Solar Atmospheres in Souderton, PA, has commissioned two additional 2-bar vacuum furnaces, expanding its capabilities to meet demand in the aerospace and industrial gas turbine sectors. The equipment will allow the company to specialize in hydride/de-hydride processing of titanium, tantalum and niobium.
Mike Moyer Vice President of Sales Solar Atmospheres Souderton
These vacuum furnaces, produced by the heat treater’s sister company, Solar Manufacturing, feature large working hot zones (45” x 45” x 72”) and are rated for operations up to 2400°F with a precise temperature uniformity of ±10°F.
“We’re thrilled to add these advanced furnaces to Solar Souderton’s lineup,” said Mike Moyer, vice president of sales, at Solar Atmospheres. “Equipped with Solar Manufacturing’s latest control systems, they ensure efficient, safe operation — meeting our customers’ needs for competitive pricing and fast delivery. This installation reinforces our commitment to consistently high-quality service.”
More Solar Atmospheres News…
Robert Hill, FASM President Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
Solar Atmospheres of Michigan, Inc., announced the completion of its 20,000 square-foot facility expansion, marked by the official receipt of an occupancy permit from Chesterfield Township.
“Next week, we’ll begin the process of moving our Shipping and Receiving Department, along with other essential ancillary equipment, into the newly completed adjoining building,” said Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Michigan. “This expansion is a vital step forward, enabling us to optimize workflow, boost production capacity, and further improve the quality of our vacuum heat treating services for our valued clients.”
The expanded facility will allow Solar Atmospheres of Michigan to streamline operations and meet growing customer demands from various industries.
The press releases are available in their original forms here and here.
Retech, which provides advanced technologies for melting and refining reactive and refractory metals, has acquired ReMelt Scientific, broadening the capabilities for the vacuum and aluminum melting divisions of the SECO/WARWICK company. The two companies have been working alongside one another for decades on a less formal basis offering consulting, collaborating and subcontracting services. This acquisition formalizes that partnership.
Earl Good Managing Director Retech
ReMelt Scientific, based in Canton, Ohio, specializes in material handling and waste processing equipment for ultra-pure remelt of recycled tailings, scrap, and revert. This acquisition brings an advanced technology experience under one umbrella for clients of Retech’s innovative vacuum metallurgy solutions.
“I think ReMelt is a valuable acquisition and it seems to fit well with the Retech portfolio and the SECO/WARWICK Group business overall,” said Earl Good, managing director of Retech.
Sławomir Woźniak President & CEO SECO/WARWICK Group
The acquisition will allow the SECO subsidiary to offer more comprehensive solutions in the vacuum metallurgy segment. Vacuum metallurgy, which involves the melting and refining of metals in a controlled atmosphere, is critical for producing high-purity metals and alloys used in various high-tech applications. Aluminum melting is a complex process that requires precise control and advanced technology to ensure the production of high-quality aluminum products. ReMelt’s knowledge in aluminum waste processing and material handling will enable its new parent company to offer state-of-the-art aluminum melting solutions that meet the industry’s stringent demands.
“While ReMelt will join the Retech division, they really are an asset to the whole Group and our worldwide operations as a whole”, said Sławomir Woźniak, CEO of SECO/WARWICK Group.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 18 news items.
Equipment
Blue M, a global industrial and laboratory ovens manufacturer, has announced the shipment of a stacked mechanical convection oven to be used for non-hazardous curing applications between 570°F and 750°F (300°C and 400°C).
Hammerer Aluminum Industries (HAI) has implemented a Nitrex nitriding system at its facility in Romania, replacing the traditional salt bath nitriding process. The new system has a load capacity of 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg), is designed specifically for treating extrusion dies, and offers controlled nitriding and controlled ferritic nitrocarburizing.
SECO/WARWICK recently completed three transactions: a European manufacturer of modern armament equipment and armaments supplier for NATO acquired a vacuum furnace with gas cooling and a molybdenum heat chamber; a Slovenian manufacturer ordered a vacuum furnace with 15 bar high pressure gas hardening and two nitriding furnaces; and a Turkish company purchased an induction vacuum furnace for melting and obtaining castings designed for manufacturing aviation components.
Blue M’s stacked mechanical convection oven for non-hazardous curing applicationsNitrex nitriding system to replace salt bath nitriding systemVacuum furnace and two nitriding furnaces sent to Slovenian clientSECO Vector vacuum furnace delivered to NATO member
Company & Personnel
Industry veteran Mark Stein was recently added to the Nitrex team as regional sales manager for Michigan territory. In his role, Mark will lead sales initiatives across Michigan, working directly with current and prospective clients to enhance service, optimize growth strategies, and ensure market demands are met.
To mark 175 years of innovation in specialty chemicals and distribution, Hubbard-Hall recently unveiled a new logo and a completely redesigned website. The updates reflect the company’s rich history and ongoing evolution, noting its founding year of 1849.
Bluestreak Compliance, a quality management (QMS) and manufacturing execution system (MES), has hired Rory Godsell as its new Cybersecurity Compliance Specialist to assist clients and their vendors in achieving compliance of NIST 800-171, CMMC and DFARS. He brings expertise in cybersecurity, penetration testing, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cyber operations, and project management, to the company’s mission of advancing CMMC certification services.
Steelhead Technologies, which delivers ERP, MES, and CRM solutions designed to transform job shop manufacturing, recently announced the successful completion of a $12.5M Series B funding round. This brings the company’s total funding to $23 million.
Ipsen USA announced the promotion of two team members to new roles in 2025. Matt Clinite has been promoted to Ipsen USA Sales Director, and Christina Connelly has been promoted to Director of Ipsen Customer Service (ICS) – Parts.
Mark Stein Regional Sales Manager for Michigan Territory NitrexScreenshot of Hubbard-Hall’s new websiteRory Godsell Cybersecurity Compliance Specialist Bluestreak Compliance $12.5M in funding for Steelhead Technologies Matt Clinite Sales Director Ipsen USAChristina Connelly Director of Customer Service (ICS) – Parts Ipsen USA
Kudos
Kanthal, a leader in industrial heating technology, has won the prestigious industry award “E-prize” in the category Energy Optimization for its technology that helps companies and industries transform to a fossil-free production. The award is organized by Sweden’s largest business newspaper, Dagens Industri, and the newspaper, Aktuell Hållbarhet, together with the energy group E.ON.
Aalberts surface technologies honored Olga Kovalenko, Patric Keune and Metin Önal for 25 years of commitment in Solingen. Presenting the certificates were Guido Heijnen, sales director, and plant manager Miguel Rodrigues.
TAV VACUUM FURNACES was recently awarded the title of “Best Performer Enterprise 2024 in the Province of Bergamo.” This prestigious award is reserved for the top 1000 companies in the province.
StandardAero was selected by US-Bangla Airlines, a leading Bangladeshi carrier, to provide OEM-authorized PW127M Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services. In addition, the company has been chosen by Brazilian Air Force to support PT6A-68C engines powering its A-29 Super Tucano Fleet, it has secured Indian DGCA Approval for its OEM-authorized PW127M Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services, and it has received CAAC Approval for Its LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B Engine MRO Services, enabling it to support A320neo and B737 MAX operators across China.
HeatTek, a leader in manufacturing ovens and washers, recently celebrated the company’s 25th anniversary, noting its numerous achievements since 1999, including industry accolades, editorial recognition, as well as awards identifying its positive culture as an employer. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone,” says Jason Plowman, president and 2nd generation owner of HeatTek. “The success we’ve achieved over the past 25 years is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of our partners. We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and growth in the years to come.”
Ron Waligora, chief operating officer for AFC-Holcroft, recently announced his retirement date of May 4, 2025. Throughout his 36 years with the company, he moved through the engineering disciplines and eventually into a management role as mechanical engineering manager and later senior engineer manager in 2015. In the spring of 2023, Ron Waligora and Tracy Dougherty assumed the roles of chief operating officers. Upon the announcement of Ron’s retirement, Tracy assumed the role of president and CEO on January 1, 2025.
Aalberts surface technologies is proud to announce they have received the EcoVadis Bronze Medal. The sustainability rating reviews a company’s management of economic, environmental, and social performance, covering different industries, locations, and company sizes contributing to business sustainability on a global scale, and is based on a “best-in-class” approach, assessing whether a company reaches the best possible level for their business activity.
The Divergent team was recently granted the Nadcap12-month Accreditation for the Additive Manufacturing (AM) scope.
Solar AtmospheresGreenville, SC facility announced it has been awarded Parker Aerospace approval.
Brad Stallsmith recently marked his retirement after 43 years of dedicated service at Peters’ Heat Treating. His journey has included starting the Blade Division, mentoring new team members and ensuring high standards in processing.
Nicolai Schaaf, Sustainability Manager at Kanthal, with E-prizeMiguel Rodrigues, Metin Önal, Olga Kovalenko, Patric Keune, and Guido Heijnen, of Aalberts surface technologiesTAV board member Gerolamo Soliveri on the company’s recognition
Jason Plowman President/Owner HeatTekRon Waligora, retiring COO, AFC-HolcroftBrad Stallsmith, retiring after 43 years, Peters’ Heat Treating
Today’s News from Abroad installment highlights a new year ringing in acquisitions, partnerships and mergers resulting in increased production and expanded facilities. Read more about a heat treater developing capabilities for the advancement of vacuum heat treatment technologies, an international refractory manufacturer launching innovative operations, and a modernization project aiming to double annual production capacity.
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat-processing. a Vulkan-Verlag GmbHa publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
Chinese Heat Treater Signs Agreement with ECM Technologies
M. Pelissier (left) of ECM Group & Mr. Wu (right) of Chun Yu Heat Treatment
“ECM Technologies, a subsidiary of the ECM Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese heat treater Chun Yu, to open a Synergy Center in Shanghai. Shanghai Chun Yu Metal Heat Treatment, known as CYHT, is a customer of ECM Technologies. Geared with 3 different LPC systems from ECM Technologies, both companies agreed to cooperate on process development. CYHT is becoming the first demonstration center for ECM Technologies in China. This bilateral agreement will enable both parties to develop their activities in China around vacuum heat treatment technologies.”
RATH Mönchengladbach Opens Production Plant in Germany
International refractory manufacturer RATH opens new production plant
“The international refractory manufacturer RATH has been developing continuous oxide ceramic fibers as part of the HORIZON EUROPE project InVECOF (Innovative Value Chains for European Ceramic Oxide Fibers) for several years. A production plant for the manufacture of innovative oxide ceramic fibers has now been commissioned at the RATH Mönchengladbach site (Germany). In mid-October 2024, the company officially launched production of the ALTRA FLEX® oxide ceramic continuous fibers in K99 and M75 qualities, making it the first European supplier to offer a solution for composite material manufacturers and manufacturers and processors of heat-resistant fabrics. The new production facility will initially produce up to 10 tons of fibers per year.”
Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield Partners with Primetals Technologies
Marcegaglia to equip all the production units of the minimill meltshop in Sheffield with automation systems from Primetals Technologies
“UK-based Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield has partnered with Primetals Technologies to optimize production processes at its processes at its Sheffield minimill. The modernization project aims to double the plant’s annual production capacity from annual production capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 tonnes. Several intralogistics systems, process optimization solutions, technology packages and intelligent sensor systems will be installed in all production units of the in all production units of the melt shop, scrap yard and ladle tracking system.”
The ECM Group, a provider of solutions and services for industrial heat treatment companies with a subsidiary based in North America, recently acquired Vacuum Service & Maintenance (Vacuum SM), an Italian company which specializes in the maintenance of industrial furnaces for vacuum heat treatment. This acquisition will enable the company to consolidate its European presence and improve its responsiveness by being closer to its client base.
Vacuum SM anticipates the benefit of support from ECM Group while keeping its independence under the management of Roberto Bartoli, Andrea Cantarini, and Lorenzo Tirloni. The company will begin training on the products of ECM Technologies, the Grenoble-based Group’s main subsidiary.
The press release is available in its original form here.
A global supplier of equipment, systems, and digital solutions for several manufacturing sectors recently announced that it has acquired Bloom Engineering, Inc, a provider in industrial heating applications. The company will join the Freight & Industrial Components Group at Wabtec Corporation, which serves the freight and transit rail industries and is a worldwide leader in the decarbonization of freight rail.
Mike Fetsko President Freight & Industrial Components Group Wabtec Corporation
This acquisition strengthens Wabtec’s heat transfer and energy solutions, integrating Bloom’s advanced technologies in burners, combustion systems, and overall services for industrial and process heating applications. Both companies are headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.
“This is another exciting addition to Wabtec,” said Mike Fetsko, president of Wabtec’s Freight & Industrial Components Group. “Bloom Engineering is a great fit within our heat transfer and energy solutions business, and we already serve many of the same customers. Our shared vision toward driving customer productivity within their industrial processes will enable us to deliver a more comprehensive portfolio for our customers to operate more efficiently and sustainably.”
In addition to supplying solutions for the freight and transit rail industries, Wabtec also serves the mining, marine and industrial sectors. The acquisition is expected to provide increased value to its worldwide customer base.
The press release is available in its original form here.
A U.S. military firearms manufacturer announced its plan to update its in-house stress relieving operation with a new vacuum retort furnace. The new equipment will be replacing an outdated vacuum stress relieving furnace in order to keep up with production demands.
Piotr Zawistowski Managing Director SECO/VACUUM Source: SECO/VACUUM
The SECO/VACUUM retort furnace will be used to stress relieve firearms components at 1400°F (760°C). At this relatively low temperature, the process is used to prevent subsequent part distortion while enhancing the quality of the firearms.
“Their old furnace was showing its age,” said Piotr Zawistowski, managing director of SECO/VACUUM, USA. “Once we showed them the control system advancements, the cycle time improvements, and the more competitive lead time we could offer, the upgrade really made sense from both a quality control and production pace standpoint.”
Switching from the vertical configuration of the old furnace to the new horizontally configured furnace will shorten loading times. The turbo-cooling option selected by the firearms manufacturer decreases the cooling cycle from 3.5 hours to 1.5 hours. Improved loading paired with shorter cooling will bring total heat treat cycle times down by as much as 2.5 hours.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Welcome to the first installment of Heat Treat Today’sThis Week in Heat Treat Social Media of 2025, and today we are focusing on holiday-themed social media posts. From handing out Christmas cheer to learning opportunities shared over the holiday break, check out these posts and videos for a roundup of festal heat treat social media: We start with alternatives to New Year’s resolutions.
As you know, there is so much content available on the web that it’s next to impossible to sift through all of the articles and posts that flood our inboxes and notifications on a daily basis. So, Heat Treat Today is here to bring you the latest in compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat news from the different social media venues that you’ve just got to see and read!If you have content that everyone has to see, please send the link to editor@heattreattoday.com.
1. Not Into Resolutions? Here Are Some Alternatives
Leave it to young leaders in the heat treat industry to think of new ways to approach a new year. What’s your innovative alternative to resolutions?
3. We Don’t Stop Learning Just Because It’s a Holiday Break
Between important family time, seasonal activities, and festal joy, some of your industry colleagues were uploading opportunities for you to expand your knowledge about heat treating and all things related.
The growth we’re reporting on in today’s News from Abroad installment is not just about expansions but also modernization and innovation. Read about a continuous galvanizing and annealing line for a Turkish automaker, a new 190-ton EAF set to be one of the largest installations in the world, a next-generation anode furnace to meet sustainability targets, and for reducing CO2 emissions, improving impurity removal capabilities and bringing flexibility in treating secondary materials, and the installation and commissioning of new hot edge inductors for its cold mill rolling line (S5) to address the tight edge issues in aluminum strip that occurred during high-speed rolling.
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing. a Vulkan-Verlag GmbHa publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
Turkish Auto Maker Expands with Continuous Galvanizing/Annealing Line
View of the Borçelik site
“Turkish steel manufacturer Borçelikhas selected international technology group ANDRITZto supply a combi-line furnace for a new continuous galvanizing and annealing line to produce automotive material. The line will be part of a new cold strip mill complex to be built in Bursa, Gemlik, region. It will supply hot-dip galvanized strip for automotive exposed panels as well as uncoated strip. Start-up at Borçelik is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The ANDRITZ scope of supply includes a radiant-tube furnace with annealing and soaking sections and a mixed soaking/slow cooling section followed by ANDRITZ Differential Rapid Jet Cooling.”
Next-Gen Anode Furnace Targets Reduction in CO2 emissions
Metso’s modernized Anode Furnace
“Metso is launching a next-generation Anode Furnace for reducing CO2 emissions, improving impurity removal capabilities and bringing flexibility in treating secondary materials. The upgraded Anode Furnace features the latest design, advances in process safety, and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, it presents two exciting methods for reducing CO2 emissions. The Anode Furnace delivery scope consists of all key equipment required for operating the furnace. Metso’s holistic competence in smelter process optimization and integration of automation systems ensures that the furnace will be seamlessly integrated into the processing chain in both brownfield and greenfield applications. When combined with services and on-site support, a smooth commissioning and start-up is ensured.”
Oxelösund, where SSAB’s new 190-ton EAF will be installed
“Swedish steelmaker SSABhas chosen plant supplier SMS group for the construction of a new 190-ton EAF, which is set to be one of the largest installations in the world with an upper shell diameter of 9.3 metres. The new EAF, located in Oxelösund, has its first heat scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will lower total CO2 emissions in Sweden by 3%, say the companies. Powered by a 280 MVA transformer, the EAF will also utilize technology to meet the limitations imposed by the grid authority in terms of flicker, power factor, and harmonic distortion. SSAB has also entrusted SMS group with the integration of a direct feed (DF) system from GE Vernova to be fitted in the new furnace at Oxelösund. The technology aims to ensure the new EAF operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.”
hot edge inductors for cold mill rolling line Installed
Hot edge inductors installed by Primetals Technologies at Hulamin’s cold mill rolling line (S5) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
“Primetals Technologies have signed the final acceptance certificate (FAC) with aluminum producer Hulamin following the installation and commissioning of new hot edge inductors for its cold mill rolling line (S5) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This upgrade aims to address the tight edge issues in aluminum strip that occurred during high-speed rolling, leading to improved product quality. The moving induction heating head assembly has been installed on the exit side of the mill, below the exit delivery table. These assemblies are positioned close to the roll surface, just outside of the strip width, effectively counteracting the thermal camber that causes tight edge issues during high-speed rolling. The hot edge inductors have resolved the tight edge issues by providing additional heat to the work roll at the strip edge, expanding the roll and alleviating tight edges. This has led to better control of the strip edge shape. The aluminum producer has observed noticeable improvements in the on-line strip shape performance and continue to further optimise and refine the use of these actuators in its rolling programme.”
A major ship builder has acquired a vacuum furnace for the Additive Manufacturing Division at the company’s new Manufacturing Center of Excellence. The single chamber vacuum furnace will be used primarily for annealing powder metal 3D printed parts, with additional capabilities for on-demand tool hardening applications.
Piotr Zawistowski Managing Director SECO/VACUUM Source: SECO/VACUUM
The 3D printing shop and annealing furnace supplied by SECO/VACUUM will enable rapid fabrication of critical replacement parts faster than traditional manufacturing methods, allowing the manufacturer to get ships out of dock and back underway sooner. The Vector furnace is equipped with a 36 x 36 x 48 inch metal hot-zone, a high-vacuum diffusion pump, and a 6-Bar high-pressure argon and nitrogen gas quench.
“To get their 3D operation up and running quickly, we were able to pull off some clever production schedule juggling in order to accommodate their special request for an accelerated delivery schedule,” said Piotr Zawistowski, managing director of SECO/VACUUM.
This vacuum furnace provides a wide range of additional processes, including hardening, tempering, solution heat treating, brazing and sintering, and low-pressure carburizing. Vector produces clean, uniform, high-quality parts with repeatable accuracy and no oxidation.
The press release is available in its original form here.
