Gasbarre and SOLO Swiss Announce Exclusive Licensing Agreement for North America

Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, DuBois, Pennsylvania, and SOLO Swiss SA, Porrentruy, Switzerland, announced an exclusive licensing agreement granting Gasbarre the rights to promote, sell, and manufacture the SOLO ProfiTherm heat treating system in North America. The agreement was announced on January 21, 2026.

The ProfiTherm system features a modular arrangement of bell furnaces and quench tanks with direct, rapid transfer from furnace to quench. The design is positioned as a practical alternative to traditional integral quench batch furnaces, offering a more compact footprint that simplifies installation and reduces plant disruption.

ProfiTherm supports a range of heat treating processes including austempering, marquenching, carburizing, carbonitriding, and neutral hardening. Target applications include captive heat treat departments and commercial shops serving general industry, aerospace, defense, and bearing markets.

The partnership expands Gasbarre’s equipment portfolio and gives North American heat treaters access to SOLO Swiss bell furnace technology that has been widely adopted in Europe.

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Furukawa Electric named to CDP’s 2024 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard for climate action

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.

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Johnson Matthey to open first hydrogen internal combustion engine testing facility in Gothenburg

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.

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Ilika and Cirtec advance miniaturized medical implants

Cirtec Medical, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota announced a collaborative approach with  Ilika, Southampton, United Kingdom, combining application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology with solid-state battery (SSB) innovation to power the next generation of active implantable medical devices (AIMDs). The integration aims to enable compact, rechargeable, and efficient implants for applications such as neuromodulation and cardiac sensing.

The joint solution addresses long-standing design challenges in AIMDs, including limited energy storage capacity, wireless power transfer efficiency, and stable memory retention during low-power or pulsed operating cycles.

Ilika’s Stereax M300 solid-state battery delivers high energy density in a miniaturized footprint, reducing recharge times and extending implant life to minimize the need for replacement surgeries. Cirtec’s ASIC platform complements this by managing power regulation, memory integrity, and startup control, even under variable energy conditions.

By combining these technologies, Ilika and Cirtec offer a scalable and reliable energy architecture for medical device developers, supporting safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable implant designs that enhance patient outcomes while accelerating product development for medtech innovators.

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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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Air Products to withdraw from three US projects, refocuses on core hydrogen and energy initiatives

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:

  • World Energy Partnership, Paramount, CA: Air Products has terminated its agreement with World Energy for the expansion of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel project, citing challenging commercial conditions and operational concerns.
  • Massena, NY Green Hydrogen Facility: The company has canceled plans for a 35 metric ton per day green liquid hydrogen plant, along with associated distribution and dispensing infrastructure. The decision was influenced by recent regulatory changes that rendered hydroelectric power ineligible for the federal Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (45V), as well as slower-than-anticipated hydrogen mobility market growth in the region.
  • Carbon Monoxide Project in Texas: A planned carbon monoxide production facility has been canceled due to unfavorable economic conditions.

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.

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Daido Steel launches new vacuum arc remelting plant to meet semiconductor industry demand

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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Consarc and Vulcan elements commission new strip casting furnace to support US. rare earth magnet production

Consarc Corporation, Rancocas, NJ, and Vulcan Elements, Durham, NC, announced the successful delivery and commissioning of a Vacuum Induction Melting Strip Casting Furnace (VIM-SC) at Vulcan’s facility in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. This collaboration represents a key step in strengthening domestic capabilities for rare earth magnet production and bolstering U.S. national security and supply chain resilience.

Engineered and manufactured by Consarc in New Jersey, the state-of-the-art VIM-SC furnace is now fully operational and will enable the rapid solidification of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) alloys. These materials are essential for producing high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defense applications.

Jai Narayan, president of Consarc Corporation, emphasized the company’s role in supporting critical domestic manufacturing. He noted that Consarc’s vacuum induction melting technology is central to reestablishing a secure U.S. base for rare earth magnet production. John Maslin, chief executive officer of Vulcan Elements, highlighted the importance of domestic equipment partners like Consarc in building a resilient and traceable magnet supply chain.

Consarc, the only U.S. supplier of both pilot and production-scale strip casting furnaces, was selected to provide the VIM-SC furnace as Vulcan scales its operations. The partnership reflects a shared mission to revitalize American manufacturing and reinforce supply chain independence in strategic sectors.

Consarc Corporation is part of the Inductotherm Group and brings over 60 years of experience in vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnace technology. Vulcan Elements specializes in the manufacture of permanent sintered NdFeB magnets and is dedicated to advancing innovation and supply chain security for critical U.S. industries.

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One minute Mentor: Tool Steels Heat Treatment Simulation Example

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

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/

ACE press celebrates 150 years of forging innovation and industry leadership

ACE, Erie, PA, announced the celebration of its 150th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history as a leader in forging and metal-forming technology. With roots tracing back to 1875, ACE has grown into North America’s largest supplier of forging and forming equipment, shaped by strategic mergers, decades of engineering expertise, and a commitment to customer success.

The company’s evolution was significantly driven by the merger of three industry pioneers—Ajax Manufacturing, Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO), and Erie Press Systems. Together, they bring more than 400 years of combined experience in metal forming, enabling ACE to offer the most comprehensive range of forging and forming solutions in the industry.

Founded in 1875, Ajax Manufacturing built its reputation on high-quality forging hammers, presses, and upsetters. The company expanded in 2005 with the acquisition of CECO, a manufacturer specializing in hydraulic and mechanical forging technology since 1897. In 2019, Erie Press Systems, a specialist in stretch forming and hydraulic presses for aerospace and automotive applications, joined the group. This consolidation resulted in the formation of Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE), a unified brand offering advanced equipment and services to a global client base.

Now operating under Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., a diversified industrial holding company based in Cleveland, ACE benefits from expanded engineering resources, global market access, and enhanced service capabilities. Its solutions support critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defense, and heavy machinery manufacturing.

The company’s current portfolio includes forging hammers, hydraulic and mechanical presses, upsetters, ring rolling mills, and hydroforming systems. To ensure high equipment performance and longevity, ACE emphasizes five operational pillars: preventive maintenance, parts and repair programs, rebuilding and remanufacturing, automation upgrades, and modern human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Training programs further support workforce development and operational efficiency.

The 150-year milestone not only highlights ACE’s legacy of innovation but also its ongoing commitment to supporting modern manufacturers with equipment and practices that reduce downtime, improve safety, and drive productivity. As the forging industry continues to evolve, ACE aims to remain a trusted partner in advancing manufacturing excellence.

 

Read further here : www.AjaxErie.com 

Integer highlights medical device innovation and acquisition at MD&M West

Integer Holdings Corporation, Plano, Texas, showcased the company’s capabilities and solutions to enable cardiac rhythm management and neuromodulation products in addition to its recent acquisition of Precision Coating  in MD&M West 2025.

Integer highlighted its global rapid prototyping services, which offer direct access to engineering and R&D experts with turnaround times as short as two weeks. These services focus on specialized cardiovascular markets and include components such as catheter shafts, guidewires, steerable sheaths, introducers, braiding and textiles, and machined parts.

Payman Khales, president of cardio and vascular at Integer, emphasized the company’s focus on anticipating customer needs through strategic investments. He noted that Integer remains committed to innovation and collaborative partnerships that accelerate speed to market and reduce development risk for its medical technology clients.

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Confluent Medical Technologies launches ultra polyimide for advanced medical device applications

Confluent Medical Technologies, Scottsdale, AZ, announced the release of Ultra Polyimide, a new high-performance polymer tubing that offers approximately double the strength of conventional polyimide. This innovation is aimed at enabling next-generation medical devices that demand both durability and miniaturization.

Ultra Polyimide addresses the need for thinner-walled tubing that maintains structural integrity, allowing for greater design flexibility and improved device performance. By preserving the inner lumen while reducing material usage, engineers can integrate additional features into delivery devices without compromising mechanical strength.

Jill Ellison, vice president of operations at Confluent’s High Precision Polymer Tubing Center of Excellence, noted that the material enables designers to maintain essential column and tensile strength, which opens up opportunities for innovation in minimally invasive technologies.

The tubing is also manufactured without the use of REACH- or EU MDR-restricted solvents, including NMP (n-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), a substance identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as posing health risks in industrial settings. By eliminating NMP from the production process, Confluent supports regulatory compliance and enhances both workplace and patient safety.

Ultra Polyimide is now available with lead times of three to four weeks, offering a timely solution to the evolving needs of the medical device industry.

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Nitrex celebrates 40 Years of innovation in heat treatment solutions

Nitrex, Quebec, announced that it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of growth and innovation in the heat treatment industry. Founded in 1984, Nitrex has evolved from a pioneer in controlled nitriding to a global leader offering end-to-end heat treatment solutions. The company’s technological advancements have expanded its capabilities to encompass metallurgy, engineering, process optimization, and automation.

Since 2019, under the current leadership, Nitrex has broadened its portfolio to include advanced vacuum furnaces and introduced technology for improved brake rotor performance. The company has also launched digital platforms such as QMULUS, aimed at optimizing customer processes and boosting operational efficiency.

In addition to its own milestone, Nitrex is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its UPC-Marathon office in Germany, recognizing the long-standing contributions and achievements of its global team. These anniversaries reflect Nitrex’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.

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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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Can-Eng commissions mesh belt furnace overseas

Can-Eng Furnaces, Niagara, Ontario,  has commissioned a continuous mesh belt heat-treat system for the production of high-quality automotive fasteners in Italy.

This project in the Piedmont region of Italy was one of four installation locations for this globally recognized producer of specialty automotive fasteners that span from Europe, South America, Mexico, and the United States of America.

Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd was chosen to supply its state-of-the-art systems based on proven reliability, efficiency, and soft-part-handling features — hallmarks of Can-Eng’s mesh belt furnace systems. The new, high-volume fastener system features energy efficient combustion and waste heat recovery systems, atmosphere-controlled mesh belt hardening system, oil quench, post wash system, temper furnace, soluble oil system, bi-directional conveyor discharge, and Can-Eng’s Level 2 SCADA system. Can-Eng’s PET™ system provides the user with access to vital Industry 4.0 data which includes product traceability, detailed process data for continuous process improvements, comprehensive equipment diagnostics, cost analysis, and inventory management.

https://thermalprocessing.com/news/can-eng-commissions-mesh-belt-furnace-overseas/

Constellium Ravenswood to receive $75 million for zero carbon technology

Constellium, Ravenswood, WV, announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $75 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP). This investment will help fund the implementation of breakthrough low-to-no emissions technologies in Constellium’s Ravenswood facility, supporting the decarbonization of the casthouses, the plant’s most energy intensive operation.
This investment will support the installation of low-emissions SmartMelt furnaces that can operate using a range of fuels, including clean hydrogen, paving the way towards a zero carbon casthouse. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the project is expected to help maximize recycled scrap intake, and to improve worker safety with the introduction of a hands-free casting process.
The project will also contribute to the local communities around Ravenswood with a dedicated budget to build a new training and wellness center for all employees and an onsite childcare, and to provide financial and technical resources for local schools and universities.
Constellium Ravenswood will now enter negotiations on the specific terms of the investment, including operational milestones, and timing of access to funds throughout the life of the project, estimated to be approximately five years. The final details of the project investment are subject to these negotiations.

https://www.constellium.com/news/constellium-ravenswood-selected-by-us-doe-to-receive-usd75million-investment

Sudosilo S.A. commissions new Nitrex installation

Nitrex, Quebec, is helping Sudosilo S.A., a leading commercial heat treatment service provider in South America, bring premier nitriding to the Argentine industrial sector with the recent commissioning of a turnkey installation. This newly operational nitriding system, represents a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Argentina, offering third-party heat treatment services to the region.

At the forefront of technological advancement, Sudosilo has embraced cutting-edge technologies to cater to various sectors, including aluminum injection, aluminum extrusion, forging, and oil applications. The integration of a NITREX system into its operations is set to establish a new benchmark for quality and precision in nitriding treatments.

The new Nitrex system adheres to CQI-9 guidelines for automotive heat treatment processes and NADCAP requirements for aerospace applications. This aligns Sudosilo with international standards, positioning the company to meet the exacting demands of both Argentine and South American markets for quality, innovation, and unparalleled service. 

The successful commissioning of the turnkey system, featuring a pit-type furnace model NX-1015 with Nitreg® controlled nitriding, Nitreg®-C controlled nitrocarburizing, and ONC® post-oxidation process technologies, was completed in November 2023. These advanced technologies ensure a uniform case depth and precise management of nitriding/nitrocarburizing/oxidation layer formation, optimizing the mechanical properties of tooling and dies. Nitreg® and Nitreg®-C contribute to enhancing surface hardness and fatigue resistance, while ONC® improves corrosion resistance. Notably, the system eliminates the need for post-finishing operations and boasts a substantial load capacity of 4400 lbs. (2000 kg). Marathon Systems Control, serving as a Nitrex representative for Latin America, played a pivotal role in expertly executing the system installation and finalizing the process validation.

https://www.nitrex.com/

One Minute Mentor: High performance line with hydrogen quenching

For stainless martensitic grades and carbon steel up to certain thickness, the two-stage molten metal quenching is successfully converted into hydrogen quenching with big advantages in quality, including oxide-free and lead-free surfaces. Cooling gradients of up to 300 K/s are possible. Martensitic chromium steels with 13% Cr and 0.2 to 0.4% C are used to manufacture various stainless steel components, knives, and tools, as well as parts for the cutlery industry.

 

A special application for producing high-quality heavy-duty strapping band in bainitic condition is a line with high throughput and low-energy consumption. The steel grade AISI 1536/DIN EN 36Mn5 is usually preheated to approximately 400 °C (750 °F) in a compact two–stage molten metal quench, acting as the secondary winding of the transformer fed. The strip is raised to austenitizing temperature at 900 °C (1650 °F) and then quenched in the molten lead/bismuth. The thermal energy dissipated during quenching is used to preheat the incoming strip.

 

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.a0005958

L&L special furnace company ships large box furnace for investment castings company

L&L Special Furnace Company, Aston, PA, delivered a large floor-standing box furnace to the heat-treating department of an investment castings supplier. The furnace will be used as support in the customer’s tool and die production along with tempering of finished castings.

 

The L&L model XLE3436 box furnace has an effective work zone of 34” wide by 22” high by 32” deep. It is equipped with a direct-lift vertical door with a floor switch to activate. The cantilevered vertical door eliminates the need for the upright structure to reduce the overall height of the equipment.

 

The furnace includes a program control and overtemperature protection. A four-zone SSR control with digital biasing is provided to balance temperature gradients. The XLE3436 also features a paperless chart recorder with six thermocouple inputs, a heavy-duty Inconel sheathed thermocouple, a recirculation fan, and an atmosphere-sealed case for deployment with inert atmospheres.

 

The inert blanketing gas enables the part to be heat-treated with minimal surface de-carb. A stack light indicates the furnace status via an audible and visual indicator light mounted on top of the control.

 

Additionally, the furnace is equipped with a pyrometry package that has reference control thermocouple ports along with corner locations to record the high and low points within the unit as indicated by the latest temperature uniformity survey.

 

All L&L models can be designed with various options and be specifically tailored to meet your thermal needs. The company also offers furnaces outfitted with pyrometry packages to meet ASM2750. Options include a variety of control and recorder configurations. A three-day, all-inclusive startup service is provided with each system within the continental US and Canada. International startup and training service is available by factory quote.If precise temperature control and uniformity is key to your process, then L&L is a great choice.

 www.llfurnace.com

Wisconsin Oven ships batch ovens to the manufacturing industry

Wisconsin Oven, East Troy, announced the shipment of two custom-designed Gas Fired Batch Ovens with roll-up doors. The ovens will be used to hold molded urethane wheels prior to a curing process.

The batch ovens have a maximum operating temperature of 350°F and work chamber dimensions of 9’ wide x 4’6” long x 10’6” high. The ovens are designed with electrically operated roll-up doors in the front of the oven constructed from high-temperature fabric. The door controls allow the door to open halfway or all the way by a command from a loading robot. In addition to the roll-up door on the front, a bi-parting, side-hinged, horizontal swing door is located on the rear of each oven.

These batch ovens feature a horizontal airflow arrangement, which is ideal for products arranged in multiple tiers where heated airflow cannot be directed vertically through the product. Both ovens utilize a Watlow F4T digital controller that includes a 4.3″ color touch screen, PID temperature control with adaptive tuning, and Ethernet communication capabilities for temperature control. A remote display for the flame relays is also mounted to each control panel to provide an annunciation of operation along with fault and diagnostic information.

 

https://www.wisoven.com/news/wisconsin-oven-ships-batch-ovens-manufacturing-industry

ALD develops a new powder recycling process for a sustainable circular economy

ALD Vacuum Technology, Germany, has developed an additive manufacturing solution, the EBuild 850 that can process powder with a wide distribution, enabling it to be used not only in industrial-scale part production, but also in powder recycling efforts. 

Using selective electron beam melting to create powder-filled ingots, ALD achieves an unprecedented build rate of over 1000 cm³ per hour. These ingots can be seamlessly converted into new powder, for example in ALD’s EIGA Premium systems, promoting a sustainable circular economy.

ALD’s approach not only reduces waste, but also offers versatile options for downstream processes. The powder-filled solid cased ingots are much safer to handle and process than loose powder. This flexibility increases the overall efficiency of the recycling process and enables integration into established processing routes.

By adopting ALD’s innovative approach, industries can now achieve economical production while contributing to a circular economy. ALD remains committed to driving sustainable practices within the industrial sector, paving the way for a greener future.

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One Minute Mentor: High-Performance Line

The continuous heat treatment of tool steel is applied to low- or medium-alloyed carbon steel strips as well as martensitic stainless steels. The described lines produce high-quality strip with respect to uniform structure, flatness, and bright surface finish. High quenching rates are necessary, especially for plain carbon steels. Cooling gradients of up to 600 K/s are possible in a molten lead-bismuth quench. Because two-stage quenching technology provides considerable advantages over quenching in oil, this method has been adopted worldwide. It is also possible to achieve isothermal transformation to bainite and pearlite using a molten metal quench, so this type of hardening and tempering line is extremely versatile.

The configuration of a high-performance line involves an entry and exit section of the strip handling equipment. The hardening section consists of the austenitizing furnace, the molten metal quench or hydrogen quench, and a martensite cooler.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 10. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014 

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Quintus cold isostatic press delivered to China’s Lingchuang Special Material Co

Qunitus, Västerås, Sweden, delivered a supersized Cold Isostatic Press (CIP) to China’s Henan Lingchuang Special Material Co. to raise the bar for domestically produced high-quality Isostatic Graphite. 

With its sights set on securing a place as market leader in both product quality and production efficiency, Lingchuang will install a Quintus press model QIC 2.4 x 4.5 – 2000 to maximize operation and output capabilities. The press itself is setting new standards, with its world’slargest vessel dimension—2400 mm x 4500 mm (7.87’ x 14.7’)—along with a new energy management system that offers energy savings of more than 30 percent compared to conventional intensifier solutions.

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Friction testing of electrically heated Nitinol shape-memory alloy wires

TU Dresden, Germany,  has developed a test scenario for the friction testing of electrically heated shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires against polymer surfaces. As alloy, Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol, NiTi) was specially selected due to its high working capacity, the good corrosion resistance and the quick actor response at low bias forces. 

As the materials in contact with the actuator must resist friction forces and elevated temperatures up to 200 °C, a combination with high performance polymers is preferable. In many applications, the actuators use redirections to enhance the actuator capabilities or enable the use in complex structures. To better understand and compare the tribological properties of Nitinol against various polymer materials, it was needed to manufacture a customized testing device.

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Norman Noble awarded Encouraging Environmental Excellence award

Norman Noble, OH. has been recognized as a 2023 Class Silver Level Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) award winner by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The E3 awards recognize an organization’s exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.

On Monday, September 18, 2023, Director of Facilities & Environmental Health and Safety at Norman Noble, Julie Bennett Lowry accepted the E3 award from the Ohio EPA Director, Anne Vogel. Under Julie Bennett Lowry’s direction, Norman Noble implemented a recycling program for the spent mixed methanol and sulfuric acid waste which is 100% repurposed at a glycerin manufacturer. Over 125,000 pounds of this material is repurposed each year. In addition, the Norman Noble Team initiated a spent methanol reuse program that has allowed them to reduce methanol purchases by 37%. They have also implemented a range of energy efficiency upgrades, including transitioning to LED lighting, installing occupancy sensors, and installing daylight sensors, among other improvements.

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Rolled Alloys celebrates 70 years in the thermal processing industry

Rolled Alloys, Windsor, Conn., is celebrating 70 years in the thermal processing industry. 

The company was founded in 1953 by introducing RA330 as a wrought replacement to cast HT.

Due to RA330’s versatility and availability, it remains the most widely used wrought alloy by commercial heat treaters. Although RA330 exhibits excellent features, there may be better choices for an application. With this being the case, we offer a wide range of heat-resistant alloys to best suit the needs of your application.

Besides this, RA 602 CA is an alloy developed specifically for the highest temperature process, requiring strength and resistance to atmospheres. 

One last alloy worth discussing is RA253MA. RA253MA is a lean, heat-resistant stainless steel with high strength and oxidation resistance. With excellent high-temperature properties and low nickel content, RA253MA is a cost-effective material that thermal processors frequently utilize for open-air applications.

https://www.rolledalloys.com/70-years-in-the-thermal-processing-industry/\

Steel Dynamics named one of America’s best employers for women by Forbes

Steel Dynamics, Fort Wayne, Ind., has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Women for 2023 by Forbes. Steel Dynamics was the only steel producer receiving this designation.

“We are appreciative and honored by this recognition,” said Mark D. Millett, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our people are the foundation of our success and our most important resource. We strive to create a welcoming, open, and inclusive environment. We value our team members, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, leadership development, and career advancement. We believe empowering our people and providing them with the necessary tools for success creates significant value for everyone and will drive our continued success.”

Forbes partnered with Statista to compile the list of America’s Best Employers for Women. Statista surveyed over 60,000 U.S. employees working for companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees. More than 40,000 women were asked to rate their company in areas such as working environment, salary and employee diversity, and then whether they would recommend their company to a friend or family member.

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