ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS

Continuous CAB Line Production Boosts Capacity

/ ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, BRAZING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A manufacturer specializing in advanced thermal management solutions has expanded its production capabilities with the delivery of a new continuous controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) line. The system will support increased output of high-performance cooling components such as heat dissipation plates for data centers and cold plates for electric vehicles, while also serving demand across aviation, photovoltaics, and rail transport.

The company, a Chinese manufacturer focused on temperature control platforms and cooling systems, is investing in the continuous CAB line to strengthen production capacity and support growing demand for compact, high-efficiency thermal management technologies.

The CAB line, supplied by SECO/WARICK — a global thermal processing equipment manufacturer with operations in North America — features a 1,000mm (39.2 in) belt width and is designed to process multiple product types, including 3D vapor chambers and cold plates. The system includes a dry-off oven for part preparation, a radiation brazing furnace operating in a controlled atmosphere, a clean-out chamber to stabilize internal conditions, an air-jacketed cooling chamber, and a final cooling chamber. An integrated control system enables centralized operation and process management across all stages.

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

“What makes this project unique is the ability to braze two distinct product groups — 3D-VC (3d vapor chambers) and cold plates — on a single line,” said Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Products Segment at SECO/WARWICK. Through tailored throughput calculations and a customized cooling configuration, the system is engineered to deliver temperature uniformity and repeatable process control — factors essential to producing high-quality components for modern electronics and power systems, he adds.

As AI servers, EV systems, and advanced electronics generate increasing heat on compact surfaces, reliable aluminum brazing technologies remain essential to delivering performance, durability, and efficiency in next-generation thermal management systems.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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JUPALCO Expands Aluminum Coil Annealing Capacity

/ ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ANNEALING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Jupiter Aluminum Industries (JUPALCO), part of the Jupiter Group, has ordered two aluminum coil annealing furnaces to support production at its rolling mill operations, strengthening capacity and consistency for flat-rolled aluminum products serving automotive, construction, and packaging markets. The investment reflects continued global demand for advanced aluminum heat treating capacity.

The furnaces, slated for installation at JUPALCO’s rolling mill operations in India, are designed to handle large aluminum coils, with a maximum outside diameter of 2,600mm, widths up to 2,300mm, and a total gross load capacity of 93.6 metric tons. Multi-zone chamber configurations and advanced control systems are engineered to deliver precise temperature uniformity and repeatable annealing results across high-volume production runs.

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

The equipment will be supplied by SECO/WARWICK, a furnace supplier with North American locations, and incorporates the company’s Vortex 2.0 aluminum coil annealing technology, which uses high-velocity airflow to improve heat transfer, shorten cycle times, and reduce the risk of localized overheating. The design also supports energy-efficient operation while maintaining tight temperature tolerances throughout the annealing process.

According to Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the CAB and Aluminum Products Segment at the SECO/WARWICK Group, the Vortex 2.0 is designed with a system of appropriately directed nozzles that support consistent aluminum processing while reducing cycle times and energy consumption.

The Indian market for flat-rolled aluminum products is growing rapidly, with its value expected to rise from USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 12 billion by 2035. Investments by manufacturers like JUPALCO in new rolling mills highlight both the domestic growth potential and the wider demand for advanced annealing technologies in global markets.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Exclusive License Brings Bell Furnace Quenching Systems to North America

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS

Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems announced the expansion of its modular furnace offerings for the North American market through an exclusive licensing agreement with SOLO Swiss SA. The agreement grants Gasbarre rights to manufacture, promote, and sell a ProfiTherm® modular bell furnace system, strengthening Gasbarre’s equipment portfolio for commercial and captive heat treat operations serving a range of industrial markets.

Source: Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems

The licensed system is a modular arrangement of bell furnaces and quench tanks that enables direct, rapid transfer from furnace to quench. The configuration is positioned as a practical alternative to traditional integral quench batch furnaces, particularly for operations seeking greater flexibility and reduced infrastructure requirements.

Designed with a compact footprint, the system minimizes installation complexity by eliminating the need for pits and reducing overall plant disruption. A metallic retort design supports faster furnace conditioning and quicker process changeovers while limiting refractory exposure to process gases to help extend refractory life. The system also eliminates many traditional internal nickel-alloy material handling components — such as roller rails, chain guides, and handler heads — reducing consumable wear, downtime, and the risk of furnace jams while simplifying service access.

The ProfiTherm system supports a wide range of heat treating processes, including austermpering, marquenching, carburizing, carbonitriding, and neutral hardening, with quench options that include water/polymer, oil, and salt. Typical parts processed include gears, pinions, and sprockets, bearing components such as races, rings, and rollers; shafts, hubs, couplings, and yokes; high-strength pins and fasteners; and general industrial wear and drive components. Target applications include captive heat treat departments and commercial shops serving general industry, aerospace, defense, and bearing markets.

Press release is available in its original form here. Additional information provided by Gasbarre.
Featured image shows (from left to right) Dan Hill, product development manager of Gasbarre; Ben Gasbarre, EVP sales & marketing of Gasbarre; David Salerno, CEO of SOLO; and David Howard , sales director of SOLO.

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Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Expands Burst Capacity

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS

A Tier 1 automotive supplier maintained uninterrupted production during a planned maintenance shutdown by leveraging outsourced burst heat treating capacity from Bluewater Thermal Solutions, supporting continued deliveries to OEM clients during an extended holiday production period. The temporary capacity expansion helped limit supply chain disruption while highlighting the role of flexible heat treating resources in automotive manufacturing.

Bluewater Thermal Solutions’ St. Marys, Pennsylvania, facility, provided the support, which rapidly scaled production to meet the client’s stringent automotive requirements while the supplier’s in-house heat treating operations were offline. The effort allowed production schedules to remain intact during the shutdown.

“Our ability to scale quickly while meeting stringent automotive requirements highlights the strength of our operating model and our commitment to customer success,” said Jason Hanes, general manager at Bluewater Thermal Solutions. “We’re proud to serve as a reliable partner when customers need flexible capacity without compromising quality.”

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Haynes Advances Alloy Production with New Radial Forging Line

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ANNEALING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, FORGING NEWS

Haynes International Inc., has commissioned a new hydraulic radial forging line to increase its production of nickel- and cobalt-based alloys, serving markets such as aerospace and chemical processing in the United States. The integrated plant investment, which includes a forging machine, reheating and annealing systems, and automated material handling, is expected to improve production efficiency, metallurgical quality, and responsiveness to global demand while supporting growth in high-performance alloy manufacturing.

Slated for completion in 2027, the project features the SMX 800 / 25 MN hydraulic radial forging machine with a combined total pressing force of 100 MN, enabling direct conversion of ingots into billets and bars tailored for critical applications. The new line also incorporates cutting, loading, unloading, and bar finishing equipment to create a fully integrated solution that boosts throughput and supports advanced alloy processing.

Visualization of a radial forging line from SMS group, similar to the one to be installed at Haynes International’s Kokomo site in Indiana
Source: SMS group
Thomas Winterfeldt
Head of Forging Plants
SMS group

Supplied by SMS group, the radial forging line includes modern reheating and annealing furnaces designed to meet rigorous AMS 2750 temperature uniformity and tolerance standards, low-NOx burners to help maintain emissions below applicable environmental limits, and an integrated control system to manage production sequences with minimal operator intervention. Software tools, including Comforge®, will help optimize forging strategies based on real-time material behavior to improve yield and consistency.

At the core of the new capability is energy-efficient hydraulic technology that reduces installed electrical power requirements by roughly 50 percent while maintaining constant pressing force and precise process control. These features enable Haynes to deliver high-performance alloy products more efficiently while maintaining metallurgical quality to serve expanding needs in aerospace and other advanced industrial sectors.

Thomas Winterfeldt, head of forging plants at SMS group, said the project reflects a continued focus on pushing the limits of capability and efficiency in forging technology to meet material requirements in aerospace applications.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Draw Batch Oven Shipped for Aerospace and Military Application

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, TEMPERING NEWS

A United States military base will receive an electrically heated draw batch oven for use in heat treating aerospace components. The industrial oven was engineered to meet critical safety requirements and the stringent demands of aerospace heat treating.

Electrically heated draw batch oven to heat various steel parts for aerospace components. Source: Wisconsin Oven Corporation
Doug Christiansen, Senior Application Engineer of Wisconsin Oven Corporation

Manufactured by Wisconsin Oven Corporation, the system features combination-style airflow that delivers both horizontal and vertical upward heat flow to ensure optimal heating rates and consistent temperature distribution across the product. Temperature uniformity has been verified through a Class 1 Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) conducted in accordance with pyrometry specification AMS 2750H, with achieved uniformity of ±5°F at 200°F, 700°F, and 1200°F.

“This draw batch oven was designed with additional safety features for operators, tight uniformity, and compliance standards required by the U.S. Military. The temperature uniformity survey was performed prior to shipment to verify compliance with AMS 2750H Class 1 requirements,” said Doug Christiansen, senior application engineer.

The oven features “can” style construction with a heavy plate exterior and six inches of high-temperature insulation for durability and thermal efficiency. A custom portable load/unload cart allows operators to stage the load before heating and remove it for cooling.

The UL508A-certified control panel includes a Eurotherm 3504 programmable temperature controller with advanced auto-tune and Ethernet communication. It also features a high-limit instrument to prevent over-temperature conditions, along with low-voltage calibration TC jack plugs and a variable frequency drive for the recirculation blower.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Fringe Friday: Global System Chooses Furnace for Fire Tests

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Global System, a manufacturer specializing in the production of fire-resistant doors, shutters, and smoke curtains, is adding a furnace from a well-known heat treat solutions manufacturer. The device will be used to carry out fire resistance tests for building products in accordance with the standard temperature curve. Critically, it has the ability to test solutions intended for both industrial and private use, enabling them to significantly increase competitiveness and productivity.

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

The contract covers the delivery of a vertical fire test furnace. This includes a flue gas purification system, a complete set of equipment, installation, commissioning, and staff training.

The furnace, supplied by SECO/WARWICK, enables advanced testing at temperatures reaching up to 1200°C (2192°F), in accordance with current fire resistance standards, which are applicable in both commercial building and maritime construction.

“The device may, in the future, support certification processes which the Partner is considering as their next development step,” says Mariusz Raszewski, Deputy Director of the Aluminum and Atmospheric Solutions Sales Division at SECO/WARWICK. He continues, “Laboratory furnaces for fire resistance testing in various configurations are intended for testing the fire resistance of suspended ceilings, vision panels, walls, columns and other structural elements. These tests are crucial for delivering safe construction solutions to the market.”

Mariusz Raszewski, Deputy Director of the Aluminum and Atmospheric Solutions Sales Division at SECO/WARWICK (Source: LinkedIn)
Łukasz Jeleński, Technical Director of Global System sp. z o.o. (Source: LinkedIn)

“Safety and property protection are priorities in every facility. Global System provides fire protection solutions for various types of buildings — from residential and public utility structures to production halls and warehouses…. The device will allow us to conduct advanced product development research, including analysis of resistance to high temperatures and the impact of various fire conditions. Thanks to this, Global System will be able to further improve its products, increasing their safety and durability,” emphasized Łukasz Jeleński, Technical Director of Global System sp. z o.o.

He continued, “The furnace from SECO/WARWICK will allow us to test the properties of our products, and in the future, to apply for their certification. This is a big step in the company’s development. Additionally, having our own research facilities will enable us to carry out fire tests much faster and shorten the time to market for new solutions.”

The technology of fire testing furnaces is gaining popularity among building material manufacturers, as evidenced by SECO/WARWICK’s supply of a similar device to the French building materials giant KNAUF SAS. Several years ago, the company also supplied ALUPROF with a fire resistance test furnace. The SECO/WARWICK system allows the Partner to test new products, such as windows, doors, and façade systems before they are introduced to the market.

According to the State Fire Service, the highest number of fires in recent years was recorded in 2022 (93,453 incidents), which was an increase of more than 44% compared to 2021 (64,730). In the public utility buildings segment, the number of fires remained around 1,200–1,300 cases per year. Encouragingly, there has been a clear downward trend in fires in residential buildings from 2021 (20,633) to 2024 (16,656). The level for production and warehouse buildings has been relatively stable. In both cases, the number of fires did not exceed 1,500 per year. This shows just how important it is to raise public awareness of the crucial role fire protection systems play in buildings; implementation can contribute to improving safety.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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ArcelorMittal to Boost Electrical Steel Output

/ ANNEALING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ENERGY HEAT TREAT NEWS

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

/ ANNEALING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, COOLING SYSTEMS NEWS

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

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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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