Volkswagen Group chose heat-treatment technology from ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH for a new manual transmission in its Skoda, Czech Republic, plant. All gears and shafts for this transmission are case-hardened in the latest generation ModulTherm furnace system. Low-pressure carburizing and helium-based high-pressure gas quenching were chosen as being optimal for the gear material. Modular design and easy flexibility were important factors in choosing this technology. Production of the new manual transmission is scheduled for March 2011.

In addition the fully automated ModulTherm line, the first phase also includes pre-oxidizing and tempering capabilities. The installation’s second phase will double production capacity.