A dynamic, family-owned thermal processing company is making a bold move into the multinational arena. By integrating a highly automated vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK into their fleet, the service provider is enhancing its ability to deliver precision heat treatment for the demanding aerospace sector.
In the world of aviation manufacturing, consistency is currency. To compete on a global scale, service providers must guarantee that every batch meets identical, rigorous standards. This is why the company’s latest investment is not just about adding capacity—it is about adding intelligence to their production line.
eliminating Variables with Advanced Logic
The centerpiece of this expansion is a custom-configured Vector® vacuum furnace. While the hardware is impressive, the true competitive advantage lies in its brain. The system utilizes sophisticated Control systems and automation to manage complex heat-treating recipes without the need for constant manual intervention.
By digitizing the process, the furnace can automatically set and maintain precise partial pressures for dual-gas quenching (using Nitrogen or Argon). This level of automated control ensures that specific metallurgical profiles required by aerospace clients are hit with 100% repeatability, drastically reducing the risk of human error.
Hardware Built for High-Performance Alloys
To complement its smart controls, the furnace is equipped with heavy-duty specifications designed for flight-critical components:
- High Vacuum: A diffusion pump system allows for deep vacuum processing, essential for preventing contamination in sensitive superalloys.
- Robust Capacity: The 24x24x36 inch (600x600x900 mm) hot zone is engineered to handle payloads up to 1750 lbs (800 kg).
- 6-Bar Quench: Powerful cooling capabilities ensure the material achieves the necessary hardness and microstructure.
A Partnership Driving Innovation
The transition from a local specialist to a multinational contender requires reliable technology partners.
“Our ongoing success is powered by our partnership with SECO/WARWICK. This state-of-the-art furnace introduces advanced automation, ensuring faster turnaround times while maintaining the highest quality standards for our customers,” said the Director of Operations. “This technology enhances our capabilities, granting us the confidence to enter new markets and secure opportunities with exceptional reliability.”
Piotr Zawistowski, Managing Director of SECO/VACUUM, echoed this sentiment, noting that the supplier’s growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the collaboration: “We never take that partnership for granted. Seeing our technology facilitate a client’s expansion into new industrial sectors is our primary goal.”
With this new installation, the company is now equipped to handle a broader range of aerospace-grade thermal processes, offering customers the dual benefits of speed and uncompromising quality.