Robert (Bob) Hill, President at Solar Atmospheres of Western PA Source: Solar Atmospheres
A western PA heat treater recently degassed 175,000 pounds of 6AI-4V titanium in their 48-foot-long vacuum furnace. This is the largest and heaviest single load of titanium ever processed in the company's history.
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA vacuum degassed the load consisting of 154 sheets of titanium 40” x 240”. Their president, Bob Hill, states, “The future of the global aerospace titanium market is very promising with the many opportunities in the commercial and military aircraft markets!”
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Welcome to Heat TreatToday's This Week in Heat TreatSocial Media. You know and we know: there is too much content available on the web, and 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 TreatToday is here to bring you a hot take of the latest compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat chatter from the world of social media.
This week we'll check out some heat treating topics that are close to home (maybe even in your kitchen!) as well as learn about a metal that's a national security concern.
You may have used a knife to cut your steak last night, but what's the story behind that crisp, clean edge? Check out this video to learn the basics of heat treating knives.
2. Kudos to Past 40 Under 40 Winners!
Mastering the Subject
Alberto Ramirez, Contour Hardening, was excited to share a big milestone: a master's in Information Technology Management. We're proud to have him in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2021.
This month, social media was a-buzz with news from Family Business Magazine. Heather Falcone, CEO of Thermal-Vac Technology, was named as one of the "Transformational Women." This 2019 40 Under 40 winner sure has a knack for collecting awards.
Speaking Candidly
Mark Rhoa, vice president at Chiz Bros, delivered a talk on thermal performance in furnaces with refractory and insulation products at the ASM 2021 heat treat show.
3. A Triad of Trending Topics
Precious metals in your pocket, an exciting future in heat treating careers, and a new VOQ in Western PA? It's going to be a good weekend.
What's Going On in Your Phone?
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
.VOQ Maiden Voyage Coming Soon
4. The Reading Corner
Doing a little personal development this weekend? Why not increase your heat treating knowledge by perusing these articles?
Integrity. . .the Mechanical Kind
Graphene, the Wonder Material That Became a National Security Concern
Michael Johnson Sales Manager Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA successfully vacuum heat treated what is reported to be the largest and longest load of nickel alloy tubing ever in a commercial vacuum furnace. The mission was to preserve the crucial elements of brightness and cleanliness of the 45-foot-long seamless tubing while meeting extremely stringent mechanical properties.
“We spent countless hours reviewing critical systems such as triplicate pumping systems and redundant hot zone controls for any unforeseeable event that might arise during the 100+ hour run,” stated Michael Johnson, sales director at Solar Atmospheres of Western PA. “We are also fortunate that we can rely on our furnace manufacturing division, Solar Manufacturing, for guidance should any issue arise. This successful run will ignite a production campaign for the next 5 years, once again boosting confidence that this 48 foot vacuum furnace will surpass our customers’ expectations.”
Editor’s Note:
We suspected that this is a significant heat treating accomplishment, so we asked industry consultant and expert Dan Herring for perspective. Here are the questions and his responses. The following is provided by Heat Treat Today and not Solar Atmospheres of Western PA.
HTT: In what industries might these tubes be used?
DH: Typical examples would include steam generator tubing in nuclear power plants, high temperature aircraft systems, the oil and gas extraction industry, and anywhere applications call for corrosion/pressure/temperature resistant tubes/pipe.
HTT: Is there anything special about processing nickel alloy tubing?
DH: Yes. In order to maximize corrosion resistance, one must keep the surfaces of the tubes as oxide-free as possible. Hence, the use of vacuum. Also, the long lengths of the pipe means fewer welded joints (fewer joints means a stronger pipe, and likely more resistant to corrosion).
HTT: Is this release noteworthy?
DH: It is absolutely noteworthy. This demonstrates size capability available in only a handful (if that many) heat treat shops IN THE WORLD.
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