SECO/WARWICK has patented a hydrogen closed-cycle hardening system where the heat-treatment process is performed in vacuum and the hydrogen atmosphere is recycled. This system produces excellent process results because the cooling cycle is performed in hydrogen. The most useful application is for steels that are difficult to harden in other gases. This system is beneficial if the user does not want to use an oil quench for environmental reasons. Gas quenching consistently provides superior metallurgical results in terms of uniformity and low part distortion.
SECO/WARWICK has received an order from Danville Metal Stamping for a mesh-belt conveyor-type annealing furnace for the continuous process annealing of nickel-based alloy strip. Danville Metal Stamping produces a variety of metal components for the aerospace and gas-turbine industries.