MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Defense Industry Manufacturer Expands Heat Treating Capabilities

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A defense industry manufacturer has purchased an inert atmosphere batch oven for processing stainless steel parts in a reduced oxygen environment to prevent scaling. The furnace is designed to use a nitrogen atmosphere system to reduce surface oxidation of parts and includes a flow meter calibrated for nitrogen and controlled via closed loop to maintain the reduced oxygen level.

Wisconsin Oven Corporation shipped the system, which has a maximum temperature rating of 1,250°F with the capacity to heat and cool approximately 6,000 lbs. of steel per load in an inert atmosphere. The temperature is controlled by a Watlow F4T digital recorder/controller with ethernet communication capabilities. Temperature uniformity of +/- 10°F at 1,000°F and 1,200°F was verified with a nine-point profile test.

Mike Grande
Vice President of Sales
Wisconsin Oven Corporation
Source: Wisconsin Oven Corporation

The oven features a “CAN” style construction with a heavy plate exterior, a total of six inches of insulation, and an 18-gauge 304 stainless steel interior. To maximize throughput and productivity, the oven is designed with a pneumatically operated vertical lift door and powered load/unload table capable of handling up to 6,000 lbs., along with a water cooling system to reduce the cooling time, to allow for faster production cycles.

“This inert atmosphere oven includes several state-of-the-art features that increase production throughput and provide reduced surface oxidation,” said Mike Grande, vice president of sales at Wisconsin Oven. “These include water cooling to reduce the cooling time at the end of the cycle, closed-loop nitrogen control to prevent nitrogen overconsumption, oxygen and humidity sensors to provide real time data, and an industrial IoT system to connect the unit to the Wisconsin Oven aftermarket team for remote data monitoring and tech support.” 

The press release is available in its original form here.

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IperionX Delivers First Titanium Furnace Production Run

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

IperionX, a U.S. titanium metal and critical materials company, recently delivered its first successful titanium furnace production run at the company’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus, based in Virginia. The furnace was installed in April 2024 with full run rate target capacity of at least 125 metric tons per year anticipated by the end of the year.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima
CEO
IperionX
Source: IperionX

IperionX announced the commissioning of the Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction (HAMRTM) furnace, noting that the titanium de-oxygenation production run represents a technological milestone for the company with a breakthrough +60x increase in titanium production capacity. The company’s titanium metal and critical minerals are processed for the consumer electronics, space, aerospace, defense, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and additive manufacturing industries.

“Over the last two years, we have successfully operated our pilot titanium production facility in Utah, producing high performance titanium products for customers and importantly – delivering first revenues for our company,” said Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO of IperionX. “Today, we demonstrated that our HAMR technology works at commercial scale. We successfully increased the furnace production capacity by ~60x times and produced high performance titanium that exceeds industry quality standards.”

The HAMR furnace is produced entirely from 100% scrap titanium (Ti-6Al-4V alloy, Grade 5 titanium), with a confirmed reduction in oxygen levels from 3.42% to below 0.07%, far exceeding the ASTM standard requirement of 0.2% for Grade 5 titanium. IperionX’s proprietary HAMR technologies offer a range of competitive advantages, including lower operating temperatures, reduced energy consumption, enhanced process efficiency, and accelerated production cycles.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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East Coast Manufacturer To Replace Aging Fleet of Vacuum Sintering Furnaces

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

An East Coast manufacturer has purchased six new vacuum sintering furnaces to replace the 1980s-era sintering furnaces it has used for heat treating components.

SECO/VACUUM received the commission to transition the production line from nine 40-yr-old SECO/WARWICK sintering furnaces to the six Vector sintering vacuum furnaces with 2-bar gas cooling. The furnace hot zones will be 26″ wide, 30″ high, and 62″ deep (660 x 760 x 1575 mm), which are the same size as the retiring furnaces, allowing them to continue using their existing heat treat fixtures.

Sintering is a critical process used to fuse metals together without reaching melting temperature. It is generally used for fixing the strands of wire mesh in place, consolidating powder metals, or any application where the objective is fusing metals together while remaining below melting temperatures.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Heat Treater’s Michigan Expansion Progressing

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

The Michigan expansion of a furnace manufacturer and heat treating company has advanced with the erection of the entire steel structure in one week. The new 20,000-sq-ft building for Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc. will not only house additional vacuum and air furnaces but will also serve as a new shipping and receiving space.

Solar Atmospheres, headquartered in Souderton, PA, relocated equipment to its Michigan facility in April, 2024, where the ten vacuum furnaces are fully operational. The expansion project, which began in July, 2024, will more than double the company’s current footprint in Chesterfield, MI, and is on track for completion by the end of 2024.

The press release is available in its original form here.

Follow the development of this story in the previous Heat Treat Today posts found here, here, and here.

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Inductotherm Group Announces Leadership Transition

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, INDUCTION HEATING EQUIPMENT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Inductotherm Group, which provides thermal processing technologies, has announced a significant leadership transition as part of a planned succession strategy of the company. After 15 years as CEO and 38 years with the company, Gary Doyon has stepped down from his role as CEO, effective July 1, 2024, coinciding with Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu taking over as co‐leaders.

Although he is stepping down as CEO, Mr. Doyon will remain actively involved with the company. He will continue to serve as the only non family member on the parent company Board, assisting with specific operational needs of other businesses owned by the Rowan family and pursuing new business avenues and opportunities for the Inductotherm Group.

Gary Doyon
retiring CEO
Inductotherm Group

“We greatly appreciate and thank Gary Doyon for his exceptional leadership over the past 15 years,” said Virginia Rowan Smith, chairman of Inductotherm Group. “As we move forward with our succession plans, we are confident that the new leadership will continue to uphold the high standards and legacy that Gary has established.

“We are pleased to announce that Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu have been selected to be co‐leaders,” added Ms. Smith. “This management strategy fits perfectly with the fact that our business is large, growing fast, and becoming wider in product technologies around the world. Mick and Satyen have come up with strong business plans that meet our family’s goal of maintaining a stable, customer‐focused, and technology‐centric business. We have an exciting future ahead of us.”

The unique co-leadership arrangement of Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu is designed to leverage their complementary strengths and experiences. In their new roles, they will focus on thought leadership, market comprehension, and a deep understanding of the thermal processing industry’s various sectors. with a goal to preserve the core values and vision of the company’s founder, Henry Rowan.

Under Doyon’s tenure as CEO, Inductotherm Group, which offers advanced technology for the engineering, manufacturing and service of thermal processing equipment used in the melting, heating, heat treating, forging, galvanizing, coating, cutting and welding of metals, has diversified its product offerings. In addition, the company has expanded its global footprint, bringing together 40 companies with 38 manufacturing facilities located in 19 countries under the brands Inductotherm, Inductoheat, Thermatool, Radyne, Consarc, and others.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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SECO/WARWICK Group Expands US Footprint

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

The SECO/WARWICK Group, the parent company of SECO/VACUUM Technologies and SECO/WARWICK USA, has announced plans to bolster its production capacity in the U.S., increasing its footprint and workforce. The expansion will include relocating a portion of its manufacturing and a metallurgical lab for vacuum furnaces from its headquarters site in Poland to Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

The 120,000-sq ft facility located in Meadville, PA, will house equipment for furnace production and serve the company’s North American customers through the addition of parts, service, and training capacity, resulting in an increase in its heat treat manufacturing workforce. an international furnace manufacturer

SECO/WARWICK Group announced that this expansion received support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through a $2 million package of matching fund grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The primary use and intent of RACP funds is for reimbursement of eligible construction costs which SECO/WARWICK Group companies will match on a 1:1 basis. The Commonwealth will also provide an additional $69 thousand in matching funds for job training through the Workforce & Economic Development Network (WEDnet).

Employees of SECO/VACUUM Technologies and SECO/WARWICK at the announcement of the Meadville, PA, site expansion, held jointly by The SECO/WARWICK Group and the Commonwealth of PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Source: Heat Treat Today

State, county and local officials as well as representatives from the international and US-based offices of the SECO/WARWICK Group were present at an event marking the expansion.

“Governor Shapiro is committed to making Pennsylvania an economic leader by investing in the growth of businesses like SECO/VACUUM and SECO/WARWICK,” stated the Commonwealth in the grant award letter. “In addition to the financing package outlined above, the Governor’s Action Team is prepared to provide both companies with any assistance that may be required throughout the application process, as well as to coordinate the involvement of all other state agencies in the project.”

“We look forward to working with our local partners including the City of Meadville, the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County (EPACC), the Workforce and Economic Development Network (WEDnet), and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to make this expansion happen!” said Piotr Zawistowski, president and managing director of SECO/VACUUM.

Pictured in feature image (L to R): Don Marteeny, vice president of engineering; Slawomir Wozniak, president and CEO, SECO/WARWICK Group; Piotr Zawistowski, president and managing director of SECO VACUUM Technologies

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Piston Rings Manufacturer Bolsters Production with 3rd Nitriding System

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

Asimco Shuanghuan Piston Ring Co., Ltd. has added a third nitriding system to its heat treating operations, enhancing piston ring production capabilities to serve a range of applications, including the automotive, commercial vehicle, construction machinery, and marine sectors. The compact furnace system was installed in line with two identical systems acquired in 2018 and 2021.

Nitrex installed the latest nitriding system in June, 2024, and Asimco began production in July with a goal to increase its annual production capacity of 180 million pieces and over 4,800 different varieties and specifications. Nitrex’s NITREG®-S stainless steel nitriding technology improves wear resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability of piston rings, while reducing friction. These improvements result in better sealing, lower oil consumption, and overall enhanced engine efficiency and durability.

Nikola Dzepina
Nitrex Regional Manager – Asia
Source: NITREX

“The addition of the NXK-812 furnace aligns with Asimco Shuanghuan’s objectives to boost production volume and ensure precision and reliability in high-volume manufacturing,” said Tao Liu, sales manager at Nitrex China.

“By incorporating an additional Nitrex system into their operations, Asimco enhances its ability to produce stainless-steel piston rings with superior performance, durability, and reliability. This advanced treatment makes their products exceptionally suited for high-demand engine applications,” said Nikola Dzepina, account executive at Nitrex.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Heat Treater Launches Expanded HIP Capacity Production at South Carolina Facility

/ HIPING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A U.K.-based thermal processing service provider announced it has begun production at its facility in Greenville, SC, where it recently expanded its hot isostatic pressing (HIP) services. The site houses heat treating operations, EDM, and other capabilities to serve the aerospace, defense, power generation, medical, and general industries.

HIP Product Fabrication – metal part from powder metal
Source: Bodycote

The additional HIP capacity at Bodycote‘s Greenville location was commissioned to service the development and processing of advanced materials for industries situated within the Southeastern U.S. as well as other Bodycote facilities in the supply chain. With HIP capacity now in full production, Bodycote is able to meet the rising demand for highly reliable additive manufacturing post-processing. The company has more than HIP vessels of varying sizes in multiple locations. Processing capability can accommodate components nominally up to 6.5ft in diameter by 12ft high, and weighing over 30,000kg.

The press release is available in its original form here.

Featured photo: HIP furnace being lowered into place

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Aluminum Parts Manufacturer Increases Capacity with Melting Furnace

/ ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A melting and holding furnace with a preheat hearth and a maximum temperature rating of 1,450°F (788°C) has been shipped to a manufacturer to increase capacity for processing aluminum parts.

Lindberg/MPH announced the shipment of a gas-fired reverberatory aluminum melting and holding furnace with a total holding capacity of 85,000 lbs based on 155 lbs per cubic ft. of molten aluminum and a melt rate of 10,000 pounds per hour. A full width vertically rising air operated door provides access to load the preheat hearth and a full width cleanout door at the rear allows for unloading.

Kelley Shreve
General Manager
Lindberg/MPH
Source: Lindberg/MPH

This melting furnace is designed with an elevated base and bottom mounted magnetic stirring mechanism. An air pressure pump well for dispensing molten aluminum provides the operator with greater ease of use and allows the unit to stand idle over long periods of time such as weekends without having a large temperature differential between the pumper and the furnace.

“This aluminum melting furnace design provides maximum melting efficiency and large capacity. The customer supplied magnetic stirring mechanism helps reduce damaging oxide growth,” said Kelley Shreve, general manager at Lindberg/MPH.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Furnace Manufacturer Consolidates Operations With $4M Facility, Creates 25 new jobs

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A Missouri-based furnace manufacturer for the foundry, die casting and metal forming industries recently announced plans to expand its footprint in the St. Louis area with a new facility. The $4M investment in O’Fallon, Missouri, will create 25 new jobs and result in the consolidation of operations located in two Missouri counties with room to grow.

“We’ve seen explosive growth over the past few years, which initiated an extensive search for a new location,” said Joe Slattery, president and COO of SINC Thermal. “Our new, consolidated facility in O’Fallon will allow us to successfully address the current needs of our customers and position us for future growth.”

Mike Parson
Governor of Missouri
Source: flickr

“It’s exciting to see yet another Missouri-made business like SINC Thermal thriving in the St. Louis region. We look forward to the company’s continued success in O’Fallon as it expands and strengthens the area’s vibrant manufacturing sector,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

Bill Hennessey
Mayor
O’Fallon, Missouri
Source: www.ofallon.mo.us

For this expansion, SINC Thermal will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

“We are thrilled that SINC Thermal has joined O’Fallon’s vast number of advanced manufacturers, and proud of the Select O’Fallon team’s work in making it happen,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “I also wish to thank our county, regional, and state partners for their support of SINC Thermal and help in reaffirming O’Fallon as a place where businesses can succeed.”

SINC Thermal president and COO Joe Slatterly is a member of Heat Treat Today‘s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. Click here to learn more.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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