SECO/WARWICK USA delivers second vacuum tempering furnace to aerospace manufacturer

SECO/WARWICK USA, Meadville, Pa., announced that a leading international aircraft motion-control manufacturer has placed a repeat order for an identical low-temperature vacuum tempering furnace, following the success of the first unit installed at the customer’s facility. The new furnace is designed for tempering, ageing, and other sub-critical heat-treat processes, with a maximum operating temperature of 1380°F, a 24-by-24-by-36-in. work zone, and a load capacity of 1750 pounds. It meets AMS2750F Class 2 temperature uniformity requirements (±10°F) and supports nitrogen convection heating and cooling, with final cooling handled by an internal recirculation blower and a water-cooled heat exchanger. The repeat unit adds to the customer’s existing SECO/WARWICK installed base, which includes multi-chamber CaseMaster Evolution furnaces in double- and triple-chamber configurations and a Vector single-chamber high-pressure gas-quench vacuum furnace deployed across multiple sites. “This customer’s continued investment in SECO/WARWICK equipment reflects their trust in the quality and reliability required for aerospace applications,” said Piotr Zawistowski, managing director of SECO/WARWICK USA. “Their repeat business underscores the strength of our technology and our long-term customer relationships.” SECO/WARWICK Group is a global manufacturer of vacuum and atmosphere heat-treatment equipment, with headquarters in Świebodzin, Poland, and US operations based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, serving aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, and tool steel markets.

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Gore gains FDA approval for first deep venous stent indicated for the IVC and iliofemoral veins

W. L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Delaware, announced on January 6, 2026 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the GORE VIABAHN FORTEGRA Venous Stent for the treatment of deep venous disease in the inferior vena cava (IVC), iliac, and iliofemoral veins. The device is the first stent approved in the United States for the IVC and iliofemoral indication, and previously received FDA Breakthrough Device designation.

The FORTEGRA Venous Stent (formerly the GORE VIAFORT Vascular Stent) consists of an open-structure, self-expanding wire-wound nitinol frame and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) polymer lattice. The combination is designed to balance conformability to the natural venous anatomy with compression resistance throughout the entire device length, while the wound nitinol architecture supports fracture resistance under the dynamic mechanical loading characteristic of large-vein anatomy.

Approval was supported by an international pivotal trial that evaluated 89 patients with deep venous disease across the IVC, iliac, and iliofemoral veins. The device met its primary safety and effectiveness endpoints and demonstrated patency, freedom from clinically driven reintervention, and safety performance consistent with a first-line venous stent indication.

W. L. Gore & Associates is a privately held global manufacturing company founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware. Its medical products division supplies cardiovascular, vascular, structural heart, and surgical solutions in more than 50 countries and has served the deep venous disease space through prior peripheral and arteriovenous platforms.

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Ilika completes first commercial Stereax electrode delivery to Cirtec Medical

Cirtec Medical, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, has received the first commercial batch of Stereax solid-state battery electrodes from Ilika, Southampton, United Kingdom, for Stereax M300 production. The delivery fulfills the first revenue-generating order under a commercial supply arrangement initiated in January 2026.

The electrodes will support Stereax M300 batteries used in validation and customer sampling across multiple active implantable medical device categories, including implanted sensors, neurostimulators, orthopedic implants, orthodontic wearables, and ophthalmology devices. The Stereax M300 is an ultra-thin, millimeter-scale, rechargeable solid-state battery containing no liquid or polymer components, designed specifically for implantable applications.

“Our close technical cooperation with Ilika has developed into an effective operational partnership, ensuring customers receive the highest quality product for device integration,” said Shawn Martin, Vice President at Cirtec Medical.

Cathode manufacturing remains at Ilika’s UK facility as the most complex production step, while primary battery manufacturing occurs at Cirtec’s facility in Lowell, Massachusetts. The milestone marks Ilika’s transition from technology development to commercial supply in the medical device battery market.

[www.cirtecmed.com](https://www.cirtecmed.com)

Bodycote Expands U.S. Aerospace and Defense Footprint with Acquisition of Spectrum Thermal Processing

Bodycote, Macclesfield, UK, announced the acquisition of Spectrum Thermal Processing, a heat treatment provider based in Cranston, Rhode Island. The transaction closed on January 14, 2026.

Spectrum brings established Nadcap-accredited and ITAR-compliant capabilities to Bodycote’s North American operations, including vacuum heat treatment, low-pressure carburizing, and gas nitriding services. The acquisition strengthens Bodycote’s regional capacity in the northeastern United States and reinforces its ability to support aerospace, defense, space, and industrial customers.

The deal expands Bodycote’s presence in critical process categories that serve sectors with demanding quality and compliance requirements. With the addition of Spectrum’s facility and expertise, Bodycote continues to build on its position as the world’s largest provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services.

Bodycote operates more than 160 facilities in 22 countries worldwide. The company noted that the acquisition aligns with its strategy of targeted growth in markets with high barriers to entry and strong long-term demand, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors.

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Analysis of 6,276 connectors for rooftop PV systems

Sandia National Labs researchers have created a new dataset on the rates and types of rooftop photovoltaic connector failures and published the first large-scale investigation of harvested PV connectors, drawing from a dataset of 6276 connectors from residential rooftop solar systems across the United States.

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Ipsen promotes seven field service engineers to senior roles

Ipsen, Cherry Valley, IL, announced the promotion of seven field service engineers to the role of senior field service engineer, recognizing their technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to customer service. The newly promoted team members include Matt Hopkins, Jesse Lawrence, Larry Dahm, Glenn Hawkins, Mike Dawson, Daniel Greifemberg, and Craig Ludewig.

These promotions reflect Ipsen’s ongoing commitment to developing a highly skilled service workforce and upholding the company’s reputation for quality, reliability, and customer trust. Each of the new senior engineers brings extensive hands-on experience supporting industrial heat-treating systems across domestic and international markets.

Lu Chouraki, field service manager at Ipsen, noted that the role of a field service engineer extends beyond technical problem-solving to include communication and professionalism that foster customer confidence. John Dykstra, chief service officer, emphasized that these engineers often serve as the face of Ipsen, and their consistent recognition by both customers and peers speaks to their impact.

Collectively, the promoted engineers have decades of experience across vacuum and atmosphere furnace systems. In their new roles, they will continue mentoring junior technicians, leading complex installations and troubleshooting efforts, and further enhancing Ipsen’s global service capabilities.

According to Chouraki, the promotions not only acknowledge individual contributions but also raise the standard across the organization. As senior field service engineers, they will play a key role in advancing Ipsen’s service excellence and customer relationships.

Read further here: https://ipsenglobal.com/knowledge-center/ipsen-elevates-seven-to-senior-field-service-roles/

Norman Noble expands final inspection capabilities with advanced 3D optical metrology system

Norman Noble, Cleveland, Ohio announced the installation of a high-performance 3D optical metrology system to enhance final inspection of complex medical implants, including contoured stents and heart valve frames. The new system is designed to measure challenging geometries and reflective surfaces with exceptional speed and precision.

Featuring a pivoting illumination head, the system captures detailed, non-contact surface measurements on parts with small diameters and steep angles. The technology improves Norman Noble’s ability to inspect critical-to-function features and maintain stringent quality standards for its OEM customers.

Annie Wolfe, director of quality, explained that the automated visual inspection platform provides high-resolution data and greater measurement accuracy, supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to precision manufacturing and quality assurance.

The upgraded inspection capabilities allow engineering and quality teams to validate intricate surface profiles with increased repeatability, resulting in faster development cycles, reduced production risk, and improved consistency across parts. Norman Noble stated that this investment underscores its leadership in advanced inspection technologies for medical implant manufacturing.

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One Minute Mentor: Distortion in Tool Steels

To control the distortion that occurs both during and after heat treatment, proper consideration must be given to such factors as design, composition, initial condition, machining procedure, and heat treatment. The design of a tool-steel part directly affects the susceptibility to shape distortion on heating and cooling. Limitations imposed by the design on composition, machining procedure, and heat treatment may indirectly affect both shape and size distortion.  The figure shows the expected magnitude of shape distortion for this range of sizes. The difficulty involved in economically attaining the final dimensions of a part is largely determined by the magnitudes of the specified tolerance limits. 

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 2.Jon L. Dossett; George E. Totten, Control of Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014 https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.9781627081689

 

Norman Noble receives NTMA Superior Safety award for second consecutive year

Norman Noble, Highland Heights, Ohio, has been honored with the National Tooling & Machining Association’s (NTMA) 2024 Superior Safety Award for the second year in a row. The accolade recognizes member firms achieving exceptional workplace safety performance, and Norman Noble earned this distinction by keeping its incident rate well below the industry average across all advanced manufacturing sites.

The company uses a daily management system to track key performance indicators—such as lost-time claims, recordable injuries, first-aid incidents, near misses, days of restricted work activity, and streaks without a lost-time claim—to monitor progress toward its health, safety and environmental objectives. Julie Bennett Lowry, director of facilities and environmental health and safety, explained that integrating safety observations into daily gemba walks and immediately logging any issues ensures rapid follow-up. Thanks to this proactive process, the firm recorded zero lost-time claims in 2024 and, as of May 1, 2025, has surpassed 1092 consecutive days without a lost-time incident.

Operating over 275,000 square feet of manufacturing space with more than 500 employees, Norman Noble produces precision components for life-saving medical vascular and orthopedic implants. The company said its continued focus on safety underpins both employee well-being and its commitment to maintaining rigorous quality standards.

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Cirtec Medical expands operations in Costa Rica to support growing demand

Cirtec Medical, Alajuela, Costa Rica announced that it is more than doubling its manufacturing footprint in the Coyol Free Zone to meet rising needs in neuromodulation, interventional, electrophysiology and structural heart markets. The 50,000-plus square foot expansion will add extrusion, braiding, coil winding, device assembly and packaging capabilities alongside the company’s existing facility.

The move is expected to accelerate customers’ time-to-market, optimize costs through greater vertical integration and broaden the company’s end-to-end product-lifecycle services, which span research and development in the U.S. through production in Costa Rica.

Cirtec’s chief executive explained that Costa Rica has evolved into a vital hub for high-quality medical device manufacturing, and the enlarged site will deliver faster turnaround and expanded offerings while preserving quality standards.

Costa Rica’s minister of foreign trade noted that the investment underscores the country’s appeal for foreign direct investment, reflecting confidence in its institutional framework, investment promotion policies and stability to host complex global operations. The foreign trade agency’s general manager added that the expansion demonstrates the maturity of Costa Rica’s industrial ecosystem, access to specialized talent and competitive conditions that attract medical-technology leaders.

Cirtec’s local general manager said the additional capacity will allow the team to leverage a highly educated workforce to shorten development timelines and enhance flexibility for customers worldwide.

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One minute Mentor: Numerical Simulation in practice

 The comparison of the change in length, e.g. after hardening and tempering, is the next step in the model validation. The figure shows the comparison in the change in length of the cylinder. In the left part the change in length after hardening with nitrogen and additional tempering is shown; in the right part one can see the effect of a more rapid hardening with helium and additional tempering. More important is the fact that the model very well describes the tendency of distortion with a maximum in the center of the cylinder and higher values for the helium quenching.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 17. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

NUTEC Bickley secures major contract for advanced ceramic core sintering kiln

NUTEC Bickley, Monterrey, Mexico, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply a four-car shuttle kiln to a leading global energy technology company. The kiln will support sintering of ceramic cores at the customer’s investment casting facility, with firing cycles ranging from 20 to 80 hours, depending on the core specifications.

The gas-fired shuttle kiln is engineered to operate at temperatures up to 2010°F (1100°C) and features a twin-deck kiln car setting. Each car offers setting dimensions of 47 inches long by 63 inches wide by 34 inches high (1.19m x 1.59m x 0.87m), delivering a total effective load volume of 230 cubic feet (6.55m³) across all four cars. The kiln is designed to handle an average total product weight of 970 pounds (440 kg).

Twelve individually controlled high-velocity nozzle-mix burners—firing in a staggered sequence above and below the load—enable optimal heat transfer and temperature uniformity. Each burner includes automatic ignition and a safety system.

The kiln incorporates NUTEC Bickley’s proprietary IMPS® combustion control system, which provides pulse control across eight independent temperature zones, alternating between high and low fire settings. The system allows programmable excess air levels during different stages of the cycle, enhancing fuel efficiency, process precision, and temperature uniformity without relying on constant excess air. IMPS also includes a cooling mode, introducing air through burners and dedicated nozzles for reduced cycle times.

The kiln’s insulation includes NUTEC’s patented Jointless® ceramic fiber system rated to 2600°F (1425°C), ensuring thermal efficiency and durability. Double-labyrinth refractory and insulation brick seals combined with sand seals reduce heat loss and cold air infiltration.

This project builds on NUTEC Bickley’s longstanding relationship with the customer, which includes the delivery of 15 furnaces and ovens over the past decade to its transformer manufacturing division. The award further underscores NUTEC Bickley’s reputation for delivering advanced thermal processing systems to global leaders in high-tech manufacturing.

Read further here: https://www.nutecbickley.com/

Pyromaitre delivers integrated heat-treating solution to GKN driveline Mexico

Pyromaitre, Lévis, Québec, announced the completion of assembly for its P-208E oven system for GKN Driveline Mexico, marking a total of four systems delivered to the client. The company developed a fully integrated solution that includes a high-speed tempering furnace, a post-treatment cooling chamber, automated loading and unloading systems, and a smoke collection unit. Each component was configured to meet the customer’s specific production requirements.

Pyromaitre specializes in resolving convective heat transfer challenges with precision and efficiency. The company focuses on driving innovation and operational performance, aiming to be a recognized leader in stress relief and tempering solutions. Its core values—integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and teamwork—guide its approach to delivering high-performance thermal processing systems.

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Furukuwa opens new laser processing laboratory in Aichi prefecture to advance industrial solutions

Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, and Nichia Corp., Tokushima, Japan, announced that they have jointly opened the Cutting-Edge Laser Processing Solution Laboratory (CELL) in Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture. Located in a key hub of the automotive industry, the new facility is designed to accelerate the development of laser processing technologies and provide innovative solutions to industrial challenges.

The laboratory is equipped with Furukawa Electric’s advanced industrial lasers, including the newly developed 5kW blue laser (BR5000), which delivers world-leading brightness through optical fiber. Plans are in place to install the full range of Furukawa Electric’s industrial lasers, including the BRACE Series of Blue-IR hybrid lasers, enabling the lab to meet diverse customer requirements and expedite process testing and evaluations.

CELL is a collaborative effort between Furukawa Electric and Nichia, facilitating activities that span laser processing and light source development. This partnership will enable the two companies to propose next-generation laser solutions tailored to specific customer needs, with a particular focus on addressing the demands of copper processing for the electrification of mobility.

Both companies are committed to advancing laser technology and supporting the development of innovative production methods, contributing to the evolution of the automotive and related industries.

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One Minute Mentor: Distortion of Ledeburitic Cold-Work Tool Steels

The different effects of steel composition on the dimensional change of plates made of ledeburitic cold-work tool steels and a working hardness of 61 HRC can be taken from the figure. Typical representatives of the new generation of improved toughness 8-9%Cr-steels show slightly higher growth in dimension than the classical 12%Cr-D2 steel. 

The growth in thickness (in the rolling direction) is always significantly higher than in width, confirming again the generally known behavior. Salt-bath heat treatment results in higher distortion than various vacuum heat treatments with high-pressure gas quenching, but the results indicate that there is also a significant scatter for gas quenching depending on the detailed quenching conditions. 

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 12. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Bodycote presented aerospace materials solutions at Farnborough International Airshow

Bodycote, Macclesfield, U.K., participated in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, held this summer.

Bodycote showcased its advanced thermal processing solutions specifically designed for the aerospace industry. The airshow, a key event for aerospace innovation, emphasizes themes like sustainability, future flight, and workforce development, providing Bodycote with a platform to highlight its role in enhancing the performance and reliability of aerospace components.

At the event, visitors could explore Bodycote’s range of services, including heat treatment, metal joining, and specialized thermal processes such as hot isostatic pressing and thermal spray coatings. These processes are essential for improving the properties of metals and alloys in aerospace applications, helping them withstand the stringent requirements of the industry.

Bodycote’s presence at the Farnborough Airshow underscores its expertise and ongoing commitment to fostering collaborations that drive progress in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors.

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SECO/WARWICK supplies vacuum furnaces to Huake Casting Control Technology Co., Ltd.

SECO/WARWICK, Meadville, PA, will provide a horizontal vacuum heat treatment furnace equipped with a graphite heating chamber and a 15 bar absolute gas quenching system. The furnace will be used by the Chinese manufacturer to produce components for the aviation and energy industries.

The Vector furnace, known for its versatility and modular design, is a widely used solution in over 70 countries. It offers a broad range of heat treatment processes, making it adaptable to specific manufacturing needs. Its low energy consumption and minimal emissions make it environmentally friendly, aligning with SECO/WARWICK’s commitment to sustainability.

The furnace also guarantees precise, repeatable results due to uniform temperature control, ensuring high-quality components and surface protection. Vector furnaces are popular for metal heat treatment worldwide, particularly for industries requiring precision and reliability.

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One Minute Mentor: Distortion of High-Speed Steels

High-speed steels show a typical distortion behavior depending on the heat treatment parameters. The figure shows the change in length of cylindrical bars (diameter = 20 mm, or 0.8 in.) and length = 140 mm, or5.5 in.), with rolling direction longitudinal to the sample) for various heat treatment conditions with austenitizing, salt bath quenching, and double tempering.

Quenching and tempering up to 500 °C (930 °F) results only in very small changes in length (either growth or shrinking). Higher tempering temperatures lead to a transformation of the retained austenite into martensite and a corresponding growth in length. For typical tempering temperature of 560 °C (1040 °F) changes in length of about 0.2% take place. Additional alloying with Co (5%) leads to slightly higher changes in length. The effect of an additional third tempering shifts the curve slightly to the left, whereas oil quenching leads to a slight reduction of the change in length.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 9. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

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

 

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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One Minute Mentor: vacuum furnace setup

A simple but most effective and very flexible vacuum furnace setup, the single-chamber furnace, consists of one chamber in which the workpiece is both heated (convectively, through vacuum heating) and cooled. Cooling or quenching is accomplished by a closed-loop cooling system.

The pressure vessel is filled with inert gas. This gas is circulated inside the chamber, blowing the inert gas across the workpieces to pick up heat and for further recooling across an internal or external heat exchanger. In order to quench rapidly enough to obtain the desired microstructure of tool steels in various sizes and shapes, it is necessary to increase the pressure and/or flow patterns of the quench gas (usually nitrogen). This is accomplished by high-velocity, high-pressure blowers that have reported cooling gas pressures of up to 20 bar. Turbine powers up to 450 kW are necessary to handle these quenching processes.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 15. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

JM included on leaderboard for raising level of climate action across value chain 

Johnson Matthey, UK, a global leader in sustainable technologies, has been included on the CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard.  

The leaderboard highlights companies proactively working with suppliers to ensure climate change action cascades down their supply chains, through supplier engagement, governance, Scope 3 emissions accounting and target-setting. Only the highest-rated companies around the world are celebrated.

JM’s chief sustainability officer, Anne Chassagnette, said: “We are committed to working closely with our suppliers to strengthen sustainability throughout our supply chains.   

“Being recognized on this leaderboard highlights JM as a company that proactively drives environmental action at every opportunity. There’s still work to do across our value chain, but we are making great progress, with thanks to all our colleagues who are pushing our sustainability strategy forward.”  

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