Thermex Metal Treating expands plant capacity with Seco Warwick gas nitriding system

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Thermex Metal Treating Ltd., Edmonton,  is expanding its capacity with the purchase of a Seco Warwick gas nitriding system with vertical pit-style loading and proprietary ZeroFlow control technology. This new system features precise control of the gas nitriding process by using continuous in-process atmosphere analysis to provide ongoing feedback and information. This allows for close control of properties such as case depth and compound (white) layer formation, including control of the thickness and phase of the white layer. A key feature of this new system is a significant reduction in ammonia gas consumption, which leads to reduced emissions.
The work zone size is 39 inches diameter and 75 inches deep. A maximum gross weight of 6600 pounds can be processed in a load.

ZeroFlow control is based on nitriding with a single-component atmosphere – raw ammonia (NH₃). The adjustment of nitriding atmosphere chemical composition, and therefore the control of nitriding potential, is done only by analyzing and metering ammonia into the furnace. The ZeroFlow method is characterized by much lower consumption and emission of gases, and it requires a simpler control system, while allowing for forming the hardened layer phase structure with the same precision as processes with more complex two-component atmospheres.

Thermex offers a wide range of ferrous metal heat treating processes and services in Western Canada from its base in Edmonton.

The purchase of this state-of-the-art equipment is in keeping with the company's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, integration of new technology, and high quality customer service.  According to Thermex president Norm Hanson, "Combined with Seco Warwick's R&D testing capabilities and its experience in gas nitriding, we felt this was our best option to offer precise nitriding solutions for our customers and our large load requirements."

www.thermexmetal.com

www.secowarwick.com

Instron celebrates 70 years in business

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Instron, Norwood, Mass., celebrated its 70th anniversary on March 15, 2016. This milestone marks continued success in providing customers with the highest quality products, expert support, and world-class service.

Instron was established in 1946 by Harold Hindman and George Burr, who were working together at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to investigate suitable substitutes for silk that could be used in the manufacture of parachutes. After discovering that there was no testing machine available with enough accuracy to meet their requirements, Mr. Hindman and Mr. Burr designed a materials testing instrument.

The prototype was so successful that Instron Corporation was formed. Instron has continuously been at the forefront of the industry, earning recognition as one of the first companies to use video strain measurement, and as the first in its industry to offer automatic transducers and reverse stress loading, among many other accomplishments.

In October of 2005, Instron was acquired by ITW as the first company in their Test and Measurement platform, under the guidance of Steve Martindale, Executive Vice President of ITW. Today, Instron thrives under the leadership of Darcy Hunter, Graham Rogers, and KC Goh.

"ITW arrived at a crucial time in Instron's seventy-year history," says Yahya Gharagozlou, Group President - ITW Test and Measurement. "As we made the transition from a largely family-owned business, ITW's philosophy guided us to maintain the high standards envisioned by the original owners, and at the same time taught us to run a more responsive organization to best serve our customers. I see our management's role as custodians of our innovative culture."

Throughout its 70 years in business, Instron has opened offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. With an expansive network of nearly 1700 employees globally, Instron employees collectively speak more than 40 languages, enabling communication with customers in their local languages around the world.

Instron remains committed to delivering leading-edge technologies and services designed to push the boundaries of research, quality control, and service-life testing.

www.instron.com

Harper issued patent for heat treatment of carbon fibers

March 9, 2016
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Harper International, Buffalo, N.Y., announces  that it has received a patent for its advanced carbon fiber oxidation oven technology that enables changing the airflow direction within the oven to produce down-flow and center-to-end flow throughout the process. The primary air distributed inside the tube is not affected by the secondary air that circulates around the tube, keeping thermal uniformity within the tube.

Titled an "Oven for Fiber Heat Treatment," the patent is for an oven designed to be easy and safe to use for new entries into the marketplace, says Dr. Renee Bagwell, Senior Process Technology Engineer .

Harper's most recent three-meter wide production scale oxidation oven demonstrates air velocity uniformity measuring 2.2%, and temperature uniformity of +/-2.5°C throughout the entire heated length. This design enables enhanced performance with higher and more efficient rates of production.

For the customer, technology advancements equal faster oxidation through elimination of the chimney effect, improved velocity uniformity and range, assurance of temperature uniformity at a variety of flow rates, and optimal control of the reaction, ultimately enhancing fiber quality.

The most distinctive feature of Harper's cutting-edge design, the innovative atmospheric end seal, reduces fugitive emissions, increases the active volume of the oven, and offers reduced energy consumption over alternatives.  The seals have independent adjustment of the top and bottom inside and outside slots.  Each pass has an independent vent with adjustable draw control, and the exhaust plenum connects to a dedicated fan/VFD.  As a result of these innovative design features, there is no vertical mixing in the seal, less air ingress, and virtually no process gas escape.

Harper's instrumentation improvements include a two-tier balancing methodology, responsive quench system and rapid cool down system, emissions monitoring, and inherently safer pressure relief system.

www.harperintl.com