Heat Treat Today publishes twelve print magazines annually and included in each is a letter from the publisher, Doug Glenn. This letter is from theNovember 2025 Annual Vacuum Heat Treating print edition.
Heat TreatBoot Camp has become a popular gathering place for individuals who are either new to the North American heat treat/thermal processing market or who have been around a good while but would like to learn more. This year, on September 15–17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the industry gathered over 60 learners at the 4th annual Heat TreatBoot Camp. By all practical measures, it was an extremely successful event.
Attendance
2025 Heat Treat Boot Camp attendees
The magic number, 63, was more than any previous year by 50% and double the number that we had last year. Of those 60-some, we had roughly:
11 captive heat treaters (18%)
7 commercial heat treaters (12%)
1 investment company (<1%)
44 suppliers (70%)
The number of years that these attendees had been in the industry varied from as little as several weeks or months to over 30 years. The mix was ideal, allowing the newbies to learn from the industry veterans and for industry veterans to be energized by the enthusiasm and energy of the newbies.
It was also good to have multiple companies sending people for the 2nd or 3rd year in a row. Obviously, they like what their employees are learning.
Speakers
As with the previous three events, Thomas Wingens of Wingens Consulting and I were the only two speakers. Between the two of us, we have well over 50 years of industry experience. Thomas covered the technical side of the conversations dealing with both the materials and processes of heat treat, while I covered the markets, products, and players. Thomas also discussed emerging technologies, and I concluded with a short session on resources to help keep current.
Activities
We kicked off the event on Monday evening, September 15, with a reception on the scenic outdoor patio of the Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. The hotel had purchased and renovated this historic building, the former location of the Pittsburgh Federal Reserve. In fact, all of the training sessions took place in The Main Vault. It was a “safe place.”
Tuesday was a full day in the classroom. It was grueling, but attendees were rewarded with a school bus ride to the historic Duquesne Incline where we were elevated to the top of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington. From there we could overlook the city from well above the tops of the skyscrapers. It was a beautiful evening. We then walked two blocks to LeMont Restaurant where we continued to overlook the city until the evening hours brought out the city lights. Again, beautiful.
Wednesday was a half day of classes and then an optional tour of Penna Flame Heat Treating in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, less than one hour north of Pittsburgh.
Sponsors
A big “thank you” goes to the industry sponsors — many of whom returned from last year — who helped us underwrite the costs of the boot camp. Idemitsu was our sole Title Sponsor. Can-Eng Furnaces was our sole Social Sponsor helping with the expenses of some of our networking functions and the putt-putt contest. Our two lunch sponsors were Cleveland Electric Labs (who have sent at least two people to all four of the boot camps since 2022) and Newton Heat Treating. Other corporate sponsors included ECM USA Vacuum Furnaces, Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, Super Systems, Honeywell, Chiz Bros, and I Squared R who had the popular Triple-Dipped Malted Milk Ball sponsorship. All of these companies were super helpful in making Boot Camp a success.
You’re Invited
Next year, we encourage you or someone from your company to attend. To see what past recipients have said and for more information about the 2026 Boot Camp, please visit www.heatttreatbootcamp.com. See you there.
Doug Glenn Publisher Heat TreatToday For more information: Contact Doug at doug@heattreattoday.com
Last weekHeat Treat Todayhosted its annual conference, Heat TreatBoot Camp, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The two day event was chock-full of learning, networking, and enjoying the best Pittsburgh has to offer. Learn more about Heat Treat Boot Camp’slargest year ever below!
Monday, September 15
Monday’s events featured an extravagant rooftop reception where those from the heat treatment industry were able to network, get to know the staff and lecturers on a personal basis, and compete in a lighthearted putt-putt game for a free ticket to next year’s Heat TreatBoot Camp.
The Drury Plaza Hotel is a former Federal Reserve building, and its rooftop patio provided a beautiful view of the city. Some individuals gathered around tables laughing about their shared experiences working with Heat Treat Today’scolumnist Jim Roberts from U.S. Ignition (who everyone agrees is very funny). Others enjoyed cocktails and gazed out over the city, relaxing from their travels into town. Still others collaborated over roast beef and horseradish sauce on how to invent a zippo-style lighter in the shape of a vacuum furnace with 3D printing.
The reception provided a wonderful opportunity to break the ice and ease into the full days of sessions.
Heat Treat Today staff and guests connecting during rooftop receptionDoug Glenn & Thomas Wingens, main speakers for HTBC 2025Rooftop reception dinner and charcuterieA group of representatives from Idemitsu, this year’s Title SponsorRooftop reception at Drury Plaza HotelThomas Wingens greeting groups of attendees
Tuesday, September 16
There were 62 attendees who participated in the sessions, which were located in one of the former bank vaults of the building. The information covered the players, products, processes, markets, materials, and future trends in heat treating. Thomas Wingens of WINGENS CONSULTANTS and Doug Glenn of Heat Treat Today led the sessions.
Tuesday evening included a ride up the Duquesne Incline — one of the few remaining inclines in the country — in a one-hundred year old cable car to Mt. Washington. From there, the group was able to take in Steel City’s amazing views on an observation deck. A short walk from the incline, the group enjoyed a delicious meal at the LeMont, one of Pittsburgh’s iconic restaurants, where its floor to ceiling glass windows dazzled diners with additonal stunning views of downtown Pittsburgh.
Duquesne InclineDuquesne Incline and cable carLeMont Restaurant
Wednesday, September 17
Three additional sessions were held on Wednesday prior to an afternoon of certificates being awarded. The group had one final field trip: an opportunity to visit Penna Flame, a local commercial heat treater in Zelienople, PA. Penna Flame is a third generation family-owned business serving the steel, mining, railroad, and automotive industries among others where they specialize in flame hardening, robotic induction hardening, additive manufacturing, furnaces, and cryogenics. It was a helpful hands on approach, bringing to life some of the processes discussed in the sessions, and enabled those present to see the value of sessions’ information in real time.
At last, the group had to disperse to their hometowns and businesses all over the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Heat Treat Boot Camp was an informative event in which participants enjoyed all aspects of boot camp. Many individuals shared that they would be sending people next year, noting the good balance of learning and networking which took place.
Heat Treat Today staff at Heat Treat Boot Camp 2025
Keep your eyes peeled for information about next year’s Heat Treat Boot Camp2026!
Heat TreatToday original press release, last updated on 09/22/2025 at 4:43am
La mayoría de quienes aplican el tratamiento térmico reconocen la importancia de medir la austenita retenida (RA, por sus siglas en inglés); no obstante, muchos optan por no realizar estas mediciones por razones de tiempo y/o de los costos asociados. Este artículo explica los motivos por los cuales se deben practicar las mediciones RA, los factores a favor y en contra de las tecnologías de medición tradicionales y los beneficios de realizar la medición en la planta misma, utilizando tecnologías más avanzadas.
This informative piece was first released inHeat Treat Today’sMarch 2025 Aerospace Heat Treating print edition. To read the article in English, click here.
La importancia del porcentaje de austenita retenida
Antes de entrar a examinar algunas metodologías de medición, es necesario entender lo básico en relación a la austenita retenida, al igual que la importancia que reviste el porcentaje de la misma (%RA).
Austenita retenida (RA) es el nombre que se le da a la austenita que durante el proceso de templado no se transforma en martensita. En términos sencillos, la austenita retenida (figura 1) ocurre cuando el acero se ha templado sin llegar de manera contundente a la temperatura de acabado de la martensita (Mf); es decir, la temperatura ha estado por encima de lo requerido para permitir la formación de martensita al 100%. Debido a que la Mf está por debajo de la temperatura ambiente en la mayoría de las aleaciones que contienen más del 0.30% de carbón, se pueden presentar cantidades significativas de austenita retenida en la martensita a temperatura ambiente. (Herring, Atmosphere Heat Treatment).
Al tratarse del %RA, con frecuencia existe un equilibrio muy sensible entre sus efectos benéficos (el aumento en la durabilidad de ciertos componentes manufacturados) y sus atributos negativos (la creación de piezas susceptibles de fracturas y averías). Por tal motivo es de crítica importancia que los tratadores térmicos logren el %RA óptimo para la aplicación deseada.
Por ejemplo, en las industrias de la aeronáutica y la astronáutica, con frecuencia se especifica que los niveles de RA sean inferiores al 8%, y para piezas como los cojinetes y los actuadores lineales, se requiere un RA por debajo del 3%, lo más cercano posible a cero. No obstante, en otras aplicaciones, como por ejemplo los engranajes grandes para generadores de energía, energía eólica y plataformas de rendimiento, se ha identificado que un RA en el rango del 15-30% reviste mayores beneficios. (Errichello et al., “Investigations of Bearing Failures”). De igual manera, un alto % RA es una ventaja en el caso de cojinetes que vayan a entrar en contacto con lubricantes contaminados.
Figura 1. Microestructura en la superficie de la trayectoria de un cojinete de rodamiento 12CrNi3 (o SAE/AISI 9310) compuesto por martensita templada en la que se evidencia austenita retenida (áreas blancas)
Marco DeGasperi, gerente técnico de Verichek, se pronunció al respecto señalando que el %RA es de crítica importancia para los inyectores de combustible, para piezas pequeñas en aplicaciones médicas y para aplicaciones de alto nivel y alto volumen tales como las placas de desgaste en la industria minera. Lo resumió afirmando: –Cuando tu ejercicio se trate de someter a presión y movimiento cualquier dispositivo de calibración fina…si utilizas la palabra “precisión” para darte a conocer, vas a querer hacerte a una [herramienta de medición del %RA].
Las mismas características que le dan a la austenita retenida muchas de sus propiedades particulares, son a la vez las respons ables de significativos problemas de funcionamiento. Sabemos que la austenita es la fase normal del acero a altas temperaturas, mas no a temperatura ambiente. Debido a que la austenita retenida existe por fuera del rango normal de su temperatura, es metaestable, lo que quiere decir que, cuando entre en funcionamiento, los factores como la temperatura, el estrés, y aún el tiempo, harán que se transforme en martensita no revenida. Es más, junto con dicha transformación se dará un cambio en el volumen (aumentará) generando un alto grado de estrés interno en el componente y provocando muchas veces la formación de grietas lo que podrá llevar a que las piezas fallen en el campo.
El % RA también es importante, no solo por el impacto sobre la estabilidad dimensional, sino además por las propiedades mecánicas tales como el límite elástico, la resistencia a la fatiga, la tenacidad, y la manejabilidad. (Herring, Atmosphere Heat Treatment). A manera de ejemplo, DeGasperi identifica en la industria automotriz las consecuencias de un %RA demasiado alto o demasiado bajo: –Hablemos de las piezas en una transmisión o en una caja de transferencia; aquí es donde se dan los casos en los que se empiezan a romper los cojinetes, o terminas viéndote en la obligación del retiro masivo del producto del mercado. Y por lo general toda la cadena de suministro identifica al anterior como el culpable cuando ninguno en toda la cadena se ha tomado la molestia de probar las piezas por sí mismo.
Por el contrario, en algunos casos, la RA diseminada en pequeñas cantidades aporta para que el material resista la propagación de fracturas por fatiga y disminuye el estrés por fatiga en el contacto de rodamiento, así que lograr el correcto equilibrio en la cantidad de RA es importante en muchas aplicaciones. Además, el % justo de RA es esencial para el control de calidad, al igual que para evitar problemas de seguridad y retiros masivos del mercado. El debido control y la medición precisa del % RA en las aleaciones de acero es un punto crítico para garantizar la calidad y la seguridad de los componentes terminados, salvaguardando así la reputación y el margen de ganancia tanto de los tratadores térmicos como de los fabricantes.
Métodos de medición de RA
El medir con precisión la RA es de vital importancia para establecer si existe el balance correcto entre la austenita retenida y la martensita en determinado componente. Los tratadores térmicos tienen a su disposición varias metodologías para esta medición, cada una con sus respectivas ventajas y desventajas. Para el tratador térmico entender la importancia de medir el % RA representa tan solo una parte de la batalla ganada, mientras que la otra parte se gana cuando se logra identificar un método de medición que sea rápido, preciso y rentable.
La difracción de rayos-X: el mejor y más preciso de los métodos
Figura 2a. Una unidad de sobremesa ArexD de GNR
La difracción de rayos-X, utilizada para identificar y cuantificar las fases en un material, se considera el método más preciso de medición de RA en acero ya que logra establecer los niveles de RA hasta el rango aproximado de 0.5-1% (GNR, “AreX Diffractometer,” 3). En la difracción de rayos-X, las diferentes fases cristalinas demuestran diferentes patrones de difracción, lo que permite que sean identificadas y medidas. Además del análisis de fases, la difracción de rayos-X se puede utilizar para analizar car acterísticas microestructurales tales como la textura, el esfuerzo residual y el tamaño del grano.
Hoy en día, la difracción de rayos-X es una solución segura y no-destructiva que permite valorar una región mucho más amplia que la de varios de los otros métodos disponibles, sin necesidad de gran preparación ni análisis de la muestra, haciendo de ésta una solución más eficiente y efectiva. Es la tecnología más opcionada para una empresa que requiera valorar la RA con un resultado esperado inferior al 10%,
La actual generación de difractómetros de rayos-X ostenta un diseño de sobremesa con un peso aproximado de 25 libras. Existen modelos con costos inferiores a los USD $100.000, lo que los hace rentables frente al costo de un difractómetro tradicional (USD $200.000) que tenía además la desventaja de presentar dificultades cuando la muestra tuviera fases y reflexiones adicionales, ya fuera por el tamaño del grano, por los carburos o por las texturas que pudieran provocar disturbios y variaciones en la medición. La nueva generación de equipos de rayos-X logra superar estos obstáculos utilizando múltiples picos de difracción para minimizar los efectos de la orientación preferida y detectar la interferencia de los carburos.
Figura 2b. Una unidad de sobremesa ArexD de GNR
Las máquinas modernas de difracción de rayos-X tienen la capacidad de recoger hasta siete picos de difracción (tres para la fase ferrítica/martensítica y cuatro para la fase austenítica) para luego establecer la concentración de porcentaje por volumen de RA en la muestra al comparar las intensidades de los picos y analizar las relaciones entre éstos de acuerdo con el ASTM E975-22 (práctica estándar para la determinación por rayos-X de austenita retenida en acero con orientación cristalográfica cercana a la aleatoria).
No es complicado usar los equipos modernos de difracción de rayos-X. En menos de tres minutos se logra la medición con tan solo ubicar la muestra en la máquina y oprimir el botón de inicio. Estos difractómetros realizan mediciones en muestras de diferentes tamaños y se valen de software intuitivo, dando lugar a que cualquier técnico, tenga o no experiencia previa en metalurgia o difracción, efectúe la medición de manera rápida, precisa y eficiente.
La microscopía óptica: un método a prueba del tiempo
La RA se puede medir de manera metalográfica con un microscopio óptico. En la mayoría de los casos, un metalúrgico con experiencia puede establecer el %RA en el rango hasta del 10-15%, lo cual es más que suficiente para muchas aplicaciones, con el beneficio adicional de que también caracteriza la microestructura.
Este método, que implica establecer la fracción de austenita mediante el contraste derivado del comportamiento de grabado o morfología, es de bajo costo; sin embargo, puede ser demorado. En libros de referencia existen tablas y diagramas que ayudan a determinar el porcentaje de austenita retenida utilizando métodos comparativos. La microscopía óptica es subjetiva ya que depende del individuo y la interpretación que haga de la muestra bajo el microscopio.
Figura 3. Ejemplo de la técnica para medir los picos de %RA
Métodos alternos
Los tratadores térmicos también disponen de otros varios métodos de medición de la RA. Entre los más comunes se encuentran:
La inducción magnética: Aquí se magnetiza una muestra al punto de saturación y se mide la polarización de saturación. Con esto, se calcula la diferencia entre la saturación medida y la saturación teórica de la RA utilizando la ecuación.
La inducción magnética no es destructiva y ofrece un rango más alto y amplio que el de la microscopía óptica (1-30%). Sin embargo, al ser una medición de volumen, es necesario que el instrumento sea calibrado a los materiales específicos, junto con sus tratamientos térmicos y geometrías, lo cual exige mucho tiempo y depende en un alto grado de la habilidad del técnico.
Difracción de electrones por retrodispersión (EBSD, por sus siglas en inglés): Utilizar este método de medición de RA implica ubicar la muestra en un microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM, por sus siglas en inglés) para caracterizar la estructura cristalográfica al igual que la microestructura. Las mediciones de RA con base en esta técnica no suelen ser muy precisas y dependen de la correcta preparación de la muestra. Adicionalmente, es un método destructivo y arroja una medida sobre un volumen muy pequeño.
En conclusión
El medir acertadamente el nivel de austenita retenida permite que tanto el ingeniero de diseño como el metalúrgico maximicen los efectos benéficos que ofrece, al mismo tiempo evitando sus consecuencias negativas. El tratador térmico, por su parte, deberá tener en cuenta la química del material y las variables del proceso de tratamiento térmico tales como la temperatura de austenización, la rapidez de enfriamiento, los tratamientos criogénicos o de congelación profunda y las temperaturas de templado.
Referencias
Errichello, Robert, Robert Budny, and Rainer Eckert. “Investigations of Bearing Failures Associated with White Etching Areas (WEAs) in Wind Turbine Gearboxes.” Tribology Transactions 56, no. 6 (2013): 1069–1076.
GNR, Analytical Instruments Group. “AreX Diffractometer: GNR Proposal for measuring Retained Austenite in the industrial domain and in laboratory.”
Herring, Daniel H., Atmosphere Heat Treatment. Volume I. Chicago: BNP Media, 2014.
Agradecimientos
Queremos agradecer a los siguientes contribuyentes por su aporte en el desarrollo de este artículo: Thomas Wingens, presidente y especialista en Heat Treat, WINGENS CONSULTANTS; Dennis Beauchesne, gerente general, ECM USA; Tim Moury, presidente & CEO, Marco DeGasperi, gerente técnico, Jeff Froetschel, vicepresidente y director financiero, Verichek Technical Services, Inc.; y Dan Herring, The Heat Treat Doctor®, The HERRING GROUP, Inc.
Most heat treaters recognize the importance of measuring retained austenite (RA), yet many opt not to perform these measurements due to time and/or cost constraints. This Technical Tuesday installment explains why performing RA measurements is necessary, the pros and cons of traditional measurement techniques, and the benefits of using more current and in plant technologies.
This informative piece was first released inHeat Treat Today’sMarch 2025 Aerospace Heat Treating print edition. To read the article in Spanish, click here.
Why Retained Austenite Percentage Matters
Before examining measurement methodologies, it is important to understand the fundamentals of retained austenite and why the percentage of retained austenite (RA%) matters.
Austenite that does not transform to martensite upon quenching is called retained austenite (RA). In simple terms, retained austenite (Figure 1) occurs when steel is not fully quenched to the martensite finish (Mf) temperature; that is, low enough to form 100% martensite. Because the Mf is below room temperature in most alloys containing more than 0.30% carbon, significant amounts of retained austenite may be present within the martensite at room temperature (Herring, Atmosphere Heat Treatment).
When it comes to RA%, there is often a delicate balance between its beneficial effects (an increase in the life of certain manufactured components) and its negative attributes (the creation of parts that are prone to cracking and failure). For this reason, it is crucial that heat treaters achieve the optimal RA% for the intended application.
For example, in the aeronautics and astronautics industries, RA levels are often specified to be under 8% and, for devices such as bearings and linear actuators, RA under 3% and as close to zero as possible is required. In other applications, however, such as large gearing for power generation, wind energy, and performance platforms, in the range of 15–30% or more RA has been found beneficial (Errichello et al., “Investigations of Bearing Failures”). Also, high RA% has been found beneficial for bearings that will be subjected to contaminated lubricants.
Figure 1. 12CrNi3 (similar to SAE/AISI 9310) bearing roller path surface microstructure consisting of
tempered martensite with evidence of retained austenite (white areas)
Marco DeGasperi, technical manager at Verichek, weighed in on this, noting that for fuel injectors, small pieces in medical applications, and high-level, high-volume applications like wear plates in the mining industry, RA% is critical. He summarized with the statement, “When you’re applying pressure and motion to anything that’s fine-tuned … If you have ‘precision’ in your name, you probably want [an RA% measurement device].”
The very characteristics that give retained austenite many of its unique properties are those responsible for significant problems in service. We know that austenite is the normal phase of steel at high temperatures, but not at room temperature. Because retained austenite exists outside of its normal temperature range, it is metastable. This means that in service, factors such as temperature, stress, and even time will see it transform into untempered martensite. In addition, a volume change (increase) accompanies this transformation and induces a great deal of internal stress in a component, often manifesting itself as cracks, which leads to parts failing in the field.
RA% is also important not only because of its influence on dimensional stability but on mechanical properties such as yield strength, fatigue strength, toughness, and machinability (Herring, Atmosphere Heat Treatment). For example, looking in the automotive industry, DeGasperi gives an example of the consequences of having too high or too low RA%: “Let’s say pieces in a transmission or a transfer case; this is when gears start breaking or you get issued wide-end recalls. And then usually the supply chain all starts blaming the guy before them when nobody throughout the supply chain has actually tested the parts themselves.”
Alternatively, in some cases, finely dispersed RA helps the material resist the propagation of fatigue cracks and improves rolling contact fatigue stress, so balancing the amount of RA is important in many applications. Also, the correct RA% is essential for quality control, and proper control and accurate measurement of RA% in steel alloys is crucial to guaranteeing the quality and safety of finished components, as well as protecting the reputation and profitability of heat treaters and manufacturers.
RA Measurement Methods
Accurate RA measurements are critical to determine whether the correct balance of retained austenite and martensite exists within a given part. Several RA measurement methodologies are available to heat treaters, each having their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. For heat treaters, understanding why it is crucial to measure the percentage of RA is only half the battle. Finding a cost-effective, fast, and accurate measurement method is the other half.
X-Ray Diffraction: The Best and Most Accurate Method
Figure 2a. An ArexD table-top unit from GNR
X-ray diffraction, which is used to identify and quantify phases in a material, is considered the most accurate method of RA measurement in steels as it can precisely determine RA levels down to the range of approximately 0.5–1% (GNR, “AreX Diffractometer,” 3). In X-ray diffraction, different crystalline phases have different diffraction patterns, allowing them to be identified and measured. In addition to phase analysis, X-ray diffraction can be used to analyze microstructural features such as texture, residual stress, and grain size.
Today, X-ray diffraction is a non-destructive, safe solution that can sample a much larger region than many other available methods and does not involve much sample preparation and analysis, making it a more efficient and effective solution. This is the option of choice for a company that needs to test RA with expected readings under 10%.
The current generation of X-ray diffractometers are tabletop sized, weighing about 25 lbs. With models under $100,000, they are also cost-effective when compared to traditional X-ray diffractometers ($200,000), which were sometimes problematic in the presence of additional phases and reflections due to grain size, carbides, or textures that could cause disturbances and variances in measurement. The new generation of X-ray equipment compensates for these obstacles via the use of multiple diffraction peaks to minimize the effects of preferred orientation and detect interference from carbides.
2b. An ArexD table-top unit from GNR
Modern X-ray diffraction machines can collect up to seven diffraction peaks (three for ferrite/martensite phase and four for austenite phase) and then determine the volume percent concentration of RA in the sample by comparing the intensities of the peaks and analyzing the peak ratios in accordance with the ASTM E975-22 (standard practice for X-ray determination of retained austenite in steel with near random crystallographic orientation).
The use of today’s X-ray diffraction equipment is not complicated. It can be measured in under three minutes by simply placing the sample in the machine and pressing the start button. These X-ray diffractometers measure various-sized samples and use intuitive software so the measurement can be performed quickly, accurately, and efficiently by any technician — with or without prior metallurgical or diffraction experience.
Optical Microscopy — A Time-Proven Method
RA can be measured metallographically with an optical microscope. An experienced metallurgist can usually determine RA% down to approximately 10–15% RA. For many applications, this is more than adequate and has the added benefit of characterizing the microstructure as well.
This method, which involves determining the austenite fraction using contrast from etching behavior or morphology, is low cost, however, it can be somewhat time consuming. Charts and diagrams in reference books are available to help determine the percentage of retained austenite by comparative methods. Optical microscopy is subjective as it is dependent upon the individual and their interpretation of the sample under the microscope.
Figure 3. Example of how RA% peaks are measured
Alternative Methods
Several other methods for measuring RA are available to heat treaters. The most common of these methods includes:
Magnetic Induction: Here, a sample is magnetized to saturation and the saturation polarization is measured. The difference between measured and theoretical saturation of the RA can then be calculated using this equation:
Magnetic induction is non-destructive and offers a higher, broader range than optical microscopy (1–30%). However, because it is a volume measurement, the instrument needs to be calibrated to the specific materials, heat treatment, and geometries, which is time consuming and highly dependent on the skill of the technician.
Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD): Using this RA measurement method involves placing a sample in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to characterize the crystallographic structure as well as the microstructure. RA measurements using this technique are not particularly accurate and are reliant upon proper sample preparation. Additionally, it provides a very small measure volume and is a destructive test method.
Conclusion
Accurate measurement of the level of retained austenite allows both the design engineer and metallurgist to maximize its beneficial effects without suffering from its negative consequences. On the part of the heat treater this means taking into account the material chemistry and the heat treat process variables such as austenitizing temperature, quench rate, deep freeze or cryogenic treatments, and tempering temperatures.
References
Errichello, Robert, Robert Budny, and Rainer Eckert. “Investigations of Bearing Failures Associated with White Etching Areas (WEAs) in Wind Turbine Gearboxes.” Tribology Transactions 56, no. 6 (2013): 1069–1076.
GNR, Analytical Instruments Group. “AreX Diffractometer: GNR Proposal for measuring Retained Austenite in the industrial domain and in laboratory.”
Herring, Daniel H., Atmosphere Heat Treatment. Volume I. Chicago: BNP Media, 2014.
Acknowledgments
We’d like to thank the following contributors for the support of this article: Thomas Wingens, President & Heat Treat Specialist, WINGENS CONSULTANTS; Dennis Beauchesne, General Manager, ECM USA; Tim Moury, President & CEO, Marco DeGasperi, Technical Manager, Jeff Froetschel, VP & CFO, Verichek Technical Services, Inc.; and Dan Herring, The Heat Treat Doctor®, The HERRING GROUP, Inc.
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 10 news items.
Equipment
Aichelin recently delivered a vacuum furnace to Bodycote‘s heat treatment and specialist thermal processing plant in Vantaa (Finland). The furnace with a usable space of 600 x 900 x 600 mm and a maximum batch weight of 1,000 kg was tailored to the company’s requirements. In this collaboration between the two companies, Bodycote has selected Aichelin to supply equipment that aligns with its vision for advanced and sustainable vacuum technology for industrial heat treatment.
Two electrically heated two-zone curing conveyor ovens with cool-down sections have expanded the operations of an industrial manufacturer. The ovens, supplied by Wisconsin Oven Corporation, will be used for curing adhesive material between parts.
Gruenberg announced the shipment of an industrial electrically heated cabinet oven to a company that manufactures products for the medical device industry. The furnace will be used for curing material used in the products.
Qinghai Xigang New Materials Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Xining Special Steel, has signed a contract with SMS group for a PSM380 mill upgrade and technical outsourcing services. The transaction comprises a comprehensive upgrade and related maintenance services for the PSM380 (Precision Sizing Mill) mill used to roll special steel bars and is aimed at enhancing the mill’s production efficiency and product quality. In additional news: Kardemir Karabük Demir Çelik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş has acquired a five-strand combi-continuous caster from SMS Concast, a company of SMS group, to upgrade production capabilities at its its integrated steel plant at the Karabük site in Türkiye. El Marakby Steel, an Egyptian manufacturer of deformed bars and wire rod, is increasing production capacity by contracting SMS to upgrade the existing SMS minimill at its 6th of October site. Baosteel Desheng Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group, announces the completion of a vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant by SMS group. The VOD system represents a crucial component of the steel producer’s strategic expansion, designed to enhance the facility’s capacity for producing specialty steels by employing secondary metallurgical processes. SMS group has also completed the automation system upgrade of hot strip mill no. 1 at PT Krakatau Steel (Persero),Tbk. (PTKS) in Cilegon, Indonesia.
Vacuum furnace delivered to Bodycote’s heat treatment and specialist thermal processing plant by Aichelin Cooling groups operating as part of the laminar cooling system for ColakoLow-carbon extrusion ingot for the European construction and automotive industries produced at HusnesQinghai Xigang New Materials Co., Ltd., with PSM380 mill upgrade and technical outsourcing servicesA five-strand combi-continuous caster at Kardemir Karabük Demir Çelik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş acquired from SMS ConcastEl Marakby Steel production capacity increased with upgrade at existing SMS minimill Vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant at Baosteel Desheng Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., completedAutomation system of hot strip mill no. 1 upgraded at PT Krakatau Steel (Persero)
Company & Personnel
Ipsen has announced the promotion of Evan Hundley to retrofits manager and the appointment of Lu Chouraki as field service manager. As retrofits manager, Hundley will lead the Retrofits Team to improve response times, streamline pricing and proposals, and provide tailored solutions that extend equipment lifespan and efficiency. As field service manager, Chouraki will oversee all regional service managers and field service engineers, focusing on streamlining processes, improving response times, and enhancing customer support. He will also drive the continued expansion of the company’s HUBs and develop his team into subject matter experts.
Steve Sparkowich has been appointed as the new chief commercial officer (CCO) at Titan International Inc., a manufacturer and recycler of specialty metal products based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, effective immediately. In his new role as CCO, Steve will oversee the company’s commercial strategy, drive business development, and strengthen relationships with key clients across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and defense.
Thomas Wingens, founder and president of WINGENS CONSULTANTS and an internationally recognized expert in the thermal processing and metallurgy industry, has been named an advisor to the Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). As industrial advisor to CHTE, Thomas will provide strategic guidance in business development and assist with CHTE’s project research portfolio.
IperionX Limited has announced the appointment of Tony Tripeny as non-executive director and current IperionX non-executive director Lorraine Martin as lead independent director. Mr. Tripeny currently serves as a director at Mesa Laboratories and Origin Materials. Currently serving as president and CEO of the National Safety Council, Ms. Martin is also a director at Kennametal, a global materials science firm.
Evan Hundley Retrofits Manager Ipsen USALu Chouraki Field Service Manager Ipsen USASteve Sparkowich Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Titan International IncThomas Wingens President Wingens Consultants Industrial Advisor Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE)
Kudos
Advanced Heat Treat Corp recognizes the AHT Michigan team members who have completed professional training and earned new certifications: Chad Clark for Practical Approach to Supply Chain Management, Tom Broman for Supervisor Skills 1.0 and 2.0, Jeff Machincinski for Introduction to Pyrometery, and Jesse Hyder for Practical Interpretation of Microstructures.
The OTTO JUNKER Academy has offered a professional training program regarding planning, modernization, operation, repair and maintenance of industrial furnaces for over 10 years. Since 2014, the instruction covers induction melting and heat treatment of metal as well as universal subjects such as economic and energy efficiency.
Chad Clark Advanced Heat Treat CorpTom Broman Advanced Heat Treat CorpJeff Machincinski Advanced Heat Treat CorpJesse Hyder Advanced Heat Treat Corp OTTO JUNKER Academy professional training program
Industry experts agree: 2025 is a year of significant, high-tech developments. In this Technical Tuesday, hear from three heat treat industry consultants on current and incoming technological advances, from miniaturization and customization to artificial intelligence.
Michael Mouilleseaux, general manager at Erie Steel, Ltd, opens the discussion by asking what role AI has in a perfect world of heat treating; Thomas Wingens, president of Wingens Consultants, predicts six major technologies to look for in 2025; and Dan Herring, a.k.a. The Heat Treat Doctor® and owner of The HERRING GROUP, Inc., points out how the trend toward smaller is affecting the heat treat industry.
This informative piece was first released inHeat Treat Today’sJanuary 2025 Technologies To Watch in Heat Treating print edition.
AI’s Place in Heat Treating?
by Michael Mouilleseaux
The benefits of AI are purported to be the ability to reduce the time required to complete complex tasks, such as data analysis, while reducing human error and providing both unbiased decision making and data-driven system enhancements … and by the way, it can operate 24/7 without breaks!
Does AI have a place in heat treating?
Here’s what I would want my heat treat AI (HT AI) to be able to do with a gas-fired atmosphere furnace.
Combustion System:
My HT AI will continuously monitor the free oxygen of all the burners and keep them at a perfect ratio, thereby optimizing performance and gas consumption. It will track these changes and provide analysis of any trends that it “perceives,” so to speak.
My HT AI will continuously monitor combustion air pressure and message me in time to have the air filters changed before it affects performance. It will track this and provide historical and prescriptive information.
My HT AI will periodically perform a “tube check,” whereby it will shut off combustion in a tube and monitor the free oxygen, recognizing that any diminishment from “atmospheric” O2 levels indicate the potential of a tube leak. It will track this and provide analysis of any trends that it perceives.
My HT AI will track when system thermal stasis is achieved, monitor gas consumption for each discrete heat treat cycle, provide analysis of trends that it perceives, and recommend thermal cycle changes to optimize these cycles.
My HT AI will facilitate the optimization of the critical human assets in process engineering, product quality and equipment maintenance.”
Michael Mouilleseaux
Atmosphere Control System:
My HT AI will continuously monitor the atmosphere flows required to achieve the requirements for each heat treat cycle. It will track “atmosphere recovery” and provide analysis of any trends that it perceives (i.e., increased usage as a precursor to a furnace leak).
My HT AI will periodically perform a furnace check, whereby it compares the composition of the Endo gas in the furnace to that exiting the generator, providing a measure of furnace integrity. It will track this and provide analysis of any trends that it perceives.
My HT AI will confirm “tube check” data (see above) with atmosphere usage to evaluate its potential effects on process integrity and make actionable recommendations. It will track these incidents and provide analysis of any trends that it perceives.
My HT AI will provide assurance of system performance and actionable information.
Shoot for the Moon:
My HT AI will have the unique ability to integrate metallurgical results with process information and thereby provide the ability to optimize the heat treating process AND metallurgical results.
My HT AI will allow me to input material chemical and hardenability data and, by comparing actual results with the calculated, or prospective results, provide confirmation of the thermal and quenching segments of the process.
My HT AI will be able to correlate IGO results with furnace integrity checks (i.e., leaks) and over time establish hard limits for allowable leak rates.
My HT AI will be able to correlate actual retained austenite levels in carburized case with furnace carbon potential and make data-driven process modifications to optimize this.
My HT AI will be able to correlate the shape of the case depth curve with the carburizing cycle and the material type, and it will make data-driven process modifications to optimize this.
My HT AI will have the ability to develop new heat treat thermal cycles specific to my furnaces extrapolated from existing data.
My HT AI will provide a level of system performance heretofore not achieved, that not only assures adherence to established standards but provides a clear path of continuous improvement via data analysis and actionable actions. Product results will be validated by total process control, and total process control will assure attainment of product results.
My HT AI will facilitate the optimization of the critical human assets in process engineering, product quality and equipment maintenance.
In short, my HT AI will afford the heat treating community the ability to finally jettison the mantle of “black art” and join the community of high-tech engineered processes.
About the Author:
Michael Mouilleseaux General Manager Erie Steel, Ltd
Michael Mouilleseaux has been at Erie Steel in Toledo, OH, since 2006 with previous metallurgical experience at New Process Gear in Syracuse, NY, and as the director of Technology in Marketing at FPM Heat Treating LLC in Elk Grove, IL. Having graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Michael has proved his expertise in the field of heat treat, co-presenting at the 2019 Heat Treat show and currently serving on the Board of Trustees at the Metal Treating Institute.
2025 will be the year of invention and application. There are six major technologies to be looking out for: AI management software, giga casting for the EV industry, high-pressure quench furnaces, thermal processing specialty materials, processing for steel enrichment, and practices for cleaning consistency.
AI Management Software
Some new heat treat shop management software is now available. It utilizes artificial intelligence to save labor while documenting all processes in real time. The software easily adapts to the way we work and is much easier to learn and implement than the software of the past. I see this as the number one investment item for commercial heat treaters in 2025, as it is the cheapest and easiest way to automate with a great ROI while increasing quality and customer service.
Giga Casting
With Tesla as the main driver, very large so-called “GIGA” H13 aluminum dies of 3 to 8-ton weight have really taken off in the last years, in particular for new electric car models, and the demand for very high pressure quench furnaces is increasing in the U.S. (more to come in a later article).
Vacuum Oil Quenching
However, even with the most advanced designs and high-pressure efforts, gas quenching with nitrogen has its limits, and the use of helium is not considered anymore because of its immense cost, even with a recycling system in place. Vacuum oil quenching has become a viable alternative in recent years not only in combination with LPC (low-pressure carburizing) but also with the use of materials like AISI 52100 that would be typically heat treated in atmosphere integral quench furnaces but show lesser distortion with the variation of pressures over the oil bath, which can shift the oil boiling phase peak to lower temperatures (e.g., from 650°C (1200°F) at atmospheric pressure to 400°C (750°F) at 1 mbar pressure). Some new modern vacuum oil quench furnace designs have recently entered the market, showing excellent surface cleanliness and distortion results. Aside from the better quality, they offer a much safer, cleaner and more pleasant work environment.
Specialty Materials
In general, we see a higher demand for the thermal processing of specialty materials; for example this is seen with the hydrogen decrepitation of titanium, tantalum, niobium, or rare earth element materials, powder processing or sinter processes, and surface diffusion processes.
Steel Enrichment
Enriching stainless steel with nitrogen is not new, but it is gaining momentum and more applications. One method for\ low-temperature processes on austenitic stainless steels around 370°C (690°F) is called S-phase case hardening, and the high temperature version around 1100°C (2010°F) is called solution nitriding. Both processes were initially established in the early 90s in Europe but seem to be gaining momentum and more comprehensive applications worldwide over the last years.
Figure 1. For 2025, “We see more fully enclosed vacuum solvent cleaning in heat treat shops to ensure a higher standard and consistency of the surface cleaning results compared to the fading of water cleaners.” – Thomas Wingens, WINGENS CONSULTANTS
Cleaning Consistency
Speaking of surface processes: The cleaning of components has been a thankless process, especially in commercial heat treatment, as it is seen as a necessity that is not necessarily paid for by the clients but is necessary to have uniform dissociation on the surface of a part to ensure a uniform case (e.g., nitriding case). There are well-defined standards for temperature uniformity and hardness testing, but cleaning consistency needs to be addressed, as it can be very impactful. We see more fully enclosed vacuum solvent cleaning in heat treat shops to ensure a higher standard and consistency of the surface cleaning results compared to the fading of water cleaners.
About the Author:
Thomas Wingens President WINGENS CONSULTANTS
Thomas Wingens has been an independent consultant to the heat treat industry for nearly 15 years and has been involved in the heat treat industry for over 35 years. Throughout his career, he has held various positions, including business developer, management, and executive roles for companies in Europe and the United States, including Bodycote, Ipsen, SECO/WARWICK, Tenova, and IHI-Group.
Everywhere we turn today, the products we use are getting smaller, more compact and more powerful. This is true across all industries, from aerospace to automotive, from medical to electronics, and from energy to semiconductors to name a few. Today, miniaturization, portability and customization have become major design objectives for almost all manufacturing segments.
These trends are irreversible and are, or will be, found even in the most unlikely of places — both in mining of resources taking place deep under the ocean floor and eventually on other planets. The key question then becomes, how will all of this influence our heat treating operations?
Miniaturization, Portability and Customization Today
Given the ever-increasing demand for higher performance in a smaller footprint, we have often focused our energies on taking existing products and adapting them for use. But in the long term, this is not sustainable. For example, not only is gear noise reduction critical in our submarines, but the medical and robotics markets are continuously searching for smaller, more efficient, more application specific and more intelligent drive systems and motors with increased torque density.
Heat treatment will experience a metamorphosis and emerge more broadly as thermal treatment. The age of metals as we have known it has become the age of materials: ceramics, composites, powder materials, glasses, polymers, fiber-reinforced plastics, and even nanomaterials.
Dan Herring, The Heat Treat Doctor®
Another example, although not new, is miniaturization in vehicle electronics, especially as it relates to data collection where demand is high for smaller, more powerful and, yes, cheaper components. Integration into the electronic control units via on-board power systems has seen the need for more cables in vehicles and positioning connectors, which means more contacts/connections on the electronic components without significantly increasing the installation space.
Similarly, there is a huge demand for portability. This is true not only in our electronics (just think about how cell phones or computers have changed over the last ten years), but there is a growing need for portable medical devices so that medical care can be brought to the patient rather than the other way around. For example, longer battery life and lighter weight are critical for devices such as portable oxygen concentrators.
What Does This Mean for the Heat Treatment Industry?
Looking ahead, we will see both short and long-term changes to our industry. Happening today and continuing in the near term, heat treaters are working closer than ever with design and manufacturing engineers as they focus on products that reduce environmental impact, are produced at lower unit cost, and with improved part quality. Still, the era of mass recalls must come to an end. And the cost of heat treating is less than it was even a decade ago. But as manufacturing demand evolves due to consumer expectation, process and equipment flexibility will become keys to meeting the highest quality standards in an on-demand world.
Historically, changes in the heat treat industry has been evolutionary and incremental in both nature and effect. There have been notable exceptions such as the invention of the oxygen probe or low pressure vacuum carburizing. But to meet the manufacturing demands of the future, change will need to be more revolutionary and abrupt in nature, a game changer.
Given the ever-increasing demand for higher performance in a smaller footprint, we have often focused our energies on taking existing products and adapting them for use. But in the long term, this is not sustainable. For example, not only is gear noise reduction critical in our submarines, but the medical and robotics markets are continuously searching for smaller, more efficient, more application specific and more-intelligent drive systems and motors with increased torque density.
Dan Herring, The HERRING GROUP, Inc.
Heat treatment will experience a metamorphosis and emerge more broadly as thermal treatment. The age of metals as we have known it has become the age of materials: ceramics, composites, powder materials, glasses, polymers, fiber-reinforced plastics, and even nanomaterials. As a result, we will find ourselves needing, for example, to expand our heat treat capability and equipment to deal with such items as process temperature ranges from -200°C to 1850°C (-330°F to 3360°F) or greater or at pressure/vacuum levels heretofore only achievable in laboratories or specialty applications.
As product sizes decrease, load sizes will become smaller out of necessity. And as a result, our heat treat equipment must be small lot capable with tighter controls to achieve higher quality along with tremendous process flexibility.
Final Thoughts
History’s enduring legacy is that change is inevitable. Just think back to how the heat treatment industry has evolved, from the campfire to the blacksmith to the modern heat treater, from the artisan to the era of mass production, from the art of heat treating to the science of heat treatment. The lesson is that to adapt, one must constantly innovate and invent. Miniaturization, portability and customization in whatever form they take are here to stay. Perhaps even teleportation (the ultimate miniaturization?) isn’t that far off after all, considering flight was unheard of a little over a century ago.
About the Author:
Dan Herring (The Heat Treat Doctor®) The HERRING GROUP, Inc.
Dan Herring has been in the industry for over 50 years and has gained vast experience in fields that include materials science, engineering, metallurgy, new product research, and many other areas. He is the author of six books and over 700 technical articles.
Heat TreatToday publishes eight print magazines a year and included in each is a letter from the publisher, Doug Glenn. This letter first appeared in the December 2024 Medical & Energy Heat Treat print edition.
If you’ve been thinking of sending someone, including yourself, to Heat TreatBoot Camp, this column should help motivate you to pull the trigger for 2025.
On September 23–25 of this year (2024), 40+ individuals gathered at the DoubleTree Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown and experienced the 3rd AnnualHeat TreatBoot Camptogether. By all measures, it was a resounding success. Here’s why.
The Content
The foundation of the event’s success is the information provided in seven different and intensive presentations by Thomas Wingens, of WINGENS CONSULTANTS— Material and Thermal Processes, and me. The presentations cover the following in language intended for newcomers to the industry:
Heat Treat Players (the companies that make the products)
Heat Treat Latest Developments
Heat Treat Resources (for continual and continuing education)
These seven presentations are presented classroom style for a full 1.5 days and really serve as the core of the boot camp’s success. Each attendee goes home with a handy resource manual which I’ve been told by several of the attendees stays on or near their desks and is referenced weekly.
Given the fact that Heat TreatToday publishes believes people are happier and make better decisions when they are well informed, it is no surprise one of the primary reasons that the boot camp is successful is the content provided. While nearly all of Heat TreatToday’s publishes content is targeted at professionals working for in-house heat treat operations, Heat TreatBoot Camp content is one exception where the content is more specifically targeted at industry suppliers. The content is intended to help newbies to the industry gain 2+ years of industry knowledge in two days.
But it’s not just about the content.
The People, Networking & Relationships
Speaking for myself, one of the most satisfying parts of the boot camp is seeing the personal relationships that are developed and grown during the two-day event. There is a lovely mix of eager learners including a spattering of captive heat treaters (individuals from companies that do their own in-house heat treating), commercial heaters, and suppliers to the industry. The interaction between these three groups of attendees and the Heat TreatToday staff and speakers is remarkable, and according to numerous comments in the largely positive feedback forms received at the end of the event, it is one of the most beneficial aspects of the event.
Knowing that people talking to people is one of the most important things that will take place at this event, we’ve made a point to provide plenty of time for these interactions … mostly around food! Boot camp starts on a Monday evening with an opening reception with some excellent heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The atmosphere is casual and engaging and there are ample opportunities to meet fellow attendees.
There is also a good bit of relationship development going on during our “field trip” at the end of the first full day (Tuesday) when we jump on a school bus (yes, an actual yellow school bus!) and make our way over to one of Pittsburgh’s iconic sites, the Duquesne Incline, where we all ride the Incline to the top of Mt. Washington and literally look down on the city of Pittsburgh — one of the most spectacular sights of any city in the U.S.A.
At the end of the 1.5 days of classroom instruction, there is an optional commercial heat treat plant tour where additional networking and relationship developing takes place.
This year we did something new that also proved to be great for networking. Roughly a dozen supplier companies opted to help sponsor the event. These sponsors had small tabletop displays and the conversations around those tables during breaktimes were energetic, and from feedback comments, very productive and beneficial to both sponsor and attendee.
Boot Camp 2025
The dates and location of the 2025 event have not been nailed down as of this writing, but please keep your eyes open for the announcement of that information and please feel free to visit heattreatbootcamp.com. Sincerely hope to see you at the 2025 event.
Heat treat industry players from across a spectrum of facilities, suppliers, and manufacturing specialties landed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday, September 24, 2024, to kick off Heat TreatBoot Camp 2024. Attendees networked, gained new practical knowledge, and participated in a tour of a local commercial heat treating facility. It wasn’t all work; an opportunity to get to know one another at a meet-and-greet reception upon arrival and later on a trip up Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline allowed boot campers to relax and connect, balancing work with fun.
A day and a half of sessions led by instructors Doug Glenn, publisher and founder of Heat TreatToday, and Thomas Wingens, president/CEO and founder of WINGENS International Industry Consultancy, brought the 39 trainees up-to-speed on “Processes & Materials,” “Heat Treat Players,” “Latest Heat Treat Developments,” and more. Questions and discussion were encouraged during the formal sessions, and heat treaters had plenty of informal, additional learning time through interactions with each other and the instructors.
At the end of the first day of lectures, nearly all of the attendees boarded a school bus to visit the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington and enjoy the view of Pittsburgh. Following another day packed with training and resources, attendees had the option to visit Solar Atmospheres in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, to tour the in-house vacuum heat treating and brazing facility.
Ike Okoh Product Engineer Dry Coolers
“I’ve enjoyed talking about the different types of heat processes and the types of furnaces — vacuum and atmosphere air systems,” said Ike Okoh, a product engineer with Dry Coolers, Inc, based in Michigan. “The questions I had before the course started were answered during the course, and the most beautiful part of the program was that it’s not always you get to see CEOs and or business owners in the training sessions with you. It’s wonderful to get to meet them and find out more about them and their companies.
“The instructors, Doug and Thomas, were really nice, went through the course and broke down some of the issues, took questions and answered them,” Okoh added. “All in all, it’s been an enlightening experience.”
“Every group that’s been here is different,” said Glenn. “This group has been really fantastic; it’s an engaging group, and overall, we’ve heard positive feedback that the sessions and networking have been helpful. So, thanks to everyone who has come, and we look forward to seeing others next year.”
Highlights of the Event
Monday evening’s meet-and-greet allowed participants to network and connect.
Days 1 and 2 of instruction from Doug Glenn and Thomas WingensField trip to Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline after Day 1 of instructionHTBC 2024 team and attendees
Keep your eyes open for your invitation to join us in 2025 for our fourth year of training up heat treaters of the future. Be sure to register early and bring friend and coworkers!
Recently, the first ever Heat Treat Boot Camp took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from October 31 to November 2. Heat treat participants networked, learned, and attended tours during the intensive, two-day training.
Instructors were Doug Glenn, publisher and founder of Heat Treat Today, and Thomas Wingens, president/CEO and founder of WINGENS International Industry Consultancy. Several of the sessions were "Heat Treat Processes & Materials," "Heat Treat Products", "End-User Products", and "Latest Heat Treat Developments." Questions and discussion were encouraged during the formal sessions, and heat treaters had plenty of informal, additional learning time through interactions with each other and the instructors.
Doug Glenn presents information about industry players and the main markets. Source: Heat Treat Today
Thomas Wingens presented on heat treat processes and other technical topics. Source: Heat Treat Today
"Personally, I really enjoyed interacting with the participants," commented Glenn. "We had an excellent cross-section of the industry represented from captive heat treaters to commercial heat treaters to industry suppliers. The interaction between individual participants was also excellent and perhaps one of the greatest benefits of attending."
Attendees visited the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington at the end of the first day of lectures to enjoy the view of Pittsburgh (see main article image above). At the end of the training, attendees had the option to visit the Solar Atmospheres of Western PA heat treat plant, getting the chance to see the processes, parts, and markets that had been discussed during lectures.
Group Tour Solar Atmospheres of Western PA Source: Solar Atmospheres
Heat Treat Today thanks everyone for their participation in the first-time Heat Treat Boot Camp. Plans are underway for Heat Treat Boot Camp2023. Stay tuned for registration information; see you next year!
Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.com
Heat Treat Todayoffers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 12 news bites that will help you stay up to date on all things heat treat.
Equipment Chatter
National Test Pty Ltd. (NDT) has been contracted by AusGroup Ltd. to provide NDT and heat treatment services on 58 stainless steel and carbon steel tanks for the covalent lithium refinery in Kwinana in Australia.
thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel supplied transformer specialist SGB-SMIT with CO2-reduced electrical steel for E.ON’s new digital stations.
Heat treat partnership between AusGroup Ltd. and National Test Pty Ltd.
SGB-SMIT Group with thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel
Personnel/Company Chatter
Braddock Metallurgical, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of a new operations manager at their Bridgewater facility. Jeff Asselta has over 15 years of experience working in the heat treating and metallurgical industry in various roles including quality and operations. They are excited to have Jeff join their team. They are also proud to announce Stanley Lopacinski as the new general manager in Bridgewater.
Advanced Heat TreatCorp. announced the promotion of Kody Kottke to plant manager at its MidPort Blvd. location in Waterloo, Iowa.
Bob Brock has transitioned to be the sales engineer at AFC-Holcroft. He will continue to serve the company as Modular Products.
Hubbard-Hall has added Jason Potts as the product manager in their Technical Department. He will be a technical resource for customers.
Friedr. Lohmann GmbH, Germany announced that Marco Möser is the new sales director of North America. Möser will be responsible for developing new business and supporting the sales team.
Thomas Pfingstler of Atlas Pressed Metals in DuBois, PA has been appointed to be the president of the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology, succeeding Arthur (Bud) Jones, Symmco, Inc.
Douglass R. Brown, president of Inductoheat, to retire after 42 years in the induction heating industry. Doug’s contributions to the Inductotherm Group include 14 years as president/COO of Inductoheat, 2 years as president of Alpha 1, and 15 years as technology manager of Group Forging.
Thomas Pfingstler, President of the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology
Douglass R. Brown, President, Inductoheat
Kudos Chatter
In 2021, SECO/WARWICK received six awards: “Reliable Employer of the Year,” “Innovation Leader,” “Business Leader,” an international award for the Best Economic Expansion on the North-American Market as well as “Safety Laurel,” and the title “Employer — Creator of Safe Jobs.”
Thomas Wingens of WINGENS LLC – International Industry Consultancy received ASM International’s HTS Prime Contributor Recognition award for his paper presented at the 2021 Heat Treat Show.
The Nitrex Heat Treating Services (HTS) facility in Franklin, Indiana, received the Nadcap accreditation for the following processes: heat treating for multiple alloy families, stress relieving, carburizing, nitriding, vacuum heat treating, hardness and metallography.
6 awards given to SECO/WARWICK Group
Thomas Wingens of WINGENS LLC – International Industry Consultancy with 2021 Heat Treat Show award
Nadcap certification at Nitrex HTS facility in Indiana
Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to bethany@heattreattoday.com.
Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.com
Recently, the first ever 
Heat Treat 
