QMULUS

22 News Chatter to Keep You Current

March 13, 2026 / HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 22 news items, including Advanced Heat Treat Corp.’s expansion of induction hardening and gas nitriding capacity in Alabama, Dauch Corporation’s acquisition of Dowlais Group, CAN-ENG Furnaces International’s new certification as a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, and more!

Equipment

1. Urschel Laboratories, a manufacturer of precision food-cutting equipment, has ordered a new MetalMaster HR vacuum furnace from Ipsen USA to support in-house heat treating of stainless steel components used in its machines. The system will replace a furnace that has been operating since 1986 and marks Urschel’s sixth furnace purchase from Ipsen, reflecting a decades-long partnership. The upgrade is expected to strengthen Urschel’s manufacturing efficiency and product reliability, reinforcing equipment performance across the global food processing industry it serves.

2. BTOMEC Ferramentaria e Usinagem de Precisão Ltda., a manufacturer of multi-cavity injection molds, has invested in a Vector vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK to bring die and tooling hardening in-house. The move enables the company to reduce reliance on external heat treaters while gaining greater control over production timelines, costs, and quality. The investment reflects a broader industry trend of manufacturers establishing internal heat treat capabilities as production volumes grow.

3. JISCO Carbon Steel has commissioned a new integrated CSP®-HSM production line at its Jiayuguan facility, combining Compact Strip Production casting with a hot strip mill in a fully automated system supplied by SMS Group. The upgrade doubles the plant’s annual production capacity from about 2 million to 4.5 million tons while improving operational flexibility and process integration between casting and rolling. The project strengthens JISCO’s ability to deliver consistent flat-steel products for global manufacturing markets.

4. Grace Manufacturing has installed a new TITAN H2 vacuum furnace from Ipsen at its Russellville, Arkansas facility to expand heat treating capabilities for thin martensitic stainless steel components used in medical devices. The system replaces an aging furnace and was selected after third-party testing confirmed it met the company’s processing requirements. The upgrade strengthens production reliability and metallurgical control for precision medical manufacturing.

5. An international aircraft motion-control manufacturer has ordered an additional low-temperature vacuum tempering furnace from SECO/WARWICK’s U.S. subsidiary to expand its heat treat capacity for precision aerospace components. The system will support tempering, aging, and other sub-critical heat treat processes while meeting stringent aerospace thermal-processing standards.

6. Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is investing $200 million to expand its Columbus, Georgia, manufacturing site with a seventh isothermal forging press to produce rotating compressor and turbine disks for commercial and military jet engines. The new equipment is expected to increase output of these critical engine components by about 30% and is scheduled to be operational in 2028. The expansion strengthens production capacity for next-generation aerospace engine programs and supports growing global demand for aircraft propulsion systems.

7. A defense-sector firearm manufacturer has selected a vacuum furnace system from SECO/WARWICK to support carburizing and heat treatment of steel components used in firearm production. The new equipment will enhance control over case hardening processes, helping improve durability and performance of critical firearm parts. The investment strengthens thermal processing capacity within the defense manufacturing supply chain.

8. Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has expanded induction hardening and gas nitriding capacity at its Cullman, Alabama facility, adding a larger induction system and an additional nitriding unit. The upgrade enables the processing of larger and more complex components while supporting higher production volumes. The investment strengthens surface hardening capabilities for manufacturers by improving throughput and maintaining fast turnaround times for industrial parts.

9. Bodycote has installed a new diffusion hardening treatment vessel at its Mooresville, North Carolina facility, expanding stainless steel processing capabilities in North America. The system enables the company to surface-harden larger components using its ADM® low-temperature diffusion hardening process. The investment broadens capacity for industries such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and medical technology by improving durability of stainless steel parts while maintaining corrosion resistance.

10. Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems will supply a custom-engineered box furnace and loading system to a U.S. government manufacturing facility to expand a previously validated high-temperature thermal process. The system, designed to meet strict space and operational constraints, will operate up to 2100°F in an air atmosphere and represents the largest configuration the facility can accommodate. The installation enables the government manufacturer to scale production while maintaining specialized thermal processing capabilities.

11. A China-based manufacturer of vacuum circuit breakers has ordered two vacuum furnaces from SECO/WARWICK to add vacuum brazing capability for producing vacuum interrupter components used in power distribution systems. The installation expands the manufacturer’s ability to produce brazed, hermetically sealed interrupter assemblies used in circuit breakers that interrupt electrical current in industrial and utility power networks.

12. PSW Group has opened a new High Integrity Diecasting Center at its Magretech plant in Bellevue, Ohio, focused on semi-solid casting technologies for aluminum and magnesium components. Led by Dr. Tao Wang, the facility allows OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and die casters to trial, develop, and scale advanced casting processes using semi-solid and high-pressure die-casting methods. The center aims to accelerate development of lighter, stronger, and lower-carbon metal components, supporting innovation and faster time-to-market across the automotive and light-metal manufacturing sectors.

Ipsen MetalMaster furnace originally commissioned in 1986 awaiting replacement at Urschel

An Ipsen TITAN H2 vacuum furnace for Grace Manufacturing

A new SECO/WARWICK furnace strengthening the defense manufacturing supply chain

Custom-engineered box furnace from Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems

Company & Personnel

13. Dauch Corporation has completed its acquisition of Dowlais Group plc, bringing together major automotive manufacturing operations including GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy. The combined company expands global capabilities in driveline systems, metal forming, and powder metallurgy under the leadership of CEO David C. Dauch. The move strengthens supply and engineering capacity for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicle platforms across the global automotive industry.

14. U.S. Aluminum Company has signed an agreement with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) and Century Aluminum to explore building a downstream aluminum fabrication facility in Inola, Oklahoma, near a planned primary aluminum smelter. The proposed plant would convert molten aluminum into value-added products for sectors such as electrical, defense, aerospace, automotive, and machinery manufacturing. The project aims to strengthen U.S. aluminum supply chains and help expand domestic primary aluminum production capacity.

15. The AICHELIN Group has appointed Daniel Panny as head of United Process Controls (UPC) in Göppingen and Mike Löpke as head of QMULUS in Düsseldorf as part of organizational changes following the integration of NITREX. The leadership updates strengthen the group’s focus on automation, plant control, and IIoT-driven digital solutions for heat treatment operations. The move supports closer integration of furnace technology, process expertise, and data-driven optimization across the global heat treat industry.

16. SECO/WARWICK has appointed Pan Gaojun as managing director of SECO/WARWICK China, following a succession process within the company. Gaojun, who joined the group in 2010, will lead operational development and strengthen the company’s presence in key technologies such as CAB lines and vacuum furnaces in the Asian market. The leadership change is intended to support continued growth and strengthen SECO/WARWICK’s position in China’s expanding heat treat and thermal-processing sector.

17. Vienna-based refractory manufacturer RATH AG has appointed Christian Morawetz as chief operating officer, bringing the experienced operations executive onto its Executive Board to oversee production, purchasing, R&D, quality management, and IT across the company’s global manufacturing operations. Morawetz’s leadership and industrial management experience are expected to strengthen operational efficiency and innovation as the company undertakes a broader transformation of its product portfolio and production structures to better serve high-temperature industries such as steel, glass, and ceramics.

Change of leadership at SECO/WARWICK China with newly appointed managing director Pan Gaojun

Kudos

18. The U.S. Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) has awarded contracts through the Defense Logistics Agency to 24 manufacturers to supply additively manufactured metal and polymer parts under the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV pilot program. The firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract, valued at up to $9.8 million with a base period through Feb. 2027, allows the Pentagon to issue task orders for 3D-printed components supporting U.S. military programs.

19. CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd. has been certified as a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, expanding its capabilities in robotic automation for industrial furnace and thermal-processing systems. The certification allows CAN-ENG to design and integrate FANUC robots into heat treat operations, including material handling and high-volume furnace automation. The partnership strengthens automation options for manufacturers seeking greater efficiency, reliability, and safety in heat treat and thermal processing environments.

20. Burloak Technologies Inc., based in Oakville, Ontario, has completed its latest Nadcap audit, enabling its heat treatment capabilities to support demanding industries. The certification reinforces the company’s thermal processing services — including hot isostatic pressing (HIP), vacuum heat treatment, and alloy heat treat cycles — used in sectors such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical manufacturing.

21. Stack Metallurgical Group announced that its Salt Lake City facility, Aerospace Aluminum Processing (ASAP), has achieved AS9100D certification following an audit completed with zero findings. The accreditation strengthens the facility’s quality credentials for aerospace aluminum heat treating and related processing, reinforcing its role in supporting high-spec aerospace manufacturing and positioning other Stack facilities to pursue similar approvals.

22. Aalberts surface technologies announced that its Cleveland, Ohio, and Kansas City facilities have earned Nadcap 24-Month Merit Accreditation for heat treating, effective February 10, 2026. The designation — achieved after years of near-zero audit findings and strict AMS2750 pyrometry compliance — signals strong process discipline and quality systems for aerospace heat treat operations, helping reduce supplier risk and strengthen reliability across the aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

FANUC Authorized System Integrator certification for CAN-ENG Furnaces

Stack Metallurgical Group’s Aerospace Aluminum Processing receiving its AS9100D certification

22 News Chatter to Keep You Current Read More »

Digitalization Propels Heat Treating to Industry of the Future

January 7, 2025 / CONTROLS TECHNICAL CONTENT, INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICAL CONTENT, Manufacturing Heat Treat Technical Content, TECHNOLOGY

If you work in a standards-driven industry, you may already feel the imperative of digitalization. In today’s Technical Tuesday, Mike Loepke, head of Nitrex Software & Digitalization, posits how, even if you aren’t necessitated to track compliance digitally, you are probably looking to synthesize and leverage the strengths of multiple advanced operations — furnace and process record-keeping, knowledge of furnace past operations, juggling different new equipment capabilities — across just one platform. In other words, you are looking to bring digitalization system management to your operations.

This informative piece was first released in Heat Treat Today’s December 2024 Medical & Energy Heat Treat print edition.

The Future of Heat Treatment Relies on Digitalization

The ultimate goal for heat treaters, whether commercial or captive, is to uphold the quality of their product and meet client expectations while remaining profitable. Digitalization supports these efforts as it synthesizes and presents detailed, transparent, and accessible data that allows heat treaters to better manage their equipment, processes, and product quality. In addition, the collection of detailed information can serve as a database of knowledge to be used by the next generation of heat treaters, supporting future viability and advancement in the field.

There are necessary steps to take to establish a digital solution and essential components to look for when choosing a software platform that assists heat treaters in optimizing equipment and processes, effectively creating the digitalization of the heat treat operations. Let’s explore these now.

How Digitalization Optimizes Heat Treatment Processes

Digitalization in the heat treatment industry relies on the integration of industrial internet of things (IIoT) technologies with traditional and modern heat treatment processes. Using enabling devices such as sensors, modern connectivity methods, analytics, machine learning, and IIoT software platforms, it is possible for heat treaters to collect and process data that, after analysis, drives informed decisions to optimize equipment, processes, and product quality. To put a finer point on it, digitalization occurs when a manufacturing system is digitally integrated to capture and preserve human experience and knowledge, forming a holistic virtual representation of heat treat operations.

Figure 1. QMULUS Shop Layout enables visual inspection of the current production status, the location of goods and parts, as well as the real-time status of assets and their ongoing processes.
Source: Nitrex

While digitalization varies from industry to industry and plant to plant, there are some common ways in which heat treaters can employ digital technologies to build such a system. Firstly, digitally integrated solutions can optimize process management and control. For example, when a sensor detects a temperature anomaly during a heat treatment process, the integrated software platform picks up that reading, analyzes it in real time, recognizes it as an error based on historical data or programmed parameters, and alerts the operator.

This integration also facilitates predictive, condition-based maintenance. For example, if collected data and analysis suggests that a furnace is behaving abnormally, the system can automatically generate a work order along with a list of potential failure causes, so that a technician can troubleshoot, identify, and correct small issues — such as a failing thermocouple — before they impact quality or result in equipment failure. By addressing these proactively, heat treaters can avoid extended periods of costly unplanned downtime and ensure continuous operation.

Secondly, artificial intelligence through machine learning plays a crucial role in optimizing quality control in a digitalized system. By analyzing data collected during heat treating processes, it learns to detect patterns and identify anomalies. As in the examples above, this capability enables the system to identify deviations from the desired outcomes, allowing heat treaters to quickly rectify any issues before they impact quality.

Figure 2. The heart of the IIoT data platform needs to be thoughtfully planned and designed. Illustrated are 5 steps to follow to ensure the cloud data system properly engages with the data generated from your specific heat treat operations, ultimately delivering actionable insights. Step 1 depicts the various data sources; Step 2 shows the data transformation, integration, and processing stages; Step 3 highlights the central QMULUS database where data is indexed and organized; and Steps 4 and 5 demonstrate how data is further processed, distributed, and accessed by different end-users.
Source: Nitrex

Thirdly, algorithms can be programmed into a comprehensive management system to identify the most energy-efficient operating conditions for the heat treating process, helping heat treaters reduce their carbon footprint, minimize energy costs, and comply with sustainability goals.

In addition to these types of operational advantages, digitalization technologies can also be used to create a database of knowledge before experienced operators and experts leave the workforce. Traditionally, a handful of experts in the plant oversee the furnaces and equipment and understand how to best control and maintain them based on experience. However, passing down this knowledge to the next generation of heat treaters can take years, which may not be possible due to a company’s workflow demands and cost pressures. Digitalization addresses this challenge by creating a streamlined and accessible database of knowledge, offering less experienced operators and technicians immediate access to detailed information about what may be happening in the equipment or process for an issue at hand. This ensures that essential insights are not lost and enables quicker problem-solving and decision-making on the shop floor.

Making the Digitalization Transformation

While digitalization presents obvious advantages, the heat treatment industry, often conservative in its approach to technology, has some initial work and investment required before realizing the full benefits.

Going “paperless” in order to unlock the full potential of the available data is an important first step. All reports, histories, drawings, and other paperwork associated with equipment, processes, maintenance activities, product quality, and other relevant information should be digitized to provide a comprehensive view of both historical and current data.

Connectivity and integration between machine and higher-level systems are essential for effective data acquisition, monitoring, and remote control. SCADA systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and other higher-level systems are rich sources of machine and process data. Gathering and analyzing this data can provide actionable insights that operators can use to make smarter decisions about the control and maintenance of equipment and processes.

Figure 3. A comprehensive overview displays all detected control loop anomalies, indicating possible root causes as well as recommended actions. Incorporating feedback from the responsible maintenance personnel further improves accuracy and delivers more effective recommendations for future occurrences.
Source: Nitrex

Finally, just having data is not enough. The data must be accessible, transparent, and relevant to be valuable. Achieving a complete picture of all the collected data, known as data consolidation, is necessary.

To build an IIoT platform with a well-architectured data engine, heat treaters should begin by identifying and understanding the different sources of data provided by sensors and high-level systems. This involves integrating the data through interfaces adapted to the data type and source, as well as documenting the integrated data sources, data fields, and data streams. Next, a “data lake” should be created to store the collected raw data. From this foundation, a data warehouse can be established to store enriched or analyzed data, derived values, data models, and forecasts in an organized way. For heat treaters, this type of contextualized data might be grouped by parts, loads, or orders.

Once the data engine is in place, the information stored in the data warehouse must be presented in a way that makes sense to operators and technicians for them to make informed decisions for heat treatment processes. To facilitate this, a universal data interface should be considered.

Building from this well-architectured data engine, the IIoT platform can then be expanded with statistical analytics, remote monitoring, KPI tracking, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other applications to optimize processes and increase profitability.

What Heat Treaters Need in a Digitalization Solution

Harnessing modern technologies tomake digitalization a reality presents heat treaters with the opportunity to implement a solution based on a complete and well documented data system. It also means that the solution creates a holistic solution to data analysis, interpretation, reporting, and action that supports the real-world actions of heat treaters on the plant floor and in the office.

For this reason, a digitalization solution that has cloud and on-premises allows real-time access to analysis and alert messages for operators on the floor as well as managers who are away from the plant, ensuring quick problem-solving and maximum uptime in the event of process or machine issues.

Additionally, heat treaters should look for a solution that offers the freedom to integrate all the various platforms and equipment from which data are gathered from. These may include relevant machinery and production data from the shop floor as well as third-party and custom controllers. This flexibility to synthesize information from multiple sources will ensure the digitalization efforts lead to a comprehensive solution with actionable process overviews, recipe control, batch tracking, and other customization options.

To further this intent of a holistic solution, heat treaters should consider various data capabilities with different portal views, such as a manufacturer portal, a plant portal, and a client portal. However, considering the historic value of a comprehensive software solution, it may be worthwhile to consider how each user could transfer direct feedback and add new rules into the system, creating a repository of knowledge that bridges the knowledge of outgoing generations to future heat treaters.

Finally, any platform that directs the digitalization of a plant must prioritize robust security measures. Several features to look for are:

enhanced encryption standards to keep data confidential and tamper-proof during transmission and storage;
secure protocols based on industry best practices to safeguard data integrity;
a granular access control system (ACS) to allow IT administrators to define and manage user permissions of authorized personnel, thereby minimizing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized data manipulation; and
intrusion detection and prevention systems to continuously monitor network and system activities, enabling instant identification and mitigation of suspicious behavior. This serves as an additional layer of defense against potential cyber threats.

Beyond the software setup, be sure to use best practices by conducting regular security audits to assess the platform’s vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards. While digitalization of heat treat operations may seem like a task for the next generation to complete, secure software options that integrate the hard work of digitizing plant activities can make this endeavor just a step away.

About the Author:

Mike Loepke
Head of Nitrex Software & Digitalization
Nitrex

Drawing from a background in Mathematics and Physics, coupled with extensive R&D experience and metallurgical modeling, Mike Loepke specializes in AI and process prediction. He has led Nitrex’s initiative in developing QMULUS, a pioneering IIoT cloud-based platform. Mike’s relentless pursuit of knowledge keeps him at the forefront of evolving technology.

For more information: Contact Mike at mike.loepke@nitrex.com.

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

Digitalization Propels Heat Treating to Industry of the Future Read More »