Solar Atmospheres Inc., Souderton, Pa., has designed and built a lab-size, horizontal, internal quenching furnace that it donated to ASM International for its Teaching Lab. Named “The Mentor,” this $250,000 gift was made by Solar in commemoration of ASM International’s 100th anniversary. The furnace was dedicated in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at ASM headquarters in Materials Park, Ohio.
“The Mentor” has a hot zone that measures 12 in. wide by 12 in. high by 18 in. deep, and is capable of operation to 2400°F. The hearth will accept a load of 250 lb. Featuring state-of-the-art vacuum furnace technology, this furnace will allow students to perform a wide variety of tests and experiments related to vacuum heat treating, brazing, and sintering processes. It will also give them a hands-on understanding of the value and advantages of vacuum over other heat treating equipment.
Roger Jones, corporate president of Solar Atmospheres, and several other company representatives attended the celebration, which took place during ASM’s Annual Chapter Leadership Days and the ASM Materials Education Foundation’s Eisenman Materials Camp.
Thomas Passek, Managing Director of ASM, presented a plaque to Solar. “ASM is indebted to the Solar Atmospheres family for your generosity in helping us advance the ‘life-long learning’ of young people and materials professionals,” he said. “It is these types of partnerships that will help us fulfill our mission and ensure that there is a sustainable and qualified workforce moving forward.”
As part of the 2013 Materials Camp, attending students were excited to have the honor of being the first to work with “The Mentor,” which they used to learn about failure analysis. They expressed their appreciation in a thank-you letter with comments such as, “Your contribution to the materials camp made a significant impact on my amazing experience here. Without your donation, it would not have been the same. Thank you.” and “…thank you for investing in the future of science and in today’s youth.”
“This was certainly an exciting time for me,” said Mr. Jones. “Seeing the furnace installed, all the fantastic comments from ASM and staff, and the comments by the students, was breathtaking. It will certainly be an honor as I become President of the ASM Heat Treating Society in September, and have the opportunity to celebrate ASM International’s 100th Anniversary with you.”
