Researchers at the University of Southern California have unveiled a new memristor memory device that continues to operate at 700 degrees Celsius (~1300 degrees Fahrenheit), marking it as the most robust high-temperature memory technology ever demonstrated.
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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.
Confluent Medical Technologies, Fremont, California, announced the opening of its Nitinol Wire Center of Excellence in Hyderabad, India on May 4, 2026 — the opening day of the SMST 2026 Conference and Exposition in La Jolla. The new 26,000-square-foot facility doubles the company’s nitinol wire output and provides a dedicated location for nitinol wire manufacturing, allowing Confluent’s Fremont, California, location to focus on nitinol tubing.
The facility is ISO 13485 compliant and offers four-week lead times for wire diameters from 0.004 in. to 0.100 in., with ultra-tight tolerances down to ±0.0002 in. The investment is the latest step in a multi-year program to vertically integrate Confluent’s nitinol supply chain, which already includes melt and conversion partnerships, premium tubing, drawn wire, components, and finished medical-device assemblies.
“Opening our Nitinol Wire Center of Excellence in Hyderabad marks an important milestone in Confluent’s continued investment in a resilient, vertically integrated nitinol supply chain,” said Dean Schauer, chief executive officer, president, and chairman of Confluent Medical Technologies. “This facility expands our global manufacturing capacity and strengthens our ability to support the industry with the highest quality of nitinol material.”
Confluent Medical Technologies is a global contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in nitinol components and complex medical device assemblies. The company serves cardiovascular, structural heart, neurovascular, peripheral vascular, and other minimally invasive markets, with manufacturing operations in Fremont, California, and now Hyderabad, India.
Solar Atmospheres, Fontana, California, announced the installation and commissioning of a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its California facility. Manufactured by sister company Solar Manufacturing, the horizontal furnace features a hot zone measuring 48-in. wide by 48-in. high by 96-in. deep, with a maximum load capacity of 12,000 pounds and an ultimate vacuum level of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr. The furnace expands the facility’s high-pressure quenching capabilities for processing titanium and high-performance alloys serving the aerospace, defense, medical, and power generation markets. “This investment gives our customers another regional solution for high-pressure quenching of large components and heavy workloads,” said Derek Dennis, President of Solar Atmospheres California.
Resonetics, Nashua, New Hampshire, announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Resolution Medical, a medical device design and manufacturing firm headquartered in Fridley, Minnesota, with additional operations in the Netherlands. The transaction is expected to close in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
The acquisition adds complementary capabilities in high-growth therapeutic markets including neuromodulation, structural heart, and interventional cardiology. Resolution Medical brings integrated design engineering, new product introduction, and cleanroom production capabilities for Class II and Class III devices, along with a team of more than 240 employees, including over 100 engineers.
“This acquisition will enhance our ability to deliver fully integrated solutions for customers in high-growth markets,” said Kevin Kelly, chief executive officer of Resonetics. The deal marks Resonetics’ third acquisition in the past 12 months as the company continues to broaden its medical device manufacturing platform.
Resonetics specializes in laser processing, nitinol components, and advanced manufacturing for the medical device industry.
Mechanical shock is sometimes used to stabilize tool steels. One method of producing shock is to suspend the part so that it hangs freely and then strike it with a wooden hammer. This is believed to set up elastic waves which add to the magnitude of the residual stress imparted by the previous heat treatment. At locations where the resultant magnitude of stress exceeds the elastic limit, plastic flow should occur and result in stress relief. This would be manifest by higher dimensional stability. A shock treatment should not be considered as a substitute for a thermal method of stabilization but rather as an auxiliary method which enhances stabilization.
Dimensional changes in W1 steel resulting from dropping on a concrete floor as determined by Fletcher (are shown in Fig. 6. The untempered specimens showed greater dimensional changes than the tempered specimens due to the higher level of residual stress in the untempered condition.
For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 6.
Jon L. Dossett; George E. Totten, *Control of Distortion in Tool Steels*, ASM International, 2014
https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.9781627081689
Seco/Warwick, Swiebodzin, Poland, announced its first contract with a European defense manufacturer. The company will deliver a customized single-chamber vacuum furnace equipped with advanced low-pressure carburizing technology and high-pressure gas quenching for heat treatment of steels used in firearm manufacturing.
The contract represents a shift by the defense client from traditional gas carburizing to modern low-pressure carburizing, which improves quality, process predictability, and energy efficiency. The vacuum furnace approach eliminates the environmental concerns associated with atmosphere-based systems while delivering more uniform case depth and reduced distortion.
The deal holds strategic significance for both parties. For the client, it represents a modernization of defense manufacturing infrastructure. For Seco/Warwick, it establishes a position as a solutions provider in the European defense sector, a market segment with growing demand for advanced thermal processing equipment.
Seco/Warwick operates globally with manufacturing facilities in Poland, the United States, India, and China, and service centers across Europe and Asia.
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.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Germany, are developing an open-source tool to enhance the prevention of radiation-induced functional degradation in electronic systems.
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Aichelin Group, Mödling, Austria, has signed an agreement to acquire the Nitrex Heat Treating Solutions (NTS) and UPC-Marathon (UPC) divisions of Montreal-based Nitrex. The acquisition aims to strengthen Aichelin’s global footprint in heat treatment systems and expand its technology portfolio with advanced nitriding and process control capabilities.
The strategic move brings together two highly complementary product and service lines. Nitrex is recognized for its expertise in nitriding and vacuum technologies, while UPC-Marathon contributes advanced control systems and process automation platforms. These capabilities will integrate with Aichelin’s broad offerings in industrial heat treatment equipment, enabling a more comprehensive range of solutions for global manufacturers.
Christian Grosspointner, chief executive officer of Aichelin Group, stated that the acquisition marks a significant step in shaping the future of industrial heat treatment by aligning trusted brands and decades of innovation. He emphasized that the combined group will deliver enhanced reliability, energy efficiency, and digitally connected heat treatment solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.
With this acquisition, Aichelin reinforces its focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The addition of Nitrex and UPC-Marathon will accelerate the development of AI-enabled platforms such as QMULUS.ai, which help customers optimize operational performance, reduce costs, and improve overall equipment effectiveness across diverse industrial applications.
Read further here. https://www.nitrex.com/en/aichelin-group-signs-agreement-to-acquire-nitrex-heat-treating-solutions-and-upc-marathon/
The transformation behavior of retained austenite in M2 steel was examined under varying tempering conditions. The steel was initially subjected to interrupted quenching at 105 °C (225 °F), a process that elevated the retained austenite content to approximately 55 vol %, compared to the typical 25 vol % observed after direct quenching to room temperature. This was followed by tempering at 565 °C (1050 °F), without intermediate cooling. Results indicated that double tempering was significantly more effective than single tempering at transforming retained austenite under these conditions. Furthermore, repeated tempering cycles accelerated the complete transformation of retained austenite, achieving full conversion in a shorter total processing time than single-stage tempering.
For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 5.Jon L. Dossett; George E. Totten, Control of Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014 https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.9781627081689
SECO/WARWICK India has secured a new order from Shital Vacuum Treat Pvt Ltd, marking the third time the Indian heat-treatment specialist has chosen SECO/WARWICK’s vacuum furnace technology. The newly ordered furnace will support a wide range of processes including vacuum hardening, tempering, solution treatment, aging, annealing, brazing, and high-pressure gas quenching. Designed to meet NADCA (North American Die Casting Association) global standards, the equipment also positions Shital Vacuum Treat for future NADCAP certification.
As a long-standing provider of heat-treatment services to India’s automotive, aerospace, toolmaking, and machinery sectors, Shital Vacuum Treat plays a critical role in enabling high-performance manufacturing for small and medium-sized enterprises. This latest investment is driven by increased demand and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to quality and process excellence.
The furnace will be fully manufactured under the “Made in India” initiative at SECO/WARWICK’s Pune facility, located just 25 kilometers from Shital’s headquarters. “Shital Vacuum Treat is a long-standing partner, promoter, and a true ambassador of SECO/WARWICK technology in the Indian market,” said Arvind Agarwal, Managing Director of SECO/WARWICK India. “Their third investment in our equipment demonstrates their continued trust in our solutions and underscores our shared commitment to advancing India’s industrial capabilities.”
Read further here. https://www.secowarwick.com/en/news/secowarwick-india-secures-a-new-contract/
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/
Solar Atmospheres, Greenville, SC, announced the installation and commissioning of a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its Southeast facility. Designed and built by sister company Solar Manufacturing, the advanced horizontal furnace expands the company’s capacity to process large, high-performance materials, particularly titanium and specialty alloys.
The furnace features a working zone measuring 48 inches wide by 48 inches high by 96 inches deep, with the ability to handle loads up to 12,000 pounds. Equipped with a high-efficiency vacuum pumping system, the furnace achieves an ultimate vacuum level of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr, enabling precise processing in clean environments critical for aerospace and other high-specification applications.
Steve Prout, president of Solar Atmospheres Southeast, noted that the new equipment enhances the company’s regional offerings for high-pressure quenching while improving cost efficiency through scale. He emphasized that the addition reflects Solar Atmospheres’ continued focus on innovation, quality, and customer support.
https://solaratm.com/solar-atmospheres-commissions-new-10-bar-vacuum-furnace-in-greenville-sc/
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan announced that it has been named to the 2024 Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) Leaderboard by CDP, an international environmental nonprofit organization. The recognition places the company among the highest-ranked corporations worldwide for its initiatives addressing climate change across the supply chain and for its transparent environmental disclosures.
The CDP supplier engagement assessment evaluates corporate actions that promote emissions reduction and collaboration throughout the value chain. This marks the fifth time Furukawa Electric has earned a place on the leaderboard, reflecting sustained progress in environmental management and reporting.
Aligned with its “Furukawa Electric Group Vision 2030,” the company has advanced its ESG-driven management strategy to enhance long-term corporate value. Under its Environmental Vision 2050—first established in 2021 and updated in March 2025—Furukawa Electric is pursuing initiatives that contribute to a carbon-free society. The company also received SBTi 1.5°C certification in July 2023 for its science-based emissions reduction targets.
Furukawa Electric stated that the recognition underscores its commitment to tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain. Future plans include expanding the use of renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric and solar power and continuing energy efficiency improvements across offices and manufacturing plants. The company reaffirmed its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.
Johnson Matthey, London, England announced plans to open its first hydrogen internal combustion engine (H₂ICE) testing facility at its existing site in Gothenburg, Sweden. The upgraded center will expand the company’s heavy-duty vehicle testing capabilities, reflecting growing industry and regulatory momentum toward cleaner mobility technologies. The facility is expected to become operational in autumn 2025.
Building on Johnson Matthey’s previous hydrogen combustion research, the new installation will allow full engine testing for the first time. It will assess catalyst performance within broader aftertreatment and control systems, supporting the development of efficient hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.
The project follows the successful completion of Project Brunel, a collaboration launched in 2021 with Cummins, PHINIA, and Zircotec, which delivered key advances in H₂ICE engine performance and durability.
The upgraded Gothenburg site will feature its own hydrogen supply and storage system rated at up to 500 bar, hydrogen flow meters and analyzers, control and safety systems, adapted exhaust measuring instruments, and enhanced fire and gas detection. It will support engines up to 600 kW (800 hp).
Tauseef Salma, chief technology officer of Johnson Matthey Clean Air, said the expansion underscores the company’s commitment to advancing hydrogen mobility as part of global decarbonization efforts. Salma noted that hydrogen engines offer a mature and complementary solution to battery electric vehicles in achieving emissions reduction goals across Europe and beyond.
Johnson Matthey also recently joined the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance as a founding member. The coalition, comprising more than 30 major companies including BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, Air Liquide, and Linde, aims to accelerate adoption of hydrogen technologies in Europe’s transport sector.
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.
Constellium, Paris, France announced the extension of its long-term agreement with Embraer to supply advanced aluminum materials, including its proprietary aluminum-lithium alloy, Airware. The renewed partnership will continue to support Embraer’s Commercial Aviation, Executive Jets, and Defense & Security divisions.
Under the agreement, Constellium will provide high-performance aluminum products designed to meet the aerospace industry’s demand for lightweight, durable materials in critical structural applications.
Philippe Hoffmann, president of Constellium’s aerospace and transportation business unit, stated that the contract reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting Embraer’s growth and aligns with its broader strategy to meet increasing global demand for advanced materials in aerospace programs.
Roberto Chaves, executive vice president of global procurement and supply chain at Embraer, noted that the continued partnership is built on a foundation of quality, reliability, and collaboration, and supports efforts to strengthen the supply chain while advancing sustainable growth.
Harper International, Buffalo, New York announced that it has been selected by Fujian Fuwei Advanced Material Co., Ltd. to supply a commercial-scale carbonization line for carbon fiber manufacturing. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to Fujian Fuwei’s facility in Yong’an City, Fujian Province in February 2026.
The turn-key thermal processing system includes three-meter-wide oxidation ovens, low- and high-temperature furnace systems, surface treatment systems, waste gas abatement, and integrated controls and auxiliary operations. The custom-engineered line is designed to enhance fiber quality through improved oxidation rates, greater temperature and velocity uniformity, and precise reaction control.
This order forms part of the first phase of Fujian Fuwei’s high-end materials investment project, valued at 2.3 billion yuan (approximately $320 million), which targets an annual carbon fiber production capacity of 4,000 metric tons. The long-term plan spans 1,142 acres and envisions scaling to 50,000 metric tons per year.
Harper noted that its technology and on-site support services are designed to accelerate commissioning and reduce time-to-market for new production lines. Company vice president Paul Elwell stated that Harper’s carbonization systems remain a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to reduce commercialization risk while achieving advanced fiber quality.
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
Using lasers to remove coatings and corrosion from U.S. naval vessels may soon become a reality based on recent testing conducted by Shop 71 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash.
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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.
Johnson Matthey, London, England announced that the platinum market will remain in deficit in 2025 while palladium moves back into balance, according to its 2025 PGM Market Report released ahead of London Platinum & Palladium Market week. The company forecasts a 3% decline in primary platinum output due to operational restructuring, extreme weather and maintenance in South Africa, with secondary supplies subdued globally except in China, where a renewed trade-in incentive scheme is boosting scrap returns. Industrial platinum demand is expected to grow modestly, driven by capacity expansions in chemicals, fibreglass, biofuels and synthetic fuels, even as automotive use declines 5% amid the shift to battery electric powertrains.
Palladium, which faced structural deficits from 2012 to 2024, should reach equilibrium in 2025 as stronger recycling in China offsets reduced primary output from South Africa and the U.S., despite weaker scrap flows elsewhere, and a 5% drop in automotive palladium use.
The rhodium market is forecast to stay in deficit after South African supply falls and auto consumption dips, while industrial demand rebounds with normalized glass-industry purchasing. Ruthenium demand is set to climb 2% on data-centre expansions and robust chemical catalyst use, likely resulting in a significant shortfall without further inventory drawdowns. A slight rise in iridium production should help balance that market, as lower chemical usage is offset by increased crucible demand.
Rupen Raithatha, market research director, noted that uncertainty over U.S. import tariffs could weaken vehicle output and scrap volumes, posing downside risks. Margery Ryan, advocacy and market development manager, added that increased defence spending may drive additional PGM demand given their vital role in military and aerospace technologies.
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.
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
Air Products, Allentown, PA, announced that it will exit three U.S.-based projects as part of a strategic review initiated by its newly elected board of directors and chief executive officer. The decision, intended to sharpen the company’s project portfolio and resource allocation, is expected to result in a pre-tax charge of up to $3.1 billion in its fiscal second quarter of 2025. The charge, which covers asset write-downs and the termination of contractual commitments, will not affect the company’s adjusted earnings per share for the fiscal year.
The canceled projects include:
Air Products also reaffirmed its focus on two major initiatives: the NEOM green hydrogen project in Saudi Arabia, which is nearing 80% completion and targeting green ammonia production by late 2026; and the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, expected to start operations in 2028. The company is actively seeking equity partners for the Louisiana project to optimize capital deployment, particularly in the ammonia loop and carbon sequestration segments.
Daido Steel Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, announced the successful start of operations at its new vacuum arc remelting (VAR) plant at the company’s Chita site. Developed in collaboration with ALD Vacuum Technologies, the plant is designed to increase production capacity for high-purity stainless steels and nickel alloys used in high-performance applications, particularly within the semiconductor industry.
The first VAR plant became operational in December 2024, with finished ingots now undergoing downstream processing. A second remelting unit is scheduled to begin operation in March 2025, with additional capacity expansions planned over the coming years.
The custom-designed VAR plant, supplied by ALD, enables the production of ultra-clean steel with a homogeneous microstructure, meeting the stringent quality standards required for semiconductor components. VAR-processed materials are known for their durability, purity, and consistency, making them ideal for critical industries.
Daido Steel’s investment reflects a strategic move to support the growing global demand for advanced materials in next-generation technologies. The company continues to position itself as a key supplier in the global supply chain for high-performance alloys.
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Solar Atmospheres, Chesterfield, MI, announced the addition of advanced air tempering and cryogenic equipment to its Michigan facility, marking a significant expansion of its processing capabilities. These upgrades support the company’s commitment to offering high-performance thermal treatments for a broad range of industrial applications.
The newly installed equipment includes a large car-bottom air furnace, manufactured by Heat Treat Equipment Inc., with dimensions of 6’6” wide × 4’ high × 14’ long. It features a 30,000-pound load capacity and maintains temperature uniformity within ±10°F across a range of 300°F to 1400°F, making it well-suited for large and heavy components that demand precise thermal control.
Also added to the facility is a DMP “Cryo/Temper Systems” unit with a 42” wide × 60” deep × 36” high hot/cold zone. The system supports cryogenic treatment and high-temperature tempering in a single integrated solution, with temperature uniformity within ±10°F from -300°F to 1200°F.
Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Michigan, stated that the new systems are part of a strategic effort to provide customers with greater processing flexibility and to meet the evolving demands of various industries.
These installations represent the initial phase of a broader expansion within Solar Michigan’s new 50,000-square-foot facility, which currently houses 12 production vacuum furnaces. Additional equipment investments are planned as the company continues to grow its footprint and capabilities.
The potential of high-temperature simulation (HTS) is demonstrated through the case of a low-silicon, vacuum-arc-melted and remelted H11 hot-work tool steel. To validate the HTS model, a cylindrical steel sample with a diameter and length of 100 mm (4 inches) was selected due to the efficiency benefits of using a simplified 2D geometry. The simulation was calibrated using time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams and thermal expansion data obtained from dilatometer experiments. Initial validation focused on comparing simulated phase-transformation behavior with actual dilatometer curves, showing good agreement in key areas such as thermal expansion, austenite formation (with carbides), subsequent contraction, and the transformation kinetics of austenite into martensite, bainite, and pearlite. The model does not currently account for the precipitation of proeutectoid carbides.
For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 16. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014 https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980
Nitrex, Quebec, announced that its G-M Enterprises division in Corona, California, is experiencing robust growth, driven by renewed demand in the aerospace sector.
The division recently secured a significant order from a long-standing aerospace customer for a 6-bar vacuum furnace engineered to meet stringent aerospace manufacturing requirements.
This latest order contributes to a strong fiscal performance for G-M Enterprises in FY2025. The division has already doubled its sales of new hot zone replacements compared to the same period last year, indicating a growing market demand and a sharpened focus on customer engagement.
Mark Hemsath, president of Nitrex and UPC-Marathon, noted that the uptick in aerospace activity is a positive development for the company. He highlighted the strength of G-M Enterprises’ California-based manufacturing capabilities and emphasized the importance of longstanding customer relationships in driving success.
With nearly 40 years of experience in vacuum furnace design and production, G-M Enterprises supports a wide range of applications including additive manufacturing, metal injection molding (MIM), and critical aerospace processes. As part of the Nitrex/UPC-Marathon group, the division leverages integrated heat-treating solutions, automation software, and process control technologies.
As aerospace industry demand continues to rebound, G-M Enterprises is well positioned to deliver high-capacity, precision-engineered systems backed by technical expertise and customer service.
