cutting or subtracting material from a solid block (like machining), AM involves building up thin layers of material — usually metal, ceramic, or plastic — one by one using a 3D printer.
AI-generated image of 3D-printed turbine engine components
AM is increasingly transforming the manufacturing industry, enabling faster prototyping, customized production, lightweight parts, and complex shapes and geometries that would be impossible to manufacture using conventional casting, machining, or subtractive techniques, such as milling, grinding, carving or shaping.
For product design, prototyping, and reverse engineering applications, AM allows designers to rapidly print parts as a single piece, reducing material waste, saving time, and reducing costs, all while getting new products to market faster. Although the same advantages apply to traditional manufacturing applications, manufacturers have not been as quick to adopt the technology.
Still, the AM industry is seeing growth. A recent report from Grand View Research states that the global AM market size was valued at over $20 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.3% from 2023 to 2030, with unit shipments of 3D printers expected to reach 21.5 million units by 2030 thanks to a growing demand for prototyping applications in the healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. The report also acknowledges that rigorous R&D in 3D printing will further contribute to growth.
Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Metals
Currently, three primary techniques are used for AM with metals: laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), directed energy deposition (DED), and binder jetting.
LPBF
LPBF technologies, including direct metal laser sintering, selective laser sintering, and direct metal printing, use a laser to sinter or fuse powdered metal particles until a complete part if formed. LPBF processes typically include heating the bed of powdered metal to a consistent temperature. The printer begins applying the first layer over a build plate, fuses the powder particles together with a high-powered laser, and then continues the process layer-by-layer until the part is finished.
After the part is printed using LPBF, it is removed from the powder bed, cut away from the build plate, heat treated to prevent internal stresses, and finally machined or polished to achieve the desired surface finish.
LPBF is limited by the size of the print bed, so it is not suitable for manufacturing large components or parts.
DED
DED using powdered metals also relies on a laser to produce metal parts. However, rather than spreading powder on a bed, the DED machine blows powdered metal out of the print head and uses a laser to fuse the part during construction.
DED-manufactured parts require post-processing heat treatment and machining steps. And while DED is a faster process than LPBF, there are a limited number of materials that can be used in the DED process, and the technique still needs more research and development before it sees widespread commercial use.
Binder Jetting
Binder jetting deposits a layer of loose metal followed by a layer of binder material layer by layer to create the product. During the process, a binder jetting machine distributes metal powder over the print bed to form an unbound layer. A jetting head then spreads a binder to adhere the powder. The machine continues to spread alternate layers of building material and binder to form a complete product. Sintering is generally required after printing to remove the binder, resulting in a part that is composed entirely of metal.
While binder jetting is a fast process and offers the opportunity to create and sinter parts in batches, it is currently a more expensive option. However, research and development into this technology, the availability of binder jets from companies (e.g., Markforged and HP), and the potential to use binder jetting for high-volume batch production may eventually make binder jetting the technology of choice for metal AM.
Post-Processing Heat Treatment for AM Parts
No matter the print technique, some AM-printed metal parts will require post-process heat treatment in which the printed part is subjected to specific temperatures and durations and then cooled to enhance or customize the properties of the metal material and optimize performance and reliability of the part.
Applying controlled heating and cooling cycles during post-printing heat treatment eliminates internal stresses created during the AM process to prevent distortion, cracking, and warping that would negatively impact part performance and reliability. Heat treating can also be used to increase hardness, density, strength, and fatigue resistance to optimize performance of the part. Furthermore, heat treating can be applied to customize the mechanical properties of the final part and provide specific characteristics so that it performs reliably in the intended application.
The type of heat treatment used following AM will depend upon the printing technique, metal material, and desired characteristics and properties. Annealing, sintering, normalizing, quenching, and tempering are commonly used. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) — another post-process option that is used to reduce porosity and improve the density, performance, and reliability of AM-printed parts — will be specifically addressed in a subsequent article release.
Greater Acceptance in Industry Sectors
Metal alloy 3-D printed components
While AM has been widely used for prototyping and reverse engineering, adoption of the technology has been slower for the manufacture of finished parts and components. Stephen Feldbauer, director of Research and Development, with Abbott Furnace Co., suggests that the right approach to AM with metals depends upon the ability of manufacturers to refine their application. “Manufacturers should not take the ‘shotgun’ approach of ‘I can print anything,’” comments Feldbauer. “Instead, they should focus on what makes the most sense for them and specialize in those parts rather than just printing something because it’s possible.
However, because it provides significant benefits, AM does have application in the several manufacturing sectors. Advantages in using AM to produce parts include minimization of waste, time and cost efficiency, and the ability to customize parts for single-use applications or low-volume production runs.
Thanks to these benefits, AM is currently being used in the following industries:
Aerospace: functional parts, such as engine turbine blades and fuel systems
Automotive: various components, such as suspension systems, engine parts, and door panels
Defense: obsolete parts, as well as vehicle and weapon components
Medical: implants, prosthetics, and other apparatuses
And, as AM technology continues to expand, it is becoming more widely accepted and is most notably being employed to create safety-critical aerospace and automobile parts. For example, General Motors (GM) announced that it is using AM-printed seatbelt pillar adjustable guide loops in its all-electric Cadillac Celestiq, making them GM’s first safety-related AM-printed metal part.
The component is made by Azoth using Markforged metal binder jetting technology with a liquid binding agent. Following the process, the metal parts are then sintered, polished, and plated. Automotive sector acceptance of additive manufactured safety-critical parts is a tremendous boon for the AM industry.
Experts like Feldbauer see the need for manufacturers to make a few key decisions for this technology to become a reality. “For additive manufacturing to be a commercially viable solution,” he argues, “manufacturers must determine which parts they can 3D print with high levels of success and where printing is cost effective and profitable. Commercial viability is really the determining factor as to whether a part should be 3D printed or made using conventional manufacturing techniques.”
Currently, though, AM seems to be benefiting smaller jobs. According to Feldbauer, AM usually makes the most sense for small runs where there is a need for customized tooling; in these cases, manufacturers run into too complex of shapes or simply to time or cost intensive.
The Future of AM
While AM is increasingly accepted as a beneficial process across many industries, it still faces challenges affecting its usage more broadly, such as material restrictions, bed or plate sizes for techniques that rely on bed printing, and the need to purchase high-end printers from a market that is constantly consolidating. Research and development into the process, more diversity in technologies, increased availability of AM outsourcing companies, and the benefits associated with cost, time, and material reductions are expected to be a driving force in widespread commercial adoption.
Stephen Feldbauer, director of Research and Development with Abbott Furnace Co., updated Heat Treat Today on the state of AM in 2025
As the technology continues to mature, AM will continue to expand into industries where the availability of high-volume AM production, such as is possible with binder jetting, would reduce the cost of part manufacturing. Additionally, optimizing post-process heat treatment methods will help further enhance the cost effectiveness of AM with metals and enable more customized characteristics. These advances could make AM an attractive and economical option for manufacturers, so those who want a competitive edge should begin to focus and refine application of AM to the parts for which it will be most worthwhile.
References
Grand View Research. 2022. Additive Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Component, by Printer Type, by Technology, by Software, by Application, by Vertical, by Material, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030. April 2022. Grandview Research. Report ID: GVR-4-68039-922-9. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/additive-manufacturing-market#
Check out our AM/3D Trivia to test your knowledge of the AM/3D industry, the processes, and the technology.
This editorial was written by the Heat Treat TodayEditorial Team.
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 10 news items, featuring a multi-million dollar expansion, furnace additions, a 1,000,000 load milestone, and more!
Equipment & Company
1. NUTEC Bickley will deliver a four-car shuttle kiln to a global leader in energy technologies. The gas-fired shuttle kiln will typically operate up to 2012°F (1100°C) and employs a twin-deck kiln car setting.
2. Century Aluminum will invest $50 million into restarting a South Carolina smelter. 50,000mt of idled production is intended to be revitalized through the restart.
3. HT-MX Heat Treatment has added nitriding to one of their comprehensive Nadcap scope, including carbon steels, stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminum, lab services, HIPing, and more.
Century Aluminum to restart smelter in SC with $50 millionNitriding added to HT-MX Heat Treating’s scope
Personnel
4. Quaker Houghton welcomed Dr. Arisbeth Rodwick to the Quaker Houghton team as the senior product application manager (PAM) of Heat Treatment and Forging, effective July 14, 2025.
5. Tom Hart has been promoted to director of sales for North America at SECO/WARWICK, USA. Tom’s promotion comes at a pivotal time, as SECO/WARWICK consolidates its U.S. operations.
6. Kevin Stein Joins Hubbard-Hall as the director of Sales & Business Development. Stein succeeds Jeff Davis, who will retire at the end of October after 42 years with Hubbard-Hall.
Tom Hart promoted SECO/WARWICKKevin Stein joins Hubbard-Hall
Kudos
7. AHT President, Mikel Woods, celebrated his 20th work anniversary this month.
8. ECM USA celebrated a 1,000,000 load milestone with one of their automotive parts manufacturing customers. 20 years ago their ECM FLEX vacuum furnace systems started processing loads 24/7 — recently surpassing 1,000,000 loads.
9. SuperSystems celebrated 30 years as a company.
10. Tenova has been awarded the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pilot plant — a key element of the NeoSmelt project, which aims to develop a groundbreaking low-emission ironmaking facility.
Breaking News: The NTS & UPC business divisions of NITREX, a manufacturer of industrial furnaces focused on nitriding solutions, will be acquired by the AICHELIN Group, a global provider of industrial heat treatment solutions. For clients, this means access to a broader range of technologies and stronger local support.
Headquartered in Canada, NITREX has around 250 employees in five countries. The business unit Heat Treating Services is not included in the scope of the acquisition.
The transaction represents the largest acquisition in AICHELIN Group’s history. For employees, the acquisition opens up new perspectives within a strategically focused industrial group. The Group notes in their press release that it “will become the largest global furnace manufacturer in its industry of heat treatment solutions,” with a reach of combined sales at more than EUR 230 million and employing over 1,350 people across 23 locations in 11 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The Group is also represented by a global network of sales partners.
Christian Grosspointner CEO AICHELIN Group. Source: AICHLELIN Group
The acquisition brings together two highly complementary portfolios: NITREX adds renowned expertise in nitriding furnaces to AICHELIN’s broad technology offering. The geographic fit is equally noteworthy, with NITREX’s operations in the U.S., Canada, Poland, Germany, France, and China integrating seamlessly into AICHELIN’s regional structures.
The acquisition marks an important milestone in the implementation of AICHELIN’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on sustainable growth through regional proximity, diversification, and technological progress.
“This acquisition marks a new chapter for AICHELIN. By combining forces with NITREX, we are unlocking innovation potential and global synergies that will benefit our customers, employees and stakeholders alike,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group. “We are proud to welcome NITREX into our Group.”
AICHELIN is expanding into new markets and client segments, both through internal innovation and targeted acquisitions. With this acquisition, the Group is thus advancing its goal of becoming a lifecycle partner for heat treatment clients worldwide, supported by digital services and localized operations.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A truck beam heat treat line with two large walking-beam furnaces is currently being installed for a leading Latin American auto structural component designer and manufacturer. The industry leader will use one furnace for austenitizing and the other for tempering. The truck beams are 13 in (33 cm) wide, 4.5 in (11.5 cm) high, and 49 ft (15 m) long, weighing at about 625 lb (285 kg). A closely controlled environment is necessary in order to induce the required change to the steel beams’ crystal structure.
The furnace line will be provided by NUTEC Bickley, their third such order for this auto industry manufacturer.
New furnace line from Nutec Bickley Source: Nutec Bickley
The austenitizing furnace is a continuous unit, capable of treating 60 beams (roughly equivalent to 17 tons of steel) per hour. It has an operating temperature of 1670°F (910°C), and a maximum temperature of 2010°F (1100°C). There are 10 automatic control zones, designed to promote temperature uniformity.
There are 29 high-velocity burners, sited above the load. These allow for low NOx emissions, featuring stable high excess air and excess fuel operation, direct spark ignition, integral air and gas meters, sturdy cast construction and flame rod ionization. The burner configuration creates gas recirculation and allows uniform heating of the load and better heat transfer to the product through radiation mechanisms and convection.
The furnace employs NUTEC Bickley’s IMPS™ combustion system for energy savings, enhanced process control, optimal kinetic energy utilization from burners, temperature uniformity without excess air, a high turndown ratio, and other key benefits.
The tempering furnace — capable of heat treating beams at a rate of 60 pieces per hour — has an operating temperature of 915°F (490°C) and a maximum temperature of 1110°F (600°C). There are six automatic control zones and the heating method for tempering is via air circulation with a vertical flow pattern, ceiling to floor with six centrifugal fans.
Both of these furnaces benefit from insulation based on the patented Jointless® ceramic fiber system that allows fast heating and cooling and reduces heat storage. Using MacroModules, this insulation is 8 in (20 cm) thick in the combustion zones. Thermal efficiency has also been guaranteed with a specifically design of the door frame and canopy for both access and exit doors. Both furnaces are fully NFPA 86 compliant.
The press release is available in its original form here.
As U.S. election results were announced last week, several steel industry players are in the midst of acquisitions that could mean changes for in-house heat treat operators in North America.
Cleveland-Cliffs Expands North American Presence
Lourenco Goncalves Chairman, President, CEO Cliffs Source: Cliffs
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (“Cliffs”) today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Stelco Holdings Inc.(“Stelco”). The addition of Stelco enhances Cliffs’ position as the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America, diversifies Cliffs’ end-markets and expands its geographical presence in Canada. Stelco will continue operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cliffs, preserving the name and iconic Canadian legacy of the business.
Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO of Cliffs, stated: “Today marks a transformative step forward for Cleveland-Cliffs. By bringing Stelco into the Cliffs family, we are building on our commitment to integrated steelmaking and good paying union jobs in North America. This acquisition allows us to further diversify our customer base and lower our cost structure. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings and appreciate the warm welcome we have received from all government officials in Canada. We take our permission to operate very seriously and aim to continue the Stelco legacy with dedication and purpose.”
Nothing New: Questions for Nippon-U. S. Steel Acquisition
Takahiro Mori Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Nippon Steel Source: Nippon Steel
At this time, the U. S. Committee on Foreign Investment has the proposed acquisition under review until late December 2024.
If the deal is approved before the January 2025 inauguration, that does not guarantee that Trump would not overturn the results. However, “The previous Trump administration said it would attract foreign investment and create new jobs,” commented Nippon Steel Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori. “This (acquisition) is extremely in line with such a policy.” He still aims to see the deal close before the end of the calendar year.
The press release for the Cliff’s story is available in its original form here.
Heat Treat Today, in cooperation with the Metal Treating Institute (MTI), recently presented the 2024 Master Craftsman Award (also known as the Commercial Heat Treater of the Year Award) to John and Kerri Quaglia, third-generation owners of Bennett Heat Treating & Brazing Co., Inc.
The award was presented at the formal awards presentation dinner following the Furnaces North America trade show on October 16, 2024, in Columbus, OH. John Quaglia was present to receive the award on behalf of his company. In his speech, Doug Glenn commented, “This year’s recipient is another shining example of what the commercial heat treating industry has come to represent — highly competent, environmentally aware, and civic-minded leaders in their community and in the heat treating industry — a great example of what commercial heat treating is all about.”
This award is given to the company that demonstrates making a positive impact on their community and their industry. Recognition is based on quality programs, commitment to the environmental, and community leadership and judged by a panel of previous recipients
Bennett Heat Treating received a plaque commemorating this auspicious award and a scholarship fund of $1500 from Heat TreatToday that was matched with another $1500 from MTI’s Education Foundation. The heat treater will award this $3000 to a high school or college student who is pursuing an education in the heat treating industry.
Congratulations to Bennett Heat Treating on receiving this award.
Presenting the 2024 Master Craftsman Award is Doug Glenn, publisher of Heat Treat Today and treasurer on the Board of MTI’s Education Foundation. (Source: MTI)Scholarship award check presented to Bennett Heat Treating & Brazing Co., Inc. (Left to right) Doug Glenn, publisher of Heat Treat Today; John Quaglia, president and co-owner of Bennett Heat Treating; and Ryan Fussell, president of Southwest Metal Treating Corp and 2024 MTI President. (Source: MTI)John Quaglia, co-owner and president of Bennett Heat Treating, accepts the 2024 Master Craftsman Award from Doug Glenn. (Source: MTI)John Quaglia, co-owner and president of Bennett Heat Treating, speaking upon his company’s receiving the 2024 Master Craftsman Award. (Source: MTI)
The press release is available in its original form here.
For the past 20+ years, software has played a pivotal role in every part of the heat treating industry, seamlessly integrating into virtually every process from initial part design to final product inspection. It would be hard to find a heat treater that doesn’t currently rely on one or more software platforms to run their business. More recently, heat treaters are expanding their use of software platforms for material specification compliance, easing the burden on furnace compliance to manage the increasing complexity of industry regulations.
Material Specification Compliance: More and more heat treaters are turning away from spreadsheets in search of better software solutions to assist them in their effort to ensure compliance with the ever-increasing demands of material specifications such as AMS2750, AMS2769, BAC-5621, GE P10TF-3, RPS-953, BAERD GEN-007, etc. There are software programs designed to organize general compliance data across multiple industries in a one-size fits all approach, but those programs fail to meet many of the unique compliance challenges that Nadcap heat treaters experience.
A shift toward a more targeted approach to compliance involves utilizing software explicitly designed with the heat treater in mind. This specialized software is becoming increasingly common across the industry. Some software options, like C3 Data, digitally connect to many of the industry’s vendors (i.e., thermocouple vendors and pyrometry service providers). These digital connections eliminate manual data entry and play a significant role in ensuring continuous compliance. In contrast, some specialized software programs provide the organization platform but have limited digital integration options and organizational flexibility. Heat treat specific software that digitally integrates with a broad supplier base offers the most process flexibility and efficiencies.
A Comparison of Material Specification Software Types
Heat Treat Specific Integrated Software. If done correctly, the software will offer heat treaters seamless data connections to virtually any applicable supplier worldwide, allowing them to maintain the freedom to choose their suppliers while also fully leveraging the benefits of digital access to all their data. In this effort, C3 Data’s Furnace Compliance Software continues to build out its worldwide network of digital integrations with all Nadcap heat treaters in mind. The C3 digital network was not built on software alone but on relationships, including virtually every prominent thermocouple manufacturer in the U.S., UK, and France, most pyrometry laboratories in the U.S., as well as a growing list of pyrometry labs in the EU. C3 is also now digitally integrated with MES software platforms such as Bluestreak™ that cater to the heat treat world.
A growing number of heat treaters are incorporating heat treat specific integrated software solutions to reduce their dependencies on human resources, eliminate human error, and increase efficiency. When evaluating such software, it’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of ensuring your digital integration options are functional, plentiful, and ever-growing.
About the Author
Nathan Wright is known for his expertise in the aerospace and automotive industries, specifically in furnace compliance and pyrometry laboratories. He built his first pyrometry laboratory in the late 1990s. It was then that he first began exploring the idea of creating a customized software solution for the heat treat industry. In 2013 he became the CEO of C3 Data where he is responsible for building software that helps heat treaters and calibration laboratories ensure furnace compliance with industry material specifications.
Robert (Bob) Hill, FASM President Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Source: Solar Atmospheres
After successfully relocating and commissioning ten vacuum furnaces into their current facility, Solar Atmospheresof Michigan Inc. is poised for further expansion. Bulldozers have commenced work on a new 20,000-square-foot building, which will more than double the current footprint at their Chesterfield, Michigan, location.
Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Michigan, commented, “This expansion will create a larger shipping and receiving area to better serve our customers’ needs and position us for future growth. Come watch us grow!”
Source: Solar Atmospheres
This press release is available in its original form here.
Nine heat treat furnaces are set to modernize the operations of a manufacturer’s heat treat facilities. This move is intended to create cleaner, safer, more cost-effective operations while also allowing for finer process control and a reduced carbon footprint.
The nine furnaces are being fabricated by SECO/VACUUM, a division of SECO/WARWICK Group: three Vector® vacuum furnaces and six tempering furnaces with supporting auxiliary systems. This returning heat treat client currently operates twelve SECO/VACUUM furnaces at their various locations throughout North America. They will incorporate the new furnaces as a continuation of their strategic planning to modernize all facilities from atmospheric heat treatment to vacuum processes.
Piotr Zawistowski Managing Director SECO/VACUUM TECHNOLOGIES, USA Source: SECO/WARWICK
Each of the nine units are front-loading, horizontally configured furnaces with a 36″ x 36″ x 48″ working volume and a 3300 lb. capacity. The Vector® is a single-chamber gas quenching vacuum furnace using high pressure quench (2 to 25 bar) which can be applied to a variety of heat treating processes and applications. These particular Vectors will be used primarily for hardening. Tempering is a process primarily used to increase the toughness of hardened ferrous-alloy parts. The tempering process is typically applied after a hardening process.
Heat treating operations will have to shut down entirely during the modernization changeover. To minimize disruption, SECO/VACUUM will also serve as the general contractor, overseeing the installation of the new furnaces, auxiliary systems, wiring, piping, and ventilation needed prior to commissioning and operator training.
“It is a testament to our commitment to our partner’s success that they not only continue to return for more furnaces, but that they place their trust us in to manage the entire project in order to get them back to serving their customers,” said Piotr Zawistowski, managing director at SECO/VACUUM.
The press release is available in its original form here.
