Longstanding ECM USA customer, Andis (Sturtevant, WI family-owned professional grade electric hair clipper/handheld grooming tools manufacturer), recently successfully finalized their FLEX vacuum furnace system PLC upgrade with a top-of-the-line processor and communication network. This 3-cell hardening modular furnace operates around 950°C with a 20 Bar gas quench, L/U cell and an automated loading/unloading line. Replacing molten salt baths 15 years ago, this ECM furnace is critical to their Wisconsin operations for a clean heat treatment to avoid part discoloration and the need for post-heat treat cleaning. In October 2025, the need for an upgrade was initiated to further support the aging S7-300 processor and Profibus communication network. This hardening furnace now operates on a S7-1500 series processor, remote IO [input/output] and Profinet communication network between all furnace components. The main goals with this PLC overhaul were to bring the system up-to-date, future-proof the hardware, and complete the upgrade with minimal production interruption – all of which were successful.

"In 2025, we determined that we needed to fully replace the CPUs in our ECM vacuum heat-treat system after Siemens announced end-of-support for significant portions of the controls. Because reliable day-to-day operation of our heat-treat system is critical to our business, we worked closely with Spencer Wolfman at ECM to define the project scope and map out the execution plan—from initiation through on-site installation. Together, we developed a schedule and timing that minimized our production downtime and allowed us to work ahead so the upgrade could be completed without disrupting on-time deliveries. The ECM team—Spencer, Sam, and Corey—put in long days and completed the project on schedule. They kept the work area clean and organized and supported our internal maintenance team with technical guidance while we completed additional work on the system, helping ensure everything came together smoothly. In the end, the project was completed on time and has performed flawlessly since. The updated controls and HMI were familiar to our operators, so no additional training was required. I am 100% satisfied with the upgrade the ECM Team completed on our system." - Tom Hoffelder, Director - Manufacturing Support and Innovation | Andis Company

About Andis

Andis is a fourth generation, family owned grooming tool company founded in 1922 and based in Southeast Wisconsin. We design and manufacture professional grade clippers, trimmers, blades, and grooming accessories for barbers and stylists, pet groomers, and large animal professionals. Known for quality, durability, and innovation, Andis builds tools that professionals trust to perform every day. https://andis.com/

About ECM Technologies

ECM Technologies is an innovative low pressure vacuumfurnacemanufacturer with headquarters in Grenoble, France. With subsidiaries and ventures around the world, including ECM USA located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin USA. ECM's global presence is well known in the automotive, aerospace, nuclear, energy, electronic, induction and 3D additive industries. With such versatile product lines and service capabilities, ECM is the ideal furnace system supplier for heat treatment processes ranging from rapid thermal processing(RTP) to low pressure vacuum carburizing (LPC). Our service capabilities include advanced automation, robotics, after sales, spare parts, on-site training and more.