“A division of the US Department of Defense is bolstering  its capability to ensure supply chain reliability thanks to a vacuum furnace with low pressure carburizing from SECO/WARWICK Group. The unique vacuum heat treating furnace from SECO/VACUUM (SVT), a SECO/WARWICK Group company, with integral oil quench will also be equipped with high pressure gas quench as well as low pressure carburizing capabilities, a “Swiss Army Knife” version of a heat treating furnace.

As a critical supplier of aerospace components to the US Department of Defense, this new vacuum oil quenching furnace will be able to handle any of the functions of the department’s existing heat treatment furnaces, either in a redundant role or to provide additional capacity to any of them. As well, the addition of Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) and high pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) is new to this location. Aerospace related process applications conducted at this facility, for which the new furnace will be equipped, include steel hardening, surface engineering, vacuum annealing, nickel alloy processing, and titanium heat treatment. “Assuring redundancy in heating needs of this location was critical,” said Piotr Zawistowski, Managing Director of SECO/VACUUM. “SECO/VACUUM has demonstrated competence and experience in delivering customized solutions. As well, vacuum oil quenching was a critical process need and LPC, combined with HPGQ allows materials engineers with new options.”

The order is the result of two years of effort. While this is not SVT’s first order for DOD, it is, without doubt, one of the most advanced engineering projects to date. Defense customer specializes in the repair and maintenance of aerospace components. The furnace not only performs vacuum oil quenching, but it also offers the ability to gas quench at 15 bar with nitrogen and 6 bar with argon and heat with diffusion pump vacuum levels.”​

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The global heat treatment industry has often been described as being mature, staid, conservative and slow to change and these accusations are entirely warranted. So it is with interest that we watch to see what new technologies come along and whether they become a trend, that is the topic of this news item. Over the past year two companies have introduced new products which are fairly similar, vacuum furnaces with oil quenching which are designed for carburizing applications.

Now there is nothing new about this technology, what is new is that it comes in a new package, basically a standard batch IQ configuration. (This photo shows a standard North American Batch IQ Furnace). Since Batch IQ furnaces are the most common style of furnace in the world this makes for a pretty slick idea. Hard on the heels of these new products comes a rumor that one of the larger furnace manufacturers in North America is poised to announce a similar product in the new year. Look forward to some more information about vacuum carburizing with oil quenching and its possible effect on the heat treating market next week.

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This photo shows a standard North American Batch IQ Furnace

January 12, 2021 there will be an auction out in Oceanside, CA which features a great deal of equipment from an aerospace facility. Included in the auction are a few items which will have some interest for heat
treaters-we say some interest because at the end of the day it is fairly tired looking equipment. Included are a couple of ovens, a GM Enterprises atmosphere furnace and a real tired looking Ipsen Model 224 vacuum furnace. Our guess is that the equipment will sell but for prices barely above scrap value.

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To find out how Paulo compares to other commercial heat treaters in North America we would suggest this link https://themonty.com/project/largest-north-american-commercial-heat-treats-august-2020/ The photo shows the Paulo facility in Cleveland, Ohio, USA one of the largest vacuum departments in North America.

“Metal Treating Institute (MTI) recognized Paulo as its 2020 Commercial Heat Treater of the Year at its membership update in December. In partnership with Industrial Heating magazine and the MTI Educational Foundation, the annual honor has been awarded since 1995 to the commercial heat treater that best exemplifies quality, environmental best practices, community involvement, and leadership. A panel of past winners adjudicates the award. Paulo received a professionally designed plaque and $3,000 prize, which will be presented as a scholarship to a high school senior or college student pursuing a college degree in materials science or an apprenticeship program in heat treating.

CEO of MTI Management, Tom Morrison stated during the presentation, “It is always a great moment to recognize one of our members like Paulo Products, who exemplifies what it means to be committed to their customer, employees, and community. We are very proud to call them a member of MTI.” Paulo has been a member of MTI since 1950. The organization traces its roots back to World War I and is now the largest network of professional heat treaters in the world. Our company president Ben Rassieur stated, “It is an honor to be recognized as the Commercial Heat Treater of the Year. The criteria for the award aligns with our company core beliefs and it is such a unique honor to be recognized by our industry for achieving excellence as a company in those specific areas.”

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We very much regret hearing of the passing of Charles E. Wiberg founder of Therm-Tech, one of the largest commercial heat treaters in the US Midwest. We have this very touching, sincere note from his daughter Mary Wiberg Springer.

“HI Gord, I wanted to let you know of the passing of my father, Charles E Wiberg, on Thursday, December 10 at the age of 89.

Dad’s contribution to our industry was great, though his profile was not. He worked through a heat treating apprenticeship at Simmons Corp in Kenosha WI.   In the mid 1960’s he started a small shop in Franklin, WI called Midland Metal Treating.  Midland grew and eventually employed 100 people.  As children, my sisters and brother and I all worked there, doing whatever our size would allow.  Midland’s growth was largely reliant on the agricultural sector, heavily serving J.I.Case (Racine).  In the late 70’s agriculture collapsed with the recession  Midland struggled and Dad eventually sold to Grede.  

Undaunted, with only the equity in his home and proceeds from the sale of a boat (Clementine), he started Therm-Tech in Waukesha WI in 1982.  He purchased some used equipment and along with my mom, my brother, sister, and a few years later me, he dug in and made it happen again..   ThermTech succeeded through his resourcefulness, skill, and hard work and lessons learned.  Dad was so proud of his family and his business. Though retired, never lost interest.  

Chuck was always a friend, mentor and encourager to anyone in the industry who needed help.  He treated his employees like family.  The industry is richer for his involvement.

We will greatly miss him but happy that he has made his way back to mom, and his Lord.

Thanks,”

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In Upstate New York, USA manufacturing firm Hardinge, Inc. recently made the decision to bring manufacturing back from their facility in Asia and at the same time invest in a brand new heat treating department. The long established company has always maintained an in house heat treating department based on salt and while it has served its purpose well it was time to move forward.

“ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) — Hardinge Inc. announced it will shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning machining center solutions from the Taiwan plant to its location in Elmira. In a press release, the company said the transition “focuses on product development, supply chain and assembly operations for the company’s Americas and Europe turning and milling business into a single U.S. based location”. 

Some of the products which will be made in Elmira include the Bridgeport XR Series of vertical machining centers and the Hardinge TALENT Series of turning products. Hardinge will also modernize the Elmira facility, which has been in operation since 1931, to include resources in new assembly capabilities as well as “state of the art heat-treat equipment”.

“We are very excited to make this move, as it brings the products closer to the customers we serve and leverages the many years of experience we have in Elmira,” said Chuck Dougherty, President & Co-CEO, Hardinge. “It also enables us to bring capabilities back to the US, which we are extremely proud to do.” The transition process has already begun and Hardinge expects to complete the start-up in Elmira during the first quarter of 2021. The product lines will be available through Hardinge’s distribution partners, Gosiger and Morris Group, Inc.

“Hardinge has been a key employer in the great state of New York for more than 89 years.  We continue this tradition and are also pleased to bring new manufacturing jobs back to the United States” said Ryan Levenson, Owner & Co-CEO, Hardinge and Managing Partner of Privet Fund Management LLC.  “Our strong local leadership and highly capable workforce form the foundation of our efforts to better support our customers by investing in our US machine manufacturing and innovation capabilities.” The Elmira plant also produces workholding products, Super-Precision CNC Lathes and the Bridgeport Knee Mills.”

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From Cieffe Thermal Systems, the largest furnace builder in Italy we have this press release about a large Chamber furnace line the company just shipped to a customer in Eastern Europe.

“17 Trucks Required to Deliver Cieffe’s New Chamber Line; “Cieffe Thermal Systems, a leader in the production of thermal systems for the heat treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, last week completed the delivery of an automatic chamber line for the bainitic and martensitic hardening of bearings. The line was shipped to an important player in the automotive and railway sector in Eastern Europe.  The system was shipped on 17 trucks and includes about 20 machines, divided between furnaces for the hardening treatment, washing machines, tanks for quenching in salt and endothermic gas generators. Commissioning is scheduled for spring of 2021.”

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​November 30th we started our nomination process for our semi-annual list of the 25 Most Influential People in the North American Heat Treating Industry and since that time we have received quite a number of suggestions, a few recent ones are included and it makes for interesting reading. Our final list will be published early in January 2021.  Remember that the individuals on this list are not chosen by us but by fellow heat treaters through your votes. Examples could include pioneers in new forms of heat treatment, the fellow at a major captive heat treater who decides which furnaces to buy, CEO’s of major furnace builders, large commercial heat treaters or consultants who advise on what equipment should be used. In addition, to make the list individuals must currently be active in the industry. Submit your vote today to Jordan Montgomery [email protected]

Mario Ciampini. Mergers & Acquisitions at Bodycote Plc. Vice President Strategic Projects. We would have been very surprised if Mario Ciampini of Bodycote didn’t make our list. As a past President of furnace builder Ipsen and now in charge of acquisitions for Bodycote, Mario has had a very definite effect on our industry.

Aymeric Goldsteinas, Product Development Manager, Ipsen, Rockford, IL. This is an interesting nomination and I have to say we agree that you don’t have to be a CEO to influence our industry; “I would like to nominate Aymeric Goldsteinas. Because there are interesting and influential people with a lot of technical knowledge, expertise and experience besides CEOs, Presidents and so on.”

Michael K. Klauck, President at Can-Eng Furnaces International. It brings joy to our hearts to see a fellow Canadian make this list. Mike Klauck has spent his life in the industry and as President of furnace builder Can-Eng he has had a very decided influence in the industry, especially when it comes to the use of mesh belt lines.

Chris Hall, President Accurate Steel Treating, Southgate, California. We have now had several people suggest a fellow we have always had a high opinion of, Mr. Chris Hall of Accurate Steel Treating. This is what one reader had to say; “Chris Hall of Accurate Steel Treating in California. Solid leader, Helped grow Bodycote in California and took Accurate Steel Treating to the next level.”

Ron Waligora, Senior Engineering Manager-AFC-Holcroft. Ron has spent 32 years with AFC-Holcroft, one of the largest furnace builders in North America. We have had the privilege of working with Ron for quite some time and can say he is a good man who knows his stuff.

December 10th we had a news item entitled “Byron Stewart, Vacuum Furnaces, China” which made for an interesting but rather brief read. As it turns out the photos attracted the attention of several readers in China who gave us some further details about the install-this is the summary;

What you are looking at is a company by the name of Liaoning Zhongwang Aluminum Co. Ltd., in Liaoyang City Liaoning which is part of the Zhongwang Group. This is a new and apparently quite impressive location which was formed in 2011. To add to the original story we can now say that that there are a total of 3 Ipsen furnaces and 6 furnaces built by Byron’s company HHZY of China. The Ipsen’s were built in Kleve, Germany in 2018. The total installation therefore consists of:

In the first photo below you see the new Ipsen furnaces, in the second photo you see the Ipsen furnaces at the end of the line. All in all quite a heat treat department.

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“Solar Atmospheres of Western PA (SAWPA) successfully achieves Nadcap AC7101/4 accreditation for their captive metallography laboratory and becomes an approved Boeing Process Source (D1-4426). The accreditation will allow SAWPA to test for microhardness, surface contamination, intergranular oxidation and grain size in accordance with various aerospace specifications including many Boeing process specifications. Furthermore, the accreditation will reduce Solar’s dependence on outside testing facilities and provide its customers with a single source supplier capable of meeting all testing needs internally. Along with the laboratory accreditation, SAWPA continued the 24-month merit status for Nadcap heat treating.”

Plant Metallurgist Greg Scheuring states, “This is a critical step for Solar Atmospheres of Western PA. We were missing out on a significant amount of production work and R&D projects because we were not qualified to certify test results to aerospace standards. Customers require a facility that can provide a one–stop shop.” Scheuring continues, “But this is really just the first phase of a broader goal. With Nadcap accreditation, SAWPA can seek out approval from specific Primes like Boeing, who consider Nadcap accreditation as a pre-requisite for their own internal qualification procedures. This accreditation will open up many new opportunities for SAWPA moving forward.”

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