Neuman Aluminium is adding aluminum melting capacity at a new production operation in San Juan del Río, Mexico, where a 40-ton tiltable melting furnace will support on-site remelting of process scrap for automotive component production. The project integrates melting with aluminum forging operations as the manufacturer builds out its North American production capabilities.
Contract signing between Neuman Aluminium and Hirschvogel Group | Image Credit: Neuman Aluminium
The new operation is part of a partnership between Neuman Aluminium and Hirschvogel Group at Hirschvogel’s existing site in San Juan del Río. Neuman will produce directly at the site under a wall-to-wall manufacturing agreement, with a hall for input-material production expected to be ready for occupancy in July 2027.
Hirschvogel previously announced that construction had begun on two new production halls, each spanning approximately 7,500 square meters (80,730 square feet), following an automotive OEM contract for aluminum components to be produced in Europe and North America. The company said the Mexico operation would incorporate aluminum forging and integrated input-material production.
The new melting furnace will be supplied by Jasper GmbH and equipped with the company’s PulsReg pulsed regenerative burner technology. The system is designed for dusty furnace atmospheres and can operate using gas, oil, or coal dust. Jasper has identified the installation as its first major project in North America.
The integrated operation will allow process scrap generated during forming to be remelted directly on site and returned to the material cycle. Production at the expanded Mexico operation is scheduled to begin in early 2028.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Catch up on these 21 news items, including Bodycote’s addition of large-scale HIP and vacuum heat treatment capacity, the formation of Aichelin Americas under a unified organization, Shanthi Gears’ Nadcap merit status in Heat Treating and NDT, and more!
Equipment
1. SECO/WARWICK will supply a China-based manufacturer of gas turbine and aircraft engine components with a Vector vacuum furnace for heat treating high-temperature alloy turbine blades, marking the companies’ second Vector furnace order in recent months. The system’s high-vacuum environment, tight temperature uniformity, and high-pressure gas cooling will support clean, repeatable processing of components used in demanding aerospace and energy applications.
2. The University of Minnesota Duluth will lead a nearly $3 million federally funded project with Metcovery II LLC and the National Laboratory of the Rockies to develop an induction smelting process that produces pig iron from low-cost, low-grade ores. The technology is designed to remove impurities and enable continuous smelting, potentially broadening the domestic ore sources available for DRI-based steelmaking while increasing productivity.
3. Hyundai Steel has launched a $5.8 billion EAF-based integrated steel mill project in Louisiana that HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel LLC, a joint venture with POSCO, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation, will operate. Targeted for commercial production in 2029, the facility will combine on-site DRI production with EAF steelmaking to supply 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually, strengthening the domestic supply of automotive steel while reducing emissions compared with conventional blast furnace production.
4. Solcoa Industries is planning a 500-ton-per-year rare earth metalmaking facility in Nevada that will use vacuum induction heating as part of its metallization process. The new capacity will convert refined rare earth materials into metals used in high-performance magnets for automotive, defense, energy, and other manufacturing applications.
5. AKG Group, a manufacturer of heat exchangers and cooling systems has ordered two controlled atmosphere brazing (CAB) furnace lines from sellacan Industrieofen GmbH to add aluminum brazing capacity for heat exchangers serving automotive, heavy equipment, energy, rail, and other industrial applications.
6. Mesabi Metallics plans to invest $18 billion to integrate its Minnesota iron ore operations with a new Iowa steelmaking complex using hot direct-reduced iron (DRI) and electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The integrated operation will establish a domestic supply chain for steel serving the automotive, defense, shipbuilding, energy, infrastructure, appliance, and other manufacturing sectors.
7. Bodycote is adding a large-scale hot isostatic pressing (HIP) vessel and expanding vacuum heat treatment capacity at two Ohio facilities to support aerospace and defense manufacturing. The company expects the new HIP system in London, Ohio, to begin operating in early October.
8. SECO/WARWICK will supply a British foundry technology center with a large-scale Vector vacuum furnace to increase its annealing capacity for oversized titanium castings. The additional system will support clean, uniform heat treatment of large components for the aerospace, energy, and heavy industry sectors while relieving existing equipment at the facility.
9. U.S. Steel has completed a $350 million blast furnace reline at its Gary Works operation in Indiana, returning more than 2 million tons of annual hot metal production capability to service. The project replaced the furnace’s refractory lining and restored critical systems supporting high-temperature ironmaking operations and long-term steel production.
10. Heatmasters has opened a new service center in Sines, Portugal, with João Ribeiro among the contacts supporting the company’s expanded presence in the Iberian Peninsula. The location will provide on-site heat treatment, including preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), as well as equipment sales and rentals to support industrial greenfield, maintenance, and repair projects across Portugal and the wider region.
11. Hyundai Steel has completed a modernization of its continuous annealing and galvanizing line, integrating induction heating, rapid cooling, and thermal process controls to increase production of ultra-high-strength Gen3 steel for automotive applications.
12. SECO/WARWICK will supply an Indian aviation manufacturer with a turnkey VertiQuench heat treatment line for solution heat treatment, quenching, and artificial aging of large aluminum aircraft components. The AMS2750H- and AMS2770-compliant system will support the manufacturer’s production of aircraft skins and structures with rapid quenching and temperature uniformity of ±3°C (±5.4°F).
SECO/WARWICK Vector for turbinesHyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel groundbreaking ceremonySolcoa metalmaking capacity for high-performance magnets
Mesabi Metallics investment in a new Iowa steelmaking complexBodycote hot isostatics pressing (HIP) vesselSECO/WARWICK Vector furnace for a British foundry technology centerHeatmasters new service center in Sines, PortugalHyundai Steel’s CVGL modernizationSECO/WARWICK’s AMS2750H-compliant furnace
Company & Personnel
13. Mason Wells has acquired The Cleveland Electric Laboratories (CEL), an Ohio-based manufacturer of thermocouple products for high-temperature manufacturing, with CEL’s management team and other investors retaining ownership stakes. The acquisition is intended to support CEL’s continued growth and investment in temperature-measurement products serving aerospace and defense, power generation, and industrial applications.
14. Hubbard-Hall has promoted Marcos Scuccuglia from director of Operations to vice president of Operations. In his expanded role, Scuccuglia will lead operations across Hubbard-Hall locations to strengthen performance and support the company’s continued growth.
15. Bluewater Thermal Solutions has named Ryan Cantwell regional sales manager, bringing his heat treating industry experience in sales, customer relationship management, and business development to the role. Cantwell will support customer growth, identify new business opportunities, and expand partnerships across the company’s North American heat treating and brazing markets.
16. Aichelin Americas has brought AFC-Holcroft, GM Enterprises, and Nitrex together under a unified organization led by President and CEO Marty Poljan, while retaining the individual brands and their areas of expertise.
17. Pratt & Whitney has named Jill Albertelli president effective January 1, 2027, succeeding Shane Eddy, who will retire and remain as a special advisor through March 2027. Albertelli, currently president of Military Engines, brings more than 30 years of experience across operations, supply chain, quality, and MRO as the aerospace engine manufacturer continues addressing production, sustainment, and aftermarket demands.
18. Michael K. Klauck retired from CAN-ENG Furnaces International on September 30, 2026, after 26 years with the company, including 14 years as president, and 40 years in the steel, heat treatment, and industrial furnace industries. Company owner Victor Oreskovich succeeds Klauck as president, providing leadership continuity as CAN-ENG navigates ongoing global challenges in the industrial furnace sector.
19. WIRCO Inc. acquired selected manufacturing assets from Alcon Industries Inc., including melting furnaces, casting machines, fabrication equipment, and more than 1,000 active tools. The acquisition increases WIRCO’s fabrication, centrifugal casting, and static casting capacity to support customers requiring high-temperature heat treatment tooling and high-alloy components.
Mason Wells acquisition of thermocouple manufacturer Cleveland Electric LaboratoriesRecently promoted vice president of Operations Marcos ScuccugliaBluewater Thermal Solutions regional sales manager Ryan Cantwell
Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney effective January 1, 2027Michael K. Klauck’s retirement after 26 years with CAN-ENGWIRCO and its affiliated manufacturing brands
Kudos
20. Shanthi Gears Limited has achieved Nadcap certification with Merit Status in both Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Heat Treating (HT).
21. Nasmyth Bulwell has successfully renewed its Nadcap Heat Treatment accreditation with Merit, reflecting the site’s continued commitment to high standards of quality, process control and manufacturing excellence.
An aerospace manufacturer is adding a heat treatment line for large aluminum aircraft components, combining solution heat treatment, rapid water or polymer quenching, and artificial aging. The system is designed to process aircraft skins and structures while meeting AMS2750H and AMS2770 requirements.
SECO/WARWICK will supply the turnkey system to an Indian aviation manufacturer. The order includes an electric VertiQuench drop-bottom furnace, a mobile water and polymer quench tank, a stationary rinsing station, a chiller, loading baskets, and additional equipment. The project also covers engineering, delivery, installation, commissioning, and acceptance services.
The furnace has a working zone measuring 3,900 x 1,700 x 2,000 mm (approximately 153 x 67 x 79 in.), allowing it to accommodate large aluminum sheets and structures. The system is designed to maintain temperature uniformity of ±3°C (±5.4°F) within the useful space and can use either water or polymer for quenching. An immersion rinsing station removes residual polymer following the quench.
Arvind Agarwal Managing Director SECO/WARWICK India
For the application, the system is designed to achieve full immersion of the load in the quench tank within five seconds. The furnace’s lift system and door design move the load vertically into the quench tank positioned directly beneath the furnace. The furnace can also be used for artificial aging.
“The large working zone enables the processing of components of significant size, which is particularly important in the production of aircraft skins,” said Arvind Agarwal, managing director of SECO/WARWICK India. Agarwal added the that rapid immersion capability and reduced number of heat treatment steps are intended to improve efficiency at the manufacturer’s facility.
Press release is available in its original form here.
In today’s News from Abroadinstallment, we highlight several global developments in thermal processing — from major electric steelmaking projects and increased specialty steel remelting capacity to new capabilities for metal powder development and additive manufacturing — reflecting continued investment in production efficiency, advanced materials, and next-generation manufacturing technologies.
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
New EAF Boosts High-Grade Steelmaking Capacity
The new furnace will be the second Consteel EAF installed at the Hirohata Works.
“Tenova is to supply Nippon Steel’s Hirohata plant in Japan with an electric arc furnace (EAF). The contract was awarded through Daido Steel, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.”
“Designed for the production of high-grade steels through electric steelmaking, the new furnace will have a heat size of 100 tons. Combining continuous scrap preheating with advanced automation systems, the new EAF will optimize energy consumption, melting performance, and process stability.”
Electric Arc Furnace Nears Next Phase of Development
The EAF in Linz will produce 1.6 million tons of steel annually and is scheduled for startup in the first half of 2027.
“Primetals has delivered electric arc furnace (EAF) equipment to voestalpine’s steelmaking site in Linz, Austria. The delivery included the transformers, each weighing approximately 160 tons, and the electric arc furnace shell.”
“Powered by green electricity, the EAF in Linz will produce 1.6 million tons of steel annually and is scheduled for startup in the first half of 2027. Primetals is supplying the complete EAF Ultimate equipment, a dedusting system, a waste-heat recovery system, a power supply solution, and material handling for alloying materials and additives.”
Remelting Capacity Doubles for High-Nitrogen Steel
The new DESU system was installed at Energietechnik Essen.
“Energietechnik Essen GmbH (ETE), a company of the GMH Group, has inaugurated its second pressure electroslag remelting (DESU) plant in Essen. The new plant doubles ETE’s annual DESU delivery capacity from approximately 1,300 to at least 2,600 tons.”
“The new DESU system operates at pressures of up to 40 bar and, depending on the diameter, can produce blocks with a diameter of 430 to 1,000 mm and a weight of 2 to 18.5 tons.”
Metal Powder Developer Adds In-House LPBF Capability
Alexander Höhne, managing director of MTS Metal Powder GmbH & Co. KG (left), and Won-jong Kim, CEO of DN Solutions (right), stand in front of the DLX150 metal 3D printer at AMB 2026 in Stuttgart.
“DN Solutions is supplying the German metal powder manufacturer MTS Metal Powder GmbH & Co. KG with a DLX150 metal 3D printer.”
“By combining additive processes with downstream machining and other post-processing steps within a holistic manufacturing approach, DN Solutions covers the entire process chain—from powder to finished component.”
Hyundai Steel has completed a modernization of its continuous annealing and galvanizing line, integrating induction heating, rapid cooling, and thermal process controls to increase production of ultra-high-strength Gen3 steel for automotive applications.
The steelmaker contracted Fives, an international engineering group and thermal processing equipment supplier, to modernize the combined continuous annealing and galvanizing line (CVGL) at its No. 2 cold rolling mill in Dangjin, South Korea. The companies are also working together in North America, where Gives is supplying advanced coil finishing lines for Hundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel’s new 2.7-million-metric-ton-per-year automotive steel facility in Louisiana.
The Dangjin modernization focused on three areas: replacing the cooling section, integrating induction technology, and optimizing thermal control. The upgraded line incorporates Fives’ Dry FlashCooling technology operating with 75% hydrogen, including a recirculation system designed to reduce hydrogen and nitrogen consumption.
FlashCooling technology | Image Credit: Fives
A 4 MW CELES induction system was installed to provide rapid and uniform heating. The modernization also incorporated Fives’ Virtuo-L digital system for thermal process control tailored to Gen3 steel production.
The new cooling system provides temperature uniformity across the width of the steel strip within ±5°C (±9°F), including at high blowing speeds. The Virtuo-L system controls process parameters in both annealing and galvanizing modes.
After one year of operation, Fives reported 100% use of automatic speed control and 95% strip temperature accuracy. According to the supplier, heating control performance improved by 2% and cooling control performance by 1% compared iwth the previously installed system.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A North American manufacturer of high-temperature heat treatment tooling and high-alloy components is adding melting, fabrication, and casting capacity through the acquisition of selected manufacturing assets from an Ohio-based supplier. The transaction will increase capacity for centrifugal and static cast products used across industrial applications.
WIRCO Inc. executed an asset purchase agreement with Cleveland, Ohio-based Alcon Industries Inc. on September 30. Under the agreement, WIRCO will acquire specifically identified manufacturing equipment, tooling, intellectual property, designs, drawings, and manufacturing processes from Alcon.
The acquired equipment includes melting furnaces, fabrication equipment, and casting machines that WIRCO expects to use to increase its fabrication, centrifugal casting, and static casting capabilities. The company said the additional capacity will provide greater manufacturing flexibility as client requirements grow.
The transaction also includes more than 1,000 active tools along with associated drawings, designs, process instructions, and other limited intellectual property. The assets could allow WIRCO to provide manufacturing solutions previously serviced by Alcon.
WIRCO manufactures high-temperature heat treatment tooling and high-alloy wear components for industries throughout North America. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois and sources its stainless steel requirements from U.S.-based manufacturing facilities.
WIRCO plans to implement the purchased assets at its operations to increase capacity, preserve tooling and manufacturing knowledge, and provide additional manufacturing capabilities to its clients. WIRCO remains a separate company from Alcon and is not assuming Alcon’s existing obligations or liabilities.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Founded in 1992 by Micky Bradican, Robert Gunow Jr., and Charles Zichichi, Applied Thermal Technologies began with a clear goal: to succeed in the orthopedic capital of the world. Drawing on their shared experience at VacMet, the founders launched operations with a single VFS HL36EQ2, 2-bar vacuum furnace, which is still in operation today with more than 48,000 cycles. Expanding its facility five times, the company has built a steady trajectory of growth rooted in consistency and technical expertise.
Employing 52 people, the organization currently serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical manufacturing, with a focus on delivering high-quality results with responsiveness and a collaborative mindset.
At its core, Applied Thermal Technologies is a metal processing company specializing in the bright vacuum heat treating and brazing of stainless steel, titanium, copper, nickel, and a range of exotic alloys. Its operation is anchored by twelve vacuum furnaces, six of which feature large work zones measuring 36″ wide by 48″ deep by up to 36″ high. This capacity allows for both flexibility and redundancy, ensuring that throughput remains consistent even during maintenance cycles. Supporting this reliability is a dedicated, full-time maintenance team that maintains furnace leak rates at 10 microns per hour or better. This level of control not only protects equipment longevity but also ensures that processed materials remain bright, reducing the need for additional finishing and saving time for clients downstream.
In addition to vacuum heat treating, the company offers air heat treating capabilities for materials up to 12 feet in length. Its brazing department further expands its capabilities, handling everything from small, intricate batches to high-volume production runs. With more than 60 years of combined brazing experience, the team often works directly with clients during the blueprint stage to improve joint design and maximize success rates.
Bright vacuum heat treating is the most critical process in the company’s portfolio, as it enables superior surface finishes that support subsequent manufacturing steps. However, its capabilities extend into hot forming of titanium parts, nitriding of titanium, titanium water quenching, and aging of long bar stock up to 12 feet in length.
Equipment across the facility includes vacuum furnaces with both metal and graphite hot zones, quenching capabilities up to 6 bar, multiple air units, a freezer, and a large air aging furnace capable of reaching 1450°F with a 10,000-pound capacity.
Stevan Bradican and Jay Slone in front of booth at OMTEC Trade Show | Image Credit: Applied Thermal Technologies Inc.
Precision and process control are defining characteristics of Applied Thermal Technologies. The company maintains tight control over temperature, vacuum levels, and inert gas environments, and has fully transitioned from type K to more accurate type N thermocouples.
Much of the company’s work centers on medical applications, including implants and surgical instruments, where precision is critical. In recent years, it has also expanded into heat treating 3D-printed components, such as spinal, shoulder, and ankle implants.
Looking ahead, Applied Thermal Technologies is focused on steady, sustainable growth over the next five to ten years. Central to that vision is its culture of accountability, which is reflected in strong client retention, consistent growth, and low employee turnover, positioning the company for continued success in a demanding and evolving industry.
A manufacturer of thermocouple products used to monitor high-temperature manufacturing processes has been acquired in a transaction intended to support its continued growth. The products serve demanding aerospace and defense, power generation, and industrial applications where accurate temperature measurement is required.
Mason Wells announced September 29 that it completed the acquisition of The Cleveland Electric Laboratories (CEL). The company is now owned by Mason Wells, members of CEL’s management team, and other board members and co-investors.
Founded in 1920 and based in Twinsburg, Ohio, CEL manufactures thermocouple products for high-temperature manufacturing environments. Its capabilities include materials science, precious-metals expertise, application engineering, precision manufacturing, and laboratory testing to certify products and materials to customer and industry requirements. CEL operates manufacturing facilities in Twinsburg and Tempe, Arizona.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Mason Wells and to continue the company’s next phase of growth,” said Scott Puhalsky, chief executive officer at CEL. “Mason Wells’ experience successfully supporting engineered product businesses will provide CEL the resources and network to achieve its long-term growth initiatives.”
Mason Wells said it plans to make investments supporting CEL’s clients, suppliers, and employees. The Milwaukee-based private equity firm has invested in Midwest-based engineered products and services companies since 1998 and is currently investing through Mason Wells Buyout Fund V, a $767 million fund.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Ask The Heat Treat Doctor® ha regresado para ofrecer consejos sabios a los lectores de Heat Treat Today y responder sus preguntas sobre tratamiento térmico, soldadura fuerte (brazing), sinterizado y otros tipos de tratamientos térmicos, así como preguntas sobre metalurgia, equipos y problemas relacionados con los procesos. En esta entrega de Technical Tuesday, Dan Herring explora lineamientos prácticos para lograr un tratamiento térmico correcto desde la primera vez, todas las veces, en la primera parte de una serie inspirada en el trabajo de Jon L. Dossett. Presenta siete claves para el éxito en el tratamiento térmico y las dos preguntas que los ingenieros de diseño deben responder sobre lo que un componente debe soportar en servicio y cómo se fabricará. Después examina los errores de especificación más comunes, entre ellos requisitos poco realistas de dureza, profundidad de capa y tolerancias, y muestra cómo el contenido de carbono, el tamaño de sección, el efecto de la masa y las tolerancias comercialmente alcanzables determinan si un acero puede endurecerse conforme a la especificación.
Este artículo informativo se publicó por primera vez en Heat Treat Today’sSeptember 2026 People of Heat Treat print edition.
Si tiene comentarios o preguntas sobre este artículo, háganoslo saber en: editor@heattreattoday.com.
En nuestro trabajo diario, la mayoría enfrentamos el desafío de cumplir con las demandas de producción mientras manejamos plazos de procesamiento ajustados en un panorama de materiales y manufactura en constante cambio. El tratamiento térmico puede definirse como la aplicación controlada de tiempo, temperatura y atmósfera para producir un cambio predecible en la estructura interna (es decir, la microestructura) de un material, dando como resultado las propiedades metalúrgicas, mecánicas, físicas y otras propiedades que deseamos. Sin embargo, existe una definición alterna e igualmente importante del tratamiento térmico: “hacer bien el trabajo desde la primera vez, todas las veces”.
En esta breve serie, examinaremos lineamientos prácticos para ayudar a hacer realidad ese objetivo. Conozcamos más.
7 claves para el éxito en el tratamiento térmico
Para alcanzar este objetivo, debemos ser capaces de cumplir con siete consideraciones clave del tratamiento térmico para asegurar tanto nuestro éxito como nuestra supervivencia (Herring 2014a, 2014b, 2015):
Saber, desde el punto de vista metalúrgico, lo que se desea lograr.
Ser capaz de predecir el resultado de una operación de tratamiento térmico.
Incorporar repetibilidad en el proceso.
Obtener el máximo provecho del equipo disponible y utilizar equipos de tratamiento térmico de última generación siempre que sea posible.
Ser conscientes de cómo los cambios en nuestras operaciones de manufactura influyen en el resultado de un proceso de tratamiento térmico determinado o de una serie de procesos.
No comprometer la calidad.
Conocer nuestros costos y comprender nuestra rentabilidad.
Desafíos que Enfrentan los Ingenieros de Hoy
En el diseño de cualquier componente de ingeniería, es necesario comprender plenamente y abordar dos preguntas clave que los ingenieros de diseño que trabajan con metalurgistas suelen estar mejor capacitados para responder (Herring 2014a, 2015, 2017):
¿Qué debe soportar el componente durante el servicio (es decir, ¿cuáles son los requisitos del producto?) Para responder esta pregunta, considere lo siguiente: ¿Cuáles son las exigencias de la aplicación y cuál es la vida útil del diseño? ¿Deberá el componente proporcionar un servicio de primera calidad o existe una vida útil de diseño adecuada (es decir, ¿otros factores pondrán fin a su servicio mucho antes de que se agote su vida útil?) ¿Qué cargas, lubricantes, temperaturas y contaminantes están involucrados? ¿Qué otros aspectos de servicio y desempeño específicos del producto también deben considerarse en el proceso de selección?
¿Cómo se fabricará el componente (es decir, ¿cuáles son los requisitos del proceso?) Considere lo siguiente: ¿Cómo se generará su forma básica y cómo se tratará térmicamente si es que se realizará un tratamiento térmico? ¿Será importante introducir propiedades mecánicas específicas? De ser así, ¿cómo? (es decir, ¿mediante tratamiento térmico o por medios mecánicos? ¿Es importante la geometría o los acabados superficiales? ¿Se utilizarán recubrimientos especiales? ¿Es importante el control dimensional (incluida la estabilidad a temperatura)? ¿Qué otros aspectos de procesamiento del producto deben considerarse?
Cómo Alcanzamos Nuestros Objetivos
Los especialistas experimentados en tratamiento térmico suelen señalar los errores más comunes cometidos por los ingenieros de diseño y/o sus clientes, es decir, la selección de materiales, la definición y comprensión de las limitaciones de los procesos de tratamiento térmico solicitados y la especificación de resultados realistas del tratamiento térmico. Estos incluyen, por ejemplo, la dureza deseada, la profundidad de capa y las tolerancias dimensionales. Estos problemas generalmente se deben a no reconocer las diferencias en la composición química y la forma del material (por ejemplo, material trabajado o pulvimetalurgia, piezas fundidas, piezas forjadas). El ingeniero de diseño también debe comprender los métodos de procesamiento en planta utilizados para producir el material. Con frecuencia, las tolerancias para las propiedades especificadas del tratamiento térmico son demasiado exigentes, demasiado ambiguas o restrictivas desde un punto de vista práctico. A continuación, se presentan algunos lineamientos metalúrgicos básicos que, desde un punto de vista práctico, pueden ayudar a evitar estos problemas (Herring 2014a, 2015; Dossett 2007, 2026).
Selección del acero
Tabla A. Contenido de carbono vs. Dureza para Diferentes Niveles de Martensita (Dossett 2007)
Los problemas al especificar el grado de acero adecuado para una aplicación particular generalmente implican elegir un grado de acero que no puede endurecerse conforme a la especificación y/o especificar un intervalo de dureza superficial o del núcleo demasiado restrictivo. Por ejemplo, la Tabla A proporciona una guía sobre la dureza superficial máxima que se puede alcanzar mediante tratamientos de endurecimiento por inducción o por flama. La dureza máxima que puede obtenerse depende del contenido de carbono del acero utilizado.
Si el material seleccionado es 4140H con un intervalo de carbono de 0.37-0.44%, esperaríamos que la superficie fuera aproximadamente 99.9% martensita después del temple. Por lo tanto, la dureza esperada en condición de temple estaría en el intervalo de 54-58 HRC para todas las coladas de este acero. Sin embargo, la capacidad de alcanzar esta dureza depende de la severidad del temple, el medio de temple utilizado, el diseño del tanque de temple y la eliminación adecuada de la descarburización superficial que pudiera estar presente en el propio acero trabajado.
Tabla B. Dureza superficial máxima en función del tamaño de sección (Chandlar 1995)Tabla C. Efecto de la masa sobre la dureza superficial máxima: acero 4140 (0.40%C) templado en aceite (Bethlehem Steel Company 1949)
Por el contrario, en el caso del tratamiento térmico en horno, la dureza superficial máxima alcanzable depende tanto del contenido de carbono del acero como de su templabilidad. El tamaño máximo de sección (Tabla B) y el efecto de la masa (Tabla C) se muestran para varios grados de acero templados en aceite. El intervalo comercialmente aceptado para la dureza superficial después del revenido es de ± 2.5 puntos HRC o ± 20 puntos BHN (Tabla D).
Tabla D. Tolerancias de especificación en plano comercialmente deseadas para materiales correctamente especificados
El próximo mes revisaremos la templabilidad del acero y cómo determinar el intervalo esperado de dureza del núcleo.
Esta serie surgió gracias a Jon L. Dossett, quien ha otorgado su autorización y contiene información valiosa aportada por él. La distinguida carrera de Jon incluye participación en el tratamiento térmico comercial, una extensa carrera docente en ASM y su trabajo como editor de varios volúmenes de la serie ASM Handbook.
Referencias
Bethlehem Steel Company. 1949. Modern Steels and Their Properties. Handbook 268. Bethlehem, PA: Bethlehem Steel Company.
Chandlar, Harry, ed. 1995. Heat Treater’s Guide: Practices and Procedures for Irons and Steels. Materials Park, OH: ASM International.
Dossett, Jon. 2007. “Make Sure Your Specified Heat Treatment Is Achievable.” Heat Treating Progress (March/April).
Dossett, Jon. 2025. Private conversation.
Herring, Daniel H. 2014a. Atmosphere Heat Treatment. Vol. 1. Troy, MI: BNP Media Group II.
Herring, Daniel H. 2014b. “Industry 4.0 and the 7 Key Considerations in Heat Treating.” Industrial Heating (September).
Herring, Daniel H. 2015. Atmosphere Heat Treatment. Vol. 2. Troy, MI: BNP Media Group II.
Herring, Daniel H. 2017. “The Relevance of Metallurgy in Engineering and Manufacturing.” Industrial Heating (November).
Acerca del Autor
Dan Herring “The Heat Treat Doctor®” The HERRING GROUP, Inc.
Dan Herring lleva más de 50 años en la industria y ha adquirido una vasta experiencia en áreas que incluyen ciencia de materiales, ingeniería, metalurgia, investigación de nuevos productos y muchas otras. Es autor de seis libros y de más de 700 artículos técnicos.
