MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

News from Abroad: Growth Via Innovation

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

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 Treat Today partners 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 Borçelik has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to 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.”

READ MORE: “ANDRITZ To Supply Combi-line Furnace to Borçelik, Türkiye” – at heat-processing.com

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.”

READ MORE: “Metso Launches Modernized Anode Furnace With Improved Impurity Removal and Innovative Reductant Options To Reduce Emissions” at heatprocessing.com. 

190-ton EAF Under Construction at SSAB

Oxelösund, where SSAB’s new 190-ton EAF will be installed

“Swedish steelmaker SSAB has 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.”

READ MORE: “SSAB contracts SMS group to build 190-ton EAF“ at furnaces-international.com

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.”

READ MORE: “Implemented Hot-Edge Inductors at Hulamin” at furnaces-international. 

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Naval Ship Builder Expands 3D Parts Annealing Capabilites

/ ANNEALING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

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.

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Fringe Friday: Decarbonizing the Bright Annealing Process

/ ANNEALING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: a project that targets reducing the environmental impact of the bright annealing process. Learn more about this EU-funded initiative that is expected to impact industries using high-hydrogen-content atmospheric gas.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Energy efficiency, specifically reducing the environmental impact of the bright annealing process in seamless stainless steel and nickel alloy tube production, is the goal of a new European Union-funded initiative. The recently launched LIFE H2Reuse Project seeks solutions for hydrogen recovery and reuse.

The project, coordinated by DMV (Cogne Group, formerly Mannesman Stainless Tubes) in partnership with Tenova, is expected to impact industries using high-hydrogen-content atmospheric gas, which could apply the project’s results to reduce their carbon footprint, optimize resource use, and lower operating costs.

In the bright annealing process, 100% hydrogen is used in high-temperature furnaces to produce high-performance tubes with superior surface quality, corrosion resistance, and durability. Currently, hydrogen is flared after each production cycle, leading to significant waste. The LIFE H2Reuse project aims to address this issue by developing two innovative technical solutions: recovering the wasted hydrogen from the annealing process and reusing it as fuel in radiant tubes working 100% of hydrogen. This approach represents a market-first innovation, as the recovery of atmospheric gas for reuse in industrial processes is not yet commercially available.

While hydrogen burners are already on the market, they remain in a developmental phase. The initiative will focus on enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in real-world industrial environments. The project’s expected outcomes include significant reductions in carbon footprint, energy consumption, and resource waste, all of which will be rigorously tested to demonstrate their technical, environmental, and socio-economic benefits.

The press release is available in its original form here.

Main image: Technologies used by Tenova in the bright annealing process

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CG Thermal Adds Second Facility To Expand Production Capacity  

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

A provider of process technology for harsh and corrosive process streams has expanded its operations with an additional 13,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Twinsburg Township, Ohio, to meet a growing demand for critical components in metal processing systems. This second location will include a crane-served production center with the capacity suitable for assembling large modular systems.

CG Thermal’s Impervite shell and tube assembly at new location

CG Thermal‘s new facility will be dedicated to assembling and testing pilot plants and turnkey modular systems and is designed to meet the growing demand for chemical processing systems and heat exchangers from the industry sectors it serves, which include chemical processing and emerging energy technology.

The company’s original building will continue to be a production center, handling the majority of heat exchangers and small systems manufacturing. Additionally, a larger office space will house a modern office environment for the team to engineer, design, and manage systems projects.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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News from Abroad: Growth from Mergers, Alliances, and Broadened Capabilities

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Today’s News from Abroad installment is all about growth in the global heat treating market. A heat treater expands its contract machinery product line with brazing and sintering capabilities, a capital goods manufacturing group bolsters its vacuum heat treatment production capabilities, and a long-term technology alliance results in manufacturing growth of refractory products for glass melting plants in the glass industry. To round out our news from abroad, Japanese steel giants set their sights on government funding allocated to advance research and development in decarbonizing operations.

Heat Treat Today partners 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. heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbHa publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets, and Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe.

Merger Results in Heat Treatment Furnaces Manufacturing Division

ECM Group reorganizing into four distinct divisions

“The ECM Group is reinforcing its capital goods manufacturing business by bringing together several legal entities under the company ECM Technologies. This merger between ECM Technologies, ECM Greentech, and ECM Technologies Villard Bonnot creates a division dedicated to the manufacturing of innovative heat treatment furnaces. The aim of this merger is to better serve its customers and respond more effectively to market changes. It will enable the ECM Group to build up a veritable hub of skills and knowledge around its core areas of thermal engineering, gas management and atmospheres. This marks a first step towards realizing its ambition of becoming the world leader in vacuum heat treatment equipment, all technologies combined.”

READ MORE: “ECM Technologies merges with ECM Greentech” – at heat-processing.com

Japanese Steel Giants Pursue Government Allocated Green Funding

Japanese steel producers apply for government green subsidy

“Two of the largest integrated steel producers in Japan, Nippon Steel and JFE Steel, have applied for government funding allocated through the new Green Transformation Promotion Act (GX) to advance research and development in decarbonizing operations. JFE Steel is seeking funds to build a new large electric arc furnace (EAF) to replace blast furnace No. 2 at West Japan Works (Kurashiki). The company expects the EAF to be commissioned between 2027-2028. Blast Furnace No. 2 at the plant underwent a re-lining in 2003. JFE usually performs such maintenance after about 25 years of operation, so the next one is due in 2028. However, JFE Steel hopes that the new electric arc furnace will be operational by then, so the unit can be shut down. West Japan Works currently operates three blast furnaces with a steel output of about 8Mt/yr.”

READ MORE: “Japanese steel giants apply for government subsidy to go green” at furnaces-international.com

Contract Machinery Manufacturer Expands Capabilities With Vacuum Brazing Furnace, Sintering Press

Tresky Automation expands its machine park for contract manufacturing (Source: Tresky)

“Tresky Automation announces the latest addition to its contract manufacturing machinery. Customers will now benefit from a state-of-the-art vacuum brazing furnace and a powerful sintering press with a maximum pressing force of up to 15 kN. The new equipment enables Tresky to offer additional manufacturing technologies, which is particularly beneficial for demanding applications in the fields of photonics, optoelectronics, hybrid bonding, microelectronics and power electronics. The new vacuum brazing furnace offers the possibility to produce material bonding under controlled conditions with nitrogen (N2) or formic acid (HCOOH). This process effectively reduces voids, as the vacuum allows air or process residues to escape during the preheating and melting phase of the solder. The result is virtually void- and flux-free solder joints that are characterized by high reliability.”

READ MORE: “Tresky Automation strengthens its portfolio with investments in contract manufacturing” at heatprocessing.com. 

Technology Alliance Enables Growth in Refractory Products Manufacturing

Long-term technology alliance of RATH and REFRATECHNIK

“RATH and REFRATECHNIK announced the launch of a long-term technology alliance. The goal of the ambitious partnership is close collaboration in the development and manufacture of refractory products for glass melting plants in the glass industry. As part of the technology alliance, both companies will contribute their respective know-how in glass manufacturing and refractory production to combine it into a unique technology solution. The two companies will be operating under the name ‘R² – THE GLASS FURNACE ALLIANCE.’ The alliance enables RATH to expand its technological expertise, as products manufactured by REFRATECHNIK will be developed in close collaboration with the research and development departments of both companies.”

READ MORE: “RATH and REFRATECHNIK form technology alliance” at furnaces-international. 

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Heat Treater Expands Hardening Plant Capabilities

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A heat treater with surface hardening capabilities recently expanded its operational line with a vacuum furnace. The new equipment offers a working space of 35.5 x 35.5 x 47 in (900 x 900 x 1200 mm), enabling the processing of larger elements.

This is the 14th vacuum furnace that SECO/WARWICK has provided to Aalberts surface technologies Group, which specializes in vacuum heat treatment, vacuum brazing, hardening of stainless steels, and coating systems for industry. It is the seventh Vector vacuum furnace to be installed at this location in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. It is equipped with high-pressure hardening of 15 bar abs., the option of installing liquid nitrogen, convection heating, directional cooling, and isothermal quenching.

“The solution design is based on the standard VP vacuum furnace Vector type solution. Vector has a round heating chamber and an efficient cooling system,” said Grzegorz Głuchowski, sales manager at SECO/WARWICK. “The additional option of installing liquid nitrogen allows for the load faster cooling after the hardening process. This translates into the furnace’s greater efficiency.”

“This will be the seventh SECO/WARWICK solution operating in Eindhoven. This time, delivery time was key. The solution we ordered is quite specific. We have specific requirements, which are the result of over 80 years of industry experience. The Vector vacuum furnace’s design from the customer’s perspective is very well thought out, as it allows for modifications and additional options. It is one of the most flexible metal heat treatment furnaces on the market,” said Steffen Schneiders, managing director of “The Netherlands & Nordic” from Aalberts surface technologies.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Furnace Manufacturers Form Partnership To Bolster Processing in North America

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

AFC-Holcroft (AFCH), an industrial furnace manufacturer based in Wixom, MI, recently announced a strategic partnership with Tokai Konetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. (TKK), a designer and manufacturer of industrial furnaces in Japan and China. The merger is aimed at enhancing their industrial furnace business for electronics part and battery material (anode/cathode) processing in North America.

Tracy Doughterty
Chief Operating Officer
AFC Holcroft
Source: AFC Holcroft

AFC-Holcroft designs and manufactures a wide range of industrial furnaces, including universal batch quench, pusher, continuous belt, roller and rotary hearth, and walking beam furnaces, predominantly for the North American market. Tokai Konetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, is an industrial furnace manufacturer with a client base primarily in Japan and China. The company has supplied continuous and batch furnaces and battery material processing furnaces to industrial sectors across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Asia.

“AFC-Holcroft is thrilled to join forces with TKK,” said Tracy Dougherty, chief operating officer of AFCH. “Together, we will drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our EV customers in the anode and cathode materials industrial furnace market.”

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Steel Industry Acquisitions: Updates Following US Election

/ FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

As U.S. election results were announced last week, several steel industry players are in the midst of acquisitions that could mean changes for in-house heat treat operators in North America.

Cleveland-Cliffs Expands North American Presence

Lourenco Goncalves
Chairman, President, CEO
Cliffs
Source: Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (“Cliffs”) today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Stelco Holdings Inc. (“Stelco”). The addition of Stelco enhances Cliffs’ position as the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America, diversifies Cliffs’ end-markets and expands its geographical presence in Canada. Stelco will continue operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cliffs, preserving the name and iconic Canadian legacy of the business.

Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO of Cliffs, stated: “Today marks a transformative step forward for Cleveland-Cliffs. By bringing Stelco into the Cliffs family, we are building on our commitment to integrated steelmaking and good paying union jobs in North America. This acquisition allows us to further diversify our customer base and lower our cost structure. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings and appreciate the warm welcome we have received from all government officials in Canada. We take our permission to operate very seriously and aim to continue the Stelco legacy with dedication and purpose.”

Nothing New: Questions for Nippon-U. S. Steel Acquisition

Takahiro Mori
Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President
Nippon Steel
Source: Nippon Steel

This past April 2024, U. S. Steel was heralding the merger with Nippon Steel as advancing their sustainable steel goals. Still, outgoing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance have all spoken out with concerns to preserve American ownership of U. S. Steel. “And I couldn’t agree more with President Biden,” commented Harris recently along the campaign trail in September, “US Steel should remain American owned and American operated.”

At this time, the U. S. Committee on Foreign Investment has the proposed acquisition under review until late December 2024.

If the deal is approved before the January 2025 inauguration, that does not guarantee that Trump would not overturn the results. However, “The previous Trump administration said it would attract foreign investment and create new jobs,” commented Nippon Steel Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori. “This (acquisition) is extremely in line with such a policy.” He still aims to see the deal close before the end of the calendar year.

The press release for the Cliff’s story is available in its original form here.

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West Coast Semiconductor Supplier Bolsters In-House Heat Treat

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A semiconductor industry supplier recently ordered an extra-large 2-bar vacuum furnace specific to the company’s high-temperature process. The new addition will increase the supplier’s capabilities to meet demand from industry sectors.

Piotr Zawistowski
Managing Director
SECO/VACUUM
Source: SECO/VACUUM

The 2-bar vacuum furnace designed by SECO/VACUUM will be shipped more quickly than other options.

“Not every thermal process calls for a solution that falls neatly into one of our traditional furnace categories. This one is oversized, has a hot-zone equipped for unconventional features, and will serve an application with different process considerations than most of our furnaces,” said Piotr Zawistowski, managing director of SECO/VACUUM.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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Sandia National Laboratories Expands Production Capabilities with 2 Vacuum Furnaces

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Sandia National Laboratories has acquired two horizontal vacuum furnaces for one of its production labs in Albuquerque, NM. The furnaces will meet the multimission laboratory’s goal to maintain process parameters and datalogging essential for analysis to coincide with the process payload run results. The facility’s applications target roughly 70 industry sectors, including nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, hazardous waste disposal, and climate change.

In the tandem system designed and set up by AVS Incorporated, one furnace operates at a maximum of 1600°C (2912°F) and the other at 1300°C (2372°F). Both have a 100-lb load capacity. The systems integrate wet and dry hydrogen process gas along with all refractory metal hot zones. The HMI interface and controls allow for countless combinations of recipes and selectable functions.

Sandia National Laboratories is one of three research and development laboratories of the United States Department of Energy‘s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with the primary goal of advancing U.S. national security by developing various science-based technologies. 

Horizontal vacuum furnaces installed at Sandia National Laboratories

The press release is available in its original form here.

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