For a number of years “The Monty” has offered a heat treat industry exclusive-a list of the 15 largest single location captive heat treaters in North America-this list can be found at https://themonty.com/articles/15-largest-captive-heat-treats-north-america/
This week Gord Montgomery of “The Monty” will be visiting Dana Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette, Indiana one of the largest single location captive heat treaters in North America which is ranked 3 on our list. Look forward to photos and a story about this very impressive facility.
“Number 3 Dana Fairfield Manufacturing, Lafayette, Indiana. Our 2023 list prompted a number of large manufacturers with substantial heat treatment departments to reach out to “The Monty” to see how they ranked on our list-one that reached out was Dana Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette, Indiana, USA https://www.fairfieldmfg.com/fairfield-experience-for-gears-and-drive-systems/ a supplier of custom gears and drive systems.
The heat treat department of this facility covers over 65,000 square feet (6,000 square meters) and in it we find 9 pusher lines, 2 nitriding systems, 2 large annealers, several pit carburizing systems, multiple batch IQ lines and a very substantial induction hardening footprint. Incidentally while this is a very impressive heat treat facility it represents only a fraction of the over 700 heat treating systems which Dana operates around the globe.”
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USA Based, premier Design/build manufacturer of Isostatic Presses is excited to announce the recent expansion of our Manufacturing Operations in Central Ohio. This expansion further increases our footprint, capacity and technological capabilities while building custom isostatic pressing systems Worldwide for over 30 years!
With this new expansion, we look forward to continuing meeting the unique demands of our diverse customer base, ensuring high-quality and comprehensive Isostatic Pressing solutions. As AIP, inc. continues to grow and expand our capabilities, our focus remains on leveraging our combined strengths to provide unparalleled service and support our customers’ growth and invest in our capacity to meet the complex demands of evolving manufacturing needs.
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In February of 2023 the firm placed an order with Ipsen, in Kleve, Germany for four VDR(N)-1714-E/AutoMag units (vacuum nitriders). The furnaces are fully automated with a newly designed loader and furnace concept as well as the use of roller conveyors.
Just last week the furnaces were inaugurated in a special ceremony and are now in production. It would appear that this was a very successful project.
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Now this is quite a story so please pay attention. Early this year it was announced that Commercial Steel Treating in Madison Heights, Michigan, USA was closing their doors (the original story is below). This 200,000 square foot facility housed everything from batch IQ lines to induction systems to three 4,000 pounds per hour mesh belt furnace lines. Quite a bit of the equipment is still available and going to auction, however the mesh belt lines sold reasonably quickly-here is the interesting part. First two of the lines were going to a Turkish fastener manufacturer setting up a new plant in Michigan with the third line going to Curtis Metal Finishing in the Chicago area. Then the story changed and the furnace lines were going to another fastener manufacturer in the US with the third line still going to Curtis Metal Finishing. Next up Curtis changed their minds and decided not to take the one line putting it back on the used market. It would now appear to be a done deal with two of the lines still going to a US fastener manufacturer with the third line now sold also.
We are assuming that this is now the end of the story. (The accompanying photo shows a typical 4,000 pound/hour Can Eng mesh belt line)
“MICHIGAN HEAT TREATER TO CLOSE, FEBRUARY 22, 2024It is the understanding of “The Monty Heat Treat News” that commercial heat treater Commercial Steel Treating in Madison, Heights, Michigan will be closing in the near future. The company has a long and distinguished history which we will try and summarize.
Commercial was founded by Ralph Hoensheid in 1927 making it what we believe is the oldest commercial heat treater in North America. At some point in time Commercial became part of Curtis Metal Finishing which has several locations including in the Chicago, IL area.
In 2023 Curtis was acquired by an Italian Company by the name of Primat Curtis with locations in Brazil, Europe and the US. What precipitated the decision to close the Madison Heights facility we can’t comment on but it is our understanding that this only effects this location.
At one point in time Commercial was a very substantial commercial heat treater with batch IQ furnaces, induction hardening and continuous furnaces, we believe only the continuous furnaces are still in operation. We will keep you posted on any updates which become available.”
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“A leading European automotive component supplier has successfully digitized its heat treatment operations with the implementation of the QMULUS digitalization platform from UPC-Marathon, A Nitrex Company. This strategic upgrade is set to significantly boost operational efficiency and performance, aligning with the stringent accuracy and precision requirements of the global automotive market.
Imagine trying to piece together a complex puzzle where each piece comes from a different set. This is often the reality in heat treat environments where data is scattered across various systems—sensors, controllers, machines, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, quality management software, and more. Each of these systems speaks its own language, making it nearly impossible to create a coherent picture of operations. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, errors, and delays that can cost companies time and money.
Previously, the manufacturer relied on multiple systems to manage its heat treatment operations. While functional, these legacy systems lacked remote control capabilities and required separate management for different furnaces. Recognizing the need for a unified, modern digitalization solution, the company transitioned to QMULUS to integrate and streamline all furnace operations.
The chosen solution, QMULUS Essential & Analytics with the add-on Operations app, provides a comprehensive suite of features, including advanced asset management, chart recording, remote control, recipe building, performance dashboards, and comprehensive operational analytics. QMULUS now oversees three nitriding furnaces and two carburizing belt furnaces, enhancing the management, utilization, efficiency, and overall performance of these five assets.
The integration of QMULUS has already begun transforming operations, leading to more responsive and streamlined processes. Production workers benefit from real-time data and alerts, enabling more accurate monitoring and process adjustments. Maintenance staff can leverage remote diagnostics and alert notifications for swift issue resolution and preventive maintenance, ultimately extending the equipment’s lifespan. Plant managers now have access to extensive performance dashboards and analytics, facilitating informed decision-making and optimized plant efficiency. Heads of heat treatment are utilizing detailed operational analytics and recipe management features to enhance the precision of heat treatment processes and ensure consistent product quality.
Attention Heat Treatment Professionals! 🌟 For decades, systems like the PROTHERM 9000 and 9800 have set the standard for plant automation and management. But now, the next evolution is here! QMULUS is transforming the future of heat treatment, and we’re thrilled to offer you a first look in our upcoming webinar Sep 26, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Join us to explore the advanced features of QMULUS and experience cutting-edge technology that’s driving the industry forward. Don’t miss this chance to see what’s next! Sign up today: https://hubs.la/Q02PQ9C00
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Furnace builder ECM of Grenoble, France is pretty happy to announce that they have completed installation of a Low Pressure Carburizing Line at Thermi Lyon in Marignier, France. Thermi Lyon is a family owned commercial heat treater and one of the largest in France;
“We are very pleased to have been able to collaborate with Groupe Thermilyon at their “Trempelec” site for the integration of their new vacuum heat treatment line. ⚡
“Groupe Thermilyon” is a French group, service provider and expert in heat treatment and vacuum coating. This new automated line consists of cells for low-pressure carburizing as well as gas quenching cells and oil quenching cells. This investment demonstrates their desire to improve their industrial facilities by guaranteeing their end customers a gain in machining, metallurgical quality and consequently in unit cost.
This all-electric vacuum heat treatment line is an additional way for the Groupe Thermilyon – Traitement thermique to guarantee clean production for their customer while reducing their own energy consumption.”
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BMI Fours based in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier is one of the largest vacuum furnace builders in Europe. The company has just announced that they are installing a Model VSE84T bottom load vacuum furnace for a customer in Spain. While few details are available at this point we do understand that the end customer is a captive heat treater in the Bilbao, Spain area. We will provide more details when we can.
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The SECO/WARWICK Group’s solutions are characterized by innovation and reliability. They are distinguished by modern control systems and precise charge-feeding systems. Vector® is the most versatile single-chamber vacuum furnace operating in over 70 countries, heat treating millions of components meeting the highest standards every day. Vector vacuum furnaces provide a very wide range of processes, and the compact, modular design allows the furnace to be adapted to specific needs. That is why they are one of the most frequently ordered vacuum furnaces for metal heat treatment, not only in Asia, but around the world.
The Vector furnace family guarantees the high quality of processed parts and surface protection. Thanks to the uniformity of temperature, work results are very repeatable. It is an ideal solution used in production requiring precision results. At the same time, it is a furnace characterized by low energy and process gas consumption. The solution’s low rate of emissions translates into environmental friendliness, which aligns with the company’s philosophy – SECO/ECO.
“Huake Casting Control Technology has become our customer as the result of the SECO/WARWICK Group’s increasing reputation in Asia. On the Chinese market, long-term relationships with customers are an important value. We want to provide partners with solutions which will allow them to grow and achieve their intended goals related to production, quality and profitability,” says Liu Yedong, Managing Director of SECO/WARWICK China. The SECO/WARWICK’s Chinese branch can now produce 20 CAB lines, 8-10 VAC vacuum furnaces and 2-3 VME furnaces per year. SECO/WARWICK doubled the area of the manufacturing facilities in China last year. Today both production plants in China offer 10,000 m2 of production space.”
FNA 2024 will take place from October 14-16 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Tom Morrison, FNA Show Producer, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s growth: “With technology evolving at such a rapid pace, both commercial and captive heat treaters are finding immense value in attending FNA 2024. It’s a unique opportunity for them to connect with over 160 top suppliers, covering every facet of thermal processing, all in one place. It’s an incredibly efficient use of their time.”
Suppliers have highlighted the unparalleled benefits of FNA 2024, stating, “There’s no other event where buyers, heat-treating professionals, metallurgists, and engineers can see, experience, and learn about the latest advancements in technology, services, and processes. These innovations are crucial for improving productivity, throughput, and quality. In the face of a labor shortage, FNA 2024 will demonstrate how AI and emerging technologies can automate many aspects of plant operations.”
FNA 2024 will feature 35 technical sessions across 10 specialized tracks, bringing together industry experts to explore cutting-edge developments in areas such as equipment maintenance, digital transformation, pyrometry, operational efficiency, quality control, audit compliance, and energy management.
With demographic data predicting that labor shortages will persist over the next decade, it’s crucial for companies to attend FNA 2024 and discover innovative solutions for maximizing automation, efficiency, and productivity.
For more details and to register, visit www.FurnacesNorthAmerica.com. Use the following coupon codes for exclusive savings:
· EXPOFREE: Free entry to the trade show ($25 savings)
· 50OFF: $50 off a full conference pass, which includes the opening night reception, access to all 35 technical sessions, and the trade show
Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead of the curve in the heat-treating industry! Miss FNA 2024 and miss the future.
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