As we’re all aware, the “economic downturn” has had a profound impact on the thermal-processing industry over the past several years. Has the economy fully recovered? While that has yet to be proven conclusively, some industries (alternative-energy, medical, natural gas, aerospace and automotive) have experienced improvement or growth, be it large or small. As a result, some technology areas unique to thermal processing are showing promise. The following industries utilize these technologies, which have the potential to help your business recover going forward in 2011.