QUENCHING NEWS

New Vacuum Furnace Supports Aerospace Heat Treating at U.S. Facility

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, CARBURIZING NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer is expanding its heat treat capabilities for bearing components with the addition of vacuum heat treatment processes, including high-pressure gas quenching and low-pressure carburizing. The move supports increasing production capacity, process quality, and operational flexibility.

Image Credit: SECO/WARWICK

SECO/WARWICK has supplied a Vector vacuum furnace equipped with a 15-bar absolute high-pressure gas quenching system that has been customized to meet the client’s requirements by integrating the low-pressure carburizing (LPC) option. With a working zone of 900 mm x 900 mm x 1200 mm (36 in x 36 in x 48 in), the system is designed to process large loads, including parts with critical dimensions, while maintaining cleanliness and parameter repeatability.

The furnace configuration includes a cylindrical heating chamber that ensures temperature uniformity of ±5°C (±10°F). A convection heating system improves heat transfer at lower temperatures, while directional gas quenching enables better process control for components with more complex geometries.

Operating under vacuum conditions, the system helps limit sublimation of alloying elements from the load surface, while the gas quenching system provides a maximum quenching pressure of up to 15 bar abs. It is complemented by the LPC option, enabling precise surface hardening within a single, integrated technological cycle.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of the Vacuum Segment
SECO/WARWICK Group

“In this project, the [client] was looking for a solution that would combine a large working area, a short delivery time, and an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Vector meets these expectations, and thanks to the LPC option and advanced quench control, it gives users great flexibility in processing a wide range of components,” emphasizes Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at the SECO/WARWICK Group.

The installation enhances the manufacturer’s ability to meet stringent aerospace requirements while increasing throughput for heat treated bearing components used in demanding operating environments.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Andis Vacuum Furnace Controls Get An Upgrade

/ CONTROLS NEWS, HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Andis Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of grooming tools, has completed a controls upgrade on a vacuum heat treat furnace used for hardening components. The upgrade supports continued operation of a system critical to its production.

Andis Company finalized a PLC system overhaul on its ECM FLEX vacuum furnace, transitioning from an aging S7-300 processor and Profibus network to a newer S7-1500 series processor with Profinet communication. The upgrade also included remote input/output integration across the system. ECM USA supported the project planning and on-site execution, with the work completed on schedule and with minimal disruption to production.

The three-cell hardening modular furnace operates at approximately 950°C (1724°F) and includes a 20-bar gas quench, along with loading/unloading automation. Installed roughly 15 years ago to replace molten salt baths, the system supports clean heat treatment to avoid part discoloration and reduce the need for post-heat treat cleaning. The furnace remains central to Andis’s Wisconsin operations.

Tom Hoffelder
Director of Manufacturing Support and Innovation
Andis Company

The upgrade was initiated in 2025 following end-of-support announcements for legacy controls. “In 2025, we determined that we needed to fully replace the CPUs in our ECM vacuum heat treat system after Siemens announced end-of-support for significant portions of the controls,” said Tom Hoffelder, director of manufacturing support and innovation at Andis Company. “Because reliable day-to-day operation of our heat treat system is critical to our business, we worked closely [with ECM] to define the project scope and map out the execution plan.”

The project focused on modernizing hardware, improving long-term reliability, and maintaining throughput during installation. The updated controls and HMI remained familiar to operators, allowing the system to return to full production without additional training, Hoffelder added.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Vacuum Furnace Boosts Tool Steel Processing

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Treatnorte, a commercial heat treatment company, will add a new vacuum furnace to support vacuum heat treatment of tool steel, improving process control and consistency for components used in manufacturing applications.

Image Credit: SECO/WARWICK

The furnace joining Treatnorte’s machine park is a medium size system from SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of heat treatment equipment with operations in North America. It is configured to provide a broad process range and production flexibility.

The round heating chamber allows processing of relatively large parts, while the combination of high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) up to 15 bar abs, combined with dedicated low-pressure carburizing (LPC) technology, enables complete process cycles for a range of steels used by Treatnorte’s clients. The furnace provides temperature uniformity, convection heating at lower temperatures, and directional cooling, supporting control of quenching processes for complex geometries.

The furnace configuration also incorporates FineCarb technology, SECO/WARWICK’s low-pressure carburizing solution carried out in a vacuum atmosphere, where carbon introduction is precisely controlled through successive pulses of carbon-bearing gases. This process allows for uniform and repeatable carburized layers with minimal part distortion and reduced cycle time.

The equipment will serve both the Portuguese and Spanish markets, where it will support ongoing tool steel heat-treatment operations. “The ability to independently perform vacuum hardening and carburizing processes significantly increases operations independence, shortens the supply chain, and allows for better quality control. FineCarb technology, combined with 15-bar gas quenching opens up opportunities for Treatnorte to win more demanding projects for [clients] in Portugal and Spain,” said Nuno Carvalho from Treatnorte.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Vacuum Furnace Consolidates Multiple Heat Treat Processes

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A manufacturer has placed an order for a vacuum furnace system designed to replace multiple heat treating processes, consolidating operations into a single device to streamline thermal processing. The furnace will be used to heat treat components for high-precision small arms intended for civilian markets, including sport shooting and hunting, as well as versions adapted for uniformed services.

Image Credit: SECO/WARWICK

Initial production plans called for four separate units — an oil quenching furnace, tempering furnace, cryogenic unit, and washing system. Following a joint technological analysis, SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of industrial furnaces with operations in North America, demonstrated that these processes could be performed within a single vacuum furnace with gas quenching. Trials confirmed the approach met the client’s requirements while simplifying the overall process.

The system is a horizontal Vector vacuum furnace designed to support multiple heat treating operations in one unit. It features a round heating chamber with temperature uniformity of approximately 5°C (9°F), a convection heating system for improved low-temperature efficiency, and a vacuum pumping system combining mechanical and Roots pump for stable operation.

Additional capabilities include partial pressure control system to limit alloy element evaporation and a 15-bar gas quenching system with inverter controlled to stabilize cooling and reduce power demand peaks. The furnace also supports vacuum carburizing (FineCarb), pre-nitriding (PreNitLPC), low-pressure carbonitriding (LPCN), and deep cryogenic treatment down to −80°C (−112°F) within an automated cycle.

By consolidating these processes, the system is expected to improve repeatability and production efficiency, while eliminating the need for post-quench oil cleaning.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment
SECO/WARWICK

“Initially, several separate devices were considered, each handling subsequent stages of the process. After analysis and technological testing, it turned out that all these operations can be carried out in a single vacuum furnace with gas quenching. This means not only substantial investment savings but also simplified production, shorter process times, and reduced labor requirements. For the [client], it is also the first step toward modern vacuum processes and moving away from the atmospheric technologies previously used,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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California Facility Adds 10-Bar Vacuum Furnace

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Solar Atmospheres has announced the installation and full commissioning of a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its Fontana, California, further expanding the company’s high-pressure vacuum heat treating capacity in the western United States. The system enables vacuum heat treating and high-pressure quenching of large components essential to high-performance applications across aerospace and other critical industries.

The furnace, manufactured by sister company Solar Manufacturing, is a horizontal vacuum system with a 48″ wide x 48″ high x 96″ deep hot zone and a maximum load capacity of 12,000 pounds. Equipped with a vacuum pumping package capable of reaching an ultimate vacuum level of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr, the furnace is designed for processing titanium and other high-performance alloys that require tightly controlled, low-contamination environments.

Derek Dennis
President
Solar Atmospheres California

“This investment gives our [clients] another regional solution for high-pressure quenching of large components and heavy workloads,” said Derek Dennis, president of Solar Atmospheres California. It also allows the company to increase capacity and improve efficiency as demand continues to grow, he adds.

The move supports vacuum heat treating needs across aerospace, defense, medical, and power generation markets, with capacity aimed at maintaining consistent turnaround and performance.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Tenaris OCTG Production Restarts In-House Heat Treating

/ ENERGY HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, TEMPERING NEWS

Global pipe manufacturer Tenaris has reactivated quenching and tempering operations at its Koppel, Pennsylvania facility, restoring a critical stage of in-house heat treating capacity that supports domestic oil country tubular goods (OCTG) production for the U.S. energy sector. The restart reinforces supply chain reliability for clients requiring high-performance steel pipe.

Guillermo Moreno
President
Tenaris U.S.

The reactivation follows Tenaris’s broader investment in its Pennsylvania operations and coincides with the reopening of the adjacent steel mill. “Reopening the heat treatment and finishing lines in Koppel reinforces the strength of our domestic production capabilities for our clients across the U.S.,” says Guillermo Moreno, Tenaris U.S. President. “Koppel remains a cornerstone of our U.S. operations, allowing us to deliver high-quality steel products that support U.S. energy and industrial needs.”

Tenaris operates an integrated steel pipe manufacturing system across Pennsylvania and Ohio. At the Koppel facility, steel billets are produced in an electric arc furnace and shipped to Ambridge, Pennsylvania, where they are rolled into seamless OCTG to client specifications. The pipes are then returned to Koppel for quenching and tempering, followed by finishing, nondestructive testing, and inspection.

In the final stage of production, the pipes are sent to Tenaris’s Brookfield, Ohio, facility for threading and final inspection before shipment to oil and gas clients across the United States. With the Koppel heat treatment lines back online, Tenaris strengthens its U.S. production capabilities and continues delivering high-performance steel products for energy and industrial applications.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Exclusive License Brings Bell Furnace Quenching Systems to North America

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

Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems announced the expansion of its modular furnace offerings for the North American market through an exclusive licensing agreement with SOLO Swiss SA. The agreement grants Gasbarre rights to manufacture, promote, and sell a ProfiTherm® modular bell furnace system, strengthening Gasbarre’s equipment portfolio for commercial and captive heat treat operations serving a range of industrial markets.

Source: Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems

The licensed system is a modular arrangement of bell furnaces and quench tanks that enables direct, rapid transfer from furnace to quench. The configuration is positioned as a practical alternative to traditional integral quench batch furnaces, particularly for operations seeking greater flexibility and reduced infrastructure requirements.

Designed with a compact footprint, the system minimizes installation complexity by eliminating the need for pits and reducing overall plant disruption. A metallic retort design supports faster furnace conditioning and quicker process changeovers while limiting refractory exposure to process gases to help extend refractory life. The system also eliminates many traditional internal nickel-alloy material handling components — such as roller rails, chain guides, and handler heads — reducing consumable wear, downtime, and the risk of furnace jams while simplifying service access.

The ProfiTherm system supports a wide range of heat treating processes, including austermpering, marquenching, carburizing, carbonitriding, and neutral hardening, with quench options that include water/polymer, oil, and salt. Typical parts processed include gears, pinions, and sprockets, bearing components such as races, rings, and rollers; shafts, hubs, couplings, and yokes; high-strength pins and fasteners; and general industrial wear and drive components. Target applications include captive heat treat departments and commercial shops serving general industry, aerospace, defense, and bearing markets.

Press release is available in its original form here. Additional information provided by Gasbarre.
Featured image shows (from left to right) Dan Hill, product development manager of Gasbarre; Ben Gasbarre, EVP sales & marketing of Gasbarre; David Salerno, CEO of SOLO; and David Howard , sales director of SOLO.

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Newton Heat Treating Upgrades Enhance Aerospace Processing Capabilities

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, STRESS RELIEVING NEWS

Newton Heat Treating has completed a major equipment upgrade, replacing steam accumulators that had been in service for 20 years in its uphill quenching/cold stabilization operation. The upgrade directly impacts the company’s aerospace processing capabilities, with many parts destined for optical components in space applications undergoing this critical heat treatment process.

Saying goodbye to the old steam accumulators
SOURCE: Newton Heat Treating
New steam accumulators fully installed
SOURCE: Heat Treating
John Avalos
Quality Engineer
Newton Heat Treating

According to the company, the new steam accumulators have delivered immediate operational improvements. The heat treat transfer time from the steam accumulators to the steam chambers (where parts are inserted) is faster, providing better tensile stress reduction. Energy efficiency has also improved, with steam blasting time cut by about 10%.

John Avalos, quality engineer at Newton Heat Treating, reported, “primary operator who runs this process, Alfred Ojeda, said that the new steam accumulators don’t take as long to pressurize.” This will cut down on processing time, he explains.

Newton Heat Treating partnered with McKenna Boiler Works, Inc. for the installation project, which was completed on time and to specifications.

The uphill quenching/cold stabilization process is essential for aerospace components, particularly those requiring precise dimensional stability and stress relief for mission-critical optical systems used in space.

Want to learn more about uphill quenching? Check out the Heat Treat Radio episode where Newton Heat Treating CEO Greg Newton and John Avalos discuss this little-known but highly effective process for controlling residual stress in aluminum alloys.

Press release is available in its original form here. Additional details provided by the company.

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Solar Atmospheres Expands with 10-Bar Vacuum Furnace

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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 Atmospheres
Steve 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.

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Heat Treater Expands Furnace Operations and Nadcap Readiness

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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 from SECO/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.

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