HARDENING NEWS

New Vacuum Furnace Supports Aerospace Heat Treating at U.S. Facility

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

A U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer is expanding its heat treat capabilities for bearing components with the addition of vacuum heat treatment processes, including high-pressure gas quenching and low-pressure carburizing. The move supports increasing production capacity, process quality, and operational flexibility.

Image Credit: SECO/WARWICK

SECO/WARWICK has supplied a Vector vacuum furnace equipped with a 15-bar absolute high-pressure gas quenching system that has been customized to meet the client’s requirements by integrating the low-pressure carburizing (LPC) option. With a working zone of 900 mm x 900 mm x 1200 mm (36 in x 36 in x 48 in), the system is designed to process large loads, including parts with critical dimensions, while maintaining cleanliness and parameter repeatability.

The furnace configuration includes a cylindrical heating chamber that ensures temperature uniformity of ±5°C (±10°F). A convection heating system improves heat transfer at lower temperatures, while directional gas quenching enables better process control for components with more complex geometries.

Operating under vacuum conditions, the system helps limit sublimation of alloying elements from the load surface, while the gas quenching system provides a maximum quenching pressure of up to 15 bar abs. It is complemented by the LPC option, enabling precise surface hardening within a single, integrated technological cycle.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of the Vacuum Segment
SECO/WARWICK Group

“In this project, the [client] was looking for a solution that would combine a large working area, a short delivery time, and an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Vector meets these expectations, and thanks to the LPC option and advanced quench control, it gives users great flexibility in processing a wide range of components,” emphasizes Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at the SECO/WARWICK Group.

The installation enhances the manufacturer’s ability to meet stringent aerospace requirements while increasing throughput for heat treated bearing components used in demanding operating environments.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Andis Vacuum Furnace Controls Get An Upgrade

/ CONTROLS NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Andis Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of grooming tools, has completed a controls upgrade on a vacuum heat treat furnace used for hardening components. The upgrade supports continued operation of a system critical to its production.

Andis Company finalized a PLC system overhaul on its ECM FLEX vacuum furnace, transitioning from an aging S7-300 processor and Profibus network to a newer S7-1500 series processor with Profinet communication. The upgrade also included remote input/output integration across the system. ECM USA supported the project planning and on-site execution, with the work completed on schedule and with minimal disruption to production.

The three-cell hardening modular furnace operates at approximately 950°C (1724°F) and includes a 20-bar gas quench, along with loading/unloading automation. Installed roughly 15 years ago to replace molten salt baths, the system supports clean heat treatment to avoid part discoloration and reduce the need for post-heat treat cleaning. The furnace remains central to Andis’s Wisconsin operations.

Tom Hoffelder
Director of Manufacturing Support and Innovation
Andis Company

The upgrade was initiated in 2025 following end-of-support announcements for legacy controls. “In 2025, we determined that we needed to fully replace the CPUs in our ECM vacuum heat treat system after Siemens announced end-of-support for significant portions of the controls,” said Tom Hoffelder, director of manufacturing support and innovation at Andis Company. “Because reliable day-to-day operation of our heat treat system is critical to our business, we worked closely [with ECM] to define the project scope and map out the execution plan.”

The project focused on modernizing hardware, improving long-term reliability, and maintaining throughput during installation. The updated controls and HMI remained familiar to operators, allowing the system to return to full production without additional training, Hoffelder added.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Groundbreaking Marks Heat Treat Furnace Expansion In Iowa

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, CARBURIZING NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT), a global provider of commercial heat treat services and metallurgical solutions, is expanding its Waterloo, Iowa, facility to increase capacity for carburizing, through hardening, normalizing, and other heat treatment processes. The 18,000 sq. ft. project broke ground on April 6 and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The expansion will include a custom-built furnace designed to accommodate larger components in length, height, and weight. “This expansion is about giving our [clients] more — more capacity, more capability, and more confidence in turnaround,” said Adam Kane, plant manager at AHT’s Waterloo facility pictured above. “With added production space and additional equipment, we’ll be able to process larger and heavier components, and we’ll have room to add even more equipment and services in the future.”

Mikel Woods
President
Advanced Heat Treat Corp.

The facility, in operation at Burton Ave. since 1981, provides services including induction hardening, annealing, cryogenic treatment, carbonitriding, and stress relieving. A second Waterloo location on MidPort Blvd. serves as the company’s corporate office and offers nitriding and nitrocarburizing services.

“Between the two Iowa locations, [clients] have access to multiple heat treatments within a short drive, allowing them to consolidate their vendors and potentially reduce freight costs,” added Mikel Woods, president of AHT.

Press release is available in its original form here.
Main image shows AHT plant manager Adam Kane standing on the construction site of the 18,000 sq. ft. building expansion in Waterloo, Iowa.

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Heat Treat Capacity Expands in Northern Mexico

/ AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MEDICAL HEAT TREAT NEWS, NITRIDING NEWS

Bodycote announced plans to open a new heat treatment facility in Apodaca, Mexico, expanding regional capacity for case hardening and nitriding processes used in automotive, industrial, and medical components. The additional capacity is expected to support growing manufacturing activity by improving supply chain responsiveness and access to localized thermal processing services.

Extending its network to better support clients across Mexico and the southern United States, the site is intended to reduce logistical complexity and strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting ongoing near-shoring efforts. The new facility will complement existing operations in Silao, San Luis Potosí, and Guaymas, providing additional flexibility for clients requiring regional heat treating services. Scheduled to open in 2026, the site will support both new and existing programs as demand grows across key manufacturing sectors.

Operations at the facility will include a range of precision heat treatment capabilities, including carburizing, carbonitriding, and nitrocarburizing. These processes are used to improve surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue performance while maintaining core strength in critical components.

Bodycote is engaging with clients early to support future capacity planning and qualification activities, with site tours planned for Q2 2026. The facility is expected to ramp up operations in phases as demand increases.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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New Diffusion Hardening Vessel Expands Stainless Steel Processing in North America

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

Bodycote has installed a new treatment vessel at its Mooresville, North Carolina facility, expanding its capability to process larger stainless steel components and broadening surface hardening capabilities for manufacturers in North America.

The new treatment vessel can accommodate components up to 79 inches (2 meters) in length and 47 inches (1.2 meters) in width, enabling the surface hardening of larger and heavier stainless steel parts than previously possible in North America for industries such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and medical technology.

Temitope Oluwafemi
S³P Technical Manager in North America
Bodycote

The installation supports a low-temperature diffusion hardening process that increases the surface hardness of stainless steel components while maintaining the corrosion resistance. This capability is part of Bodycote’s ADM® stainless steel treatment offering now available in North America. The process can treat austenitic, duplex, and martensitic stainless steels, including alloys commonly used in load-bearing and high-strength applications.

Reflecting this demand, Temitope Oluwafemi, Bodycote’s S³P technical manager in North America, said, “Demand is growing for stainless steel components that can deliver longer service life in harsh operating environments and to demanding standards, without introducing the risks associated with coatings. Bringing ADM capability to the U.S. allows us to support [clients] locally, reduce lead times, and expand what’s possible for larger stainless steel components across multiple industries.”

Press release is available in its original form here.
The main image shows the microstructure of surface hardened stainless steel AIS1660 (1.4980) | Image Credit: Bodycote

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Induction Hardening and Gas Nitriding Capacity Added at Alabama Plant

/ HARDENING NEWS, INDUCTION HEATING EQUIPMENT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, NITRIDING NEWS

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has expanded induction hardening and gas nitriding capacity at its Cullman, Alabama facility, increasing throughput and enabling the processing of larger and more complex parts for manufacturers. The investment supports growing demand for surface hardening technologies used to improve wear resistance, fatigue strength, and durability across industrial applications.

Tim Garner
Plant Manager
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)

The expansion includes two additional systems: a larger induction hardening unit capable of processing parts up to 60 inches in diameter and an additional gas nitriding unit to support high-volume nitriding programs while maintaining quick lead times and consistent processing quality. Earlier systems primarily handled cylindrical components such as shafts, gears, and pins. The new system can now accommodate more complex geometries, broadening the range of parts the plan can process.

“These investments allow us to scale with our [clients],” said Tim Garner, plant manager at AHT. “We are well-positioned to handle a wide range of part sizes, geometries, and production volumes without compromising turnaround times.”

Press release is available in its original form here.
Main image shows AHT employees standing in front of the new induction hardening unit in Cullman, Alabama. Image Credit: Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)

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Firearm Manufacturer Increases Carburizing Heat Treat

/ CARBURIZING NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A defense sector manufacturer has selected a vacuum furnace solution to support carburizing and heat treatment of steels used in firearm production. The equipment will be used to improve process efficiency and meet the technological requirements associated with modern weapons manufacturing.

The system will be supplied to a client in the European defense sector by SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of industrial heat treatment equipment with operations in North America, and consists of a single-chamber vacuum furnace to maximize versatility across a range of heat treatment applications for firearm steels. The equipment enables the manufacturer to transition from traditional gas carburizing to low-pressure carburizing (LPC), improving process control, and reducing gas consumption.

Lukasz Chwialkowski
Sales Manager
SECO/WARWICK

According to Lukasz Chwialkowski, sales manager at SECO/WARWICK, the furnace features a round heating chamber capable of processing oversized components, LPC technology, and a high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) system. High temperature uniformity throughout the working space supports repeatable results, while a convection heating system improves efficiency at lower temperatures. Directional cooling is designed to accommodate complex part geometries. A graphite chamber supports durability and multi-shift hardening operations.

This order is the first collaboration between the European defense sector manufacturer and SECO/WARWICK. The contract holds strategic and technological significance — both for the client, who is modernizing their infrastructure, and for SECO/WARWICK, who is strengthening its position as a key solutions provider for the defense sector.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Mold Manufacturer Moves Heat Treatment In-House

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

BTOMEC Ferramentaria e Usinagem de Precisão Ltda. has invested in a vacuum furnace to establish its own in-house hardening capability. The decision reflects the company’s growing production scale and its desire to gain greater control over the heat treatment process and associated costs.

The manufacturer, which supplies multi-cavity injection molds to the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, and packaging sectors, previously relied on external hardening services. Establishing an internal heat treatment facility allows BTOMEC to reduce dependence on outside providers while maintaining oversight of production timelines and quality.

BTOMEC selected a single-chamber Vector vacuum furnace equipped with 15-bar high-pressure gas quenching for hardening dies and precision tooling. The system is equipped with a 400 x 400 x 600mm heating chamber, inverter-controlled blower operation for energy optimization, and a partial pressure system that enables processing in inert gas atmospheres to reduce the risk of contamination or alloying element loss during heat treatment.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment
SECO/WARWICK

The furnace was supplied by SECO/WARWICK, a global heat treatment equipment manufacturer with operations in North America. According to Maciej Korecki, the investment aligns with a pattern seen among manufacturers reaching certain production volumes. “This is a trend we see more and more frequently. At a certain production scale, many industrial partners begin to consider creating their own small hardening facility. Such an investment means independence from external entities and, above all, full control over the production process and its costs,” he said.

The addition of vacuum heat treatment capability marks an important step in BTOMEC’s ongoing development strategy, strengthening internal production control while supporting further internationalization of its operations.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Marle Group Expands Orthopedic Heat Treat Capacity

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

Marle Group, a global manufacturer of orthopedic prosthetics, has purchased and will install an additional vacuum furnace at its Marle Nowak facility, expanding in-house processing capacity for cobalt-alloy orthopedic implants and surgical instruments. The new system responds to the company’s need for rapid cooling of large loads — capable of handling full 800 kg workloads — and supports efforts to improve production control and delivery times for medical device manufacturing, including serving demand in the North American market.

The facility in Pancé, France, specializes in the production of orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, spinal devices, and OEM manufacturing for the medical sector. This third vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK operating at Marle Group facilities will enable Marle Nowak to perform hardening processes internally rather than relying on external services.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Furnace Segment
SECO/WARWICK

“Hardening cobalt alloys requires processes that achieve extremely high temperatures, and the heating processes for these materials demand high purity, temperature uniformity, and very fast, efficient cooling,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Furnace Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group. “Our equipment will allow our partner to become independent from external hardening services, providing greater control over the entire production process.”

The vacuum furnace features a 600 × 600 × 900 mm working area with a round heating chamber, convection heating, directional cooling, and isothermal hardening for controlled cooling of complex components. It includes partial-pressure argon to protect alloy surfaces, dew point sensors to reduce oxidation risk, and a rapid-cooling blower capable of quenching at up to 15 bar abs.

SECO/WARWICK secured the contract following successful reference trials conducted in its research and development department, where the furnace demonstrated cooling performance that met Marle Nowak’s process requirements. The addition of this vacuum furnace is expected to support certification of heat treatment processes in line with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards, which are important for medical device production.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Bhuj Polymers Advances Production Capabilities with New Vacuum Furnace

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

Bhuj Polymers, an established precision components manufacturer, is expanding its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of a state-of-the-art vacuum furnace. This investment will enable the company to meet growing demands while providing advanced vacuum hardening services that comply with global quality standards.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment
SECO/WARWICK

SECO/WARWICK, a heat treat solutions provider with locations in North America, supplied the vacuum furnace that will be used to process tool steels with high thermal requirements, such as H13, H11 and D2. Prior to this acquisition, production capabilities were constrained by existing equipment limitations. The company’s locally manufactured furnace operated with a cooling pressure of up to 4 bar. This specification prevented effective processing of components requiring high-pressure gas hardening. Increasing production loads and customer requirements prompted Bhuj Polymers to invest in next-generation vacuum technology.

“The furnace delivered combines 15-bar high-pressure gas cooling with perfect temperature uniformity and precise control of thermal processes. This solution meets NADCA (tool & die global standard) requirements and is ready for Nadcap (aerospace global standard) certification, enabling Bhuj Polymers to expand their manufacturing services to the most demanding customers from industries such as automotive and aerospace,” says Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment of the SECO/WARWICK Group.

This installation represents a significant advancement in local manufacturing capabilities. As part of SECO/WARWICK’s strategy to strengthen local production competencies, the furnace was manufactured entirely in India, reducing logistical costs, increasing competitiveness, and eliminating challenges associated with global customs policy.

Arvind Agarwal
Managing Director of SECO/WARWICK India

“Bhuj Polymers is a partner who trusted that our vacuum project, carried out entirely in India, was the correct solution for their manufacturing needs. This trust is of great value to us, as it opened a new chapter in the history of SECO/WARWICK India. This installation is an important step towards building a strong and independent technological infrastructure in India. We are pleased to be part of the growth of companies like Bhuj Polymers, who choose world-class technology produced locally,” said Arvind Agarwal, managing director of SECO/WARWICK India.

This event may serve as a significant impetus for other companies, not only in the state of Gujarat. This expansion demonstrates the importance of local production and support for manufacturers of aluminum die-casting molds, plastic processing tools, or precision components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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