“Nitrex Vacuum recently shipped a new large vertical vacuum furnace to a major engine MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) shop/repair company in South America. The customer repairs jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. The vacuum system was ordered to expand production capacity, modernize the company’s plant, and meet quality standards and accreditations. The customer ordered the furnace from Nitrex’s GM Enterprises division, which was acquired by Nitrex in 2020 and now operates under the Nitrex Vacuum Furnaces name. COVID delayed delivery of a number of systems in the aerospace sector and Nitrex is happy to see the industry beginning a strong rebound.

“Shipment of this furnace system, after a number of COVID-related delays, was a milestone for Nitrex,” comments Mark Hemsath, Vice President of Sales and acting General Manager, Nitrex Heat Treating Services, Americas. “It was an interesting project that was affected by the pandemic. We are excited to continue to collaborate with and support our many aerospace customers as the industry rebounds to pre-pandemic strength.”

About the Vertical Vacuum Furnace: The vertical vacuum furnace (VVF series) is designed for vertical bottom-loading applications, and is ideal for processing high-stacked loads, as well as larger and taller workpieces like aircraft engine components. The VVF measures 84″ (diameter) x 84″ (height) (2,134 mm x 2,134 mm), possesses a 6,000-lb maximum capacity (2,727 kg), and operates at temperatures ranging from 1,000 °F to 2,500 °F (540 °C – 1,371 °C). It uses a circular hot zone with 360° gas cooling nozzles that ensure even gas distribution for optimal cooling. For heavy and large cross-section parts, an optional bottom cooling system helps to direct gas over the area for fast and more uniform cooling. The present customer will use the furnace to treat many aerospace components, including annealing and stress relief processes.

About the Customer: The customer is associated with a major international provider of small and large commercial and military jet engines, components, and integrated systems.

About Nitrex: Nitrex (www.nitrex.com) is the only fully integrated global provider in the surface and heat  treatment market. The company was founded in 1984 in Montreal, Canada, and operates three business units – Nitrex Turnkey Systems (NTS), with turnkey nitriding, nitrocarburizing, and vacuum furnace systems; Heat Treating Services (HTS), a worldwide network of commercial heat-treating service centers; and UPC-Marathon, a leading provider of controls upgrade and automation solutions for the heat treating and combustion industries.

With more than 450 employees and a market presence in over 55 countries, Nitrex serves its customers globally from 14 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Italy, France, China, Japan, and through a global network of representatives and licensees. Over the past 37 years, the company’s ability to diversify its product and business portfolios as well as unlocking employee potential has made it one of the best-known players in the heat treatment market.”

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