Contour purchased a gas nitriding unit from a U.S. furnace manufacturer to expand its offerings in the automotive sector and expand deeper into the aerospace market. Contour, which will install the unit at its global headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., in spring 2019, manufactures induction heat-treat systems and offers commercial induction processing services. The purchase of a gas nitriding unit will allow the company to expand services focusing on distortion-critical, complex parts.

The addition of nitriding also allows increased offerings to solve complex parts demanding dimensional control through engineered processes. According to Contour, which also has a location in Silao, Mexico, the purchase of the unit will complement its induction and dimensional services.