ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS

ArcelorMittal to Boost Electrical Steel Output

ArcelorMittal is advancing a major expansion in electrical steel production that includes a preparation line, a continuous annealing and varnishing line, and a slitting line — developments that reflect ongoing job growth and investment in industrial heat treating processes worldwide. The project has already mobilized more than 300 external contractors, with 175 employees now dedicated to the new lines and staffing expected to reach approximately 200 as the next phase of work progresses. Phase 2, currently underway, includes construction of an annealing-pickling line and a reversible rolling mill, with all five planned production lines scheduled to be operational by 2027.

Entry zone of the continuous annealing and varnishing line
Source: ArcelorMittal France
Bruno Ribo
Managing Director
ArcelorMittal France

ArcelorMittal France announced that the first three lines of its new electrical steel production unit at the Mardyck industrial site will enter into operation by the end of 2025. The project, representing a €500 million investment and described as the largest undertaken by the Group in Europe over the past decade, marks a significant expansion in the production of electrical steels, complementing the company’s existing output at Saint-Chély-d’Apcher and bringing the company’s total European output to approximately 295,000 metric tons annually.

Bruno Ribo, managing director of ArcelorMittal France, emphasized the significance of the development for both the site’s workforce and the broader market. “Creating new production lines is an exceptional experience in the life of an industrial site. It is just as exceptional for our employees who have been involved in the development of the lines, from the project phase to the operational phase. I, like them, will be very moved to see the first of the 155,000 tons of electrical steel that we will eventually deliver annually roll off the lines,” he said.

Annealing and varnishing line control cabin
Source: ArcelorMittal France

The electrical steels produced at Mardyck — ultra-thin rolled steels engineered for specific magnetic and mechanical properties — are used in all types of electric motors. ArcelorMittal notes that the new unit will support the electrification of applications in both industrial and automotive sectors. As global demand grows for these specialty steels, capacity developments of this scale create benchmarks for manufacturers across regions, including North America, as companies assess long-term sourcing strategies and material availability for high-efficiency motor components and transformer systems.

The project is supported in part by a €25 million contribution from the French State under the France 2030 program.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Major Drivetrain Technology Leader Expands Isothermal Annealing Capability

An international, multi-billion-dollar corporation at the forefront of drivetrain technologies has commissioned a complete isothermal annealing line, due to be delivered in Q1 2026. The furnaces are designed to be in compliance with CQI-9, the comprehensive audit covering the most common heat treat processes employed by the automotive industry. This investment underscores the automotive industry’s commitment to delivering higher-quality components while meeting stringent manufacturing standards.

Arturo Arechavaleta
Vice President, Metal Furnaces, NUTEC Bickley

The system has been designed in close collaboration with NUTEC Bickley to ensure everything meets the company’s specific operational needs. The contract comprises both high-temperature and low-temperature furnaces, as well as an isothermal cooling chamber and blast cooling tunnel, together with all the ancillary equipment and full material handling and conveying system.

Arturo Arechavaleta, VP Metal Furnaces at NUTEC Bickley, said: “Our client for this multifaceted project is an auto component world leader that supplies nearly every major vehicle manufacturer. It has an established reputation in delivering high quality parts and promoting sustainability in the supply chain. I am delighted the NUTEC Bickley was chosen to partner in the design and manufacture of this isothermal annealing line.”

At the heart of the new facility will be a double pusher tray high-temperature furnace (HTF) designed specifically for processing carbon steel automotive parts. The system incorporates a fully automatic electrical double pusher system with steel trays sliding over rails with idle rolls. Processing two trays across the width helps reduce the line’s footprint while maximizing throughput.

Example of a customized isothermal annealing furnace by NUTEC Bickley, engineered for the auto manufacturing industry

The natural gas unit features four automatic temperature zones, each with two high-velocity nozzle-mix burners that provide excellent turbulence and outstanding recirculation within the furnace chamber. Operating temperatures range between 850°C and 950°C (1560°F-1740°F), with temperature uniformity targets of ±5°C (±40°F) for processes below 680°C (1260°F) and ±10°C (±18°F) at or above 680°C (1260°F).

The isothermal annealing process involves multiple stages that work in seamless coordination.

First, forged carbon steel parts move into an isothermal cooling chamber (ICC) after initial heat treating where the load temperature is rapidly reduced from 950°C (1740°F) to 660°C (1220°F) within five to 10 minutes, bringing parts to their transformation point. This rapid cooling uses ambient air supplied from an external cooling fan.

Then, parts proceed to a low-temperature furnace (LTF) operating at between 630°C and 700°C (1170°F-1290°F), which uses a fuel-only control system for enhanced temperature uniformity. The furnace relies on three automatic temperature control zones and six burners.

Finally, tray loads pass through a blast cooling tunnel (BCT) where forced convection cooling with ambient air brings parts down to approximately 400°C (750°F) before exit.

The complete line includes comprehensive material handling and conveying systems that operate fully automatically. It features entrance and transfer cars with movement systems, transfer car tracks, exit transfer cars with tray dumper units, integrated air cooling units, return conveyors with electrical dolly systems, and automated loading stations. The entire parts handling system is linked to the process via Master PLC and HMI for seamless operation.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Southwest Metal Treating Corp Expands Capabilities with New Cryogenic System

Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT), an AS9100D/ISP 9001:2015 and Nadcap-accredited facility specializing in providing precision heat treating services, announces the addition of a new cryogenic processing system. This enhancement will further support SWMT’s ability to serve its aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing partners with high-quality heat treating and cryogenic processing solutions.

“The TRU-CRYOTHERM expands our thermal processing capabilities and strengthens our ability to meet demanding specifications with precision and reliability,” said Ryan Fussell, CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp. “As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, our goal remains the same — to provide our customers with unmatched quality, turnaround, and technical excellence.”

Ryan Fussell
CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT)
Source: MTI

The new unit, provided by the McLaughlin Furnace Group, is now currently installed as part of SWMT’s ongoing expansion of its Integral Quench (IQ) department. Its design, advanced temperature control, and uniformity standards make it an ideal complement to SWMT’s growing IQ and vacuum processing operations. With this addition, SWMT continues to set a higher standard for metallurgical performance and process consistency across its full range of services.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Tube Annealing Furnace for Stainless Steel and Special Alloys Manufacturer

Alleima, a manufacturer of steel components and special alloys, will receive a new tube annealing furnace. The electric atmospheric furnace line is intended for bright annealing of high-alloy tubes and will be used in the production of nuclear applications components.

SECO/WARWICK is providing the furnace as their 5,000th device.

The tube annealing system
Source: SECO/WARWICK
Piotr Skarbiński
Vice President of Aluminum and CAB Products Segment
SECO/WARWICK
Magnus Mellberg
Production Unit Manager
Alleima
Source: LinkedIn

“Our partnership with SECO/WARWICK has lasted for many years. We are delighted that we could celebrate it in a special way, as our impressively large tube annealing line (over 140 meters long – 460 ft) happens to be the 5,000th SECO/WARWICK device. We feel that together we are creating not only a remarkable history, but also the future as this solution will help us spread our wings,” said Magnus Mellberg, production unit manager at Alleima.

“The furnace was created specifically for this partner’s needs. It will allow them to increase production capacity…This is important as the demand for high-alloy components in this market has increased. It is an unusual construction, verified through analysis and simulations, and implemented in reality. It offers very good technological results after the annealing process,” explained Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Business Segments at the SECO/WARWICK Group.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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All-Metal Hot Zone Furnace for Solar Atmospheres

Solar Atmospheres has expanded its operations with an additional all-metal hot zone furnace. The new system significantly expands the company’s capacity to heat treat highly sensitive materials such as precipitation-hardened stainless steels, nickel-chrome-based superalloys, titanium, and niobium. The new unit is installed at their Hermitage, Pennsylvania facility and will meet the stringent demands of the aerospace and medical industries.

Michael Johnson, Sales Director at Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania, stated: “The all-metal vacuum furnace plays a critical role in delivering the purest possible processing environment. This level of cleanliness and control results in pristine end products that meet the most demanding industry standards. We’re proud to partner with the engineers at Solar Manufacturing to bring this advanced technology to fruition.”

The furnace incorporates strategically placed isolation valves, an oversized main valve, a high-capacity diffusion pump, and a polished stainless-steel chamber. Capable of achieving vacuum levels below 5 x 10⁻⁶ Torr, the system ensures bright, contamination-free results.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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2 CAB Furnaces Commissioned for Auto Manufacturer

Two EV/CAB lines will be installed for a major manufacturer of heat exchangers for trucks, passenger cars, and new energy technologies. The furnaces are designed to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry for the production of components for commercial vehicles and to ensure long-lasting and reliable operation in demanding industrial conditions.

SECO/WARWICK, a supplier of controlled atmosphere brazing technology and more with North American locations, will deliver the two EV/CAB lines: one installation will occur in Mexico and the other in China for the Chinese manufacturer’s in-house heat treat operations.

Piotr Skarbiński
Vice President of Aluminum and CAB Products Segment
SECO/WARWICK

Both lines are modern aluminum brazing solutions dedicated to the production of key cooling system components for electromobility and classic automotive applications. One line has a belt width of 1900 mm, destined for the Chinese location, and was designed for battery cooling plate production, while the Mexican line is 1800 mm wide and will be dedicated to the production of automotive heat exchangers.

“We are proud that one of the leaders in automotive thermal management consistently chooses SECO/WARWICK technology. Our CAB lines…[fulfill] future requirements regarding automation, efficiency and ecology,” commented Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Product Segments at SECO/WARWICK.

The two CAB lines ensure temperature distribution uniformity in the brazing process of wide components. The furnace designs involved a convection preheating chamber, radiant brazing furnace, and cooling zones with air jacket and final cooling.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Aluminum Brazing Furnace Supports Automotive Industry

Weifang Hengtong Radiator is increasing their efficiency and quality of their aluminum plate and bar heat exchangers with a semi-continuous controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) furnace at their in-house heat treat operations.

Piotr Skarbiński
Vice President of Aluminum and CAB Products Segment
SECO/WARWICK

The SECO/WARWICK furnace was specifically designed for the production of plate & bar heat exchangers. The semi-continuous CAB system is based on a multi-stage cycle division. The line includes: a drying furnace, an entry washing chamber, a convection preheating and brazing chamber, an intermediate air seal cooling chamber, and a final direct cooling chamber. The semi-continuous mode ensures that even large-sized components are evenly heated during the proper process time.

“The semi-continuous Universal CAB System ensures shorter cycle time, lower investment costs, and higher process efficiency of each batch. These are the main advantages of the CAB system compared to vacuum brazing furnaces,” says Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Products Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.

The furnace is characterized by high flexibility, allowing the brazing of exchangers of various masses and dimensions in subsequent cycles while maintaining process parameters.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Batch Oven Shipped for Aerospace Exploration

An electrically heated batch oven has been shipped to a leading space exploration company. The custom batch oven will be used to stress relieve titanium parts.

Wisconsin Oven Corporation is providing the stress relieving oven, which includes a powered load/unload table. The oven is designed for a maximum operating temperature of 1250°F and provides temperature uniformity of ±15°F at three set points. Uniformity was verified through a nine (9) point profile test before shipment.

The oven is designed to heat and cool loads up to 1,200 pounds per cycle. Parts are placed on a high strength grid and transferred into the 7’ wide x 10’ long x 3’ high work chamber by an automated pusher/extractor system. After processing, the load is extracted onto the load table where 6 high speed fans direct ambient air upwards across the parts for further cooling.

A top-down airflow system delivers heats air vertically down through the chamber for even distribution across the product load. This oven is capable of meeting the requirements of AMS2750G, Class 3, Instrumentation Type A.

The control system features an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC, a Eurotherm programmable temperature controller with advanced auto-tune, and a Eurotherm digital recorder for precise temperature control and data logging.

Mike Grande, Vice President of Sales, Wisconsin Oven Corporation

“This custom batch oven was designed to deliver exceptional temperature uniformity…and optimized airflow distribution ensures consistent processing and superior part quality,” commented Mike Grande, vice president of Sales for Wisconsin Oven Corporation.

This stress relieving oven was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment from the furnace supplier’s facility. All safety interlocks were checked for proper operation and the equipment was operated at the normal and maximum operating temperatures. This equipment is backed by Wisconsin Oven’s 3-Year WOW™ warranty. 

Press release is available in its original form here.



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Walking Hearth Furnace for Vinton Steel

Vinton Steel, headquartered in Vinton, Texas, has commissioned a new walking hearth reheating furnace. The furnace will be engineered for high-carbon steel billets used to manufacture large-diameter grinding media, a high demand product for the mining sector.

This addition is intended to operate alongside a new initiative to increase Vinton Steel’s rebar production capacity up to 400,000 tons per year. The initiative is called Green CityMill™ Flex, which represents an efficient and sustainable long products production platform.

Francesco Memoli President & CEO Tenova Inc.

“This project is part of the strategic expansion of Kyoei Steel in the vital North American market and a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment to the State of Texas,” said Masahiro Kitada, board director & executive managing officer for Kyoei Steel Group and chairman of Vinton Steel. “With this additional project, we contribute even more to the continued growth of the El Paso region.”

Francesco Memoli, president and CEO of Tenova Inc., added: “We are honored that Vinton Steel continues to place its trust in Tenova’s technologies. This new reheating furnace will be the most advanced of its kind, equipped with sophisticated control systems and our proprietary low-NOx burners.”

The reheating furnace is scheduled for commissioning in parallel with the Green CityMill™ Flex startup in the first half of 2027.

Press release is available in its original form here.



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Gas-Fired Car Bottom Furnace for Heat Treatment

A heat treater in the U.S. Midwest anticipates greater heat treat abilities of ingots with a new gas-fired car bottom furnace. The furnace will be capable of handling both steel and aluminum ingots, with loads up to 150,000lb per cycle.

Arturo Arechavaleta
Vice President, Metal Furnaces
NUTEC Bickley
Source: NUTEC Bickley

NUTEC Bickley designed the furnace to operate across a wide temperature range. The high levels of temperature uniformity to be delivered by the combustion system mean that this furnace will be qualified to undertake AMS2750 compliant surveys.

Arturo Arechavaleta, NUTEC Bickley’s vice president of Metal Furnaces, said: “Our customer for this important project has been serving the industry with a dedicated heat treat facility for many decades, and is a widely recognized and trusted name in steel and aluminum circles.”

The working dimensions of the furnace are 12ft w. by 35ft l. by 14ft 6in h. Normal operational temperatures range between 300°F (150°C) and 1650°F (900°C), with a maximum of 2000°F (1095°C). With burners firing above and below the load, there are 11 automatic control zones (five top, six bottom). The optimum approach to heat treat these heavy loads is pulse firing with variable excess air.

The furnace uses high-velocity nozzle-mix burners in a staggered configuration to fire above and below the load, maximizing heat transfer and providing optimum temperature uniformity. One of the IMPS® (Integrated Multizone Pulsing System) modes is Excess Air Firing. Among other things, it allows control over very low temperature while high turbulence is maintained to achieve temperature distribution.

In the Ratio Firing mode, the air and gas valves pulse in a synchronized pattern, from low to high fire in stoichiometric ratio, to ensure optimal fuel efficiency. This is made possible by using the kinetic energy generated by the flame speed and the rapid transition from low to high fire which increases entrainment and turbulence, thus promoting a better temperature distribution without the need for a high level of excess air.

Press release is available in its original form here.



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