“Famous” Vacuum Hardening Line Heading to Auction
While it is hard to describe a vacuum hardening line as famous, in this case the adjective certainly fits. Built by “ALD” in 2008 for “Caterpillar” this line was originally designed as an “R & D” project as it was able to offer a number of different processes;
“ALD Holcroft ModulTherm Fully Automated High-Production Vacuum Heat Treat Line, New 2008, Upgraded in 2020 with (3) New Vacuum Furnaces & Washer, New Owner Purchased in 2014. Maximum Temp: 2,300°F, Consisting of (4) Heat Treat Furnaces, Air Temper Furnace, (2) Washers, 20 Bar Nitrogen or Helium Quench with Reversible Air Flow, Oil Quench, Rail Mounted Charge Car Equipped with Heated Vacuum Chamber”.
After a relatively short trial period of time “CAT” abandoned the project and put the system up for auction at which point auto parts supplier “McGard” in Upstate, NY, USA purchased the line in a rather surprising move. We say surprising as “McGard” had been successfully processing their parts in a very cost efficient manner in a basic quench and temper line-why the company decided to change to a far more expensive processing method remains a mystery to most.
The project did not produce the expected results and subsequently the line was shut down before processing any significant production volumes. Since that time, it has languished on the used furnace market will little interest shown. We now have word that the line will be auctioned this fall with bidding already open.
“ALD” is a premier furnace builder, well respected around the world, however this system having originally been built as an “R & D” project is not a good fit for virtually any firms doing high volume production. Perhaps the auction will attract some attention, however after so many years on the used market we do not expect significant interest in the system.
