A leading aviation technology company will receive two new furnaces from a manufacturer of metal heat treatment solutions with North American locations. The furnaces will be used in the production of engine components, particularly directionally solidified and single crystal castings.
Sławomir Woźniak CEO SECO/WARWICK Group
SECO/WARWICK will provide a Vector vacuum furnace and a VIM JetCaster furnace with a capacity of 25 kg, enabling the melting of nickel and cobalt alloys at temperatures up to 1700℃ (3092°F) to the Chinese aviation manufacturer.
“The device ensures a low percentage of casting defects, both macro and microstructural, as well as a significant reduction of the directional solidification casting process compared to the classical process due to increased mold withdrawal speeds,” said Sławomir Woźniak, CEO of SECO/WARWICK Group.
The latest jet engines use advanced blades cast produced by single crystal technology. The control system meets the needs of precise processes: casting, temperature control, as well as comprehensive data collection.
The Vector vacuum furnace is designed for aging and solution heat treatment processes. It achieves a maximum temperature of 1400℃ (2552°F) with a uniformity of ±5℃ (9°F) and can handle components with a total mass of up to 800 kg. Due to a high level of vacuum (up to 10⁻³ Pa), processes take place without intergranular oxidation, resulting in a quality surface for the components.
Press release is available in its original form here.
An aerospace manufacturer is expanding with a vacuum furnace for brazing fuel system components for aircraft engines. The single-chamber vacuum furnace has a molybdenum heating chamber and gas cooling up to 1.5 bar abs.
SECO/WARWICK, which has U.S. locations, spent years in collaboration with this manufacturer to ensure it met their high precision needs.
Maciej Korecki Vice President of Business of the Vacuum Furnace Segment SECO/WARWICK
“This partner is one of the most specialized production centers in Europe when it comes to precision elements of fuel installations for aircraft engines. The fact that they once again chose SECO/WARWICK technology is the highest form of appreciation,” says Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK. “Our solution is the result of technical dialogue, adaptation to the client’s requirements and optimization for process cleanliness, high vacuum, and the size of the parts to be manufactured.”
The vacuum furnace has been significantly modified to meet the client’s specific technological requirements. It includes a molybdenum heating chamber with shield insulation, which reduces heat loss and provides purity for thermal processes. A temperature uniformity of ±6°C (±11°F) ensures uniform conditions throughout the heating zone, which is crucial when brazing tubular components for fuel systems.
The device’s vacuum system, built on mechanical pumps, a roots pump, and a diffusion pump, maintains a stable and deep operating vacuum at the level of 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻5 mbar. A partial pressure system for protective gases (hydrogen, argon) has also been implemented, preventing the sublimation of alloying elements and protecting the quality of the load. A dew point sensor installed at the gas inlet secures the process against contamination from the atmosphere.
The new furnace will provide full production capabilities, handling an increased number of components for fuel systems in aircraft engines. Its implementation will have an impact on the efficiency, quality, and stability of brazing processes.
Press release is available in its original form here.
We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Riverspan Partnershas acquired United Titanium, a leading U.S. manufacturer of engineered, mission-critical fasteners, fittings and precision components made from titanium, zirconium, and other specialty metals. United Titanium serves critical industries such as defense, aerospace, medical and dental, electronics, petrochemical processing and marine engineering.
While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.
Dave Thomas Partner Riverspan Partners.
Based on Wooster, Ohio, United Titanium was founded in 1962 and offers comprehensive services such as precision machining, custom fabrication, and advanced inspection and testing.
“We have built a remarkable business together over the past five decades, and I am thrilled that the team has found an ideal partner for the next chapter,” said Mike Reardon, president of United Titanium. “Riverspan deeply appreciates the people and processes that have contributed to our success and is keen to build on those strengths to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in our core markets. Their expertise will help United Titanium to reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation and high-touch service through further investment in our people and technology. I am excited to see the company continue to prosper.”
“We have tremendous respect for the outstanding business … United Titanium team has built, and we are excited to build on that rich legacy,” said Dave Thomas, partner at Riverspan Partners.
The company will continue to be led by the same senior team and will remain headquartered and an active community member in Wooster, Ohio. As part of the transaction, longtime industry executive Paul Schwarzbaum will join the United Titanium Board of Directors.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A leading aerospace specialist has received a high-precision vacuum furnace. The system was specifically designed to meet the particularly stringent requirements of this sector with a hot zone of 900 x 1200 x 900 mm.
Aichelin will provide furnace, which is equipped with high-grade insulation made from molybdenum and stainless steel, as well as a multi-zone heating control system.
Vacuum furnace for aerospace Source: Aichelin GroupVacuum furnace for aerospace Source: Aichelin Group
The furnace has a dual gas supply system with independent lines and valves for nitrogen and argon. The separate gas supply provides reproducible, stable, and precise quenching operations. Additional features include 10 bar quenching pressure, up to 10⁻⁶ mbar vacuum level, and below 10 micron leak rate.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A vacuum furnace is being supplied for the heat treatment of 3D printed metal components used in the aviation and energy industries. The furnace will meet the requirements of stress-relieving processes for large components produced using additive technology and highly controlled hardening processes.
Maciej Korecki Vice President of Business of the Vacuum Furnace Segment SECO/WARWICK
SECO/WARWICK, a furnace provider with North American locations, will provide the new equipment. The furnace has a working space of 900 x 900 x 1200 mm and an advanced vacuum system which enables clean processes.
“The new investments of our partner in 3D printing are among the most dynamic undertakings in the field of precision metalworking … Our device is a key element in the chain of post-processing technology and has been designed to perfectly respond to the needs related to annealing and stress removal in additively manufactured elements,” commented Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK.
The vacuum furnace is equipped with an efficient high vacuum system (HPGQ) based on two SV300 Leybold pumps, a Roots WH2500 pump, and an HS-32 AGILENT diffusion pump, allowing for vacuum in the 10⁻⁴ mbar range. The device also features a partial pressure system for technical gases, which counteracts the sublimation of alloying elements and contamination of the hot zone. An important addition is the dew point sensor, which protects against moisture condensation in the heating chamber and minimizes the risk of oxidation of the batch surface.
SECO/WARWICK Vector furnace produced image Source: SECO/WARWICK
The recipient plans to use the device primarily for post-3D printing stress-relief processes, but also for hardening turbine and engine system components.
Press release is available in its original form here.
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.
ATI Inc. and The Boeing Company have expanded their agreement for high-performance titanium materials for aerospace. ATI will supply high-performance titanium materials, including long products — such as ingots, billets, rectangles, and bars — and flat-rolled products, including plate, sheet, and coil.
Kimberly Fields President & CEO ATI Inc.
ATI‘s extension and expansion of its long-term titanium products agreement will support Boeing‘s narrowbody and widebody airplane operations.
“We’re proud to expand our decades-long partnership with Boeing,” said Kimberly Fields, president and CEO of ATI. “This agreement reaffirms ATI’s leadership in titanium at a time of accelerating aerospace production and growing demand for differentiated materials. It also deepens our position in high-strength titanium alloys and sheet products…It includes titanium alloy sheet from our new Pageland, South Carolina, facility and draws on the strengths of both our Specialty Materials and Specialty Rolled Products businesses.”
Specialty Rolled Products Source: ATI Inc
ATI is a producer of high-performance materials and solutions for the aerospace and defense markets, and critical applications in electronics, medical and specialty energy, and a Nadcap certified heat treater. They provide alloys in a full range of mill products, forgings, titanium castings, and machined components, designed for the high performance requirements such as for aerospace and defense, oil and gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, and medical.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) commissioned a vacuum furnace for in-house heat treatment of jet engine blades from single crystals. CPP is an aviation parts manufacturer headquartered in Cleveland, OH, that specializes in highly precise, geometrically complex aviation industry systems and components in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
Dariusz Szawara Foundry Director of DS/SX Consolidated Precision Products
Source: Linkedin
“This particular vacuum furnace will be used for the production of a new line of jet engine blades from single crystals. The turbine elements used in the aviation industry operate under high mechanical loads at temperatures close to their melting point and in an aggressive corrosive environment. Therefore, we cannot afford structural defects that would affect the quality or durability of our products. The SECO/WARWICK vacuum furnace will provide us with very high-quality processed elements, but it will also increase efficiency,” explained Dariusz Szawara, foundry director of DS/SX at Consolidated Precision Products.
Paweł Okińczyc Sales Engineer Vacuum Plant SECO/WARWICK
The furnace has a working space of 900x900x1200 mm, screen insulation, and metal heating elements.
“The round heating chamber allows for the placement of oversized elements. The furnace has been expanded and modified with dedicated options to meet very high requirements: high vacuum, temperature distribution, operation at high temperatures around 1300 degrees, and cleanliness of processes. The device will be used for annealing blades cast from single crystals. Its advantage is the molybdenum heating chamber, which prevents direct heat loss to the wall of the vacuum chamber and ensures very high process cleanliness. The efficiency of the processes carried out is also influenced by the ability to cool in 1.5 bars of Argon,” said Paweł Okińczyc, sales engineer at the Vacuum Plant of SECO/WARWICK.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A company in advanced metal casting technologies has shipped its first commercial additive manufacturing evaporative casting (AMEC) machine to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The system will be installed at UTK’s manufacturing research facility, where it will support continuing education, casting research, and workforce development in next-generation manufacturing.
Lightning Metal LM-16 is Skuld LLC‘s flagship machine for additive manufacturing evaporative casting (AMEC). The machine is a tool-less, net-shape casting process capable of producing aerospace grade aluminum and other high-performance alloys with minimal post-processing. The system enables rapid prototyping, reduced lead times, and flexible alloy compatibility, making it ideal for both industrial and academic environments.
The Lightning Metal LM-16 AMEC machine by Skuld Source: Skuld LLCSarah Jordan Founder & CEO Skuld, LLC Source: Author
“This milestone represents…a signal that advanced casting is entering a new era,” said Sarah Jordan, co-founder and chief executive officer at Skuld. “The University of Tennessee is a national leader in manufacturing innovation, and we’re proud to support their mission with a system that bridges research and real-world application.”
Adam Penna Director, Sales and Marketing Skuld Source: Linkedin
UTK will use Lightning Metal LM-16 platform to expand its materials science curriculum, conduct applied research in casting and alloy development, and provide hands-on training for students and professionals entering the manufacturing workforce.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership we envisioned when we launched the Lightning Metal platform,” said Adam J. Penna, director of sales and marketing at Skuld. “It’s a platform that empowers innovation in evaporative casting utilizing 3D printing for improved features like edges and surfaces while also reducing the need for tooling cost…whether you’re solving supply chain challenges or training the next generation of engineers.”
The Technology
Skuld’s AMEC technology merges lost foam with polymer 3D-printing. Heating up to around 2000°F, the machine operates as an automated micro-foundry. The Lightning Metal LM-16 removes the safety issues of handling molten metal and is perfect for small, custom, one-off aluminum parts fasteners. It makes products in a 7″ cube, melting approximately 16lbs of aluminum, and can also process brass or bronze.
The machine is sized to be able to move through standard doorways and utilizes single-phase power, like a dryer plug.
The casting works by utilizing a hollow polymer shape in place of lost foam, where the molten metal vaporizes the polymer. This is a subset of the casting field called lost foam, which is a variation on lost wax investment casting, and eliminates around 90% of process steps, making for fewer costs and a faster process. The mold is insulated with a thin ceramic shell, ceramic beads, a metal container called a flask, and unbonded beads.
Gear produced by Lightning Metal LM-16 Source: Skuld LLCProduct of Lightning Metal LM-16 Source: Skuld LLCProduct of Lightning Metal LM-16 Source: Skuld LLC Source: Skuld LLC
Heat Treat Today asked what difficulties Skuld faced in developing this technology. The development process faced several unique hurdles, such as heat retention due its small size (compared with a large furnace), as well as crafting the machine’s automation while not allowing it to be hackable.
Applications
SBIR awarded to Skuld LLC Source: Skuld LLC
The Lightning Metal LM-16 is for those without an in-house foundry. It works well for replacement parts for in-house heat treatment, for example: hooks, baskets, or rollers. The machine can also produce spare parts or be utilized for prototyping pieces that can be used by higher volume machines. The Lightning Metal LM-16 operates well at around one hundred pieces per year.
The AMEC technology eliminates machining (which reducing costs for clean machining), and drives down the cost substantially associated with cooling for lost foam. The process also avoids HIPing, reducing the need for powder bed fusion parts.
The system enables reverse-engineering for discontinued items, and could be particularly applicable for heavy equipment, agriculture, compressors, and railroads.
The Lightning Metal LM-16 deployment marks a major step in Skuld’s commercialization strategy, following over $9 million in Department of Defense contracts and successful pilot programs with the U.S. Air ForceandDefense Logistics Agency. The company was recently awarded an SBIR for additive manufacturing.
For more information on this technological innovation, please contact Adam Penna at apenna@skuldllc.com.
A prominent aerospace company known for producing advanced, high-precision components for the global aviation and aerospace engine industry has been shipped a vacuum carburizing furnace. Headquartered in North America, the company’s aerospace division has been a trusted resource for the aeroengine sector for decades.
Vacuum carburizing furnace for aerospace Source: Solar Manufacturing
To support the development of a specialized carburizing process, Solar Manufacturing partnered closely with the R&D team at its sister company, Solar Atmospheres, a heat treating affiliate. Collaborative testing was conducted at Solar Atmospheres’ Technology Center in Souderton, Pennsylvania, where engineers from both organizations worked together to fine-tune the process to meet the specific metallurgical specifications.
“This collaboration was invaluable in achieving the desired metallurgical results,” said Rick Jones, regional sales manager at Solar Manufacturing.
The delivered system features a graphite-insulated hot zone measuring 48” wide × 48” high × 60” deep, capable of reaching temperatures up to 2400°F (1370°C). The furnace can accommodate workloads up to 5,000 pounds and includes an internal gas cooling system that provides rapid 2-bar nitrogen quenching.
Press release is available in its original form here.
