The metal-processing industry faces several challenges affecting business profitability and sustainability.

United Process Controls (UPC) upgraded the vacuum furnace controls and automation platform for Woodward Inc., a U.S.-based provider of fuel and control systems for aircraft engines. The new-generation controls provide streamlined reporting for Nadcap compliance as well as seamless integration with the company’s enterprise planning (ERP) system. UPC also equipped a number of new air drying ovens with Protherm 470 programmable controllers with onboard input and output capabilities.

In the past, the applications of metal additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, have primarily been confined to prototyping.

For thermal-processing industries that need to maximize their productivity in a sustainable way, it’s important to think ahead before investing in new process-automation systems.

Emerson agreed to acquire Intelligent Platforms, a division of General Electric (GE). Intelligent Platforms’ programmable logic controller (PLC) technologies will enable Emerson, a supplier of automation for process and industrial applications, to provide customers broader control and management of their operations. The acquisition expands opportunities for Emerson in machine control and discrete applications across process industries and target hybrid markets, such as metals and mining.

The HC Series is a standard set of rotary furnaces that are configured to order and available in a number of variations, dependent on specifications for temperature, tube length, heated length, diameter and number of zones.

The world is going crazy for connected devices (IoT) – nearly 25 million smart speakers were sold last year, with about 11 million moved in the holiday season alone.

Super Systems Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, completed a controls and software upgrade for JTEKT Corporation’s Koyo Bearings brand. The project will deliver more efficiencies through technology enhancements in the heat-treating operation at JTEKT’s Dahlonega, Ga., manufacturing facility. The scope of the investment includes all engineering, installation, controls and software for the company’s gas-fired hardening furnace line. 

Each month, new advances in automation are taking shape that will create opportunity or eliminate your heat-treat company's business model.