Wisconsin Oven ships small batch oven to Canadian manufacturer

Wisconsin Oven, East Troy, WI, announced the international shipment of an electrically heated small batch oven to a Canadian manufacturer of automotive components. The oven, designed for curing parts, has a maximum temperature rating of 650°F and chamber dimensions of 4’ W x 4’ L x 4’ H. Prior to shipment, the oven’s temperature uniformity of ± 10°F was verified through a nine-point profile test conducted in an empty chamber under static conditions.

The unit features patented high-efficiency panel seams for improved insulation, a 4” thick insulated floor, and two carbon steel shelves for part loading, each rated for 5 pounds per square foot. It utilizes combination airflow for optimal heating rates and uniformity, with temperature controlled by a Watlow F4T digital controller, featuring a touch screen, PID control, and Ethernet communication.

The oven also includes a process timer with an audible alarm, ensuring consistent curing and part quality.

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Constellium announces significant weight savings in EV Battery enclosures through ALIVE project

Constellium, based in Paris, announced that its collaborative research project, Aluminium Intensive Vehicle Enclosures (ALIVE), has achieved weight savings of 12 to 35 percent for electric vehicle (EV) battery enclosures. The project, led by Constellium’s University Technology Center at Brunel University London, focused on optimizing the design and manufacturing processes for structural aluminum enclosures in EVs.

Launched in 2020, the £15 million initiative was partially funded by the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The project involved six industrial partners, including BMW, Volvo, and Innoval Technology, along with university technology partners from Brunel University London and the University of Warwick.

The ALIVE team developed new aluminum designs using Constellium’s high-strength alloys, HSA6® and HCA6®, while implementing advanced joining and forming technologies. Full-scale prototypes were produced and successfully passed rigorous testing for performance, safety, and fire resistance. The project also generated cost models to support future industrialization of the designs.

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OMM: Material aspects of Distortion

Size distortion in ledeburitic cold-work tool steels is always higher in longitudinal direction (the direction of main deformation, which is the direction of the elongated carbide stringers). The figure shows the effect in three different cases. 

If plates for cutting tools made from ledeburitic cold-work tool steels are taken from small bar materials in the longitudinal direction, the main direction of distortion will also be in the longitudinal direction of the plate (case I). If the same plate is taken in the transverse direction from a wide bar material, the main direction of distortion will be in the transverse direction of the plate (case II). Finally, if the plate is taken as a slice from a large-cross-section thick bar, the carbide orientation and the main direction of distortion will be in the direction of the plate thickness (case III).

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 7. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Solar Atmospheres announces rapid progress on Michigan facility expansion

Solar Atmospheres, Chesterfield, MI, announced significant progress on the 20,000-square-foot expansion of its Michigan facility. The Delta Industrial team quickly erected the steel structure in just one week. The new expansion will accommodate additional vacuum and air furnaces and provide a dedicated shipping and receiving area. The project remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2024, marking a key step in enhancing Solar Atmospheres’ operational capabilities.

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Nitrex announces new system installation at Volkan Steels

Nitrex, based in Quebec, announced the installation of a new nitriding/nitrocarburizing system at Volkan Steels (V’Steels), a prominent tool steels supplier in Istanbul, Turkey. The new system, model NX-1015, has a 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) capacity, enhancing V’Steels’ ability to provide value-added heat treatment services to its customers.

This advanced Nitrex system supports nitriding, nitrocarburizing, and post-oxidation processes using Nitreg, Nitreg-C, and ONC technologies, crucial for increasing the wear resistance, fatigue strength, and durability of tooling. The upgrade is expected to improve the performance of various tooling applications, such as aluminum extrusion dies, die-casting dies, forging dies, and plastic injection molding dies. This installation reflects V’Steels’ dedication to delivering top-quality tool and stainless steels to industries like energy, petrochemistry, defense, and maritime, meeting the growing demand for high-performance materials.

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ECM USA announces partnership with PAI Industries for in-house furnace system

ECM USA,  Pleasant Prairie, WI, announced a partnership with PAI Industries to enhance manufacturing capabilities by introducing an in-house carburizing vacuum furnace system. PAI Industries, a leading provider of parts for the heavy-duty truck industry, will integrate the ECM NANO vacuum furnace into its 112,000 sq. ft. facility in Suwanee, GA, moving away from outsourced heat treatment.

This addition enables PAI Industries to perform low-pressure carburizing and through-hardening processes continuously, improving production speed and capacity. The ECM NANO system, featuring an external loader, three-position temper oven, and queuing positions, offers benefits such as no internal oxidation (IGO), zero CO2 emissions, reduced fire risk, and improved metallurgical outcomes. Testing was conducted at ECM USA’s Synergy Center to validate these advantages before project acceptance.

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SECO/WARWICK announces expansion of Meadville facilities

SECO/WARWICK, Meadville, PA, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing facilities to enhance service for North American customers. The expansion involves relocating part of its manufacturing operations and a metallurgical lab for vacuum furnaces from Poland to Crawford County, PA.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will support this initiative with a $2 million grant under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which SECO/WARWICK will match. Additionally, $69,000 in matching funds will be provided for job training through the Workforce & Economic Development Network (WEDnet).

The expansion will occupy a 120,000 sq. ft. facility in the Crawford Business Park, a site redeveloped from the former American Viscose Corporation mill. This development is expected to benefit the community and bolster SECO/WARWICK’s capabilities in producing heat-treating and aluminum melting furnaces.

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Wisconsin Oven ships electrically heated drop bottom furnace to the aerospace industry

Wisconsin Oven, East Troy, WI, announces that it has shipped an Electrically Heated Drop Bottom Furnace with a traveling quench tank and maintenance platform to the aerospace industry. This system will be used for the solution heat treatment of aluminum parts.

The drop bottom furnace has a maximum operating temperature of 1,100°F and effective workspace dimensions of 3’6” W x 3’6” L x 4’0” H. An OSHA-compliant maintenance platform provides ease of access for personnel to service the equipment. The quench tank has a capacity of approximately 1,700 gallons and includes fluid level control (low, fill, high), a lockable water drain port at the bottom of the tank, and an agitator for water circulation. The traveling quench tank is enclosed with safety fencing for added safety during operation.

This drop bottom furnace is designed with sufficient capacity to heat 600 pounds of aluminum per load and provide a quench delay that does not exceed 5 seconds. The system also includes a slow drop speed program for heating applications that do not require a quench. A video of this system in operation can be viewed online.

“This drop bottom furnace was designed with a 5-second quench delay and a temperature uniformity of +/- 5°F at the set points 850°F and 1,100°F. Additionally, the system was tested to be in compliance with AMS 2750F, Class 1 furnaces, and Instrumentation Type C prior to shipment from our manufacturing facility,” said Mike Grande, Vice President of Sales.

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One Minute Mentor: Distortion in Tool Steels

Some of the main interactions  that occur during the heat treatment of steel alloys including temperature, microstructure, and stress/strain. Especially for tool steels these interactions are mainly influenced by the carbon content in the steel matrix, the types and relative amounts of the alloying elements, and the carbide formation/transformation/precipitation characteristics of the alloy system.

Heat treatment involves changes of temperature with time, which determine changes in microstructure. The rate of temperature change results in a change of microstructure which is described by phase transformation kinetics, as in e.g. TTT (time-temperature-transformation) diagrams; every phase transformation releases/absorbs latent heat, which influences the temperature field. An inhomogeneous temperature distribution, i.e. temperature gradients, within the tool during heat treatment can generate thermal stresses that lead to plastic deformation, if the yield strength of the material at that temperature is exceeded. Every mechanical deformation generates heat which, in turn, influences the temperature field. Furthermore, there is an interaction between the stress state and the microstructure. Phase transformations can result in micro-plastic deformation, which can be globally described using transformation plasticity models.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 2. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

 

Harper International Receives Order for Scientific Line for Pitch Carbon Fiber

Harper International, Buffalo, NY, announces that it has been awarded a contract to engineer and manufacture a Scientific Line for the production of Bitumen Pitch Carbon, which will be installed at Alberta Innovates, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The facility will be operated by InnoTech Alberta, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alberta Innovates. The equipment delivery and start-up services are scheduled for 2025.

This pilot-scale equipment will be used by researchers as part of the Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge launched by Alberta Innovates. The challenge aims to accelerate the development of large-scale production pathways for short and continuous carbon fiber from bitumen-derived feedstocks. Phase III of the competition will allow projects to demonstrate, in a repeatable manner, the ability to manufacture carbon fiber, incorporate it into prototypes, and understand the techno-economics associated with the designed process.

“Harper is pleased to support Alberta Innovates Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge to successfully create an alternative carbon fiber precursor with our customized Scientific Line. Carbon fiber from bitumen-derived precursor will significantly lower the price and have a smaller environmental impact,” says Briana Tom, Harper Sales Engineer.

Harper International is a world leader in thermal processing solutions for advanced materials. This latest contract highlights their commitment to innovation and supporting sustainable advancements in material science.

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Constellium’s Muscle Shoals facility receives Department of Defense grant to increase casting capacity

Constellium, Muscle Shoals, AL, announces that its facility has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for a $23 million investment under Title III of the Defense Production Act to rebuild its Direct Chill aluminum casting center.

The funding was awarded via the Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) Program, overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. Constellium will use the funds to install state-of-the-art casting equipment on the site of a dismantled casting center, adding up to 300 million pounds of annual casting capacity. With this added capacity, the plant expects to increase its recycled input, reduce its use of primary metal, and provide the U.S. industrial base with an additional, self-reliant domestic source of supply for aluminum rolling ingot.

“This investment under the Defense Production Act will enable our industry to meet the rapidly increasing demand for the aluminum products needed not only for our national security but also necessary for the overall U.S. manufacturing sector and a healthy economy,” commented Buddy Stemple, President of Constellium Muscle Shoals. “We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with the DoD to help strengthen our industrial base.”

Constellium Muscle Shoals is a major aluminum sheet supplier for the packaging and automotive markets. The plant has the capacity to produce over 1 billion pounds per year of finished aluminum coils. Muscle Shoals also operates a world-class recycling center able to recycle the equivalent of 20 billion aluminum cans per year.

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Seco Vacuum delivers Vector Furnace to major automotive supplier in Mexico

Seco Vacuum, Meadville, PA, announces that an international Tier 1 automotive supplier headquartered in the USA has ordered a Vector vacuum furnace for one of their facilities in Mexico.

The Vector 15VP furnace is capable of a variety of thermal processes. Its hot zone measures 36x36x48 inches (900x900x1200 mm) and has a 3,300 lb. (1500 kg) capacity. It features convection heating and a mechanical vacuum pump system, meeting or exceeding the specifications necessary for the production line’s brazing process.

Typically, SECO/VACUUM furnaces are custom-engineered; however, this particular furnace was fabricated ahead of time as a stock item to meet the contingency of a customer requesting immediate delivery. This strategic move allowed the heat treat partner to quickly and seamlessly ramp up production capacity. Additionally, if production demand shifts, the new Vector vacuum furnace can be easily repurposed for other heat treat processes, offering significant versatility.

“We built this furnace to be ready to be shipped and put into operation very quickly, which is just the solution they were looking for,” said SECO/VACUUM Managing Director Piotr Zawistowski.

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Enovis opens new global business technology center in Lisbon to support growth

Enovis, Portugal, announced the opening of its new business technology center in Lisbon, Portugal. The Enovis Global Business Technology Centre will support the company’s international Prevention & Recovery (P&R) group, focusing on automation, digital capabilities, and integrating artificial intelligence to enhance workflows and improve customer experiences.

The center will accommodate 100 employees, with plans to recruit 40 by the end of 2024 to manage finance and business operations, as well as serve as a digital platform for supply chain, sales, and customer experience applications. The center, led by Elisabeth Drouffe, will also be a space for Kaizens, training sessions, and international events. Initially, it will serve most European countries and potentially Canada in the future.

Cathal O’Donnell, president of International P&R at Enovis, stated, “Lisbon was the perfect choice with its vibrant tech scene, multicultural talent, and great quality of life.”

Since 2019, Enovis has made 20 acquisitions and established market-leading positions in various medical technology fields. The new centre aims to provide strategic advantages and support the company’s global expansion in key innovation areas.

Filipe Santos Costa, chairman & CEO of AICEP, Portugal’s Trade & Investment Agency, welcomed Enovis, highlighting Portugal’s robust digital infrastructure and position as a European tech hub.

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Norman Noble wins NTMA Superior Safety Award

Norman Noble, Highland Heights, OHIO, has been awarded the Superior Safety Award by the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) for its performance in 2023. The award recognizes Norman Noble’s outstanding safety record, which is among the best in the industry according to Gillen Young, NTMA Chairman of the Board.

Norman Noble uses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in their Daily Management System to track progress towards health, safety, and environmental goals. These KPIs include the number of lost time claims, recordable injuries, first aid incidents, days of restricted work activity, and near misses.

Julie Bennett Lowry, Director of Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety at Norman Noble, highlighted the company’s commitment to employee health and safety. “The Norman Noble team has made tremendous progress over the past 20 years in Environmental, Health, and Safety fields. Achieving zero lost time claims in 2023 led to this recognition by the NTMA for Superior Safety Performance. As of May 9, 2024, Norman Noble has achieved over 736 days without a lost time claim.”

Norman Noble, Inc., established over 75 years ago, is family-owned and specializes in ultra-precision micromachining of medical implants. The company is renowned for producing nitinol-based implants with sub-miniature precision. They comply with FDA regulations and ISO 13485, offering advanced processes like athermal laser machining, laser welding, Swiss turning and milling, and more.

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Furukawa Electric announces reorganization of metal wire business

Furukawa Electric, Japan, announced the reorganization of its metal wire business. The reorganization involves Furukawa Electric and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Furukawa Electric Industrial Cable Co., Ltd. (the Integrated Company), KANZACC CO., LTD., Riken Electric Wire Co., Ltd., and Okano Cable Co., Ltd.

Due to challenges in the shrinking Japanese metal wire market, Furukawa Electric aims to integrate its divisions to maximize synergy effects and increase corporate value. This reorganization will involve multiple steps effective from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025.

On April 1, 2025, KANZACC will merge into the Integrated Company. Following this, on October 1, 2025, the Company will execute an absorption-type split, transferring its metal wire business to the Integrated Company. Additionally, Riken Electric Wire and Okano Cable will transfer their metal wire businesses and related subsidiaries to the Integrated Company on the same date.

This strategic move aims to address talent shortages and facility renewal costs, ensuring efficient operations and rapid decision-making. Furukawa Electric expects minimal impact on its consolidated financial results from this reorganization. The company will maintain its name, address, leadership, business outline, capital stock, and fiscal year end post-reorganization.

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Confluent announces significant investment in ATI nitinol melt expansion

Confluent, Scottsdale, AZ, announced a partnership with ATI to invest over $50 million in expanding ATI’s Nitinol melt and materials conversion infrastructure. This investment will more than triple ATI’s melt capacity for medical Nitinol, with Confluent becoming ATI’s fulfillment partner. Confluent will provide value-added services and order fulfillment for ATI’s medical Nitinol mill products.

Dean Schauer, CEO and president of Confluent, highlighted the demand growth in the Neurovascular, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart, Peripheral Vascular, and Orthopedic device markets, which is driving an 18% growth rate (CAGR) in Nitinol demand. Schauer emphasized that the industry has struggled to support this growth due to the substantial equipment and infrastructural costs needed to increase supply chain capacity. Confluent’s investment aims to provide the necessary mid-term and long-term melt and conversion capacity to meet this demand, ensuring a reliable supply chain for OEM customers.

Rob Foster, president of ATI’s Specialty Alloys & Components business, expressed appreciation for Confluent’s investment and trust in ATI’s expertise. Foster noted that this partnership would ensure a stable supply of Nitinol, crucial for the industry’s growth. The expansion at ATI’s Millersburg, Oregon facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

With these expanded capabilities, Confluent will continue to offer a reliable supply chain, delivering a comprehensive range of medical Nitinol services, including mill products, hollows, tubes, wires, and components.

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One Minute Mentor: Plasma Nitriding Equipment

Cold-walled (double-walled water-cooled) systems were the first generation of plasma nitriding furnaces. This technology is also a vacuum-based process but employs the principle of glow discharge to provide energy for heating and nitriding at one time. Therefore, the independent control of the temperature stability and the nitriding intensity is not possible because both processes are using the same energy source—the plasma.

The hot-wall plasma nitriding furnaces, the next generation of cold-wall ion nitriding systems, are mainly used and built now. This system ensures optimal nitriding quality by fulfilling the highest demands on temperature and nitriding process control. The big advantage of this technology is the separation of the control of the heating and the plasma nitriding parameters. The heating and temperature control of hot-wall plasma nitriding furnaces is realized by several independent heating/cooling zones, which guarantees optimal temperature homogeneity

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 26. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Solar Manufacturing receives US patent for a control thermocouple for vacuum heat treating furnaces

Solar Manufacturing,Sellersville, PA, announced that it has received US Patent #11,815,403 for an innovative control thermocouple design for vacuum heat treating furnaces. This new thermocouple offers a significant advantage in controlling operating temperatures from ambient up to 1200°F (649°C), particularly in smaller diameter hot zones of 36 inches (91.44 cm) or less.

In conventional control thermocouple designs, the outer ceramic protection tube acts as a heat sink under these conditions. This thermal conduction, or heat loss, is compounded by the shorter length of the thermocouple assembly, causing it to operate at a lower temperature. As a result, the furnace’s heating elements increase power output to maintain the set-point temperature, leading to a hotter workload temperature than the furnace temperature. This issue is more pronounced at lower processing temperatures below 1200°F (649°C).

The newly patented thermocouple configuration addresses these undesirable thermal conduction losses. It has demonstrated improvements in temperature uniformity survey results. Meeting AMS 2750 standard temperature uniformity specifications requires control thermocouples to be properly located within the hot zone for accurate survey thermocouple measurements without correction factors.

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Beymetal Alüminyum rethinks innovation to improve Aluminum extrusion

Nitrex, Quebec, announced a collaboration with Beymetal Alüminyum, a leading player in the aluminum extrusion industry based in Türkiye, to modernize their nitriding capabilities.

In its commitment to excellence and pursuit of progress, Beymetal partnered with Nitrex to improve efficiency and scalability in their in-house nitriding operations. The installation of a Nitrex batch-type nitriding/nitrocarburizing furnace has unlocked new possibilities in process efficiency and production capacity for Beymetal.

The NX-1015 furnace model, with a 2,000 kg (4,400 lb.) capacity, is equipped with Nitreg® controlled nitriding and Nitreg®-C controlled nitrocarburizing technologies. These are specifically tailored for treating extrusion dies for aluminum profiles used in architectural applications. This advanced system ensures precise control over uniform case depths and nitride/nitrocarburizing layer formation, enhancing the mechanical properties of the extrusion dies. The result is a longer service life and increased output per die, ultimately lowering overall tooling costs for Beymetal. Additionally, the new installation contributes to more efficient use of production media and reduces electricity consumption.

“This Nitrex system is the first of its kind in Izmir and adds to our impressive record of over 30 installations across Türkiye. When discussing our partnership with Beymetal, it wasn’t solely about implementing a turnkey system but rather about fostering a relationship founded on trust and shared goals. Through a deep understanding of our customer’s needs, Nitrex delivered a solution tailored to their unique aspirations while also ensuring efficiency and sustainability,” noted Utku Inan, Nitrex sales representative in Türkiye.

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Lindberg/MPH ships box furnace with automated load table to the aerospace industry

Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, MI, announced the shipment of a rod overbend box furnace with an automated load transfer table to the aerospace industry. This furnace will heat-treat parts under an inert atmosphere.

The heat-treating furnace has a maximum temperature rating of 2,000°F and a load capacity of 6,000 lbs. It features a workspace of 36” W x 96” D x 36” H and is designed for a nitrogen atmosphere. A nitrogen gas flow meter controls the atmospheric conditions.

The box furnace includes an automated load transfer table. Under the table, five fans with a variable-frequency drive provide accelerated cooling. The load table utilizes a pusher/puller mechanism to move parts trays in and out of the furnace.

The furnace’s radiant heating system uses heavy-gauge alloy rod over-bend heating elements mounted along the side walls and the floor. Two Watlow F4T controllers control and record the furnace temperature, allowing for seven zones of heating. The box furnace also meets Class 3 temperature uniformity of ±15°F at 1,000°F – 1,800°F.

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The aviation industry chooses Seco/Warwick vacuum furnaces

Seco/Warwick, Meadville, PA announced that their previous furnace with an aviation industry client will be retired and replaced by a new, economical, and versatile furnace for brazing jet engine parts.

Seco/Warwick has been a recognized metal heat treatment equipment manufacturer for decades. In fact in many plants, units were manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. The partners are gradually replacing these units with modern solutions, continuing to be loyal to the SECO/WARWICK brand.

“The aviation industry is a very important partner that has been cooperating with Seco/Warwick for decades. This is proof of satisfaction with the products we create, but also an expression of trust. Long-term, strategic, good relationships are key. Our furnaces are designed to operate without failure for many, many years, as evidenced by the replacement of this furnace after so many years,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Furnaces Segment at Seco/Warwick Group.

The new solution is based on a standard Vector vacuum furnace with a working space of 900x900x1200 mm, equipped with screen insulation and metal heating elements. It has been specifically adapted to meet the unique needs of the aviation industry, capable of heat treating complex jet engine components such as gears and main shafts.

This latest advancement underscores Seco/Warwick’s dedication to innovation and excellence, ensuring their continued partnership with the aviation industry for years to come.

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Seco/Vacuum awarded nine-furnace contract

Seco/Vacuum, Meadville, Pa., announced it has secured a record-breaking contract for nine furnaces in June. The order includes three Vector vacuum Furnaces and six tempering furnaces, along with necessary auxiliary systems, marking a significant expansion for a returning heat-treat partner that already operates twelve Seco/Vacuum furnaces across North America.

The new furnaces are part of the heat-treater’s strategic shift from atmospheric heat treatment to vacuum processes. This transition aims to modernize their facilities, offering cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective operations. Vacuum processes also allow for finer control and reduce the carbon footprint, aligning with contemporary environmental standards.

The Vector® furnaces, known for their versatility in heat-treating processes like hardening, tempering, and brazing, will primarily be used for hardening due to their high-pressure gas quench capabilities. These furnaces ensure high uniformity and consistency in heat-treated parts, with enhanced batch processing speed and reduced energy and gas usage.

The accompanying Tempering Furnaces, designed for efficient atmospheric tempering, feature convection heating for faster process temperatures and smoother workflow integration, crucial during the often-congested tempering stage.

To support the intensive hardening cycles of the Vectors, six tempering furnaces were chosen to maximize throughput and efficiency. Each furnace, both vectors and temperers, are front-loading with a capacity of 3,300 lbs and dimensions of 36 x 36 x 48 inches.

The full modernization will require a temporary shutdown of existing operations. Seco/Vacuum will mitigate downtime by also acting as the general contractor, overseeing the installation of furnaces, systems, and necessary infrastructure, ensuring a swift resumption of operations with new capabilities.

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Can-Eng announces expansion with subsidiary Evergreen Kiln Technologies

EvergreenKilnTechnologies, LLC, based in Niagara Falls, USA, together with Suzhou Kilnpartner Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd., based in China, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the burgeoning needs of the North American Lithium-ion battery market. This alliance is poised to offer battery material producers advanced Kiln System solutions tailored for the production of cathode (LFP, NMC) and anode active materials.

As part of the arrangement, EvergreenKilnTechnologies LLC will function as a subsidiary under Can-Eng Furnaces International LTD., leveraging Can-Eng’s extensive 60-year expertise in designing and developing bespoke thermal processing systems.

The partnership extends across various domains, including marketing, brand collaboration, technology development, production, engineering, and after-sales services. The primary objective is to innovate thermal processing methods for battery powders, ensuring that the collaborative venture can deliver superior kiln solutions to clients across North America.

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One Minute Mentor: Process Control in Nitriding Systems

Modern gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing furnaces are equipped with sensor systems and a process control unit that allow the measurement and automatic control of the nitriding potential (KN). The figure shows an example of how the process control can be carried out. 

Defined amounts of ammonia, nitrogen, and—for nitrocarburizing processes—carbon dioxide, can be chosen for each step in the program and fed into the furnace via mass flow controllers. The gas composition in the retort is measured via a nitriding probe. For the measurement of nitrocarburizing processes two different probes are needed. The control unit calculates the nitriding potential according to the measured values and controls the mass flow of ammonia to meet the requested set point of KN. During the nitriding process the gasifying amount of ammonia can just be reduced to a certain limit. To keep the KN value low, therefore, precracked ammonia must be added. It must be mentioned that there are some more simple control systems available, which also produce good results.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 25. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Preparation and high-temperature oxidation resistance of zirconium alloys

Researchers from the National Engineering Research Center for Instrument Functional Materials and Chongqing University, both in Chongqing, China, have highlighted the pivotal role of zirconium alloys in nuclear power systems. Their latest paper reviews the significant advancements in coating technologies for zirconium alloy fuel cladding, a crucial component in nuclear reactors. The study discusses various preparation methods, types of coatings, and their efficacy in resisting high-temperature oxidation—a key challenge for fuel cladding materials. This comprehensive review aims to serve as a critical reference in advancing the surface coating technology of fuel cladding zirconium alloys, promising enhanced performance and safety in nuclear power applications.

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Ipsen wins German Innovation Award 2024

Ipsen, Kleve, Germany, has been honored with the prestigious German Innovation Award 2024 by the German Design Council for its Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace. In a competitive field of 520 submissions from 23 countries, Ipsen’s innovative approach stood out, earning accolades from an interdisciplinary jury of experts for its user-centric design and significant added value.

The Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace represents a new standard in quality and innovation, addressing the dual challenge of high-quality heat treatments and low CO2 emissions. The furnace’s unique ability to operate using both hydrogen and green electricity ensures a 100% CO2-neutral process, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for customers.

This award highlights Ipsen’s commitment to intelligent innovations that meet the evolving needs of its customers while promoting sustainability. The recognition of the Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace underscores the company’s dedication to delivering advanced, user-focused technologies that contribute to a greener future.

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One Minute Mentor: Gas Nitriding Equipment

Gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing can be processed in horizontal or vertical chamber furnaces with refractory insulation. However, to allow a quick change of the atmosphere and to avoid influences resulting from previous processes in the same furnace, retort furnaces are preferred.

To enable an acceptable production capacity, large vertical retort furnaces are used. Figure 23 shows a schematic sketch of a vertical retort furnace with a compensator for sealing against atmosphere. Nowadays large horizontal retort furnaces are also used. Horizontal retort furnaces of different size and execution are preferred for nitrocarburizing processes. Figure 24 shows a schematic of a typical horizontal retort furnace. Similar to the vertical execution, a good circulation of the process gas is needed to get uniform results, which can be reached by the use of a muffle and a high circulation rate. Indirect cooling is performed with an external cooling fan, blowing cold air along the retort. Other designs allow direct cooling of the process gas with an external heat exchanger.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 23. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Nitrex announces second endoflex generator order from South American automotive company

Nitrex, Quebec, announced that an automotive company in South America has placed a follow-up order for a second EndoFlex generator from UPC-Marathon, a Nitrex company. Following the successful installation of a 200 m³/h EndoFlex unit last year, the new generator, with a similar capacity, aims to enhance stability, ensure consistent composition and gas flows, and prioritize top-tier quality in automotive gear boxes while achieving efficiencies in heat treatment operations.

Before adopting the EndoFlex solution, the manufacturer relied on four outdated generator units, each with a capacity of 70 m³/h and consuming 80 kW of power. Remarkably, with the same 80 kW of power consumption, the EndoFlex generator delivers an impressive 200 m³/h capacity. This transition represents not only a remarkable 75% reduction in power consumption but also a significant boost in efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the customer.

The shift to EndoFlex also signifies a substantial contribution to operational efficiency and sustainability efforts. The new generator streamlines maintenance procedures, adheres to stringent quality standards, and reduces CO2 emissions. EndoFlex’s precision control over gas quality and production for the neutral hardening furnace enhances product quality, reduces operating costs, and optimizes energy consumption. By automatically adjusting gas production to match real-time furnace demand, EndoFlex effectively eliminates overproduction and waste.

This order underscores the automotive company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced productivity and sustainability in their operations.

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SECO/WARWICK finds the way to complete successful projects in Brazil

Seco/Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announced a significant milestone in its operations in Brazil. The company has successfully implemented a solution for Nitrion do Brasil, a leading commercial heat treater in South America, in their new production hall to manage the increasing order volume. This achievement underscores the strong synergy between SECO/WARWICK and its strategic partner in the region, Combustol.

SECO/WARWICK’s presence in Brazil has seen dynamic sales growth and promising market forecasts, driven by their popular Vector single-chamber vacuum furnaces. These furnaces are highly favored by commercial heat treaters in the region for their ability to enhance the hardening process and improve economic efficiency. The successful collaboration with Combustol has been instrumental, providing not only sales support but also service activities and the supply of spare parts, which has given SECO/WARWICK a competitive edge.

The Vector vacuum furnace ordered by Nitrion do Brasil is designed to address the challenge of hardening larger elements, thanks to its spacious working area. This feature enhances process economics through energy savings and increased efficiency of the graphite chamber, while also ensuring process cleanliness and speed. The furnace’s convection heating system improves heat transfer efficiency at lower temperatures, and its directional cooling system allows for effective cooling of parts with complex shapes.

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Constellium has announced new initiative to boost circularity of beverage cans

Constellium, Paris, has announced an initiative to enhance the circularity of beverage cans. In collaboration with three leading flat-rolled aluminium manufacturers and members of the European Aluminium Packaging Group (EAPG) – Elval, Novelis, and Speira – Constellium has signed an agreement to embark on a standardization project aimed at maximizing the recycled content in beverage cans. This initiative is a significant step towards substantially lowering carbon emissions by focusing on the increased recyclability of the can end.

This collaborative effort underscores the aluminium industry’s commitment to sustainability. By increasing the recycled content in beverage cans, the project aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with aluminium production. The focus on recyclability and circularity not only benefits the environment but also sets a new standard for sustainability within the industry.

By prioritizing these eco-friendly practices, Constellium and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable future in aluminium production, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in achieving environmental goals.

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