Thyssen Krupp Materials N.A., Carol Stream, Ill., installed a vacuum line consisting of two Abar-Ipsen(r) convection-assisted 10-bar vacuum furnaces, two ADIV tempers, two atmosphere tempers, one VarioClean(r) VC3000E washer and two loaders. Process capabilities include annealing, tempering and high-pressure vacuum hardening. The equipment, manufactured by Ipsen International, Cherry Valley, Ill., and the new facility that houses it, serves manufacturers in the Central and Midwest regions. Operations began in October 2002.