Solar Atmospheres, the vacuum and air heat-treating provider with several locations around the U.S., has announced the expansion of its heat-treatment capabilities with the delivery of a new water quench furnace specifically designed to process large titanium components to its Hermitage, Pennsylvania, facility.

The company is currently commissioning the new system and is expected to be placed into production next month. 

Manufactured by Heat Treat Equipment Inc. of Canton, Michigan, the new furnace significantly expands Solar Atmospheres' ability to provide controlled heat treatment for large titanium components weighing up to 7,500 pounds. The system is designed to maintain temperature uniformity within ±5°F and achieve rapid water quenching within seven seconds, according to Solar Atmospheres.

The new furnace provides Solar Atmospheres with the capability to process larger titanium components while thermocoupling the actual workload, providing precise monitoring and control throughout the heat treatment process. An in-process camera will also be installed to monitor the workload while being heated above the critical beta transus temperatures. 

"This new furnace is an important investment in our continued commitment to serving our customers," said Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania. "This equipment finally gives us the opportunity to solution anneal critical titanium alloys that our titanium customers have continuously asked for over the years."

Once fully operational, the new system will further expand Solar Atmospheres comprehensive range of vacuum and air heat treatment services. The investment reinforces the company's commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art equipment and delivering advanced heat treatment solutions for customers across demanding industries. 

Additional details are available in the Solar Atmospheres release. To contact Solar Atmospheres, reach out to Mike Johnson at 855-934-3284 x2223 or email mikej@solaratm.com.