Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH based in Dülmen, Germany is a manufacturer of “high end” gear and drive systems and a company which believes in keeping all parts of the manufacturing process in house from gear blank to a finished gearbox. This includes heat treating which brings us to this news item.
Traditionally the company has heat treated their products in “standard” atmosphere furnaces, however it would appear that this is changing and the company recently added a Low Pressure Vacuum Carburizing system provided by IHI Machinery & Furnace Company. For many of you, especially North Americans the IHI name is probably a new one which deserves some more details. IHI is a Japanese furnace builder who has systems in Europe and many parts of the world with the exception of North America-as far as we know the firm has no installs in North America and does not appear to be actively marketing their products here.
The system (which is shown in this photo) is a fully automated “lights out” installation with 4 carburizing cells.
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
For many years “The Monty Heat Treat News” has been publishing an industry exclusive- a list of the “50 Largest Commercial Heat Treaters in North America” . And for a number of years included on that list has been Parker Trutec which led to a visit by Gord and Jordan Montgomery of “The Monty” last week at Parkers’ Corporate office in Springfield, Ohio, USA.
Our host for the tour was Mr. Shannon Ricciardo, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the company. Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge to the position having worked on the production side of the of the business for over 20 years before moving into a sales role. Shannon shared with us the history of the company, information about their various North American locations and a very in depth plant tour-this is what we learned;
In 1928 parent company Nihon Parkerizing was established in Tokyo, Japan, this eventually resulted in Nihon Parkerizing establishing “Trutec, Inc.” in Urbana, Ohio, a facility which exists to this day and which offers surface treatment. This investment in turn resulted in Nihon Parkerizing setting up their first North American heat treat facility under the name “Trutec, Inc.” located in Springfield, Ohio. In 2003 the name was changed to “Parker Trutec, Inc.”, and through an acquisition the company added plants in Arkansas, and Tennessee.
The end result is that “Parker Trutec” now has 6 locations throughout North America including Springfield, Ohio, Urbana, Ohio, Sevierville, Tennessee, Kodak Tennessee and Paragould, Arkansas. Under the Nihon Parkerizing group company Parker Trutec Mexicana are locations in Irapuato, Mexico and Aguascalientes, Mexico.
To some extent each facility has some of the same capabilities as the other plants but this is certainly not universal. For instance, Gas Carburizing, Gas Soft Nitriding, Carbonitriding and neutral hardening are exclusive to the Springfield and Mexico locations while Ferritic Nitrocarburizing and Isonite QPQ are offered in Springfield, Ohio, Sevierville, Tennessee, Paragould, Arkansas and Mexico.
It is certainly no surprise that “Parker Trutec’s” core business is centered on the automotive industry but it would be incorrect to assume that it largely serves Japanese automakers. In actual fact only 60% of their business is for Japanese firms with the remainder for North American and European companies.
Our visit to the Springfield plant revealed almost exactly what we expected to see, a large, clean, modern facility much larger than the average commercial heat treat which is borne out by the fact that it has over 150 employees. In terms of equipment this is what we saw;
Salt Bath Nitriding Furnaces (FNC) processing our Isonite process to AMS 2755 (High Cyanide Salt).
Salt Bath Nitriding Furnaces (FNC) processing our Isonite QPQ process to AMS 2753 (Low Cyanide Salt).
Salt Bath Nitriding Furnaces (FNC) processing our Isonite LiFe process.
Gas Ferritic Carburizing Furnaces (FNC) processing to AMS 2757.
Batch Carburizing with Dowa, Surface Combustion and AFC-Holcroft Furnaces.
Vacuum Degreasing Systems for pre- and post-carburizing.
Hanging and barrel shotblasters.
Vibratory polishing equipment.
And does Parker Trutec deserve to be on our list of the 50 Largest Commercial Heat Treaters in North America? With heat treat sales of roughly $45 million USD and total sales of approximately $56 million USD the answer is an unqualified YES.
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
The “Top 3” most popular news items for the week starting October 4th included these 3. Results are based upon visits to “The Monty Heat Treat News” and social media-it should come as no surprise that news about last week’s “Furnaces North America” exhibition dominated the news and that a shooting in the heat treat industry also proved to be very well read.
“FARMINGTON HILLS — A workplace dispute boiled over into violence Tuesday morning, Farmington Hills police said, with one person hospitalized after a shooting in a factory parking lot. Police were still at the scene of a shooting at Specialty Steel Treating Inc., 31610 Eight Mile Road, Tuesday afternoon where one man suffered critical injuries. Police did not say whether the person responsible for the shooting had been arrested. Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said a weapon has been seized and the involved parties have been identified. “At this time, there is no danger to the public,” King said in a release. “I want to commend the speed and efficiency of our officers’ response, in containing and stabilizing this dangerous scene and ensuring the safety of our community.”
The preliminary investigation revealed that the incident resulted from an ongoing workplace dispute between two employees, police said. Officers were dispatched to Specialty Steel Treating at about 8:05 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a man who said he had shot someone in the parking lot. Officers interviewed several individuals involved in the incident, police said, including the subject who admitted to being involved in a shooting. A second individual was also identified after arriving at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. That person is receiving medical treatment for his wound and was listed in critical but stable condition. Specialty Steel Treating performs “precision steel heat treatment” for aerospace, automotive, industrial bearing, heavy equipment and tool and die uses, the company’s website said. The company has two plants in Fraser, one in Farmington Hills and another in East Granby, Connecticut.”
“Furnaces North America (FNA)-The Conclusion”; With the “Furnaces North America” (FNA) show now concluded we have reached the end of major heat treat exhibitions for 2024 which for many industry suppliers brings a sigh of relief. FNA was a top-notch show and the general consensus by visitors and exhibitors was that it was well worthwhile and “The Monty Heat Treat News “would certainly concur, however there was a certain element of uncertainty amongst visitors and exhibitors due to prevailing business conditions.
At the HK24 Heat Treat exhibition in Germany this past week it was very clear that most German commercial heat treaters were down 20-40% depending upon their market segment with captive heat treaters following suit. We did not expect to see the same industry drop in North America, however it quickly became apparent at the show that while North America is not seeing the same declines as the German market, the industry on “this side of the pond” is slowing also. Speaking with suppliers, in-house and commercial heat treaters it is obvious that the heat treatment industry is “stagnant” at best with little change up or down. You can never predict the future but for what it is worth “The Monty” team expects that the North American heat treat industry will experience some slow down but not a dramatic one (but don’t bet the bank on it).
“Agricultural Firm Invests in Heat Treatment Department”; Located in Perry, Iowa, USA, Osmundson Mfg., is a fifth generation supplier of “ground engaging wear parts”, parts destined entirely for the agricultural industry. The firm recently made a major investment in their in-house heat treating department by buying 7 mesh belt heat treat lines from McLaughlin Furnace Group of Avilla, Indiana, USA. The furnaces are each 48″ wide X 40′ long, direct fired, 1650F with a water quench.
About Osmundson Mfg; Osmundson Mfg., is a 5th generation supplier of “ground engaging wear products” formed over 120 years ago by the grandfather of the current President and CEO of the company Ms. Heather Bruce. With 75 employees the company is very proud of the fact that that everything they produce is 100% made in the USA.
“Another vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK will technologically strengthen Polish commercial heat treater – HART-TECH. The Group already has over 10 SECO/WARWICK brand solutions, and the current contract related to the order of the Vectorvacuum furnace will provide this Partner with the ability to implement their proprietary vacuum, which has not been previously offered commercially in Poland. The proprietary process will be implemented thanks to Acetylene (LPC), Ammonia (LPCN) and a very efficient gas hardening system (25 bar).
The Vector vacuum furnace on order is equipped with a working space of 900x900x1200 mm that will allow for the heat treatment of a very large range of steel types, with the ability to implement a wide range of processes from hardening through vacuum carburizing and carbonitriding. The furnace will efficiently heat treat large packages of research, test and production elements. The main purpose of the solution will be to work on the implementation of vacuum carbonitriding technology services that HART-TECH can now offer to a wide range of customers.
The characteristic features of this design includes a round heating chamber with very good temperature uniformity +/-5oC, convection heating – a system improving the heat transfer efficiency during heating at lower temperatures and a very efficient cooling system based on a fan controlled by an inverter ensuring maximum hardening pressure of up to 25 bar abs.
The Vector for the HART-TECH commercial heat treating plant has been expanded with a gas system equipped with two acetylene mass valves, a hydrogen mass valve and an ammonia mass valve. Thanks to the expanded gas cabinet, the furnace can use three gases for various technologies: acetylene, hydrogen and ammonia.
“This solution will help us to put into action a project concerning the implementation of vacuum carbonitriding technology at the HART-TECH plant with our customers in mind. We want to implement the low-pressure carbonitriding process and be able to use it in mass production. By expanding the machine park with a new vacuum furnace, we will also significantly shorten the waiting times for heat treatment for our current and future customers. The large workspace will significantly increase our capabilities for processing elements hardened in gas. Thus, we will be able to gradually switch from hardening elements in oil to hardening in gas, which is more efficient, cleaner and ensures smaller deformations.” – says Dr. Eng. Robert Pietrasik, President of HART-TECH.”
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
From Europe we have this news item about Nitrex selling a furnace to a Polish university to expand their R & D knowledge in heat treatment’
“Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Politechnika Wrocławska, WUST) of Poland is marking a new chapter in its commitment to innovation and excellence in materials science. The university is making strides in metallurgical research and industrial collaborations with its new Nitrex horizontal nitriding system, featuring Nitreg® and Nitreg®-S technologies.
WUST has strategically invested in a Nitrex model NXH-669 furnace to expand its R&D knowledge and expertise in heat treatment and materials testing. This investment supports the university’s research goals and strengthens its collaborations with manufacturing industries in the area. The manufacturing sector is a significant part of Poland’s economy. The country is the 16th largest manufacturer in the world, accounting for 1% of global manufacturing output, playing a crucial role in the European manufacturing landscape. Currently, the university is engaged in testing forging dies for the automotive industry, aiming to enhance die durability and performance.
The newly acquired Nitrex system is equipped with Nitreg® controlled nitriding technology for optimizing surface hardness, and Nitreg®-S technology for nitriding stainless steel. This solution enables WUST to conduct next-level materials research and leverage new technological and scientific capabilities to support industrial projects, optimizing heat treatment processes and enhancing the surface properties of metal parts. Furthermore, the furnace meets the stringent AMS 2759/10 standard for nitriding steel and AMS 2750 standard for temperature uniformity. These standards ensure precise and reliable performance of every process and load, meeting industry requirements for quality and consistency.
WUST researchers can now explore new possibilities in material and application development, process optimization, and sustainable practices, enhancing the university’s ability to offer specialized testing, analysis, and consulting services to its industrial partners. By facilitating technology transfer and real-world application of academic research, the university reinforces its role as a vital link between education and industry, fostering strategic collaborations that contribute to the technological progress and efficiency of Poland’s manufacturing sector.
Marcin Stoklosa, Technical Sales Manager – EMEA region at Nitrex, shared, “While Nitrex primarily serves businesses in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, our partnership with WUST underscores our commitment to advancing academic research and fostering innovations that directly benefit practical applications and advance metallurgical science globally. I take pride in knowing that our collaboration strengthens education in Poland and raises industry standards worldwide. I look forward to seeing WUST’s continued leadership in metallurgical research and its impact on both academia and industry.””
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
Simpson Strong Tie, is a global supplier of fastening systems for the building industry-this is how they describe themselves; “Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956.”
Back in late 2023 the company announced a major investment at a facility in Tennessee, USA and it appears that this includes a new, in-house heat treatment facility. “The Monty” has been led to believe that this will include two brand new batch IQ lines and 2 mesh belt furnace lines with the orders placed recently. If this is true it would mean that production in the heat treat department would commence roughly 1 year from now.
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
“The modernization of Ipsen’s VHFC high-vacuum furnaces for Siemens AG is not only a technical success, but also a milestone in our joint mission to promote sustainability and efficiency. In this specific application, we are supporting the strategic expansion of the energy infrastructure, including renewable energies.
Medium and high-voltage grids are being expanded internationally as part of the energy transition in order to be able to transmit and distribute the energy required for electrification.
This project involved three new high vacuum brazing systems, Model VHFC-1000x1200x1000 (HV) for two production sites, one in Goa, India and one in Wuxi, China.” According to this press release all systems will be “Made in Germany”.
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
With the “Furnaces North America”(FNA) show now concluded we have reached the end of major heat treat exhibitions for 2024 which for many industry suppliers brings a sigh of relief.
FNA was a top-notch show and the general consensus by visitors and exhibitors was that it was well worthwhile and “The Monty Heat Treat News “would certainly concur, however there was a certain element of uncertainty amongst visitors and exhibitors due to prevailing business conditions.
At the HK24 Heat Treat exhibition in Germany this past week it was very clear that most German commercial heat treaters were down 20-40% depending upon their market segment with captive heat treaters following suit.
We did not expect to see the same industry drop in North America, however it quickly became apparent at the show that while North America is not seeing the same declines as the German market, the industry on “this side of the pond” is slowing also. Speaking with suppliers, in-house and commercial heat treaters it is obvious that the heat treatment industry is “stagnant” at best with little change up or down.
You can never predict the future but for what it is worth “The Monty” team expects that the North American heat treat industry will experience some slow down but not a dramatic one (but don’t bet the bank on it).
Our final pictures from the show:
Ipsen; As the largest North American furnace builder Ipsen always has a strong presence at all North American Heat Treat shows-this year was no different
Vac Aero; Patrick Arcichowski & Gary Younger Part of the Vac-Aero International Team
Andreas Dappa, IVA Schmetz, Pacal Jousselin, BMI, Jordan Montgomery
Nitrex; Just part of the Nitrex/UPC Team
“Shinning Metals”; Gord Montgomery, Evan Kong, Jordan Montgomery
“Nitrex Heat Treating Services, based in Montreal, Canada, has announced the appointment of Daniel Sonnenberg to the role of Business Development Lead for North America.
In his role, Sonnenberg will focus on identifying and cultivating relationships with potential customers who seek immediate results and lasting solutions for their commercial heat-treating needs. His goal is to foster trust and drive growth by building enduring partnerships that deliver sustained value over time.
“Daniel’s expertise in sales and business development, combined with his valuable experience with heat-treat equipment and his natural ambition, positions him perfectly to make a real impact on our sales team,” stated Steven Summer, Director of Sales North America. “I truly believe his ability to build strong, long-term customer relationships will be instrumental in attracting new business opportunities and advancing our North American heat-treating services to the next level.”
Sonnenberg added, “What excites me most about joining Nitrex is the opportunity to research, build trust, and create lasting partnerships. I’m driven by the belief that clear communication and a long-term vision are essential in guiding our customers down the right path to success. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and contribute to Nitrex’s growth while helping our customers achieve their goals.”
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
At the “Furnaces North America” (FNA) heat treat exhibition in Columbus, Ohio, USA earlier this week we learned lots of things including that Mr. Steve Thompson, President of Super Systems Inc., (SSi) of Cincinatti, Ohio, USA is really, really excited these days about a new product called “SuperGen” which the company has just introduced. Granted Steve gets excited about a lot of things but this product appears to be very near and dear to his heart. The new product offering is a new and improved system for controlling Endothermic generators and one which will allow for tighter atmosphere control and a greater turn down ratio on generators amongst other advantages. In this photo we see a “beaming” Steve along with Mr. Chris Davidson of SSi.
Did you like this article? Click here to subscribe to The Monty.
