A screws and fasteners manufacturer for the aviation industry is expanding its heat treating operations with a vacuum furnace with high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) and high vacuum for multipurpose and dedicated applications. The vacuum’s heating chamber is 16x16x24 in (400x400x600 mm), a compact design that accommodates the company’s small in-house hardening plant while still being large enough to enable efficient heat treatment of multiple components at once.
Maciej Korecki Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment SECO/WARWICK
The SECO/WARWICK furnace is designed with the ability to work on both nitrogen and argon and includes a round heating chamber with a temperature uniformity of +/-9oF (+/-5oC), and convection heating up to 1590°F (850°C). The Vector HV (high vacuum) furnace meets standards required in the heat treatment of components intended for the aviation industry; material heating processes require cleanliness (which is why an additional argon-partial pressure system was used) and a high heating temperature of 2192oF (1200oC).
“The Client required very short cooling times, which are possible with the use of a 15 bar abs gas blower,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the vacuum segment, SECO/WARWICK Group. “Our advantage is that it is a proven solution (our standard but adapted to the partner’s specific requirements). Vector offers wide personalization possibilities, which significantly reduces project costs and ensures faster implementation time.”
Press release is available in its original from here.
A manufacturer of aviation engine parts is enhancing its research capabilities with the acquisition of an adapted vacuum furnace to investigate the improvement of aviation components. The company has plans to build a new research center where the customized furnace will be used for laboratory materials testing.
Maciej Korecki Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment SECO/WARWICK
The manufacturer currently operates a SECO/WARWICKvacuum furnace used in the production of aircraft engine parts. The newly purchased Vector® furnace is equipped with isothermal quenching, which allows the cooling process to operate with better control of the load temperature and blower control using a frequency inverter. In addition, the SECO/PREDICTIVE system, a furnace monitoring and diagnostics option, allows users to detect the risk of failure before it occurs and thus minimizes unplanned downtime.
“Compact, specially adapted Vector furnaces are suitable for both scientific institutes and production plants that are looking for new material solutions and want to improve their components,” said Maciej Korecki, vice-president of the Vacuum Furnace Segment at SECO/WARWICK. “This furnace will not be used in series production, but in development processes, contributing to the creation of innovative solutions for the aerospace industry.”
SECO/WARWICK rebuilt the heating chamber so that the dimensions of the working space allow for effective development processes and installed a temperature uniformity system for temperatures reaching above 2372oF (1300oC). The purpose of personalization is to enable the system to produce an effective heat treatment of dedicated parts provided for the investment project, specifically R&D research on aircraft engine parts.
The Vector furnace designed for this client is characterized by the use of two gases: argon for partial pressure (ensuring the process purity, required by restrictive aviation standards) and nitrogen for hardening. It also has a dew point sensor for each gas.This is a system which solves one of the critical aspects of heat treatment, which is to prevent water vapor condensation, causing the processed load surface oxidation.
Press release is available in its original form here.
A company that supplies metal injection molded components for the aviation industry has expanded its production capabilities with a vacuum furnace. This solution will increase the capacity to provide hardening process services while meeting aviation standards required by the industry.
Sławomir Woźniak President of the Management Board SECO/WARWICK Group
The Vector® vacuum furnace will process materials using an additional argon hydrogen partial pressure system, providing heating at a high level: 2192˚F (1200˚C). This is SECO/WARWICK‘s second collaboration with the company, one of the largest manufacturers offering metal injection molding technology with manufacturing capabilities including vertical integration of finishing technologies such as nickel and trivalent chromium electroplating, vacuum heat treatment and seal hardening, as well as precision grinding and CNC machining with micron tolerances.
“This partner is a global brand which has shown their trust in us for the second time by ordering a vacuum furnace, which we will now be able to service locally and more comprehensively,” said Sławomir Woźniak, president of the management board, SECO/WARWICK Group.
The furnace’s pumping system enables vacuum processes to be carried out in medium and high ranges, thanks to the use of a very good pumping system, and incorporates three process gases: argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Press release is available in its original form here.
In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight changes in personnel, production lines, and facilities throughout the industry, including the launch of a new refractory technology and an aerospace manufacturer updating its operations with a batch oven. Read more aboutthese updates as well asthose a thermal processing company is taking affect its management line-up and its facilities footprint.
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 GmbHa publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
Aerospace Manufacturer Adds Modern Batch Oven Solution
Collaboration to address operational challenges with batch oven
“International Thermal Systems (ITS) has successfully partnered with an aerospace company to address significant operational challenges by designing and delivering a customized batch oven solution. The collaboration highlights ITS’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The aerospace company faced significant challenges with their existing batch oven…
International Thermal Systems aimed to address these challenges by replacing the unsafe, outdated batch oven with a safer and more modern alternative. Their goal was to improve usability by incorporating updated controls and optimizing the loading and unloading processes… [ITS] designed and installed a state-of-the-art batch oven featuring melting wax technology to optimize production processes. Advanced control systems were integrated to enhance operational ease and precision.”
Refractory Technology Launched To Address Kiln Interruptions
Refractory technology for use in many industrial applications and all types of industrial furnaces
“Calderys is pleased to announce the launch of CALDE® FD (Fast Dry), a refractory technology that can be used in many industrial applications and offers superior efficiency and reliability for all types of industrial furnaces.Calderys is constantly striving to improve its processes in order to offer its customers the best possible solutions. In the field of cementitious refractory concretes, the drying out of the furnaces is a critical challenge due to its duration, regardless of the industrial process. Once the refractory lining has been installed, the kilns are unusable for up to several days to allow drying out, which inevitably leads to an interruption in operations.
Calderys is directly addressing this by expanding its product offering with the CALDE® FD (Fast Dry) range. This solution has been designed to integrate seamlessly into the Calderys product range. Crucially, the CALDE® FD products offer customers increased reliability, reduced downtime, streamlined processes and improvements in CO2 reduction. This expanded product range has been developed in line with Calderys’ ESG objectives to support customers with their energy transition requirements.”
AICHELIN Makes Changes in Management and Site Operations
Management and business strategy changes at AICHELIN
“Philipp Krenn, Managing Director of AICHELIN Ges.m.b.H. in Austria, has taken over the management of the German AICHELIN Service GmbH in Ludwigsburg on February 1, 2025. The company is the leading company within the AICHELIN Group for all services for thermal processing systems… Philipp Krenn will intensify the cooperation between the locations in Austria and Germany.
At the same time, the AICHELIN Group has decided to discontinue the business operations of its Slovenian subsidiary Bosio d.o.o. and to have all products supplied by Aichelin Ges.m.b.H (Austria) in the future. Production will not be affected and will continue to take place at the AICHELIN Assembly Center Europe (AICHELIN ACE d.o.o.) in Celje, Slovenia, which [opened] in 2023… The decision to take this step is the result of intensive analyses and a strategic adjustment to the current economic conditions in Europe.”
Loy Instrument, Inc., which supplies process control and combustion solutions for heat treaters in multiple industries, has been acquired by Relevant Industrial, LLC (Relevant), a leading provider of industrial equipment and engineered solutions. This partnership enhances the company’s ability to serve clients in industries such as aerospace, metals, refining, petrochemical, manufacturing and power generation.
John Carte CEO Relevant Industrial LLC
Loy, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has over 80 years of industry knowledge and a team with more than 900 years of combined experience. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Relevant, strengthening its position as an industry leader and expanding its geographic footprint into Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan.
“Joining Relevant Industrial is an exciting step for Loy Instrument, our employees, and our customers,” said Ken Bradway, president of Loy Instrument, Inc. “Together, we’ll leverage our combined expertise and resources to expand our capabilities and continue delivering exceptional solutions to the industries we serve.”
“The addition of Loy Instrument’s expertise strengthens our ability to tackle complex challenges in combustion and process control, providing even greater value to our customers,” said John Carte, CEO of Relevant Industrial. “We’re excited to welcome this exceptional team into the Relevant family and look forward to driving innovation together.”
The press release is available in its original form here.
Aalberts N.V. has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of shares of Paulo Products Company (Paulo), expanding the company’s geographical footprint in the U.S. The acquisition will bolster the Dutch company’s capabilities to provide heat treating, brazing, and metal finishing operations for the North American automotive, aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.
Stéphane Simonetta CEO Aalberts N.V.
Pending regulatory approval, the management team of Paulo, which operates five heat treatment facilities in the USA and one in Mexico, will work with the management of Aalberts Surface Technologies in North America. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025 and generate an annual revenue of approximately USD 105 million with 522 employees.
“We are excited about the growth potential in the different end markets and are looking forward to welcoming Paulo’s employees to Aalberts,” said Stéphane Simonetta, CEO of Aalberts N.V. “This strategic acquisition will further enhance our proximity in North America and Mexico as per our ‘thrive 2030’ strategy. Together, our leadership position will enable us to serve our customers with short lead times, high quality and full-service capabilities.”
The press release is available in its original form here.
Taiwan Hodaka Technology, an aerospace and automotive manufacturer, extends its market reach by adding an aluminum aging furnace to its heat treatment capabilities. The furnace, which is designed for aging using T77 technology, will allow the company to meet the highest safety and strength standards.
This is the first transaction between Taiwan Hodaka Technology, which is involved in the design and processing of parts made of aluminum alloys, and SECO/WARWICK. The furnace operates in the temperature range from 176° to 428°F (80° to 220°C) with a temperature uniformity in the last heating phase, of ±47.4°F (3°C) in accordance with the AMS 2750 standard.
“The solution supplied by SECO/WARWICK will allow us to enter a new market segment. We are a partner for many key players in the aviation industry. The T77 aluminum aging furnace will enable us to serve customer requirements even better. At the same time, the new technology will support our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment,” said Dr. Sam Chiang, vice president for R&D at Taiwan Hodaka Technology Co. Ltd.
Tomasz Kaczmarczyk, Sales Manager of the Aluminum Process and CAB Furnaces Teams, SECO/WARWICK
For heat treated alloys (2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series), the letter T and one or more digits are used after the alloy series symbol. The first digit is the most important, as it indicates the type of heat treatment applied to the alloy, while the remaining digits (if provided) indicate heat treatment variants or their modifications. The 7000 series of aluminum alloys have the highest strength of all other aluminum alloy series and are commonly used in aviation since they are held to the highest safety and strength standards.
“T7 denotes the process of solution heat treatment and artificial aging to an overaged state to obtain specific properties, e.g. increased corrosion resistance,” said Tomasz Kaczmarczyk, sales manager of the Aluminum Process and CAB Furnaces Team at SECO/WARWICK. “Sometimes, in addition to the digit denoting the standard heat treatment, an additional digit is used to denote modifications to the given treatment or stress relief procedures. For example, for 7xxx alloys, the symbol T77 denotes retrogression and re-aging. The use of this process improves the alloy’s corrosion resistance, which is so crucial in the production of aircraft parts. The applied technology will allow Taiwan Hodaka Technology to produce high-quality profiles used in the aviation industry in accordance with the AMS standard.”
Piotr Skarbiński Vice President of Aluminum and CAB Products Segment SECO/WARWICK
“The furnace on order equipped with electric heating will process 1500 kg of aluminum profiles with a maximum length of 5500 mm. This is a two-zone solution with a total heating power of 420 kW. The solution for aluminum aging, powered by electric heaters, eliminates the problem of CO2 emissions and is in line with the ecological trend increasingly common in heavy industry,” said Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the CAB and aluminum products segment at SECO/WARWICK.
The furnace will be used at the company’s newly built plant in Taiwan.
The project partner was PEERENERGY, which offers thermal process consulting, project management, and equipment supply for the aerospace, military equipment, and semiconductor industries.
The press release is available in its original form here.
A major North American aerospace manufacturer has placed an order for a seventh vacuum furnace to expand capacity. This furnace is specifically designed for the heat treatment of high-performance engine components and is built to support rigorous production schedules.
Mark Hemsath President Nitrex Turnkey Systems
The vertical, large-precision vacuum furnace, built by G-M Enterprises, a Nitrex Vacuum company, is engineered to meet the aerospace company’s growing production needs and its demand for critical engine components. Six VVF series vacuum furnaces have previously been installed for the manufacturer to produce aircraft engine parts across a range of aerospace applications. The latest furnace order includes a 60” x 60” (1,524 mm x 1,524 mm) chamber with bottom loading, capable of handling loads up to 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg).
“The customer’s decision to expand with Nitrex reflects G-M Enterprises’ proven track record in furnace reliability,” said Mark Hemsath, president of Nitrex Turnkey Systems. “Our commitment to quality has anchored this partnership for over three decades.”
Jay Jefsen Regional Sales Manager Nitrex Vacuum
“Our long-standing relationship with this aerospace customer underscores Nitrex’s commitment to providing durable equipment backed by robust technical support,” said Jay Jefsen, regional sales manager for Nitrex Vacuum. “We are proud to contribute to their ongoing success and look forward to supporting their production goals with this latest addition.”
The furnace is scheduled for commissioning in April 2025.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Sandia National Laboratories has acquired two horizontal vacuum furnaces for one of its production labs in Albuquerque, NM. The furnaces will meet the multimission laboratory’s goal to maintain process parameters and datalogging essential for analysis to coincide with the process payload run results. The facility’s applications target roughly 70 industry sectors, including nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, hazardous waste disposal, and climate change.
In the tandem system designed and set up by AVS Incorporated, one furnace operates at a maximum of 1600°C (2912°F) and the other at 1300°C (2372°F). Both have a 100-lb load capacity. The systems integrate wet and dry hydrogen process gas along with all refractory metal hot zones. The HMI interface and controls allow for countless combinations of recipes and selectable functions.
FPM Heat Treating has announced the acquisition of a vacuum furnace, enhancing the company’s capabilities to serve the manufacturing community, especially in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The furnace will meet an increasing demand for a specialized family of parts.
Bob Ferry Vice President of Quality & Engineering FPM Heat Treating
The furnace, fully compliant with NFPA, NADCAP, AMS, CQI-9, and other critical industry standards, has been installed at FPM Heat Treating by Solar Manufacturing. With an operating temperature of up to 2400°F (1315.5°C) and a weight capacity of 5,000 pounds, the furnace processes at specialized heat treatment cycles critical for automotive components as well as precise specifications for applications within consumer products and the military/aerospace sectors.
“We are committed to meeting the growing demands of our clients in the manufacturing community,” said Bob Ferry, vice president of quality and engineering at FPM Heat Treating. “The new Solar furnace enhances our capabilities and enables us to maintain the highest standards of quality and efficiency in our operations.”
Main Image: Adam Jones, Midwest regional sales manager at Solar Manufacturing, viewing the vacuum furnace’s 48” x 48” x 72” deep insulated hot zone
The press release is available in its original form here.
