Super Systems Inc. completed major upgrades to the heat-treating assets at Milacron LLC in Mt. Orab, Ohio. Included in the scope of work were new control cabinets, atmosphere flow panels, SCADA software and a new ammonia dissociator. Equipment addressed as part of the upgrade included two pit nitriders, two pit tempers, one pit carburizer, one integral-quench furnace, one batch temper and one oil quench.

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.

Having graduated from Purdue University with an ME degree, I have been working in manufacturing for 15 years – 10 of those dedicated to heat treat.

The R10 series of fixed infrared sensors is designed for use in OEM equipment and industrial process control and monitoring applications.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has moved from nice to have to operationally critical. Using IoT to automate tasks can improve workforce efficiency, better utilize assets and predict possible failures before they disrupt operations. Yet some organizations face missing out on these IoT benefits because they are unable to on-board tools that help action IoT data.

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.

Data loggers are devices that collect data by taking physical or electrical readings from external or internal sensors over an extended period.

United Process Controls Inc. (UPC) plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from West Chester, Ohio, to Oak Creek, Wis., in December. The relocation is the second phase of the company’s initiative to unify its U.S. operations to one centralized location. UPC completed the first phase earlier this year, which saw its two Wisconsin facilities come together under a larger facility in Oak Creek. The 30,000-square-foot plant accommodates the flow controls business and will provide additional manufacturing space for the company’s product lines. It will also house an expanded laboratory as well as engineering, manufacturing, sales and service personnel.

Ferritic-nitrocarburizing (FNC) processing is becoming a more common alternative to coating processes that require improved mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion, often on plain-carbon and low-alloy steels.

In multiple-burner installations on industrial ovens and furnaces, pulse-firing techniques can improve temperature uniformity, reduce emissions and cut overall fuel costs. Is it right for your process?