Last week, Heat Treat Today wrapped up its third annual Heat Treat Boot Camp with a tour of a local commercial heat treating company, witnessing the operation of multiple vacuum furnaces, including the largest capacity vacuum furnaces in the United States.
The overall sentiment from the Heat Treat Boot Camp attendees was resounding gratefulness for and enjoyment of the visit to the 115,000 square-foot Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania facility, located in Hermitage, PA. For those newbies to the industry, it provided them the opportunity to experience a heat treat shop environment and connect what they learned during the sessions to how it looks in operation.
“Really great tour,” said Heat Treat Boot Camp attendee G. Eric Gisonno. “[I’m] so thankful to Solar and Bob Hill for spending time with us and allowing us to see them in action.”
President
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres, treated the 22 attendees to a comprehensive and fascinating tour which ranged from learning about the origin of the company to observing products in production process to seeing final completed parts. Attendees were in awe as they walked the floor taking in the daily production protocols. The tour concluded in front of the NEO, a vacuum oil quench furnace that earned Solar Atmospheres an accreditation from Boeing for its ability to oil quench alloy steels in accordance with Boeing’s specification BAC 5617. Those present were able to observe a part being vacuum oil quenched in real time.
CEO
Solar Manufacturing
Mr. Hill also provided an exclusive sneak preview of the company’s upcoming presentation, “The Future of Vacuum Oil Quenching is Now!,” which he and Trevor Jones, president of Solar Manufacturing, will deliver at the FNA 2024 show in Columbus, OH, this October.
Thanks to Bob Hill and the team at Solar Atmospheres of Western PA for their kindness and hospitality.
Main photo: Heat Treat Boot Camp attendees touring Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
