MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS Archives

New Diffusion Hardening Vessel Expands Stainless Steel Processing in North America

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

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

Temitope Oluwafemi
S³P Technical Manager in North America
Bodycote

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

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

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

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Induction Hardening and Gas Nitriding Capacity Added at Alabama Plant

March 9, 2026 / HARDENING NEWS, INDUCTION HEATING EQUIPMENT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, NITRIDING NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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Firearm Manufacturer Increases Carburizing Heat Treat

March 6, 2026 / CARBURIZING NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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

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

Lukasz Chwialkowski
Sales Manager
SECO/WARWICK

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

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

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Oklahoma Aluminum Fabrication Hub Boosts Domestic Supply Chains

February 27, 2026 / ALLOY FABRICATIONS NEWS, ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A new downstream aluminum fabrication facility is being planned in Inola, Oklahoma, to convert molten primary aluminum into value-added products. The project is intended to strengthen domestic aluminum supply chains and expand U.S. primary aluminum processing capacity by anchoring fabrication operations adjacent to a proposed new smelter.

Local firm U.S. Aluminum Company has signed an agreement with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) and Century Aluminum, the companies behind the planned primary aluminum production plant in Inola, Oklahoma, to explore the development of an aluminum fabrication plant near the smelter. The project, named Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, is expected to double U.S. primary aluminum production. U.S. Aluminum Company is the first downstream firm to formalize an agreement tied to the project.

U.S. Aluminum Company plans to build its facility near the smelter to process liquid aluminum into products for the electrical, defense, aerospace, automotive, and machinery industries. By locating next to the smelter, the company aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain and support growth of a broader downstream manufacturing ecosystem in the region.

“By establishing an aluminum hub in Oklahoma, we are strengthening and shortening the supply chain for a critical metal that supports American industries. Today’s announcement highlights the multiplier effect of revitalizing domestic production — attracting new infrastructure investment and creating jobs in adjacent industries,” said Jesse Gary, chief executive officer of Century Aluminum.

Founded by the Oklahoma City-based Plotkin family, owners of M-D Building Products, a long-standing aluminum fabrication company, U.S. Aluminum Company is focused on serving clients requiring domestically produced aluminum with high performance, traceability, and supply security.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Oklahoma Aluminum Fabrication Hub Boosts Domestic Supply Chains Read More »

JISCO Commissions Integrated CSP® Hot Strip Mill Line

February 27, 2026 / CONTROLS NEWS, FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

JISCO Carbon Steel, a global steel producer serving international markets including North America, has commissioned a new integrated CSP®-HSM line at its Jiayuguan facility following an upgrade and expansion project. The new production line combines Compact Strip Production (CSP®) with a hot strip mill (HSM) into a fully integrated system with complete automation. The move increases annual production capacity from 2 million to 4.5 million tons and enhances operational flexibility and stable production performance.

The newly commissioned line integrates CSP® casting and rolling with a newly installed hot strip mill, creating a continuous production route that allows rapid switching between production modes. According to the company, the system enables fast ramp-up and stable rolling performance while maintaining controllable quality from the start of operations. Importantly, the expansion was executed without interrupting ongoing CSP® production.

The upgrade includes the installation of new mechanical equipment and a complete automation package designed to coordinate casting and rolling operations. The automation system supports process control, operational stability, and consistent production results across product grades.

Technology and automation systems for the integrated CSP®-HSM line were supplied by SMS Group, which provided engineering, mechanical equipment, and its X-Pact® automation platform, including models and visualization systems for coordinated line control.

Commissioning ceremony on February 2, 2026, at JISCO’s site. | Image Credit: SMS Group

“Bringing the world’s first integrated CSP®-HSM line into production is a strategic leap for JISCO Carbon Steel. We now have the flexibility to align products and processes with customer needs in real time, backed by stable, repeatable quality from day one,” said Mr. Qiao Degao, CEO of JISCO Hongyu New Materials Co., Ltd. “SMS group’s automation technology and disciplined project execution were essential to meeting our schedule and performance targets.”

With the line now in operation, JISCO expands its production capacity and strengthens process integration between casting and hot rolling, positioning the Jiayuguan facility for increased throughput and operational flexibility in the flat steel market.

Press release is available in its original form here.
Main image shows the SMS Group team at JISCO after the successful first coil. Image Credit: SMS Group

JISCO Commissions Integrated CSP® Hot Strip Mill Line Read More »

Mold Manufacturer Moves Heat Treatment In-House

February 20, 2026 / HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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

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

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

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment
SECO/WARWICK

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

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

Press release is available in its original form here.

Mold Manufacturer Moves Heat Treatment In-House Read More »

Urschel Furnace Upgrade Reinforces Food Processing Industry

February 16, 2026 / MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Urschel Laboratories, a global manufacturer of precision food-cutting equipment based in Chesterton, Indiana, has placed an order for a new high-capacity vacuum furnace to support its in-house heat treating operations and safeguard production of critical stainless steel components used in its machines. The new equipment is expected to strengthen Urschel’s manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing the performance and reliability of its cutting systems used throughout the food processing industry.

Urschel is replacing an Ipsen MetalMaster furnace originally commissioned in 1986. | Image Credit: Ipsen USA

The order includes a MetalMaster® HR 54×48 2-bar vacuum furnace, which features 2-bar quench capability and maximum load dimensions of 36x36x48 inches. The system will replace a legacy vacuum furnace that has been in continuous operation since 1986. It is designed to accommodate Urschel’s processing requirements for 400-series stainless steel knife systems.

Supplying the system is Ipsen USA, a long-time partner in thermal processing equipment. This latest order marks Urschel’s sixth vacuum furnace from the supplier, building on a relationship that spans four decades and reflects consistent performance and support. The company currently operates two TITAN® LT6 2-bar furnaces and another MetalMaster HR 54×48 2-bar furnace purchased in 2014, all supporting essential processes such as annealing, tempering, hardening, and brazing of precision components within Urschel’s in-house heat treating facility.

The investment reflects Urschel’s continued focus on operational efficiency and product quality as it serves clients in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Urschel Furnace Upgrade Reinforces Food Processing Industry Read More »

Continuous CAB Line Production Boosts Capacity

February 13, 2026 / ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, BRAZING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A manufacturer specializing in advanced thermal management solutions has expanded its production capabilities with the delivery of a new continuous controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) line. The system will support increased output of high-performance cooling components such as heat dissipation plates for data centers and cold plates for electric vehicles, while also serving demand across aviation, photovoltaics, and rail transport.

The company, a Chinese manufacturer focused on temperature control platforms and cooling systems, is investing in the continuous CAB line to strengthen production capacity and support growing demand for compact, high-efficiency thermal management technologies.

The CAB line, supplied by SECO/WARICK — a global thermal processing equipment manufacturer with operations in North America — features a 1,000mm (39.2 in) belt width and is designed to process multiple product types, including 3D vapor chambers and cold plates. The system includes a dry-off oven for part preparation, a radiation brazing furnace operating in a controlled atmosphere, a clean-out chamber to stabilize internal conditions, an air-jacketed cooling chamber, and a final cooling chamber. An integrated control system enables centralized operation and process management across all stages.

Piotr Skarbiński
Vice President of Aluminum and CAB Products Segment
SECO/WARWICK

“What makes this project unique is the ability to braze two distinct product groups — 3D-VC (3d vapor chambers) and cold plates — on a single line,” said Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Products Segment at SECO/WARWICK. Through tailored throughput calculations and a customized cooling configuration, the system is engineered to deliver temperature uniformity and repeatable process control — factors essential to producing high-quality components for modern electronics and power systems, he adds.

As AI servers, EV systems, and advanced electronics generate increasing heat on compact surfaces, reliable aluminum brazing technologies remain essential to delivering performance, durability, and efficiency in next-generation thermal management systems.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Continuous CAB Line Production Boosts Capacity Read More »

New Acquisition in North America Boosts Refractory Support

February 12, 2026 / INSULATION NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

TFL Incorporated, a Houston-based provider of refractory materials and precast shapes, has been acquired in a move that strengthens resources and technical support for high-temperature industries. The acquisition enhances service capacity and product availability for clients operating in demanding thermal-processing environments, including sectors that rely on consistent refractory performance to maintain uptime and efficiency.

Click the image above to read more about a related refractory acquisition.

TFL has long specialized in the distribution and manufacturing of refractory materials and precast refractory shapes for industrial applications requiring durable, heat-resistant solutions. Its expertise supports operations across energy, petrochemical, and other high-heat industries throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Plibrico Company, a manufacturer of monolithic refractories and engineered refractory solutions, completed the acquisition as part of its continued growth strategy. The addition of TFL expands Plibrico’s geographic footprint, particularly in Texas and the Southern U.S., and strengthens its ability to deliver comprehensive refractory products and technical services to customers facing increasingly complex thermal processing demands.

John Paul Surdo
President and CEO
Plibrico Company

“This combination enhances the technical and operational strengths that matter most in the field,” said John Paul Surdo, president and CEO of Plibrico. He noted that TFL’s established customer relationships, combined with Plibrico’s engineering depth and precast abilities, provide broader solution options and strengthened technical collaboration for clients across key industrial markets it serves.

Press release is available in its original form here.

New Acquisition in North America Boosts Refractory Support Read More »

JUPALCO Expands Aluminum Coil Annealing Capacity

February 5, 2026 / ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, ANNEALING NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Jupiter Aluminum Industries (JUPALCO), part of the Jupiter Group, has ordered two aluminum coil annealing furnaces to support production at its rolling mill operations, strengthening capacity and consistency for flat-rolled aluminum products serving automotive, construction, and packaging markets. The investment reflects continued global demand for advanced aluminum heat treating capacity.

The furnaces, slated for installation at JUPALCO’s rolling mill operations in India, are designed to handle large aluminum coils, with a maximum outside diameter of 2,600mm, widths up to 2,300mm, and a total gross load capacity of 93.6 metric tons. Multi-zone chamber configurations and advanced control systems are engineered to deliver precise temperature uniformity and repeatable annealing results across high-volume production runs.

The equipment will be supplied by SECO/WARWICK, a furnace supplier with North American locations, and incorporates the company’s Vortex 2.0 aluminum coil annealing technology, which uses high-velocity airflow to improve heat transfer, shorten cycle times, and reduce the risk of localized overheating. The design also supports energy-efficient operation while maintaining tight temperature tolerances throughout the annealing process.

According to Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the CAB and Aluminum Products Segment at the SECO/WARWICK Group, the Vortex 2.0 is designed with a system of appropriately directed nozzles that support consistent aluminum processing while reducing cycle times and energy consumption.

The Indian market for flat-rolled aluminum products is growing rapidly, with its value expected to rise from USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 12 billion by 2035. Investments by manufacturers like JUPALCO in new rolling mills highlight both the domestic growth potential and the wider demand for advanced annealing technologies in global markets.

Press release is available in its original form here.

JUPALCO Expands Aluminum Coil Annealing Capacity Read More »

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