Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT), an AS9100D/ISP 9001:2015 and Nadcap-accredited facility specializing in providing precision heat treating services, announces the addition of a new cryogenic processing system. This enhancement will further support SWMT’s ability to serve its aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing partners with high-quality heat treating and cryogenic processing solutions.
“The TRU-CRYOTHERM expands our thermal processing capabilities and strengthens our ability to meet demanding specifications with precision and reliability,” said Ryan Fussell, CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp. “As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, our goal remains the same — to provide our customers with unmatched quality, turnaround, and technical excellence.”
Ryan Fussell CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT) Source: MTI
The new unit, provided by the McLaughlin Furnace Group, is now currently installed as part of SWMT’s ongoing expansion of its Integral Quench (IQ) department. Its design, advanced temperature control, and uniformity standards make it an ideal complement to SWMT’s growing IQ and vacuum processing operations. With this addition, SWMT continues to set a higher standard for metallurgical performance and process consistency across its full range of services.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Three aluminum melting furnaces at a Novelis site have been updated to achieve a more than 40% reduction in carbon footprint and significantly lower gas consumption. This project marks an important step forward in the decarbonization of industrial processes.
The upgrade includes Fives’ North American® regenerative technology. The North American TwinBed® II burners, manufactured by the supplier, are recognized for their energy efficiency and low emissions. From engineering and design to commissioning, the project was fully managed by Fives’ North American Combustion’s teams based in Bilbao, Spain.
Aluminum melting furnaces updated for environmental impact (Source: Novelis)Novelis and Fives upgrade three furnaces (Source: Novelis)Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President and President Novelis Europe
Source: Novelis
This joint initiative in Voerde, Germany, by Novelis and Fives highlights the shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. The 40% reduction in carbon footprint is based on gas consumption compared to pre-upgrade levels measured in mid-2023 at the Voerde casthouse.
“Sustainability is at the core of Novelis’ business model,” said Emilio Braghi, executive vice president and president of Novelis Europe. “With our company vision, Novelis 3×30, we’ve set ambitious goals to advance circularity and decarbonization by 2030. The upgrade of our three melting furnaces represents a practical advancement in reducing our environmental footprint and improving operational efficiency.”
“This project represents a new milestone in our long-standing collaboration with Novelis, which began nearly two decades ago,” added Pablo Arribalzaga, managing director for Europe at Fives North American Combustion. “We are proud to support Novelis’ sustainability journey with high-performance, low-emission combustion solutions tailored to their operations.”
Press release is available in its original form here.
Solar Atmospheres has commissioned and installed a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its Greenville, SC facility. The horizontal furnace can process loads up to 12,000 pounds and expands the company’s capacity for high-pressure quenching of large components and workloads.
Solar Atmospheres new 10-bar vacuum furnace Source: Solar AtmospheresSteve Prout President Solar Atmospheres Southeast
Manufactured by its sister company Solar Manufacturing, the furnace features a working zone measuring 48” wide x 48” high x 96” deep. Its pumping package achieves an ultimate vacuum level of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr, ensuring performance for processing titanium and other high-grade alloys requiring pristine vacuum environments
Steve Prout, president of Solar Atmospheres Southeast, commented: “We’re proud to offer our customers another regional option for high-pressure quenching of large components and workloads, while also providing the opportunity to reduce processing costs through economies of scale.”
Press release is available in its original form here.
A metal heat treater is expanding their operations with a new vacuum furnace. The high-pressure quench vacuum furnace will be used for a wide range of processes such as vacuum hardening, tempering, solution treatment, aging, annealing, brazing and high-pressure gas quenching, servicing the automotive, aerospace, toolmaking and machinery sectors.
Shital Vacuum Treat will receive the furnace fromSECO/WARWICK, and it will comply with the NADCA (North American Die Casting Association) global standard for the heat treatment of tools and dies and enable faster preparation for NADCAP certification.
The single-chamber Vector vacuum furnace will be equipped with an advanced 15 bar (abs) gas cooling system, enabling rapid and uniform cooling of loads with complex geometries. It features a round heating chamber with high temperature uniformity ±5°C (9°F), convection heating up to 850°C (1562°F), and a vacuum system based on Leybold mechanical and Roots pumps.
“SECO/WARWICK is not just a supplier – they are part of our family. The new furnace will allow us to increase our production capacity and serve customers better. Quality and repeatability are paramount for us…Thanks to high-pressure cooling and the ability to work with different process gases, the furnace fits perfectly with the requirements of a commercial hardening plant that serves clients from various industrial sectors. Its NADCA compliance and readiness for Nadcap certification allows us to provide services to clients from the most demanding industries, such as aerospace and automotive,” commented Vilas Kolekar, marketing director for Shital Vacuum Treat Pvt. Ltd.
Shital Vacuum Treat Pvt Ltd in the Indian market not only provides comprehensive heat treatment services but also acts as a technology advisor.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Iperion X has received $25 million from the U.S. Department of War to support the build-out of a resilient, fully integrated, and low-cost titanium supply chain. The funds will be applied to the scale-up of production to 1,400 tpa at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia.
The award has come through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program and is part of a $42.5 million obligation expected to be granted over time. The IBAS program is designed to reinforce U.S. defense supply chains mineral-to-metal titanium that reduces reliance on imports and establishes a secure, uninterruptible domestic source of critical materials.
This latest obligation follows prior tranches of $12.5 million and $5 million, which funded long-lead items for titanium manufacturing equipment and to advance the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee.
IperionX is an American titanium metal and critical materials company that uses patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions. Their Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth, and zircon minerals sands in the United States. Titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing.
Press release is available in its original form here.
We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat TreatFringe Fridayinstallment: Woodward, Inc, a manufacturer with in-house heat treat operations which serves the aerospace industry, has announced its plan to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. The new site is a strategic investment for the company. The 300,000-square-foot facility is set to open in 2027 and will focus on production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are critical components used in aircraft flight control.
While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.
Woodward’s Nadcap certification Source: Woodward, Inc.Chip Blankenship Chairman & CEO Woodward, Inc.
Initially, most of the factory’s capacity will be dedicated to producing spoiler actuation for the Airbus A350. These critical control systems are mounted on the upper surface of aircraft wings and play a vital role in managing lift and enhancing flight performance and safety. The site has potential to expand capacity as the company meets growing demand for its aerospace technologies.
The facility is expected to create approximately 275 high-quality jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and business operations, with potential for significant workforce expansion in the future.
“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and our investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers,” said Chip Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Woodward, Inc. “It will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs.
“Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”
Henry Dargan McMaster Governor of South Carolina Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor
After an extensive nationwide search, Woodward selected Spartanburg County for its robust manufacturing infrastructure, access to highly skilled aerospace talent, and proximity to key suppliers. The investment is supported by an incentive package from the State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, and local economic development organizations.
“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County,” said Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.
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.
Two intensive furnace projects are poised to bring heat treating to the automotive brake rotor and marine propulsion systems industries. An FNC furnace has been completed which will process approximately 600,000 brake rotors per year for the automotive industry. An additional pit nitriding furnace has a capacity of 40,000 lbs and will be utilized for the production of large marine gears.
Brake Rotor Furnace
Mark Hemsath President Nitrex/UPC-Marathon Source: Linkedin
“In August our Team received Final Acceptance on two of the most difficult projects in Nitrex history…Our most sophisticated brake rotor semi-continuous FNC furnace is installed at a subsidiary of a major auto maker in Europe. Again, our team worked tirelessly to meet customer demands. I am so proud of our team and what they accomplished,” remarked Mark Hemsath, president of Nitrex/UPC Marathon.
The scale of the brake rotor furnace highlights its uniqueness. The furnace processes approximately 600,000 rotors per year, or about 1.6 metric tons per hour. If run continuously, output could approach nearly a million rotors annually.
The brake rotor furnace integrates a post-oxidation (ONC®) process, allowing control over both the color and oxide layer. This feature sets it apart from furnaces currently in use for brake rotors.
The standard load size of the brake rotor furnace is: 1200 mm x 1200 mm x 1800 mm, with a gross load capacity of up to 4 metric tons. Nitrex was able to offer an extended charge size to 2400 mm deep, which could raise throughput to about 2 metric tons per hour.
Brake rotor furnace Source: Nitrex
Pit Furnace
Nitrex’s largest pit nitriding furnace Source: Nitrex
The pit furnace represented another leap forward with a capacity of 40,000 lbs. — double the weight of Nitrex’s standard largest pit furnace. Engineering efforts centered on maximizing productivity while maintaining the precision nitrided layers expected from smaller systems.
This furnace presented significant logistical challenges due to its sheer size and complexity in transport and installation.
Mark Hemsath remarked: “I am so proud of the effort our entire team exerted to meet schedules, quality demands and design improvements. Our largest ever precision Nitrider (4.5 meter diameter!) for deep-case nitriding of large gears was built on-site with no prior testing.”
The pit furnace is built to handle extremely large gears, typically for marine propulsion systems in very large ships where double-helix gears are standard. These gears, which can weigh 20,000 lbs, require 12 days to nitride, not including heating or cooling — a stark contrast to the two-hour cycle time of the semi-continuous rotor furnace, which is for high volumes in automotive settings.
The furnace stands at 4.5 meters (177 inches / 14.75 feet) in diameter and 3.5 meters deep (11.48 feet), marking one of the largest precision nitriding capacities ever built with a retort lining.
Project Highlights
These projects were collaborative, drawing expertise from across the organization.
In Canada, Janusz Szymborski came out of retirement to contribute design enhancements. Lead Designer Kamil Szczudlo and Chief Engineer Marcin Doroszko from Nitrex’s Poland facility drove the design, automation, and gas flow systems, while plant manager Robert Sokolinski coordinated production and logistics. Karl Michael Winter, vice president of Engineering in Germany, worked on advanced brake rotor layer formation.
Heat TreatToday original press release, last updated on 09/10/2025 at 6:04am.
We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat TreatFringe Friday installment: a project that revolutionizes domestic steel making. Learn more about this green steel tech that plans to turn into a 500,000-tonne per year production micro-mill!
While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.
Hertha Metals has founded a technology with the potential to transform domestic steelmaking. The company’s proprietary technology is powered by natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity, enabling steel production from any grade of iron ore or waste oxide, in any format, including fines and lumps. Hertha’s process has been demonstrated at a continuous 1 tonne-per-day scale at their Conroe, TX facility, with plans to scale up to 9,000-tonnes, before launching a 500,000-tonne per year micro-mill.
This semi-continuous, single-step process delivers tunable iron and steelmaking. With Flex-HERS™, the proprietary technology, Hertha Metals can tap into domestic iron ore resources and produce low-emission steel using abundant natural gas. As clean hydrogen becomes more available and affordable, they plan to switch fuels — without changing the furnace, to remove the loss of stranded assets, and future-proof a path for steel production.
Hertha Metals steel production Source: Hertha Metals
The new technology:
Enables iron and steel production from low-grade ore, fines and waste oxides
Single-step production using abundant natural gas or clean hydrogen
Scalable technology to serve multiple markets
High-performance steel alloys under development
Laureen Meroueh CEO & Founder Hertha Metals Source:Linkedin
“After three short years of heads-down building, Hertha Metals is ready to show the world what we have achieved. After more than 300 years of coal-based primary steelmaking, Hertha Metals is introducing a process that is more energy efficient, more cost competitive, and more flexible with feedstock quality.
“The team at Hertha has been hard at work, developing and scaling our single-step ore-to-steelmaking technology. We have demonstrated our technology with various ore qualities and format (including fines) at a scale of 1 tonne per day of continuous clean steel production. This is the largest novel steelmaking pilot plant demonstration in the US and I am so proud of the speed at which we got here,” said CEO and founder, Laureen Meroueh.
Heat Treat Today original press release, last updated on 09/05/2025 at 5:15am.
IperionX Limited will receive $12.5 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to accelerate the scale-up of a resilient, low-cost, and fully-integrated U.S. mineral-to-metal titanium supply chain. The project will include scaling up to over 1,000 metric tons per year at the Virgnia Titanium Manufacturing Campus.
The $12.5 million will be applied to purchase orders for long-lead, major capital equipment required for the scale-up. Major incremental capacity categories include titanium deoxygenation, sintering and powder metallurgy consolidation systems; near-net-shape component manufacturing and ancillary infrastructure upgrades.
Anastasios (Taso) Arima CEO IperionX Source: IperionX
“This new U.S. Government obligation allows IperionX to move immediately to secure long-lead capital equipment and lock in manufacturing slots with key suppliers. It accelerates our imminent Virginia expansion beyond 1,000 tpa of high-performance titanium manufactured products, and advances a fully integrated, low-cost and traceable American titanium supply chain for defense and commercial customers. This commitment from the DoD is a strong endorsement of our technology, our team, and our mission to reshore a resilient titanium production supply chain in the United States,” said Anastasios (Taso) Arima, IperionXCEO.
In response to the strategic need for increased production capacity of domestic primary titanium metal and manufactured titanium metal components, the project scope under the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program has been revised to prioritize accelerated expansion of IperionX’s titanium metal and manufacturing production capacity at IperionX’s Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus.
This project is part of a previously announced $47.1 million award to strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base by accelerating the scale-up of a resilient, low-cost, and fully-integrated U.S. mineral-to-metal titanium supply chain.
Press release is available in its original form here.
