Heat Treat Today has gathered the four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators for May 2025. While April showed a mixed bag of growth and contraction, May sees three out of four areas indicating growth.
May’s industry-specific economic indicators continued to show growth in three of the four indices while one has slipped farther into contraction. The Inquiries and Bookings indices show a sharp turn toward growth, with Inquires rising to 59 (from 49 in April) and Bookings rising to 57.7 (from 52 in April), while the Backlog index hovers at a relatively steady 52.2.
The Health of the Manufacturing Economy index entered contraction in April, and has continued in its decline, dropping from 47.2 in April down to 42.9 in May. Tariffs are now in effect which may begin to impact the economic index.
Despite the decline in the Health of the Manufacturing Economy Index, the graphs overall suggest that the 4-month slowdown in the North American thermal processing industry (that began in roughly December 2024), is beginning to see a turn-around.
The results from this month’s survey (May) are as follows; numbers above 50 indicate growth, numbers below 50 indicate contraction, and the number 50 indicates no change:
Anticipated change in Number of Inquiries from April to May: 59.0
Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from April to May: 57.5
Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from April to May: 52.2
Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from April to May: 42.9
Data for May 2025
The four index numbers are reported monthly by Heat Treat Today and made available on the website.
Heat TreatToday’sEconomic Indicatorsmeasure and report on four heat treat industry indices. Each month, approximately 800 individuals who classify themselves as suppliers to the North American heat treat industry receive the survey. Above are the results. Data started being collected in June 2023. If you would like to participate in the monthly survey, please click here to subscribe.
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 11 news items, featuring new manufacturing hubs and facilities, a finished spacecraft, honoring of anniversaries, celebration of awards, and more!
Equipment
Ipsen announces the launch of its seventh regional Service HUB, strategically located to support customers in East Texas, as well as parts of Oklahoma and Louisiana. Officially launched in April 2025, the new HUB provides regional customers with a single point of contact for routine maintenance, preventative service, and technical support.
Lockheed Martin reported it has completed assembly and testing for the Orion Artemis II spacecraft, a manned mission that will flight-test NASA’s deep-space exploration system around the Moon. The spacecraft has been transferred to NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team, the defense group added.
Nitrex in Aurora, IL built their largest, gas nitriding furnace. The furnace processes parts up to 4.5 meters in diameter (15 feet) and weighing up to 40 tons, while adhering to AMS2759/10 & 12 quality standards.
Ipsen Opens New Service HubLockheed Martin completed Orion Artemis II Source: American MachinistNitrex produces gas nitriding furnace
Company & Personnel
Hubbard-Hall is strengthening its technical support in the Northeast with the addition of three experienced field professionals and a new laboratory technician. Ted Antonellis, who joins as manager of laboratory and plating operations, Stephanie Canales, who joins as a laboratory technician; Bukola Adeyemi and Travis Hilton who were both appointed as application specialists to support metal finishing customers in the Northeast.
Solar Atmospheres is acquiring a 29,504-square-foot Berlin manufacturing building, furthering its expansion into the New England market.
Ontario Power Generation has been cleared for construction and is set to begin building North America’s first commercial SMR at Darlington. This brings a vision to reality with Ontario’s first new nuclear build in over 30 years.
MetalTek International honored the work anniversaries of 23 dedicated workers, including Al Ebert celebrating 41 years, Barry Craig celebrating 38 years, Gene Weaver celebrating 37 years, and Jim Bostrom celebrating 15 years.
Pratt & Whitney (owned by RTX Corporation), an American aerospace manufacturer, has developed and launched a new additive manufacturing solution for repairing critical components on the GTF engine. The state-of-the-art repair technology is based on Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and is expected to reduce repairing times by over 60%.
Hubbard Hall Expands with New HiresSolar Atmospheres Acquires New Manufacturing FacilityOntario Power Generation Set to Build First SMR in DarlingtonMetalTek Honors Work AnniversariesPratt and Whitney Develop New Solution For Engine Repair
Kudos
Phoenix Heat Treating announces the addition of a third Certified Laboratory Control at Source Representative (CLCSR) to its team, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in aerospace heat treatment and material control. The designation plays a critical role in ensuring rigorous material control and process integrity across the supply chain.
Bodycote was named as one of Europe’s Climate Leaders (2025) by Financial Times and Statista. This is the second year in a row that Bodycote have been named for this list.
Nitrex heat-treating facility in Querétaro, Mexico has successfully passed its latest Nadcap audit – and has been awarded an 18-month Merit Extension for outstanding performance in heat treating services.
Phoenix Heat Treating Adds Pratt & Whitney LCSBodycote was listed as one of Europe’s Climate Leaders Nitrex Receives Nadcap Merit Extension
The Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA) has announced its 2025-26 Board of Directors and Executive Officers. Established in 1929 to meet the need for effective group action in promoting the interests of industrial furnace manufacturers, IHEA has expanded and currently includes designers and manufacturers of all types of industrial heat processing equipment used for the melting, refining and heat processing of ferrous and nonferrous metals, certain nonmetallic materials, and the heat-treatment of products made from them.
IHEA also welcomes a new face to the Board of Directors, Chad Spore of John Deere. Chad has been an active member of IHEA for the past several years, especially supporting IHEA’s sustainability and decarbonization efforts. Chad is the enterprise materials engineering supervisor for John Deere where he has been employed for more than 25 years. “Chad has been a wealth of knowledge supporting IHEA’s Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT,” notes IHEA Executive Vice-President Anne Goyer. “His insight into our program development is helping us produce an even better SUMMIT for 2025. We are grateful for his time and expertise.”
Rounding out the lineup of IHEA’s Board of Directors for 2025-2026, the following members continue their tenure:
In today’s News from Abroadinstallment, we highlight new partnerships and technology aimed at efficiency and sustainability; a multi-organization collaborative work on a hybrid facility, an all-in-one machine that performs hot and cold forming for screws, tubes, and spokes, and a Turkish steel expansion doubling production. Read more below!
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience – manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat-processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
A collaboration for an innovative reuse strategy
Source: Adobe Stock
“To support the growing activity at its Valenciennes site, Stellantis has chosen ECM Technologies to assist with the relocation and retrofitting of a heat treatment installation for vacuum carburizing. Scheduled to be fully operational in 2025, this hybrid facility, composed of reused, retrofitted and new components, reduces Stellantis’ carbon footprint while increasing its production and the performance of its industrial equipment. Stellantis has around 15 ECM Technologies “Flex” low-pressure carburizing units spread across its various sites. To support the production needs of its Valenciennes site, the company has decided to give a new lease of life to a line already in service within the group by entrusting ECM with the implementation of the project: relocation, reuse, updating of equipment, acquisition of new components (latest-generation gas quenching module), and conversion of furnaces from propane to acetylene, Bringing the performance of the entire hybrid system up to state-of-the-art standards. Another major factor is that this installation is part of the energy transition, as this transformation will enable the production of mechanical parts for electric vehicles, whereas previously the facility was dedicated to the production of manual gearboxes for combustion engine vehicles.”
READ MORE: Stellantis and ECM Technologies: An exemplary collaboration for an innovative reuse strategy atprozesswaerme.net
All-In-One Machine: Cold And Hot Forming
Due to the high forming forces required, the heads of larger screws are heated inductively Source: VIP Communication
“Aachener Maschinenbau GmbH (AMBA) has so far been known for its all-in-one machines for the production of components such as screws, tubes and spokes by cold forming. What is new is that the company is integrating more and more technologies into its systems that enable operators to produce components such as special screws or pipes with variable cross-sections more efficiently. A current example is the integration of induction heating in the forming of large screws. With new systems, AMBA enables customers to produce more components with complex geometries according to the all-in-one principle and thus reduce costs. In doing so, the company goes beyond traditional cold forming and integrates innovative technologies, including for hot forming.”
READ MORE: AMBA offers new possibilities for efficient production: cold and hot forming of screws, tubes and spokesat prozesswaerme.net
Concast continuous casters to increase billet and bloom production capacities
İzmir Demir Çelik Sanayi A.Ş (IDC) has ordered a seven-strand continuous caster for its facility in Aliağa, İzmir, Türkiye. The SMS caster is designed to produce billets and small blooms in six distinct section sizes (Source: SMS group)
“İzmir Demir Çelik Sanayi A.Ş (IDC), a manufacturer of reinforcing steel and profiles, has expanded its steelworks with a Concast seven-strand continuous caster at its plant in Aliağa, İzmir, Türkiye. This new machine provides izmir Demir Çelik with the flexibility to efficiently meet diverse market demands, while also increasing production capacity and enhancing the quality of billets and blooms. The installation of the new continuous casting plant significantly expands izmir Demir Çelik’s annual steel production output from 1,550,000 tons to approximately 3,100,000 tons. This increase enables IDC to meet growing market demands more effectively while reducing its dependence on imported semi-finished products. The new caster’s ability to produce billets and small blooms in six distinct section sizes, ranging from 150×150 millimeters to 220×280 millimeters, gives IDC the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market needs . . . Internal quality is enhanced through electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) and modular wave stirring (MWS) technologies, which guarantee a homogeneous internal structure. Additionally, precise strand guidance, accurate cooling spray alignment, and a three-zone secondary cooling system further improve billet and bloom quality. This innovative setup enables IDC to produce high-quality steel products efficiently while reducing operational costs and meeting diverse market demands.”
READ MORE: izmir Demir Çelik Sanayi A.Ş. uses Concast continuous casters to increase billet and bloom production capacities atprozesswaerme.net
Welcome to Heat Treat Today’sThis Week in Heat Treat Social Media. We’re looking at a new manufacturing center, an AFC-Holcroft farewell, fun heat-treatment quizzes, and more.
As you know, there is so much content available on the web that it’s next to impossible to sift through all of the articles and posts that flood our inboxes and notifications on a daily basis. So, Heat Treat Today is here to bring you the latest in compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat news from the different social media venues that you’ve just got to see and read!If you have content that everyone has to see, please send the link to editor@heattreattoday.com.
1. New Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace Center at UTEP
Check out the exciting inauguration of UTEP’s Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center (AMAC). On the website, heat treatment is listed as one of the future undertakings of the AMAC. Some new heat treat trainees may be coming your way out of UTEP!
2. Goodbye is The Hardest Word
You know someone is special if they are with you for almost 50 years! Congratulations to Jerry Waineo from AFC-Holcroft on his retirement. We hope you ate an extra slice of cake for us here at Heat Treat Today!
3. Try Your Hand at Heat Treat Quizzes
If you’re ever looking for something light during your work week, Paulo Heat Treating, Brazing and Metal Finishing posts fun heat treat related quizzes on their LinkedIn page on a regular basis. Each quiz shows how the respondents on LinkedIn have answered.
4. We Love Seeing Friendly Faces
Oh, how we do enjoy seeing all of our friends at conferences and tradeshows. We have always said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” (Well, it may have been the Beatles, but we agree!)
5. Scary: PFAS. NOT Scary: Heat Treat Radio
Tune in to Listen to Heat Treat Radio #119: Solvent vs. Aqueous Cleaning: Choosing the Best Method for Your Process. This helpful information shared by Fernando Carminholi on Heat Treat Radio, will keep you well informed!
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 11 news items.
Equipment
The U.S. Navy’s Naval Foundry and Propeller Center (NFPC) delivered the final major propulsor component for the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). This project resulted in multiple record-breaking pours for nonferrous castings in the U.S. The largest casting was over 260,000 pounds and is already at GDEB for installation. Collectively, NFPC poured nearly 1 million pounds of bronze.
BENTELER plans to upgrade its CARTA® automation system to SMS group’s next-generation CARTA®neo SRM Technology System, which includes updated crop end control (CEC) and wall thickness control (WTC). This modernization will safeguard system availability and improve product quality and operational productivity. The technology will be utilized by BENTELER Steel/Tube GmbH & Co KG, a manufacturer of seamless and welded tubes.
The U.S. Navy’s Naval Foundry and Propeller Center (NFPC) delivered the final major propulsor component for the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). Source: NavseaBENTELER to upgrade its CARTA® automation system for use in BENTELER Steel/Tube GmbH & Co KG, a manufacturer of seamless and welded tubes.
Company & Personnel
Hubbard-Hall is pleased to announce that Richard “Rick” Spicer has joined the company as Director of Specialty Sales. With over 30 years of experience in sales leadership, business development, and customer relationship management, Spicer takes a process-driven approach to sales, helping customers improve efficiency and achieve their goals.
Tenova has been awarded a contract by Marcegaglia GazoldoInox to modernize and restart its 20-Hi Cold Rolling Mill at the Gazoldo degli Ippoliti plant in Mantua, Italy. The revamping will include the implementation of advanced Level 1 and Level 2 automation, a next generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI), and Machine Learning Applications for optimizing the rolling pass schedule. The upgraded mill will achieve higher rolling accuracy, improved process stability, and enhanced operational reliability.
SSAB has awarded SMS Group an Early Services Agreement for the delivery of the cold rolling complex at its steel production facility in Luleå, Sweden. This project marks a significant step towards sustainable steel production, underscoring SSAB’s commitment to green technologies and processes. The equipment will enable SSAB to meet the growing demand for third generation advanced high-strength steels (AHSS).
Coolbrook and Tenova joined forces to drive CO2-free Iron, Steel and Other Metals Production. The two companies partnered to deploy RDH™ technology for electrifying high-temperature metal processes to cut CO2 emissions.
Cambridge Heat Treating in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada just celebrated their 40th anniversary of being in business. Cambridge Heat Treating was founded in 1982 by Bob Robbins, and is currently operated by Peter Robbins and Cheryl Mortimer.
CG Thermal celebrated 15 years as a company. This success is built on more than 200 years of combined experience from their team of industry veterans who previously held senior positions at The Carborundum Company, Pfaudler, and Metaullics Systems Co.
OTTO JUNKER Czech Republic celebrates 30 years in business. The company was founded in 1995 with the goal of serving the global market.
Rick Spicer has joined Hubbard-Hall as the Director of Specialty SalesTenova has been awarded a contract by Marcegaglia Gazoldo Inox to modernize and restart its 20-Hi Cold Rolling MillSSAB has awarded SMS group an Early Services Agreement for a cold rolling complex at its steel production facilityCoolbrook and Tenova partnered to cut CO2 emissions.Cambridge Heat Treating in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada celebrated their 40th anniversaryCG Thermal celebrated 15 years as a companyOTTO JUNKER Czech Republic celebrates 30 years in business.
Kudos
Gasbarre has been recognized as a Sustaining Member of ASM International on March 10th. Daniel Hill, P.E. of Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems was in attendance to represent Gasbarre. ASM International is the world’s largest association of materials-centric engineers and scientists, committed to advancing industry knowledge and innovation.
Expanite achieved a 370x reduction in wear rate for Titanium Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V). This improvement was verified through the ASTM g133 standard test method.
Gasbarre has been recognized as a Sustaining Member of ASM InternationalExpanite achieved a 370x reduction in wear rate for Titanium Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V).
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 10 news items.
Equipment
Aichelin recently delivered a vacuum furnace to Bodycote‘s heat treatment and specialist thermal processing plant in Vantaa (Finland). The furnace with a usable space of 600 x 900 x 600 mm and a maximum batch weight of 1,000 kg was tailored to the company’s requirements. In this collaboration between the two companies, Bodycote has selected Aichelin to supply equipment that aligns with its vision for advanced and sustainable vacuum technology for industrial heat treatment.
Two electrically heated two-zone curing conveyor ovens with cool-down sections have expanded the operations of an industrial manufacturer. The ovens, supplied by Wisconsin Oven Corporation, will be used for curing adhesive material between parts.
Gruenberg announced the shipment of an industrial electrically heated cabinet oven to a company that manufactures products for the medical device industry. The furnace will be used for curing material used in the products.
Qinghai Xigang New Materials Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Xining Special Steel, has signed a contract with SMS group for a PSM380 mill upgrade and technical outsourcing services. The transaction comprises a comprehensive upgrade and related maintenance services for the PSM380 (Precision Sizing Mill) mill used to roll special steel bars and is aimed at enhancing the mill’s production efficiency and product quality. In additional news: Kardemir Karabük Demir Çelik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş has acquired a five-strand combi-continuous caster from SMS Concast, a company of SMS group, to upgrade production capabilities at its its integrated steel plant at the Karabük site in Türkiye. El Marakby Steel, an Egyptian manufacturer of deformed bars and wire rod, is increasing production capacity by contracting SMS to upgrade the existing SMS minimill at its 6th of October site. Baosteel Desheng Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group, announces the completion of a vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant by SMS group. The VOD system represents a crucial component of the steel producer’s strategic expansion, designed to enhance the facility’s capacity for producing specialty steels by employing secondary metallurgical processes. SMS group has also completed the automation system upgrade of hot strip mill no. 1 at PT Krakatau Steel (Persero),Tbk. (PTKS) in Cilegon, Indonesia.
Vacuum furnace delivered to Bodycote’s heat treatment and specialist thermal processing plant by Aichelin Cooling groups operating as part of the laminar cooling system for ColakoLow-carbon extrusion ingot for the European construction and automotive industries produced at HusnesQinghai Xigang New Materials Co., Ltd., with PSM380 mill upgrade and technical outsourcing servicesA five-strand combi-continuous caster at Kardemir Karabük Demir Çelik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş acquired from SMS ConcastEl Marakby Steel production capacity increased with upgrade at existing SMS minimill Vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant at Baosteel Desheng Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., completedAutomation system of hot strip mill no. 1 upgraded at PT Krakatau Steel (Persero)
Company & Personnel
Ipsen has announced the promotion of Evan Hundley to retrofits manager and the appointment of Lu Chouraki as field service manager. As retrofits manager, Hundley will lead the Retrofits Team to improve response times, streamline pricing and proposals, and provide tailored solutions that extend equipment lifespan and efficiency. As field service manager, Chouraki will oversee all regional service managers and field service engineers, focusing on streamlining processes, improving response times, and enhancing customer support. He will also drive the continued expansion of the company’s HUBs and develop his team into subject matter experts.
Steve Sparkowich has been appointed as the new chief commercial officer (CCO) at Titan International Inc., a manufacturer and recycler of specialty metal products based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, effective immediately. In his new role as CCO, Steve will oversee the company’s commercial strategy, drive business development, and strengthen relationships with key clients across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and defense.
Thomas Wingens, founder and president of WINGENS CONSULTANTS and an internationally recognized expert in the thermal processing and metallurgy industry, has been named an advisor to the Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). As industrial advisor to CHTE, Thomas will provide strategic guidance in business development and assist with CHTE’s project research portfolio.
IperionX Limited has announced the appointment of Tony Tripeny as non-executive director and current IperionX non-executive director Lorraine Martin as lead independent director. Mr. Tripeny currently serves as a director at Mesa Laboratories and Origin Materials. Currently serving as president and CEO of the National Safety Council, Ms. Martin is also a director at Kennametal, a global materials science firm.
Evan Hundley Retrofits Manager Ipsen USALu Chouraki Field Service Manager Ipsen USASteve Sparkowich Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Titan International IncThomas Wingens President Wingens Consultants Industrial Advisor Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE)
Kudos
Advanced Heat Treat Corp recognizes the AHT Michigan team members who have completed professional training and earned new certifications: Chad Clark for Practical Approach to Supply Chain Management, Tom Broman for Supervisor Skills 1.0 and 2.0, Jeff Machincinski for Introduction to Pyrometery, and Jesse Hyder for Practical Interpretation of Microstructures.
The OTTO JUNKER Academy has offered a professional training program regarding planning, modernization, operation, repair and maintenance of industrial furnaces for over 10 years. Since 2014, the instruction covers induction melting and heat treatment of metal as well as universal subjects such as economic and energy efficiency.
Chad Clark Advanced Heat Treat CorpTom Broman Advanced Heat Treat CorpJeff Machincinski Advanced Heat Treat CorpJesse Hyder Advanced Heat Treat Corp OTTO JUNKER Academy professional training program
The four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators have been gathered by Heat Treat Today each month since June 2023. As the northern hemisphere looks to warmer weather, a positive outlook is reflected in three of the four economic indicators compiled in the first week of March.
Heat treat industry suppliers anticipate the economy in March to experience growth in number of inquiries, value of bookings, and size of backlog, however there is a net decrease compared to February. This is particularly shown in the economic indicators where suppliers to the North American heat treat industry expect no change over previous months in health of the manufacturing economy.
The results from this month’s survey (March) are as follows; numbers above 50 indicate growth, numbers below 50 indicate contraction, and the number 50 indicates no change:
Anticipated change in Number of Inquiries from February to March: 61.1
Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from February to March: 58.8
Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from February to March: 59.5
Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from February to March: 50.0
Data for March 2025
The four index numbers are reported monthly by Heat Treat Today and made available on the website.
Heat TreatToday’sEconomic Indicatorsmeasure and report on four heat treat industry indices. Each month, approximately 800 individuals who classify themselves as suppliers to the North American heat treat industry receive the survey. Above are the results. Data started being collected in June 2023. If you would like to participate in the monthly survey, please click here to subscribe.
Welcome to Heat Treat Today’sThis Week in Heat Treat Social Media. We’re looking at addendum learning, indepth instruction from industry leaders, and how-tos that will tickle your ears. But first in the posts, podcasts, and videos we have rounded up for you, check out what NASA is doing with shape-shifting tires.
As you know, there is so much content available on the web that it’s next to impossible to sift through all of the articles and posts that flood our inboxes and notifications on a daily basis. So, Heat Treat Today is here to bring you the latest in compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat news from the different social media venues that you’ve just got to see and read!If you have content that everyone has to see, please send the link to editor@heattreattoday.com.
1. Entering the Realm of Shape-Shifting
This space is usually reserved for something rich and technical, so we’re looking at the science of shape-shifting!
Check out this recent post on ThomasNet about NASA’s foray into the world of physical transformations.
2. It’s a Beautiful Day in the Heat Treat Neighborhood
Don’t Skip the Side Trips!
Trades Schools Now Trending
Helping Kids Take Flight
3. A broad Education in Heat Treating Coming Your Way
Sometimes, it’s the small things on social media that grab your attention or give you the “ah ha!” moment. And sometimes things affecting the industry in other places cause us to go “hmm.” Do any of these short posts make you say “eureka”?
How many Terms Do You Already Know?
All About Quenching
Monitoring Leaks and Dew Point Gases
Having a Blast with Furnaces
4. Open Your Eyes & Ears: The Podcast Corner
You can’t read everything, we get it. Heat Treat Today is here to recommend two informative podcasts and one video to enjoy on your daily commute or during your evening roundup.
Tune in to Listen to Heat Treat Radio #118: Saving Dollars with Ceramic Fiber Insulation
Heat Treating Machined Parts To enhance strength, hardness, durability, and flexibility
Carlos Torres Interviews Steve Kowalski on the Heat Treat Podcast
5. Inspections Are Good … Overinspections Can Be Too Good
In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight processing and initiatives that aim to improve operations and improve sustainability. Read more about a method used in the production of parts with complex geometries; a venture to create the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based steel with renewable electricity and green hydrogen; and a production plant that will generate around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel.
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience – manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat-processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
Press Hardening Prevents Part Deformation
Press hardening neccessary due to part deformation during the rapid cooling phase induced by quenching
Source: Thermi-Lyon
“Press hardening serves a very specific purpose: to prevent part deformation during the rapid cooling phase induced by quenching. This process improves the performance of steels by giving them a martensitic structure without the need for reworking. Designed for high volume production of parts with complex geometries, press hardening is both highly effective and economical….
This process was initially developed for automotive manufacturers, to process large series of parts with complex geometries. In fact, this method is perfectly suited to the processing of large numbers of parts on a production line: since the cooling cycle is automatically programmed, it can be repeated ad infinitum. What’s more, the circulation of quenching fluid around the part held in the press results in uniform, controlled cooling that can easily be reproduced many times over.”
An electricity-based process gas heater for the hydrogen-based direct reduction process developed by HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology)
Source: Kanthal
“Launched in 2016 as a joint venture owned by SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, with support from the Swedish Energy Agency, HYBRIT aims to create the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based steel with renewable electricity and green hydrogen.
This involves shifting from coal-powered blast furnaces that use coal as a reduction medium to a direct reduction process using hydrogen produced via renewable energy. The first HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå, Sweden, began operations in 2020, with commercial-scale production targeted by 2027.
Kanthal is proud to have contributed to HYBRIT’s groundbreaking journey by developing an electricity-based process gas heater for the hydrogen-based direct reduction process under the name Prothal®. This project showcased the feasibility of fossil-free industrial heating solutions and laid the groundwork for scaling up these technologies to meet the steel industry’s future needs.”
Largest Green Hydrogen Production Facility Underway
From left: Andrea Prevedello, Global Director Project Management of Green Hydrogen, at ANDRITZ; Walther Hartl, Project Manager of Electrolysis, at ANDRITZ; Sami Pelkonen, Executive Vice President of Green Hydrogen, at ANDRITZ; Gerd Baresch, Managing Director of the Technical Division, SZFG; Thorsten Hinrichs, Head of Pipeline Infrastructure, SZFG
Source: Andritz Group
“On February 12, 2025, the cornerstone was laid for one of the largest production plants for green hydrogen in the whole of Europe.
[Beginning in] 2026, the plant will generate around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel. This will mark the start of the industrial use of hydrogen in SALCOS®-Salzgitter low CO2 steelmaking. SALCOS® is aiming for virtually carbon-free steel production. The 100 MW electrolysis plant will be supplied on an EPC basis by the international technology company ANDRITZ, using the pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology of HydrogenPro.”
