February 4/2026 “The Monty Heat Treat News” had a news item entitled “Massive “HIP” Explosion at USA Commercial Heat Treater”, we followed this story up with another related article entitled “Are Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) Accidents Common?”.
We now have updates on both stories, the first update looks at the explosion from the standpoint of a local family and includes photos of the building which housed the furnace after the explosion; “Canby Family Displaced After Industrial Explosion Damages Home”.
Our second story “Are Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) Accidents Common?” generated a number of responses adding information about prior “HIP” incidents with one individual telling us about another incident we were not familiar with.
“In June 2004 two employees at the Bodycote HIP Ltd. manufacturing plant in Hereford, UK died after argon gas leaked into their workplace. The gas displaced oxygen in a confined space, leading to asphyxiation. (Source; Process Engineering).
The victims we a works manager and a maintenance engineer. Both were found unconscious in a concrete-lined pit into which argon had leaked and later died in hospital. (Source LabourNet).
The oxygen alarm was switched off and the ventilation system was not running at the time, meaning the atmosphere became deadly without warning.” (Source Process Engineering).
In our story “Are Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) Accidents Common?”, we mentioned three previous incidents, one of which involved a “HIP” furnace exploding in an Andover, MA facility back in 1998-it was later determined that the explosion occurred due to a forging defect.
Stories such as these serve to emphasize the fact that heat treating can be dangerous if all rules and regulations are not followed. In these examples failure to follow “Confined Space” guidelines directly lead to several deaths over the years.
It sometimes appears that furnace builder “SECO/WARWICK” announces a new “CAB” (Controlled Atmosphere Brazing) order weekly. We exaggerate of course but here is another one;
“The SECO/WARWICK Group will deliver a continuous Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB) line to a Chinese manufacturer specializing in thermal solutions. This is the first project carried out for this Partner. The equipment will be used to braze a variety of components, ranging from cooling plates for data centers to parts for rail transport.
The CAB line on order featuring a 1000 mm (39.2 in) belt width, will consist of several key components. The CAB (Controlled Atmosphere Brazing) line with a 1000 mm belt includes a Dry-Off Oven for moisture removal and part preparation, a Radiation Brazing Furnace that performs brazing in a controlled atmosphere, a Clean-Out Chamber designed to eliminate process residues and stabilize internal conditions, an Air-Jacketed Cooling Chamber, and a Final Cooling Chamber which cools components to a safe temperature for further processing or transport. The entire system is complemented by an integrated control and process management system. The system will be equipped with a dedicated control system
The 3D Vapor Chamber is a three-dimensional heat spreader based on the liquid phase change phenomenon. This component is used, for example, to cool processors in data centers. Cold plates, in turn, are efficient heat exchangers that dissipate heat from electronic components using coolant that flows through a specially designed metal plate. They are primarily used for cooling traction batteries in electric vehicles (EVs).”
Ipsen U is a three-day program designed for vacuum furnace operators and maintenance personnel, focusing on equipment operation, performance and long-term reliability. “Ipsen U is an immersive experience, focusing on what it takes to build, use, and maintain vacuum heattreating equipment,” said John Dykstra, Ipsen’s Chief Service Officer. “Participants hear directly from the engineers, builders, and support technicians about the vacuum furnace, how it functions, how to operate the technology, and how to maintain the equipment for a lifetime of service.”
New for 2026, the program will include vacuum bell jar demonstrations and opportunities for attendees to participate in leak-testing exercises alongside Ipsen quality control staff. Participants will receive instruction on proper helium mass spectrometer setup and best practices for identifying and diagnosing common vacuum system leaks. The hands-on sessions are designed to connect classroom instruction with real-world scenarios involving pressure changes and system integrity.
“Our curriculum is always evolving to address the most current trends within our industry,” Dykstra said. “We continually take feedback from attendees and evolve what is taught and who teaches portions of the class to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.” Ipsen U sessions in 2026 are scheduled for:
• April 7–9
• June 16–18
• August 4–6
• October 6–8
• June 16–18
• August 4–6
• October 6–8
To learn more about Ipsen U, or to reserve a seat in an upcoming session, visit ipsenglobal.com/ipsenu.
Yesterday we had a news item about an explosion in a “HIP” furnace at a location in the USA “Massive “HIP” Explosion at USA Commercial Heat Treater”, this story prompted us to look into the history of any accidents in the “Hipping” industry.
“Wikipedia” describes the process thusly; “Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a manufacturing process used to reduce the porosity of metals and increase the density of many ceramic materials. This improves the materials’ mechanical properties and workability. HIP is also used to bond either metal powder or ceramic powder into shapes via powder metallurgy HIP, or PM-HIP.
The HIP process subjects a component to both elevated temperature and isostatic gas pressure within a high-pressure containment vessel, unlike cold isostatic pressing (CIP), where the component is kept at room temperature.[1] The pressurizing gas most widely used is argon. An inert gas is used so that the material does not chemically react. The choice of metal can minimize negative effects of chemical reactions. Nickel, stainless or mild steel, or other metals can be chosen depending on the desired redox conditions. The chamber is heated, causing the pressure inside the vessel to increase. Many systems use associated gas pumping to achieve the necessary pressure level. Pressure is applied to the material from all directions (hence the term “isostatic”).”
In layman’s terms we can say that the process is only used in high value applications such as aerospace and medical and that the cost of entry (ie; the initial cost of the equipment and the high maintenance costs) restrict the process to just a handful of companies. Chief among them are “Bodycote” followed by “Aalberts Surface Technologies”, “Pressure Technologies Inc.” and “Kittyhawk Inc.”, although there are certainly others.
It would appear that Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) accidents are rare but typically severe due to the extreme pressures (up to 30,000 psi) and temperatures (up to 2,000°C) involved. Reported incidents fall into two categories, suffocating due to inert gas leaks (ie; Argon) or vessel failure. The only reported incidents we have been able to find in North America include these three examples below, two of which involve suffocating with the third being a vessel failure;
In short it would appear that “HIP” accidents are far less common than other accidents in the heat treatment industry but they certainly have the potential of producing a far larger “bang” than other furnaces if something goes wrong.
“An explosion at a commercial building in Canby injured one employee and prompted officials to issue a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation order for the immediate area on Tuesday night, according to Canby Fire.
The explosion happened at 301 S. Redwood Street shortly after 3:30 p.m. The business there is Kittyhawk Products, which heat treats metal parts under high pressure.
Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale said one of the two tanks the company uses to do that exploded and blew the roof off the building.
He said there is a risk the other tank may explode as well, even though they do not expect that to happen. But the possibility of another explosion means fire officials will keep the evacuation order in place until at least 8 a.m. Wednesday because the second tank will take around 12 to 16 hours to cool. Dale said at that time, they will reevaluate the situation on whether they will lift the evacuation order.
Dale asked for the patience of the evacuated residents. The Red Cross will help those displaced. Three employees were working at the time of the explosion. Dale said one of the employees suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. The explosion heavily damaged the building and caused some damage to nearby buildings. He said no hazardous materials were released into the environment.
“All and all, minor injuries, no loss of life, property damage can be fixed. This is a very successful outcome for a very devastating situation,” Dale said. He said that everything worked as it should.”
Just last week “The Monty Heat Treat News” presented the 2026 list of the “15 Largest Captive Heat Treats-North America”. Included on the list were “Dauch Corp.”, (formerly American Axle & Manufacturing) in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico and “GKN Driveline”, Newton, North Carolina. Well as of yesterday, the two companies are now one, creating what is probably the largest captive heat treater in all of North America in terms of overall heat treat capacity.
“This is a defining and transformational time for both companies,” said David C. Dauch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By uniting the capabilities of both organizations under one brand, we’re creating a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry that is built to perform—one positioned to meet today’s demands and lead into the next era of propulsion.”
With the completion of the transaction, trading in Dowlais shares was suspended at 7:30 a.m. GMT on February 3, 2026. The Dowlais shares will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange effective as of February 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. GMT.
The combined company will operate under one unified brand: the Dauch Corporation. Dauch brings together two organizations with deep engineering roots, global manufacturing capability, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. To mark the completion of the acquisition, the company introduced its brand platform, Built to Perform, underscoring Dauch’s commitment to engineering excellence, operational discipline, and long-term value creation. This platform reflects not only the company’s heritage but the expectations of its global customers who rely on Dauch for consistency, reliability, quality and performance.”
This will make your day-the February 2026 Edition of “The Monty Heat Treat News”, for 30 years the largest heat treat industry news source in the world is now available! In this 95 page edition you will find these top stories and lots more;
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In a Heat Treat Industry Exclusive we present the “15 Largest Captive Heat Treats-North America”
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We report on the world’s Largest Commercial Heat Treater “Bodycote” Report-Recent Changes
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You think you have high energy costs? Energy Pricing Putting UK Heat Treater in Jeapordy
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Lets talk about vacuum furnace Hot Zones “The Monty” Talks Vacuum Furnaces & Hot Zones with “Max Stormo” of “Ipsen”
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Heat treating in Mexico Heat Treat Expansion Planned for Precision Metal Forming Company
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Europe/USA Co Operation USA & European Furnace Builders Enter Licensing Agreement
To compliment the latest news in the Global Heat Treatment Industry we have these recent “Quality Surplus Heat Treatment Items” additions;
- Item# T439 36″ X 72″ X 30″ Box Temper-1300F
- Item# M514 “Pangborn” “Rotoblast” Barrel System
- Item# M516 Surface Combustion 36 X 72 Charge Car
- Item# W401 Surface Combustion Washer 36 X 72 X 36
- Item# G224 Surface Combustion RX Generator 9000 CFH, 3 Bottle
- Item# L196 Struers Discotom-10 Automatic Saw
As always the entire team at “The Monty Heat Treat News” looks forward to your thoughts and comments. Sincerely Gord, Jordan & Dale Montgomery.
“The Monty Heat Treat News” is a division of “WG Montgomery Ltd.”, a family owned and operated business serving the global heat treatment industry since 1969. Phone; 705 259-3650 Gord Montgomery; [email protected] Jordan Montgomery; [email protected]
Based upon the lethargic pace of used furnace sales these days we would be surprised if the furnaces go for any more than scrap value but you never know.
“NPR of America Incorporated, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Nippon Piston Ring Company Limited, is closing its Grand Haven Township plant, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification posted to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity website. The plant will officially close in 2027, but most of the layoffs will happen by the end of 2025. NPR manufactures internal combustion engine parts. The company’s Grand Haven facility is one of two manufacturing plants in the U.S., the other located in Kentucky.”
“The AICHELIN Group has appointed Robert Sokoliński as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Nitrex Metal Sp. z o.o. (NTS) in Poland, a company of the AICHELIN Group since 2025, effective as of 1 January 2026. In his new role, Sokoliński is responsible for the overall management of the company as well as its strategic and operational development within the AICHELIN Group.
“With Robert Sokoliński, we bring in a leader with extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of industrial processes. He knows NITREX and its organization very well and is therefore ideally suited to further develop the company within the AICHELIN Group,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of the AICHELIN Group.
Robert Sokoliński has more than 20 years of international experience in manufacturing, quality management, and operational leadership. Since joining NITREX as Plant Manager in 2023, he has played a key role in strengthening operational performance and implementing strategic initiatives.
Prior to this, Sokoliński held various senior management positions in the automotive industry over many years. At TI Automotive, he held positions as Manufacturing Engineering Director Poland, Production Director, and Quality Manager. Further professional positions included Magneti Marelli Suspension Systems and Valeo Wiper Systems.
About Nitrex Metal Sp. z o.o.; Nitrex Metal Sp. z o.o., a company of the AICHELIN Group, is a specialist in the heat treatment industry, focusing on solutions for the thermochemical surface treatment of metal components. The company operates a site in Sosnowiec, Poland.
Recently we had a press release from “Grammer Vacuum Technologies” about a recent addition to the firm-Mr. Luke Glendening;
