TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

12-Foot Vacuum Furnace Expands Titanium Processing Capacity

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Solar Atmospheres, a North American commercial heat treating company, has expanded its vacuum heat treating and titanium processing capabilities with the commissioning of a new vacuum furnace designed for hydriding and dehydriding (HDH) of titanium as well as a range of thermal processing applications. The addition is expected to increase capacity for titanium processing and vacuum heat treating operations, including annealing, stress relieving, solution treating, and aging.

The company recently commissioned the a new 12-foot horizontal vacuum furnace at its Eastern Pennsylvania facility. The furnace was designed primarily for HDH processing of titanium but can also perform the vacuum heat treating processed commonly used throughout the company’s client base.

The furnace features a 54″ x 54″ in x 144″ in working zone and is equipped with a 15,000-pound conventional load car arrangement. Additional features include a 300 HP external forced cooling system with variable frequency drive (VFD) control, Solar Manufacturing‘s Polaris control system, and dual mechanical pumping systems.

Michael A. Moyer
Vice President of Sales
Solar Atmospheres

“This new furnace adds much-needed capacity to support growing HDH demands,” said Mike Moyer, vice president of sales at Solar Atmospheres. “With dual mechanical pumping systems, we are able to more efficiently process larger degas loads and improve our delivery metrics.”

Moyer added that the furnace is also equipped to support the company’s existing vacuum heat treating operations. “From annealing and stress relieving to solution treating and aging, the new furnace adds considerable capacity to meet [clients’] growing demands.”

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Powder Metallurgy Press Strengthens Titanium Component Production

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

IperionX has commissioned new powder metallurgy equipment to expand U.S. titanium component manufacturing capacity, supporting the production of near-net-shape parts for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. The technology forms titanium preforms that can be sintered and forged into finished components, increasing production flexibility and supporting high-volume manufacturing pathways.

The company announced the commissioning of a 300-ton, six-axis SACMI powder metallurgy press at its Titanium Manufacturing Campus in South Boston, Virginia. The press triples IperionX’s existing powder metallurgy capacity and expands the range of titanium components that can be manufactured domestically using its powder metallurgy technologies.

SACMI powder press at IperionX’s titanium manufacturing campus, Virginia, and examples of complex parts that can be produced by powder metallurgy using IperionX titanium metal powder. | Image Credit: IperionX

The SACMI press provides higher compaction force, multi-axis movement, improved repeatability, and enhanced geometry control compared with conventional uniaxial pressing systems. These capabilities are intended to support programs requiring more complex component designs, tighter process control, and higher-volume production.

The press utilizes titanium powder produced through IperionX’s HAMRTM titanium process and forms neat-net-shape titanium preforms that can then be sintered and forged using the company’s HSPTTM process. Components targeted by the manufacturing platform include fasteners, gears, brackets, actuators, and other titanium parts used in defense, aerospace, industrial markets.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima
CEO
IperionX
Source: IperionX

The six-axis press is capable of up to 24 pressing cycles per minute, equivalent to approximately 11 milion single-cavity parts annually under operation assumptions. The system is also designed to integrate with additional HSPT furnace capacity expected to arrive in June to support customer qualification, low-rate initial production, and the continued scale-up of titanium component manufacturing.

“Titanium is a critical material, but its use has often been limited by cost and supply chain challenges. By combining our U.S.-sourced titanium powder, patented HAMRTM process, powder metallurgy pressing, and HSPTTM sintering and forging, IperionX is building a more scalable platform for domestic titanium manufacturing,” said Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO of IperionX.

Press release is available in its original form here. For additional context, watch a short video from IperionX discussing the newly commissioned powder metallurgy press and its planned role in scaling titanium component production embedded above.

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Heat Treating Supports Aerospace Components for Artemis II Mission

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

Solar Atmospheres has provided thermal processing services for materials and components used in the Artemis II mission, supporting aerospace applications that require precise control of material properties and performance under extreme conditions.

Image Credit: Solar Atmospheres

The heat treater specializes in thermal processing of a range of materials, including raw stock, nickel-based tubing, and other aerospace components that play a vital role in bringing next-generation space technology to life.

Click on the image above to learn more about high-temperature materials used in space applications.

At the core of some of these components is the 6AI-4V titanium Launch Abort System (LAS), which is a complex safety system. The LAS aboard the Orion spacecraft functions as a rocket capable of outrunning another rocket in an emergency. In the event of a catastrophic launch anomaly, its manifold enables the abort motor to ignite and safely propel the crew module away from the rocket.

Components used in these applications must meet strict requirements for precision and reliability, with little margin for error in performance.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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IperionX To Produce Titanium Components for Military Vehicles

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

IperionX has received a prototype order for lightweight titanium components intended for U.S. Army heavy ground combat systems. The order directly supports U.S. Government priorities to reshore and secure critical materials supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign titanium sources, and expand domestic manufacturing capacity using recycled feedstock.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima
CEO
IperionX
Source: IperionX

The prototype order from American Rheinmetall calls for approximately 700 components, with a potential to lead to a significantly larger agreement upon successful delivery of this initial scope of work. IperionX will manufacture the parts in the U.S. using 100 percent recycled titanium through its patented HAMR™ (Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction) and HSPT™ (Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation) technologies. These technologies enable the domestic production of high-performance titanium components at materially lower cost relative to conventional titanium production routes.

Replacing steel with titanium is expected to reduce component weight by roughly 40–45 percent, improving vehicle mobility and operational performance.

“This purchase order demonstrates the practical application of IperionX’s recycled titanium technologies on important U.S. ground combat platforms. As the only domestic producer of commercial primary titanium, IperionX is uniquely positioned to support domestic defense priorities with secure, low-carbon, and cost-competitive titanium products manufactured in the United States,” says Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO of IperionX.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Accelerated Titanium Component Production Targets Naval Shipbuilding Bottlenecks

/ FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

IperionX continues to advance domestic titanium manufacturing and thermal processing capabilities in a recent commitment to reduce long lead times for critical pump components used for naval shipbuilding. This addresses supply chain constraints that have slowed ship construction and maintenance. By shortening production timelines, the initiative supports improved fleet readiness while reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity for mission-critical naval systems.

The effort is being demonstrated through a project with Carver Pump Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of mission-critical pumps for naval applications. Carver Pump has placed an initial purchase order with IperionX for prototype titanium components. Leveraging domestically produced titanium metal powder and integrated in-house manufacturing, the project will focus on producing and testing cost-competitive replacements for traditionally cast pump components.

Titanium components are essential in naval pump systems due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme marine environments. However, traditionally cast titanium parts often face supply chain bottlenecks, with lead times exceeding 12 months, contributing to equipment and vessel downtime.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima
CEO
IperionX
Source: IperionX

IperionX’s approach is designed to deliver step-change improvements in production efficiency. Each titanium component is expected to be produced in less than one week using the company’s low-cost domestically produced titanium metal powder and advanced manufacturing capabilities, significantly reducing reliance on conventional casting routes.

“Transitioning from lead times measured in years to timelines measured in days allows us to better support on-time naval shipbuilding and sustainment, directly enhancing fleet readiness,” said Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO of IperionX.

The purchase order covers the development of four prototype pump impellers, with manufacturing anticipated to be complete in May 2026. Successful completion of the prototyping and testing phase could lead to larger-scale production agreements supporting additional naval components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Accelerated Titanium Component Production Targets Naval Shipbuilding Bottlenecks Read More »

IperionX Receives $25M to Accelerate Titanium Production

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

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.

IperionX Receives $25M to Accelerate Titanium Production Read More »

Fringe Friday: Riverspan Partners Acquires United Titanium

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, MEDICAL HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Riverspan Partners has 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.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

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Batch Oven Shipped for Aerospace Exploration

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, STRESS RELIEVING NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

An electrically heated batch oven has been shipped to a leading space exploration company. The custom batch oven will be used to stress relieve titanium parts.

Wisconsin Oven Corporation is providing the stress relieving oven, which includes a powered load/unload table. The oven is designed for a maximum operating temperature of 1250°F and provides temperature uniformity of ±15°F at three set points. Uniformity was verified through a nine (9) point profile test before shipment.

The oven is designed to heat and cool loads up to 1,200 pounds per cycle. Parts are placed on a high strength grid and transferred into the 7’ wide x 10’ long x 3’ high work chamber by an automated pusher/extractor system. After processing, the load is extracted onto the load table where 6 high speed fans direct ambient air upwards across the parts for further cooling.

A top-down airflow system delivers heats air vertically down through the chamber for even distribution across the product load. This oven is capable of meeting the requirements of AMS2750G, Class 3, Instrumentation Type A.

The control system features an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC, a Eurotherm programmable temperature controller with advanced auto-tune, and a Eurotherm digital recorder for precise temperature control and data logging.

Mike Grande, Vice President of Sales, Wisconsin Oven Corporation

“This custom batch oven was designed to deliver exceptional temperature uniformity…and optimized airflow distribution ensures consistent processing and superior part quality,” commented Mike Grande, vice president of Sales for Wisconsin Oven Corporation.

This stress relieving oven was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment from the furnace supplier’s facility. All safety interlocks were checked for proper operation and the equipment was operated at the normal and maximum operating temperatures. This equipment is backed by Wisconsin Oven’s 3-Year WOW™ warranty. 

Press release is available in its original form here.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

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IperionX To Receive $12.5 Million for Primary Titanium & Components

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

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, IperionX CEO.

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.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

IperionX To Receive $12.5 Million for Primary Titanium & Components Read More »

ATI Expands Aerospace Agreement with Titanium Components

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

ATI Inc. and The Boeing Company have expanded their agreement for high-performance titanium materials for aerospace. ATI will supply high-performance titanium materials, including long products — such as ingots, billets, rectangles, and bars — and flat-rolled products, including plate, sheet, and coil.

Kimberly Fields
President & CEO
ATI Inc.

ATI‘s extension and expansion of its long-term titanium products agreement will support Boeing‘s narrowbody and widebody airplane operations.

“We’re proud to expand our decades-long partnership with Boeing,” said Kimberly Fields, president and CEO of ATI. “This agreement reaffirms ATI’s leadership in titanium at a time of accelerating aerospace production and growing demand for differentiated materials. It also deepens our position in high-strength titanium alloys and sheet products…It includes titanium alloy sheet from our new Pageland, South Carolina, facility and draws on the strengths of both our Specialty Materials and Specialty Rolled Products businesses.”

Specialty Rolled Products
Source: ATI Inc

ATI is a producer of high-performance materials and solutions for the aerospace and defense markets, and critical applications in electronics, medical and specialty energy, and a Nadcap certified heat treater. They provide alloys in a full range of mill products, forgings, titanium castings, and machined components, designed for the high performance requirements such as for aerospace and defense, oil and gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, and medical.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

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