A company in the automotive industry is expanding its hardening plant and has ordered a new vacuum furnace. The furnace introduces a heat treatment strategy for large die processing.
Maciej Korecki Vice President of the Vacuum Segment SECO/WARWICK Source: SECO/WARWICK
The Vector vacuum furnace produced for Isoflama by SECO/WARWICK Group will help to achieve an effective solution for the heat treatment of dedicated parts – the hardening of very large dies for large presses used in the automotive industry. It is also equipped with an efficient cooling system and a large working zone with increased load support beam capacity, enabling work with very heavy dies.
“The customer wanted to shorten the heat treatment cycle time. We have used a number of modifications in this furnace, which are a response to the commercial heat-treating plant’s specific needs.” commented Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.
Łukasz Chwiałkowski, sales manager for this project, adds, “This time too, we have created a unique furnace based on a standard solution. We have reinforced the support beam under the hearth to increase the process load rating by more than 60%. This was a key modification which will allow this Brazilian commercial heat treater to process heavy and large dies for the automotive industry.“
Press release is available in its original form here.
The Mexico heat treatment industry has a new vacuum furnace supplier entity – ECM Mexico, doing business as MEXVAC ECM, S.A. DE C.V., a subsidiary of ECM USA, Inc.
ECM Mexico‘s team is led by Pierre-Loic Rousset, and Dennis Beauchesne, and includes Juan Cruz (operations manager Mexico), and José López (field service & PLC Engineer). They are supported by the entire ECM USA team and are excited to announce this milestone in their continued dedication to expand service support in Mexico.
Press release is available in its original form here.
In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight processing and initiatives that aim to improve operations and improve sustainability. Read more about a method used in the production of parts with complex geometries; a venture to create the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based steel with renewable electricity and green hydrogen; and a production plant that will generate around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel.
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.
Investing In the Future
A commitment to technical excellence and innovation in metalworking
“To meet the growing demand for qualified experts and to impart knowledge in a practical and timely manner, the OTTO JUNKER Academy has been offering a comprehensive professional training program for the planning, modernization, operation, repair and maintenance of industrial furnaces since 2014. The program covers key areas such as induction melting and heat treatment of metals, as well as universal topics such as economy and energy efficiency. In addition to the technical content, participants are also introduced to theoretical peripheral subjects directly related to industry and development. Safety aspects at all levels are also given priority.”
READ MORE:“OTTO JUNKER Academy: Practical professional training for the future of the metal industry for more than ten years” at heat-processing.com
EAF Replaces Blast Furnace at SSAB’s Site in Sweden
Swedish steelmaker SSAB blast furnaces in Oxelösund, Sweden, replaced with an electric arc furnace.
“Swedish steelmaker SSAB is replacing its blast furnaces in Oxelösund, Sweden, with an electric arc furnace and associated raw material handling. The aim is for the new production system to be up and running towards the end of 2026. The Oxelösund mill is the first in the green transition of SSAB’s entire Nordic production system….
SSAB has obtained all the required permits and secured the availability of sufficient amounts of fossil-free electricity.”
State-of-the-art Condoor® systems for electric arc furnace (EAF)
“SMS group has been awarded a contract by Celsa Barcelona to supply two state-of-the-art Condoor® systems for electric arc furnace (EAF) #2, along with relevant modifications to the electrics and automation. This collaboration marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in steel production.
The Condoor® technology is set to improve the performance of electric arc furnace #2 by increasing the yield and improving safety with manless operation on the floor. These enhancements are expected to provide Celsa Barcelona with OPEX savings and operational efficiencies, aligning with their commitment to sustainable steelmaking practices. The delivery of the Condoor® system is planned for November 2025.”
thyssenkrupp Steel, a supplier of high-grade flat steel, recently upgraded with the modernization of a walking beam furnace installed at the company’s hot strip mill. The plant enhancement will improve production capability, increase quality of the electrical steel strip, and reduce specific consumption.
The modernized furnace is provided by Tenova Italimpianti, a Tenova division with technologies for reheating, heat treatment, strip processing, acid regeneration plants, and cold rolling mills. thyssenkrupp Steel‘s new overhauled system includes an improved refractory lining design and an optimized fixed and walking beam system, which lead to a more uniform temperature distribution along the entire slab length. This reduces temperature loss in the slab’s center and minimizes contact points (rails) between the slabs and the fixed and walking beam system, preventing surface defects.
“The modernization of this walking beam furnace supports our goals for efficiency and sustainability. Tenova has played a key role in this process,” said Viktor Schlecht, head of Hot Strip Mill 1, at thyssenkrupp Steel in Duisburg Bruckhausen, Germany. “We had already successfully collaborated on a new walking beam furnace at our Beeckerwerth Hot Strip Mill 2 in Duisburg, where Tenova’s contribution was crucial in helping us potentially reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20% through the use of hydrogen.”
“We are proud to have partnered with thyssenkrupp Steel for this project, which supports their forward-looking strategy,” said Alessandro Sicher, project engineer coordinator for Reheating Technologies at Tenova. “Our equipment ensures the maximum production of high-quality electrical steel strips while enhancing the sustainability of the heat treatment process.”
The upgrade includes new state-of-the-art UltraLowNOx burners for coke oven gas fuel application. The customized design, enhanced with a modern control system, ensures optimal heating distribution in the furnace with significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Additionally, a new automatic descaling concept was incorporated, reducing the cleaning intervals and optimizing heat treatment processes. The safety systems were upgraded to meet the latest standards for industrial furnaces.
Main image caption: thyssenkrupp Steel Bruckhausen plant, Duisburg, Germany
Press release is available in its original form here.
One of North America’s leading producers of ultra-high-purity alumina and associated products recently boosted its advanced manufacturing operations with a 50m-long electric tunnel kiln. This installation will support the company’s expansion into the production of a variety of high specification lines.
Alberto Cantú Br<> Vice President of Sales NUTEC Bickley
The calcination kiln, which was broken down into modules and transported by NUTEC Bickley, has an operating temperature of 2190°F (1200°C) and maximum temperature of 2460°F (1350°C) and processes the material in saggars sitting in six-high stacks that are loaded on to 33 cars. With afiring cycle of 23.6 hours, approximately 5000kg of calcined material is processed each day. In addition, special provisions to prevent equipment wear due to chemical attack that follows degassing of hydrochloric acid during the alumina heating process has been designed by NUTEC Bickley.
“The nature of the material being processed means that tight tolerances and demanding specifications have had to be met,” said Alberto Cantú, vice-president of ceramics at NUTEC Bickley. “[This] demonstrates once again how, when all necessary design parameters are in place, electric heating in continuous kilns can deliver for a wide range of manufacturing processes.”
The use of electric heating is increasingly in demand. Extremely tight thermal control is necessary in the kiln chamber, operating under an oxidizing atmosphere, and this particular kiln has 14 automatic control zones for heating, plus two automatic zones for cooling. To ensure maximum flexibility and management of the temperature profile, the control systems are arranged so that the exhaust, heating zones, and cooling zones are all independently regulated.
Image 1. 3D view of the electric tunnel kiln, showing its structural design and distribution of key components. Image 2. External view of the electric tunnel kiln installed in the plant.
The heating system comprises a combination of silicon carbide and metal alloy elements. These hang down vertically through the roof and are sited on either side of the load, with distribution configured to deliver a well-balanced temperature uniformity throughout the kiln. The electrical connection design means that elements can be replaced while the furnace is at operating temperature.
Hot gases are drawn towards the kiln entrance and are evacuated from the tunnel through exhaust ports positioned in the kiln sidewalls, via the exhaust fan. Cooling is achieved by direct air movement in the cooling zones. The temperature set points from the cooling zones are controlled automatically with cooling nozzles positioned to blow a stream of cold air above and below the load setting. The kiln walls use lightweight insulation for rapid thermal response and fuel economy, with the lining rated for use up to 2350ºF (1290°C). The roof is lined with high thermal efficiency ceramic fiber system, and the roof insulation combines modules of polycrystalline fiber and zirconia grade fiber.
Kiln car operation is based on a semi-continuous feed electromechanical pusher with push speed adjustment. The push speed is configurable by selecting the appropriate firing schedule at the kiln control panel. A vestibule arrangement serves to reduce exchange of air and gases between the factory and the kiln. When a car is being introduced into the kiln, the door at the entry end opens, while the door at the kiln entrance is closed.
The vestibule has two sections: the first accommodates a single car and is separated by two vertical lift doors to separate the factory’s atmosphere from the kiln atmosphere. This is managed by installing an exhaust hood which is connected to the entry exhaust fan, thus ensuring a negative pressure in the vestibule to avoid any gases from the kiln from leaving the chamber. The second section functions as a transition from the vestibule door sections to the kiln’s pusher.
Press release is available in its original form here.
voestalpine Fastening Systems, a supplier to the railway industry, is bolstering its hardening processes of steel parts with a technological line consisting of multiple furnaces and washers. The process will be carried out in a protected nitrogen atmosphere with temperatures up to 1742°F (950°C) on parts to be used in railway rolling stock.
Mariusz Raszewski Deputy Director of Aluminum Process and CAB Furnaces SECO/WARWICK
The technological line on order from SECO/WARWICK consists of two CaseMaster furnaces, three tempering furnaces, and two washers. In addition, the railway supplier will have an electric chamber, a cooling station, and an endothermic atmosphere generator delivered.
“[T]he result of technological tests carried out in a service hardening plant that the customer was acquainted with … convinced voestalpine Fastening Systems that we would meet the high requirements of the contract. The line is configured in such a way that if the volume of the company products decreases, the customer can also offer commercial processing due to the wide technological spectrum of this main furnace unit,” said Mariusz Raszewski, deputy director of the Aluminum Process and CAB Furnaces Team at SECO/WARWICK.
The technological line will include a loader operating in automatic mode, a set of roller tables, and a closed-loop water system. The number of the supplied technological line units is selected to ensure the quality of manufactured components. The whole process will be supervised by a master system, which is used to continuously monitor the heat treatment equipment operation and provides advanced data analysis for the production processes.
Mariusz Fogtman Chief Operating Officer voestalpine Fastening Systems
“The universal furnace solution will allow [the client] to process various parts in various configurations. Apart from technological parameters, it is important for us to limit processed part deformations, which is possible with the solution on order,” said Mariusz Fogtman, chief operating officer, voestalpine Fastening Systems Sp. z o. o.
This is the first cooperation between both partners in this product area. SECO/WARWICK has previously delivered vacuum furnaces to the voestalpine Group.
Press release is available in its original from here.
Chiz Bros., which provides solutions for refractory and high temperature applications in the metals industries, recently completed the acquisition of Advanced Material Science, a thermal and electrical insulation material distributor and a long-term vendor of the company.
Mark Rhoa, Jr. Vice President of Sales Chiz Bros
In addition to distributing insulation material out of its southwestern Pennsylvania location, Advanced Material Science focuses on custom CNC machining. Chiz Bros. plans to invest in improvements to machinery, inventory, and safety practices relating to its refractory applications which also serve the power, glass, and ceramics industries.
“The acquisition of Advanced Material Science will help us expand our offerings in regard to induction insulation and utilize their quick turnaround and precise machine services,” said Mark Rhoa, Jr., vice president of Chiz Bros. “We are excited to welcome them into the Chiz Bros. family. We pride ourselves on supplying high quality materials and AMS certainly fits that mold.”
“Advanced Material Science has always enjoyed working with Chiz Bros. as a customer, and now we can take a step further and work together as one company,” said John Pertinaci, who has been plant manager of AMS for more than seven years and will remain in that role. “I look forward to this new relationship and the mutual benefits it will bring to the industry.”
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliance process is detailed and complicated, and businesses in the defense industrial base (DIB) may be tempted to delay this regulatory hurdle. In this Cybersecurity Desk column, which was first released inHeat Treat Today’sMarch 2025 Aerospace print editionJoe Coleman, cybersecurity officer at Bluestreak Compliance, a division of Bluestreak | Bright AM™, explains why companies putting off CMMC 2.0 compliance may end up scrambling to meet deadlines, incurring costly delays, and even facing potential disqualification from future DoD contracts.
Introduction
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is not only a regulatory hurdle, it represents a fundamental shift in the cybersecurity landscape for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Ignoring this critical initiative can have severe and potentially irreversible consequences for your company’s future.
Many companies mistakenly believe they can afford to delay their CMMC 2.0 compliance efforts, assuming they have plenty of time to prepare. This is a dangerous assumption. Achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance is a detailed and complicated process that typically takes 12–18 months. Delaying implementation can leave your company scrambling to meet deadlines and increase the risk of costly delays, missed opportunities, and even potential disqualification from future DoD contracts.
The High Cost of Inaction
The consequences of failing to prioritize CMMC 2.0 compliance are significant:
Loss of revenue and market share: Non-compliance directly impacts your ability to bid on and win DoD contracts. This translates to lost revenue, limiting growth and a significant competitive disadvantage against companies that have already achieved compliance
Erosion of trust and reputation: Failing to meet cybersecurity standards can damage your company’s reputation within the DIB. This loss of trust can impact not only your relationship with the DoD, but also with other key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, partners and investors. Some of your clients may have already asked if you are compliant.
Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks: A weak cybersecurity posture leaves your company highly susceptible to cyberattacks. These attacks can have devastating consequences, including data breaches, system disruptions, and significant financial losses. The key cybersecurity component of CMMC is NIST Special Publication 800-171.
Significant financial penalties: Non-compliance can result in substantial financial penalties, including fines and contract termination. These penalties can severely impact your company’s bottom line and long-term growth.
Operational disruption: The process of implementing and maintaining CMMC 2.0 controls can require significant amounts of time and resources. Delaying these efforts can disrupt your company’s operations, impacting productivity and potentially hindering critical projects.
The Benefits of Proactive Action
By proactively addressing CMMC 2.0 compliance, your company can gain a significant competitive advantage to win more business:
Competitive head start: Companies that prioritize CMMC 2.0 compliance gain a significant first-mover advantage. They can demonstrate their commitment to enhanced cybersecurity to the DoD, build stronger relationships with government agencies, and position themselves as preferred partners for future contracts.
Reduced stress and increased efficiency: Starting early allows for a more gradual and less stressful implementation process. This reduces the risk of last-minute scrambling and allows for a more efficient and effective integration of cybersecurity measures into your existing workflows.
Enhanced cybersecurity posture: The CMMC 2.0 framework provides a structured approach to enhancing your overall cybersecurity posture. By implementing these controls, you not only improve your compliance but also strengthen your defenses against a wide range of cyber threats.
Improved operational resilience: A robust cybersecurity program enhances your company’s operational resilience. By minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and their potential disruptions, you can ensure business continuity and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Building a culture of security: CMMC 2.0 implementation encourages a shift towards a culture of security within your company. This includes raising awareness among employees about cybersecurity risks, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, and promoting best practices at all levels.
Conclusion
Click image to download a list of cybersecurity acronyms and definitions.
CMMC 2.0 is not an option; it is a critical requirement for any company seeking to do business with the DoD, its prime contractors, and/or downstream service providers. Procrastination is not an option. By taking proactive steps to understand and address CMMC 2.0 requirements, your company can mitigate risks, enhance its cybersecurity posture, and gain a significant competitive advantage in the evolving defense landscape.
For an up-to-date resource list of common cybersecurity acronyms, click the image to the right.
About the Author:
Joe Coleman Cyber Security Officer Bluestreak Consulting Source: Bluestreak Consulting
Joe Coleman is the cybersecurity officer at Bluestreak Compliance, which is a division of Bluestreak | Bright AM™. Joe has over 35 years of diverse manufacturing and engineering experience. His background includes extensive training in cybersecurity, a career as a machinist, machining manager, and an early additive manufacturing (AM) pioneer. Joe presented at the Furnaces North America (FNA 2024) convention on DFARS, NIST 800-171, and CMMC 2.0.
Conticon, a steel-wire manufacturer, is expanding production capabilities at its North American plant by installing a CONTIROD® CR3700 line to address the growing demand for high-quality copper rod for the automotive and telecommunications industries. The line, which includes a furnace plant, casting machine, rolling plant, and cooling line, is a fully integrated casting and rolling process that turns copper cathodes and clean copper scrap into material for conductors, boosts the capacity of the existing plant.
The company, a joint venture between Grupo Condumex and Xignux, a manufacturer of electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper rod, commissioned SMS group to provide and complete the installation of the CONTIROD® line at its plant in Celaya-Villagrán, Mexico, boosting the current line, which has an annual capacity of approximately 230,000 tons. With an additional 320,000 tons from the new line, the total theoretical capacity is approximately 550,000 tons per year. The line is the only manufacturing process for cast wire rod that utilizes a Hazelett twin-belt casting machine, which physically precludes porosity in the casting bar’s core.
Impression of a comparable CONTIROD® CR3700 line with a capacity of 60 tons per hour
SMS, which has a long-standing relationship Condumex, Inc, dating back to the installation of the first line in 1984, is providing the company with a complete CONTIROD® line, encompassing both process and electrical equipment to enhance production at the Conticon facility. The new line covers every stage of production, including the charging device, furnace plant, casting machine, rolling plant, and cooling line, as well as the coil forming and handling systems. This comprehensive solution not only increases productivity thanks to its ease of maintenance and operation but also enhances process control and operator safety. The new CONTIROD® CR3700 line has a capacity of 48 tons per hour.
The new line offers sustainability benefits, including reductions of 55 percent for electrical energy consumption and 30 percent for natural gas. These efficiencies are achieved through advanced design and process integration and optimized thermal heat utilization, thus minimizing energy waste and enhancing the system’s overall efficiency. The technology package also features process control systems that ensure precise operation, further contributing to energy savings.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Welcome to Heat Treat Today’sThis Week in Heat Treat Social Media. We’re looking at addendum learning, indepth instruction from industry leaders, and how-tos that will tickle your ears. But first in the posts, podcasts, and videos we have rounded up for you, check out what NASA is doing with shape-shifting tires.
As you know, there is so much content available on the web that it’s next to impossible to sift through all of the articles and posts that flood our inboxes and notifications on a daily basis. So, Heat Treat Today is here to bring you the latest in compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat news from the different social media venues that you’ve just got to see and read!If you have content that everyone has to see, please send the link to editor@heattreattoday.com.
1. Entering the Realm of Shape-Shifting
This space is usually reserved for something rich and technical, so we’re looking at the science of shape-shifting!
Check out this recent post on ThomasNet about NASA’s foray into the world of physical transformations.
2. It’s a Beautiful Day in the Heat Treat Neighborhood
Don’t Skip the Side Trips!
Trades Schools Now Trending
Helping Kids Take Flight
3. A broad Education in Heat Treating Coming Your Way
Sometimes, it’s the small things on social media that grab your attention or give you the “ah ha!” moment. And sometimes things affecting the industry in other places cause us to go “hmm.” Do any of these short posts make you say “eureka”?
How many Terms Do You Already Know?
All About Quenching
Monitoring Leaks and Dew Point Gases
Having a Blast with Furnaces
4. Open Your Eyes & Ears: The Podcast Corner
You can’t read everything, we get it. Heat Treat Today is here to recommend two informative podcasts and one video to enjoy on your daily commute or during your evening roundup.
Tune in to Listen to Heat Treat Radio #118: Saving Dollars with Ceramic Fiber Insulation
Heat Treating Machined Parts To enhance strength, hardness, durability, and flexibility
Carlos Torres Interviews Steve Kowalski on the Heat Treat Podcast
5. Inspections Are Good … Overinspections Can Be Too Good
