AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS

38 Heat Treating Furnaces for Aerospace

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ANNEALING NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS

A U.S. Air Force contract has been awarded for 38 advanced aerospace heat treating furnaces. The furnaces will enhance mission-critical aircraft maintenance capabilities at bases across the United States and overseas.

Phillips Corporation Federal Division and DELTA H® Technologies will provide the furnaces. Of the 38 are 13 Model DCAHT®-181248-1200/500-MIL units and 25 Defender Series Model DEF-DC-RH-242436/1200-CH-242436/1200 units. Deliveries are scheduled over the next year to provide the USAF with heat treating capacity for aviation-grade metals to meet AMS2750H compliance and NAVAIR TO 1-1A-9 standards.

“Phillips Federal is honored to support the U.S. Air Force through this partnership,” said Kelley Padham, president of Phillips Corporation, Federal Division. “Our collaboration with DELTA H Technologies continues to expand the boundaries of advanced manufacturing for the Department of Defense — empowering readiness, resilience, and rapid innovation wherever our warfighters serve.”

Service member team working with new Delta H furnace
Source: Delta H Technologies

Richard Conway, director and CTO of DELTA H Technologies and a U.S. Air Force veteran, added: “Ten years ago, the Air Force asked us to help solve a problem. As an engineer and veteran, it became a personal mission to provide the best heat treating solutions possible. Today, knowing the USAF relies on DELTA H and Phillips Federal for this critical technology is deeply humbling.”

The DCAHT® Model has dual convection-heated chambers with certified TUS work volume at 18” W × 12” H × 48” L. The lower chamber operates to 1200°F for aluminum solution heat treating with a roll-away quench tank, and an upper chamber which operates up to 500°F for aluminum aging.

The Defender Series Model has dual TUS-certified work volumes at 24” W × 24” H × 36” L. The convection chamber operates between 200°F–1200°F with rapid cooling from 1000°F to <200°F in under 30 minutes, enabling complete solution heat treating, annealing, and aging (T6). The radiant chamber operates between 1000°F–2000°F, with inert gas atmosphere capability.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Vacuum Furnace Boosts Aerospace Component Production

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A single-chamber vacuum furnace will be provided to a manufacturer in the aerospace industry. The new furnace will expand their production capacity of aircraft gear manufacturing.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Business of the Vacuum Furnace Segment
SECO/WARWICK

“For decades, we have been working for the aerospace industry and continuously improving our equipment to not only meet high quality standards but also to ensure maximum efficiency. For manufacturers of aircraft and helicopter parts, we almost always prepare unique solutions tailored to defined needs,” shared Maciej Korecki, vice president, Vacuum Segment of SECO/WARWICK group, which is providing the furnace. SECO/WARWICK is an industrial furnace technology provider with North American locations.

“Thanks to the inverter control, we can activate the optimal cooling power at the appropriate stage of the process. A major advantage of this device is its low heat loss and excellent temperature distribution in the graphite heating chamber, which is resistant to rapid wear and simple to operate and maintain,” says Paweł Okinczyc, sales manager at SECO/WARWICK.

The single-chamber Vector vacuum furnace enables the heat treatment of large components, while maintaining a compact design. The furnaces in this line are equipped with convective heating, improving heat transfer efficiency during lower temperature heating; directional cooling, allowing problematic components in terms of shape to be cooled in different ways; and isothermal hardening, enabling better cooling process control through enhanced charge temperature management and frequency converter-based fan control.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Precision Heat Treater Expands 18,000 sqft in Pennsylvania

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MEDICAL HEAT TREAT NEWS

Vacu Braze, a provider of precision heat treating has announced an 18,000 square foot expansion to its headquarters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The new expansion will increase the total footprint of the facility to over 58,000 square feet, enhancing operational efficiency, increasing production capacity, and supporting next-generation heat treating technologies.

Vacu Braze’s expansion progress
Source: Vacu Braze
Vacu Braze’s expansion progress
Source: Vacu Braze
Kirk Palermo
Vice President
Vacu Braze
Source: LinkedIn

“This expansion marks a significant milestone in Vacu Braze’s ongoing commitment to growth and service. Through this development, we will increase our capacity to meet customer demands,” said Kirk Palermo, vice president of Vacu Braze.

They provide heat treatment services for the aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Arconic $57.5 Million High Purity Aluminum Production Expansion for Aerospace & Defense

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS

Arconic Corporation (“Arconic” or the “Company”) will boost high purity aluminum (HPA) capacity for aerospace and defense applications at its Davenport Works plant, a facility with in-house heat treatment. The $57.5 million project has effectively doubled domestic production of high purity aluminum, a critical material to aerospace and defense applications. 

Diana Perreiah
Executive Vice President of Rolled Products North America
Arconic
Source: Arconic

The expansion is being carried out at the Davenport Works plant in Iowa and was commissioned on September 25. The project was supported by an award of $45.5 million from the U.S. Department of War in 2023, utilizing Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities. The Defense Production Act Title III program supports domestic industrial capabilities essential to national security. 

Diana Perreiah, executive vice president of Rolled Products North America for Arconic, said, “Arconic is honored to support American leadership in advanced manufacturing by expanding domestic production of high purity aluminum for next-generation aerospace and defense applications. This project strengthens critical supply chains and supports national defense priorities, while reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in delivering materials essential to U.S. security and competitiveness.”

With the design and installation of two new furnaces and advanced control and automation systems, the project provides the United States surge capacity for HPA production and mitigates potential risks to national security in the event of an industrial mobilization. Among the defense applications that require HPA are the bulkheads for the F-35 and advanced armor plate for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. 

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 25, distinguished guests included Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, State Representative Gary Mohr, Riverdale Mayor Anthony Heddlesten, Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Nicole Crain, and Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Peter Tokar III to mark the milestone of commissioning the facility.

Arconic Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products, that advance the ground transportation, aerospace, building and construction, industrial and packaging end markets. For more information, visit www.arconic.com.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Fringe Friday: Woodward To Build $200 Million Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Woodward, Inc, a manufacturer with in-house heat treat operations which serves the aerospace industry, has announced its plan to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. The new site is a strategic investment for the company. The 300,000-square-foot facility is set to open in 2027 and will focus on production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are critical components used in aircraft flight control.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Woodward’s Nadcap certification
Source: Woodward, Inc.
Chip Blankenship
Chairman & CEO
Woodward, Inc.

Initially, most of the factory’s capacity will be dedicated to producing spoiler actuation for the Airbus A350. These critical control systems are mounted on the upper surface of aircraft wings and play a vital role in managing lift and enhancing flight performance and safety. The site has potential to expand capacity as the company meets growing demand for its aerospace technologies.

The facility is expected to create approximately 275 high-quality jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and business operations, with potential for significant workforce expansion in the future.

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and our investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers,” said Chip Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Woodward, Inc. “It will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs.

“Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”

Henry Dargan McMaster
Governor of South Carolina
Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

After an extensive nationwide search, Woodward selected Spartanburg County for its robust manufacturing infrastructure, access to highly skilled aerospace talent, and proximity to key suppliers. The investment is supported by an incentive package from the State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, and local economic development organizations.

“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County,” said Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Furnaces for Directionally Solidified and Single Crystal Castings

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, INDUCTION HEATING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A leading aviation technology company will receive two new furnaces from a manufacturer of metal heat treatment solutions with North American locations. The furnaces will be used in the production of engine components, particularly directionally solidified and single crystal castings.

Sławomir Woźniak
CEO
SECO/WARWICK Group

SECO/WARWICK will provide a Vector vacuum furnace and a VIM JetCaster furnace with a capacity of 25 kg, enabling the melting of nickel and cobalt alloys at temperatures up to 1700℃ (3092°F) to the Chinese aviation manufacturer.

“The device ensures a low percentage of casting defects, both macro and microstructural, as well as a significant reduction of the directional solidification casting process compared to the classical process due to increased mold withdrawal speeds,” said Sławomir Woźniak, CEO of SECO/WARWICK Group.

The latest jet engines use advanced blades cast produced by single crystal technology. The control system meets the needs of precise processes: casting, temperature control, as well as comprehensive data collection.

The Vector vacuum furnace is designed for aging and solution heat treatment processes. It achieves a maximum temperature of 1400℃ (2552°F) with a uniformity of ±5℃ (9°F) and can handle components with a total mass of up to 800 kg. Due to a high level of vacuum (up to 10⁻³ Pa), processes take place without intergranular oxidation, resulting in a quality surface for the components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Aerospace Manufacturer Expands Heat Treating Capabilities with New Vacuum Furnace

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, BRAZING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

An aerospace manufacturer is expanding with a vacuum furnace for brazing fuel system components for aircraft engines. The single-chamber vacuum furnace has a molybdenum heating chamber and gas cooling up to 1.5 bar abs.

SECO/WARWICK, which has U.S. locations, spent years in collaboration with this manufacturer to ensure it met their high precision needs.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Business of the Vacuum Furnace Segment
SECO/WARWICK

“This partner is one of the most specialized production centers in Europe when it comes to precision elements of fuel installations for aircraft engines. The fact that they once again chose SECO/WARWICK technology is the highest form of appreciation,” says Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK. “Our solution is the result of technical dialogue, adaptation to the client’s requirements and optimization for process cleanliness, high vacuum, and the size of the parts to be manufactured.”

The vacuum furnace has been significantly modified to meet the client’s specific technological requirements. It includes a molybdenum heating chamber with shield insulation, which reduces heat loss and provides purity for thermal processes. A temperature uniformity of ±6°C (±11°F) ensures uniform conditions throughout the heating zone, which is crucial when brazing tubular components for fuel systems.

The device’s vacuum system, built on mechanical pumps, a roots pump, and a diffusion pump, maintains a stable and deep operating vacuum at the level of 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻5 mbar. A partial pressure system for protective gases (hydrogen, argon) has also been implemented, preventing the sublimation of alloying elements and protecting the quality of the load. A dew point sensor installed at the gas inlet secures the process against contamination from the atmosphere.

The new furnace will provide full production capabilities, handling an increased number of components for fuel systems in aircraft engines. Its implementation will have an impact on the efficiency, quality, and stability of brazing processes.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Fringe Friday: Riverspan Partners Acquires United Titanium

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, MEDICAL HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Riverspan Partners has acquired United Titanium, a leading U.S. manufacturer of engineered, mission-critical fasteners, fittings and precision components made from titanium, zirconium, and other specialty metals. United Titanium serves critical industries such as defense, aerospace, medical and dental, electronics, petrochemical processing and marine engineering.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Dave Thomas
Partner
Riverspan Partners.

Based on Wooster, Ohio, United Titanium was founded in 1962 and offers comprehensive services such as precision machining, custom fabrication, and advanced inspection and testing.

“We have built a remarkable business together over the past five decades, and I am thrilled that the team has found an ideal partner for the next chapter,” said Mike Reardon, president of United Titanium. “Riverspan deeply appreciates the people and processes that have contributed to our success and is keen to build on those strengths to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in our core markets. Their expertise will help United Titanium to reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation and high-touch service through further investment in our people and technology. I am excited to see the company continue to prosper.”

“We have tremendous respect for the outstanding business … United Titanium team has built, and we are excited to build on that rich legacy,” said Dave Thomas, partner at Riverspan Partners.

The company will continue to be led by the same senior team and will remain headquartered and an active community member in Wooster, Ohio. As part of the transaction, longtime industry executive Paul Schwarzbaum will join the United Titanium Board of Directors.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Leading Aerospace Specialist Expands with Vacuum Furnace

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A leading aerospace specialist has received a high-precision vacuum furnace. The system was specifically designed to meet the particularly stringent requirements of this sector with a hot zone of 900 x 1200 x 900 mm.

Aichelin will provide furnace, which is equipped with high-grade insulation made from molybdenum and stainless steel, as well as a multi-zone heating control system.

Vacuum furnace for aerospace
Source: Aichelin Group
Vacuum furnace for aerospace
Source: Aichelin Group

The furnace has a dual gas supply system with independent lines and valves for nitrogen and argon. The separate gas supply provides reproducible, stable, and precise quenching operations. Additional features include 10 bar quenching pressure, up to 10⁻⁶ mbar vacuum level, and below 10 micron leak rate.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Vacuum Furnace for 3D Printed Aerospace Components

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ENERGY HEAT TREAT NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, STRESS RELIEVING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A vacuum furnace is being supplied for the heat treatment of 3D printed metal components used in the aviation and energy industries. The furnace will meet the requirements of stress-relieving processes for large components produced using additive technology and highly controlled hardening processes.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Business of the Vacuum Furnace Segment
SECO/WARWICK

SECO/WARWICK, a furnace provider with North American locations, will provide the new equipment. The furnace has a working space of 900 x 900 x 1200 mm and an advanced vacuum system which enables clean processes.

“The new investments of our partner in 3D printing are among the most dynamic undertakings in the field of precision metalworking … Our device is a key element in the chain of post-processing technology and has been designed to perfectly respond to the needs related to annealing and stress removal in additively manufactured elements,” commented Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK.

The vacuum furnace is equipped with an efficient high vacuum system (HPGQ) based on two SV300 Leybold pumps, a Roots WH2500 pump, and an HS-32 AGILENT diffusion pump, allowing for vacuum in the 10⁻⁴ mbar range. The device also features a partial pressure system for technical gases, which counteracts the sublimation of alloying elements and contamination of the hot zone. An important addition is the dew point sensor, which protects against moisture condensation in the heating chamber and minimizes the risk of oxidation of the batch surface.

SECO/WARWICK Vector furnace produced image
Source: SECO/WARWICK

The recipient plans to use the device primarily for post-3D printing stress-relief processes, but also for hardening turbine and engine system components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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