An optical laboratory in northeastern USA will receive a second floor-standing box furnace for heat-treating ceramics and optics used in the medical field.
The L&L Special Furnace Company model XLE 3636 has an effective work zone of 34” wide by 30” high by 32” deep. It features a double pivot horizontal door. The ceramic hearth is supported on lightweight castable piers. A series of heat shields are included to ensure a safe case temperature while at operating temperatures. The furnace is designed for use with inert blanketing gas for atmosphere control to minimize oxidization. A manual flow panel with regulator and flow meter is included.
A Eurotherm program control and high limit safety are standard. The furnace has a stack light mounted to the top of the control panel for an audible and visual indication of current furnace status. Solid-state relays drive the furnace, which is NFPA86 compliant. Startup and training packages are also included to help the customer set up the furnace and process.
Neota Product Solutions, a custom metal injection molding (MIM) manufacturer located in Loveland, Colorado, has recently partnered with a North American heat treat supplier to develop an exclusive sintering partnership.
Jason Osborne President Neota Product Solutions Source: LinkedIn
Neota provides comprehensive MIM solutions from early-stage prototyping to full scale manufacturing. The manufacturer and Solar Atmospheres of Western PA (SAWPA) developed a sintering thermal profile that densifies complex geometric shapes and also controls shrinkage. This results in a solid and strong metallic part, with near 100% density, while maintaining the tight tolerances that are required in their precision components.
Collaborating with Solar Manufacturing, the vacuum furnace production arm of the Solar family, SAWPA recently acquired a vacuum furnace which is engineered to handle MIM processing. The furnace has a work zone of 36” x 36” x 48” and a load capacity of 3,000 pounds.
Robert (Bob) Hill, FASM President Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
"Solar has been a class-act organization and has been instrumental in the aggressive growth of our company," stated Jason Osborne, president of Neota.
"We have sincerely enjoyed our relationship with the Neota team," added Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA stated. "As MIM industry experts, they know what they ultimately want in a finished part. As vacuum thermal processing specialists, we know how to achieve their high temperature processing parameters while not damaging our state-of-the-art vacuum equipment. Investing in our customer’s needs, ultimately results in lasting mutual relationships which become a successful endeavor for both parties."
Alternatives to internal combustion engines have long dominated conversations in the automotive world. Discover why induction heating is playing a vital role in the production of the electric vehicle in this Technical Tuesday original content article written by Michael Zaharof, regional sales and marketing manager at Inductoheat.
This article first appeared inHeat TreatToday's May 2021 Induction print edition. Find the digital upload and other past editions here.
Michael Zaharof Regional Sales and Marketing Manager Inductoheat
The electric vehicle (EV) sector of the automotive market is gaining momentum. Government mandates, fuel economy standards, and increasing consumer interest are all driving the push to EV. Some platforms are further along in the process, while others are just starting to enter the space. Many new ideas and vehicle configurations are being developed to deliver the best alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE).
This industry is learning about the best way to configure drive mechanisms and control acceleration, be it a centralized power source operating a driveline or multiple motors powering different areas of the vehicle. Heat treating the necessary components properly to impart enough strength for the much higher torque delivery is more critical than ever compared to the traditional performance characteristics of those equipped on a standard ICE platform. Induction heating plays a critical role in the EV market as it permits several unique benefits over other thermal processing methods. Whether it is heat treating, shrink fitting, curing, or surface hardening, induction heating is one technology that has already proven itself to be beneficial for the manufacturing of electric vehicles.
Deeper Case Depth
Because of the almost instant torque delivery and fast acceleration characteristics of electric motors, EV driveline components must be more robust to handle the added torsional stresses. Combined with the need for wear resistance and fatigue life, these components must be heat treated to deliver these critical properties.
Induction heat treating of an automotive pinion
The powertrain components generally made with carbon steels (such as bearings, raceways, constant velocity joints, pinions, shafts, hubs, and gears), must be sufficiently hardened to provide enough strength, while remaining ductile enough to prevent premature failure. Induction hardening is ideal in many cases since it can deliver deeper hardened case depths, if desired, compared to other methods like conventional gas carburizing and nitriding. These alternative heat treatment methods must rely on diffusion mechanisms associated with a sustained and prolonged environment.
Alternatively, induction utilizes subsurface heating through electromagnetic current applied to a specified and customizable area achieving the desired casehardened depths. Because heat can be applied quickly to the specific area, electromagnetic induction produces much less metallurgical distortion compared to thermochemical methods that rely on through-heating and diffusion processes at high temperatures, which in some instances eliminates or diminishes the need for post heat treatment grinding or machining.
Fast & Flexible
The speed of manufacturing is an essential factor in keeping a supply chain moving and having enough product available. Many manufacturers and automotive part suppliers have adopted just in time (JIT) manufacturing workflow methodologies to increase speed to market while controlling production and inventory costs.
Induction heating of an automotive CV inner race
Induction hardening allows for parts to be processed as needed and in a way that does not require hours of processing time in contrast to alternative thermochemical heat treating methods. Because of the constant flow of individual parts and almost instantaneous time to heat, production can be incremental and consistent while still being flexible enough to adjust rates as needed. This flexibility and lean approach to inventory management can be more difficult when batches of parts are being processed together.
Also, because material distortion after induction heat treatment can be much lower, as previously mentioned, post-heat-treatment manufacturing operations can be reduced or eliminated.
Single Part Flow: Repeatability & Traceability
Part process flow is an important consideration when repeatability and traceability become essential, like in automotive manufacturing. When multiple parts are being processed simultaneously, such as in a furnace operation, individual parts cannot be validated while the heat treatment is in process. The part variability in batch operations can be impacted by part spacing, location in the furnace, gas concentration, and temperature from one batch to another.
Many quality standards require tight control of the heating process and data collection during heat treatment to ensure that acceptable parts are being made. Induction heating allows precise monitoring and real-time evaluation of each stage in the heat treat process. The parameters of the process cycle – such as quench temperature, quench concentration percentage, quench pressure, quench flow, energy used, frequency, and part rotation – are just some of the points that can be analyzed by today’s sophisticated sensors and signature monitoring systems.
Signature monitoring system by Inductoheat
Some of the more advanced monitoring systems, like those offered by Inductoheat, allow the user to “teach” the induction machine what a “good part” signature looks like as all the data points of the process are plotted throughout the cycle and compared to established acceptable limits. As the process runs in production, the user can validate that all critical factors being monitored are in specification.
In the event of an issue in which one or more points are out of specification, the part will be rejected by the quality system. The cycle processing data can be instantly associated with each heattreated piece through part marking/reading or the most suitable such as radio frequency identification (RFID),u for example, for storage and later use by the manufacturer.
Environmentally Friendly
Induction heating uses electricity as its means of heat generation. Other methods such as carburizing and different batch heating processes employ gases such as ammonia and other chemicals in conjunction with fossil fuel-powered furnaces. Induction heating is considered a clean and environmentally friendly option for heattreating.
The process uses electrical energy and can quickly cycle through the desired operation and then sit idle until needed again. Most alternative systems require warm-up and cooldown time before and after production runs. In some cases, it is less expensive to keep the furnace running while continuing to burn natural resources and vent exhaust gases into the environment compared to shutting the system down in between uses.
More Efficient
Induction heating is a fast and efficient operation and can be scaled up easily to meet production requirements. Induction heating machines generally take up much less floor space than gas-powered batch furnaces. As mentioned above, they can be operated when needed without lengthy preheat or cooldown sequences.
Induction heating is associated with greater heat intensity, transferring more power directly to the workpiece in a concentrated fashion, compared to most other methods that rely on heating a surrounding environment. Induction coils can be designed to apply the required current density into an exact area of the part to be heat-treated instead of heating the entire piece.
The induction process is also more efficient as energy output can be controlled precisely to apply only the necessary power needed to obtain the desired temperature profiles at the desired production rate.
Induction heating of an automotive input shaft
Conclusion
Induction heating is a proven and environmentally friendly process that has a long history of precision and repeatability. The ability to heat parts quickly and more effectively is why many companies have opted for induction heating over other heat treat methods. Some other popular applications utilizing induction heating employed in EV production include shrink fitting, brazing, bonding, curing, battery production, stamping, forming, and varnishing of motor components.
Induction heating technologies are also dynamic, changing every day to meet new requirements and manufacturing goals. The use of multiple power levels and frequencies from a single induction inverter is one such innovation changing how some parts are being engineered and produced. Induction heating is a solution that will continue to assist the automotive manufacturing industry for years to come.
About the Author: Michael Zaharof is a regional sales and marketing manager at Inductoheat in Madison Heights, Michigan. He has been with the company since 2011 and has worked in the sales application, digital media marketing and outside sales departments. Michael has a bachelor of computer science in Information System Security. Michael currently works with customers in several states with their induction heat treating and induction forging needs.
Heat TreatToday would like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day as you spend time with loved ones and reflect on the sacrifice that men and women gave to protect this nation in the hopes of it becoming a more perfect union. From the Civil War origins to the World War I symbolic adoption of poppies to Congressional affirmation of the permeant holiday as "Memorial Day," we are grateful for this moment to take a rest and give humble thanks to those now past.
Global commercial heat treater with 17 locations in North America, Aalberts Surface Technologies Heat in Kalisz (Poland), will receive a vacuum furnace with nitrogen quenching and an atmosphere furnace at their specialized commercial hardening plant. This expansion of its production line builds on their acquisition of a high vacuum furnace at their Dutch branch in Eindhoven last year.
The new SECO/WARWICK furnaces, added to the furnace that they had supplied last year, will create a production line that will be used for successive vacuum carburizing (LPC) and gas quenching (with the new CaseMaster Evolution-T vacuum furnace, or CMe-T furnace), followed by annealing (with the new BREW atmosphere furnace) to reduce the internal stress of the treated metals. Performing so many processes is possible thanks to the combination of vacuum technology with atmosphere technology.
The commercial heat treater believes that this expansion in capabilities will progress their mission. "According to our mission statement," said Wojciech Matczak, plant manager at Aalberts Surface Technologies Heat Kalisz, "‘Best-in-class’ is not about our core technologies but about our commitment to do everything we can to make our clients successful."
Maciej Korecki Vice President of the Vacuum Furnace Segment SECO/WARWICK (source: SECO/WARWICK)
The three-chamber CaseMaster Evolution-T furnace has 1 ton per batch capacity and an annual output of up to 2,000 tons of parts. It can replace 3 conventional atmosphere furnaces. Additionally, it has fast cooling nitrogen chamber, achieving results similar to helium and oil cooling, creating an environmentally friendly system. Using the nitrogen taken from and discharged to the air eliminates both the use of expensive and difficult to obtain helium and harmful quenching oil. This makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions by 300 tons annually, which is the amount generated by three standard atmosphere furnaces.
“Aalberts Surface Technologies Heat had special requirements," explained Maciej Korecki, VP, of the Vacuum Business Segment at SECO/WARWICK, "regarding the components and solutions used, and thus [the vacuum furnace] will replace the existing semi-continuous processes under protective atmosphere followed by oil quenching with complete vacuum heat treatment with low pressure carburizing and nitrogen quenching (25 bar!), delivering process precision and repeatability. . ."
The second furnace, the BREW 6810 solution, will make it possible to perform the annealing process immediately after vacuum carburizing. It can operate between 572 and 1382°F (300 and 750°C) and is equipped with a system to enable treatment under nitrogen atmosphere, preventing oxidation on the heat-treated workpieces.
In a special Heat TreatRadio series, 40 Under 40 winners from the class of 2020 respond with their stories and insights of their life and work in the heat treat industry. This episode features the stories of Jamie Kuriger, Scott Cumming, and Shawn Orr.
Below, you can listen to the podcast by clicking on the audio play button and read a few excerpts from this episode.
"[I] Met a lot of different people, a lot of different industries where you typically wouldn't think that, on an everyday basis, that there'd be a need for heat treating, but that's kind of the cool thing about this industry."
"It [Covid-19] has made us have to diversify, look for new industries, look for new opportunities. . . We're seeing many many emerging markets, which I'm excited about."
"I'm blessed to be a part of this industry because it's, you know, it's able to be resilient. And the fact that there's still metal that needs to be heat treated, there's still so many opportunities."
"I was absolutely amazed at the range of products being treated. Maybe I was a bit naïve to how many products actually received some sort of thermal processing, from teeny screws all the way up to some giant crank shaft."
"As the younger generation, we must continue to question why things have been done a certain way. There's been many cases where I have been speaking with somebody about their current process, and ask how they've developed it. The response: that's the way it's always been done. In some cases, they don't even know why they're doing something a certain way. I love to find ways to improve and simplify processes and prove the old way is not always the best way."
"Prior to my involvement in the heat treating industry, I did not realize the material property benefits that heat can introduce for different materials."
"In recent years, things like digital communications, like ethernet IP, have been adopted by the industry giving better access to data from the furnace."
A specialty tungsten alloy products manufacturer in the eastern United States will receive a high temperature pusher furnace.
The furnace, from Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, is designed for high temperature sintering with operating temperature capabilities up to 2750°F (1510°C). The system is electrically heated using molybdenum elements and utilizes the latest in refractory materials for efficient operation.
The pusher system processes trays 8” wide x 12” long under 100% hydrogen atmosphere and includes an automated return conveyor for effective loading and unloading.
Gasbarre was selected as the equipment provider based on their knowledge of high temperature sintering and ability to service and support the client.
Induction is a curious member in the family of heat treating. Its presence is valuable, yet there’s a mystery surrounding it that has even veteran heat treaters exploring it to gain understanding. Journey through this induction hardening primer to learn about this important misfit of the heat treating world.
This Heat Treat Today Technical Tuesday original content feature, written by Kyle Hummel, P.E., COO at Contour Hardening, first appeared in Heat Treat Today's May 2021 Induction print edition. Feel free to contact Karen Gantzer at karen@heattreattoday.com if you have a question, comment, or any editorial contribution you’d like to submit.
In the world of heat treat, induction hardening just doesn’t fit in. There is no big furnace, cycle times are a matter seconds, and the entire process takes place right before your eyes rather than behind the walls of a furnace chamber. Many heat treaters have one old induction machine sitting in the corner of the shop floor, with one remaining employee who knows how to operate it.
Induction is different than all other types of heat treatment, and even many metallurgists shy away from the "black magic" that occurs during the process. When I ask customers how familiar they are with induction hardening, they usually state that they have seen it before, mention something about a coil, but that’s about the extent of their knowledge.
The purpose of this article is to give readers, who are not familiar with the induction hardening process, some background on the fundamental aspects and terminology of the process. The information encompasses the most common questions I am asked by new customers as well as information I would provide in training new employees. My hope is that it will give you enough familiarity with the process to become more comfortable engaging in a conversation about induction hardening.
Why Use Induction?
Selective hardening – Induction allows you to harden only the desired portion of a part, whereas most furnace-based heat treat processes treat the entire component. This means you can harden the particular area that you want to harden, while leaving the rest of the component soft enough to machine further.
Strength – Not only does the part become harder, but the stress (called residual compressive stress) that is induced into the part will make it stronger. Other processes can meet the improved wear resistance of the added hardness but fail to strengthen the part at all, or not as much as induction hardening.
Single piece flow– Because induction hardening is not a batch process (typically one part is hardened at a time), induction machines can be placed in a manufacturing cell, allowing the process flow to be uninterrupted.
Induction hardening in action
Equipment and Tooling
Induction Hardening Machine – Systems will vary significantly in size and complexity depending on the components they are hardening. The primary components of the machine consist of a power supply, heat station (transformer), workstation, and HMI. The fluids system is composed of quenchant to cool the part being hardened and distilled water to cool the internal components of the machine. Heat time, power supply output, part rotation, and quenchant parameters should be controlled, monitored, and logged for each part.
Power Supplies – Power supplies are the most important component of the induction hardener. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the two most important outputs of the power supply, frequency and power.
Frequency is important because it will help determine the depth of heating. Lower frequencies heat deeper into the part, and higher frequencies heat closer to the surface. To remember this, I like to use the analogy of whales using very low frequency calls to communicate over miles and miles of ocean, whereas the high-pitched squeak of a mouse can only be heard several feet away. For induction hardening, frequencies are split into two groups: medium frequency (MF) and radio frequency (RF). The MF range is typically from 3-50kHz, and RF is from 100-400kHz.
Power is important because it will determine how large of a part you can harden, and how long the heat time will need to be. The more power that a machine can output, the larger the part it can harden and the faster it can harden to a specified case depth. Typical power supply outputs for induction hardening range from 25kW to 1MW.
Coils – The induction coil is a copper conductor that is shaped in order to harden the specified area of the part. The current that flows through the coil is what produces the magnetic field, which in turn heats the part. Coils are typically part specific, since they need to be precisely constructed to heat a particular portion of the part.
Modern induction coils are water cooled and can be made of tubing or machined copper pieces that are brazed together to make a particular shape to fit the part. They are frequently equipped with sections of a material called flux intensifier, which helps to drive the magnetic field in a certain direction in order to intensify heating in that area and make the coil more efficient.
It is also common to have the quenching designed into the coil (machine integral quench, or MIQ) so that quenchant can be applied immediately after heating without the need to move the part to an auxiliary quench mechanism.
Process Basics
Single Shot– Single shot hardening is the most common method of induction hardening where the part and coil remain in the same spot during the heating process. Typically, the part is brought into proximity of the coil, the heating and quenching processes are applied to the part, and then the part is removed from the coil.
Scanning – Scanning involves heating and quenching a small portion of the part while moving either the coil or the part until the desired area is hardened. Quench is directionally applied to the part so that as a new portion of the part is heated, the previously heated section is being quenched appropriately. Scanning is frequently used to harden shafts because heating the entire shaft at once would require too much power.
Dual Frequency – Dual frequency hardening combines the benefits of the deeper heating of the lower MFs with the surface heating capabilities of higher RFs. By utilizing two different frequencies, it is possible to contour the hardening pattern more effectively on gear-like components, which further improves the strength of the part. The frequencies can either be applied consecutively (low frequency preheat followed by a high frequency final heat) or simultaneously.
Induction Tempering – Induction can also be used to complete the temper process in a few seconds rather than furnace tempering which could take hours. Induction tempering takes place after the hardening process and involves heating the part to a much lower temperature than is required during hardening. The targeted temperature for induction temper is higher than that of furnace tempering due to the decreased temper time. This softens the hardened area slightly in order to increase the toughness of the part and improve crack susceptibility.
Quenching – The quench process is just as important as the heating process with induction hardening. Almost all modern systems use a water/polymer quenchant mixture in the range of 5-20% polymer instead of using oils. The quench media is typically sprayed on to the part rather than submerging it into a bath. Quench concentration, temperature, flow, and pressure must all be monitored closely for a robust process. These parameters all function to guarantee that the part is quenched properly and consistently to ensure the correct hardness is achieved and crack susceptibility is minimized. Quench media must also be filtered to remove any process waste that could potentially clog the quench spray holes.
Inspection – Like most other forms of heat treatment, the two most common specifications with induction hardening are case depth and hardness. Most specifications will require surface hardness measurements along with effective case depths to determine the depth of hardening.
Materials – The most common materials to be induction hardened are medium to high carbon and alloy steels, cast irons, and powder metal. Induction is also becoming a popular heat treat method on certain stainless steels in different industries.
Induction hardening in action
What to Look Out For
Cracking – The rapid expansion of the part during heating followed by shrinkage from the accelerated cooldown during quenching increases crack susceptibility of induction hardened parts. Not all parts have a high risk of cracking, but part characteristics such as internal holes, sharp edges, and certain higher carbon materials will require more consideration. If cracking is an issue, the first two areas to investigate are overheating and quench severity. Reducing the quench severity (increasing quench temperature and concentration, reducing flow and pressure) is typically the most effective means of reducing cracking within an induction hardened part.
Distortion – Another side effect of the rapid expansion and contraction is part distortion. It is impossible to not distort the part with induction hardening due to the phase changes in the metal. However, with a robust and carefully monitored process, it is possible to minimize and accurately predict process distortion. Faster heating times and technical expertise in fixturing methods are two common methods to reduce distortion.
Conclusion
Although this information just begins to scratch the surface of the terminology and fundamentals of the process, hopefully it provides a starting point to those with limited experience. Like many other forms of heat treatment, it can take years to develop the knowledge and skills to gain expertise in induction hardening. I have been involved in induction for almost fifteen years, and I find there is always a new application that gives me the opportunity to learn even more.
About the Author: Kyle Hummel is a licensed Professional Engineer who has worked for Contour Hardening for 15 years as a metallurgical engineer and currently manages operations of Contour’s Indianapolis location.
For more information, contact Kyle at khummel@contourhardening.com or 317.876.1530 ext. 333
We are living in a volatile and ever-changing world right now— on many fronts. And so, when April's Industrial Heating Equipment Association’s (IHEA) Executive EconomicSummary begins, "Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it," it causes one to pause. There have been areas of growth during the early months of 2021, but as the report states, "With growth come the challenges of growth. . ."
The demand for steel has been spiking and as a result the prices have been trending up as well. (Data courtesy of IHEA)
"Everything in this month’s report points to further growth and that is good except when it isn’t," the summary continues. What can challenge economic growth? Inflation and the three planks of inflation are commodity price hikes, wage hikes, and overall increase in money supply. Because of the growth, "the inflation threats are here to stay for a while." While the time frame isn't known, the two drivers that will contribute to its longevity or brevity are demand and supply. The report explains, "The demand side is pushing inflation for the moment – there is too much for the producers to keep pace with. The suppliers were not ready for this level of demand and remain a little cautious as far as how long that demand holds." It appears that the demand is real and that production will ramp up to meet the demand.
The one potential sticky point may be the money supply driver for inflation mentioned earlier. The economic report continues, "In normal circumstances there is a limit to inflation tolerance that stems from the willingness and ability to pay the higher prices." So, either the consumer has the means to pay the higher price or he deems it too high and will forgo the purchase. But today, with "close to $5.5 trillion in excess savings worldwide. . . the consumer will complain about the higher price, but then they will shrug their collective shoulders and pay anyway because they want the good or service offered and they have the money to pay for it. Those that will be left behind will be those that don’t have the money set aside or lack the ability to increase their personal money supply – the fixed income consumer and the company that is locked into their current pricing structure."
Copper, steel, aluminum and nearly everything else has seen sharp hikes to near record levels. The main reason for the price surge has been demand in excess of what had been predicted coupled with producers remaining on the cautious side. (Data courtesy of IHEA)
The report concludes with the expectation, barring no unexpected crisis, that "inflation pressures will ease by the end of the summer or early fall as the producers catch up with demand. This is the season of hurricanes and storms capable of creating issues that cascade through the markets and there is more fragility in the system than has normally been the case."
Check out the full report to see specific index growth and analysis which is available to IHEA member companies. For membership information, and a full copy of the 12-page report, contact Anne Goyer, executive director of the Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA). Email Anne by clicking here.
Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.
Equipment Chatter
Foundrax Engineering Products Ltd, global Brinell test specialist, has launched the “BRINscope Duo”, a patent-pending, dual-illumination, hand-held microscope for measuring indentation diameters.
TAV VACUUM FURNACES SPA received an order for a horizontal vacuum heat treatment furnace for a Brazilian company who specializes in different heat treatments (including quenching, cementation, nitriding) for the engineering industry.
Foundrax MD Alex Austin is seen in discussion with Duo designer Lewis Buckle, talking about “uncertainty of measurement” – or a different way of dealing with the issue of accuracy of measurement.
Product shot of the BRINscope Duo
Personnel/Company Chatter
Mark Hemsath, former vice president of SECO/VACUUM Technologies LLC, is joining Nitrex’s Heat Treating Services Sales division. He will be taking on the role of vice president of Sales Heat Treating Services, Americas.
Zachary Thomas will be assuming the role of outside sales manager at Solar Atmospheres of Western PA. He will be reporting directly to their sales director, Mike Johnson.
AFC-Holcroft launched “AFC-Holcroft University,” a training program for all employees. This training offers their entire staff, including those in non-technical roles, the opportunity to learn more about the company, products, and technology.
Ipsen is offering on-site Ipsen U courses to accommodate large groups at client facilities. Ipsen U is a course designed to teach heat treatment fundamentals, best practices and new methods.
Rockford Systems, LLC, dba Rockford Combustion Solutions, is broadening its portfolio of offerings to include field service throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Throughput Consulting Inc., a leading Manufacturing Execution and Quality Management System software provider, hired Joe Coleman as its new cyber security officer to assist customers and their vendors in achieving compliance of NIST 800-171, CMMC and DFARS. He will be working with the Bluestreak™ team towards this end.
Mark Hemsath, Vice-President of Sales Heat Treating Services, Americas, Nitrex
Mike Johnson, Sales Director (left), with Zachary Thomas (right) in front of the 48 foot vacuum furnace.
Tracy Dougherty at the first session of AFC-Holcroft’s internal training program
Ipsen offers Ipsen U courses for clients
Joe Coleman, Cyber Security Officer, Throughput Consulting Inc.
Kudos Chatter
Nitrex launched their new website to reflect their company’s values and brand.
Solar Atmospheres Greenville, SC facility has been awarded Aerojet Rocketdyne approval, their second aerospace prime approval of 2021.
Berndorf AG, parent company to AFC-Holcroft, graduated its 2020/2021 class of its Berndorf Academy, an exclusive, yearlong management training offered to select employees chosen from the corporation’s global subsidiaries. AFC-Holcroft’s Jason Crook, electrical engineering manager, was one of the graduates.
Newage Testing Instruments announced the launch of its new webshop, www.store.ametekstc.com to shop for hardness testing accessories such as test blocks, indenters, and anvils that can be used with both Newage’s products as well as other Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and Knoop hardness testing and microhardness testing systems.
ECM Technologies was recognized as one of the companies who is leading the way towards a better, brighter, greener future. ECM’s ECO Furnace was presented the Green Business Award for accomplishing a cleaner, safer, and more efficient operation in the heat treat industry; more specifically the environment benefits from a low carbon footprint (energy consumption is minimal and CO2 emissions are near 80% less).
Nitrex introduces their new website
Solar Atmospheres Greencille, SC awarded Aerojet Rockdyne approval
AFC-Holcroft’s Jason Crook, electrical engineering manager, graduated from yearlong management program. (Photo: bottom left)
ECM’s ECO Furnace was presented the Green Business Award
Ametek announced Newage Testing Instruments new website
Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to bethany@heattreattoday.com.
An optical laboratory in northeastern USA will receive a second floor-standing box furnace for heat-treating ceramics and optics used in the medical field.
