TAV VACUUM FURNACES - The Vacuum Furnaces Blog

Maximizing Productivity and Efficiency in Vacuum Furnaces: a Tale of Good Design

TAV VACUUM FURNACES — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 Z

In engineering, finding the perfect design is usually a matter of trade-offs. It requires finding the "sweet spot" between competing requirements that often pull a design in opposite directions. Vacuum furnaces are no exception to this rule.

Engineering magnetic performance: the critical role of vacuum furnaces in rare-earth permanent magnets manufacturing

Giorgio Valsecchi — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 Z

TAV Performance Lab: The Heart of Research and Innovation at TAV VACUUM FURNACES.

TAV VACUUM FURNACES — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 Z

The TAV Performance LAB is a key strategic resource within the Research and Development (R&D) department of TAV VACUUM FURNACES, a centre of excellence where technology and innovation come together to create cutting-edge vacuum furnaces solutions.

Crafting currency: the role of vacuum furnaces in modern coin die heat treatment

Giorgio Valsecchi — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 Z

Minting is a perfect example of where art meets science and technical expertise.

Masterfully designed coin artworks, created by skilled artists, are engraved into steel using a computer-controlled engraving machine to produce a reduction die.

TAV VACUUM FURNACES: 40 years of excellence in vacuum

TAV VACUUM FURNACES — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 Z

In 2024 we celebrated an important milestone: 40 years of activity!

Since 1984, we have been committed to providing solutions for vacuum heat treatments, responding to the most different needs with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising quality and Italian craftsmanship. To celebrate this special anniversary, we have made our new corporate video.

The brightest solution for your metal parts: bright annealing in vacuum furnaces

Giorgio Valsecchi — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 Z

“Bright annealing” is a general term referring to several heat treatment processes performed on metal alloys to remove residual stresses, modify their microstructure and, generally speaking, improve their mechanical properties. Regardless of the specific material and heat treatment recipe applied, the aim of bright annealing is always to obtain surfaces that are shiny, reflective, and oxide-free, in one word: bright.

Dual chamber vacuum furnaces vs Single chamber vacuum furnaces � An energy perspective

Giorgio Valsecchi — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 Z

On April 17-19 2024, TAV VACUUM FURNACES participated as a speaker at the 4th MCHTSE, Mediterranean Conference on Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering.

Our speech focused on the energy aspects of vacuum heat treatment, a subject towards which all of us within the industry need to pay attention for reducing the carbon emissions aiming at a zero net emissions future.

Sintering of cemented carbide: a user-friendly overview � Pt.2

Giorgio Valsecchi — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z

In the first part of the article we discussed about powders and the classifications adopted for cemented carbide, as well as the importance of using a proper dewaxing cycle.

In this second part we will go more in depth about the sintering process, discussing the difference between vacuum sintering and sinter-HIP for cemented carbide and the equipment.

Sintering

Sintering of cemented carbide: a user-friendly overview� Pt.1

Giorgio Valsecchi — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z

Vacuum Heat Treatment of L-PBF Beta Titanium Alloys

Giorgio Valsecchi — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z

In this article we will talk about beta titanium alloys, a fascinating and promising class of titanium alloys for demanding applications.

How to optimize the energy consumption of your vacuum furnace (Pt.2)

Giorgio Valsecchi — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:00 Z

How to optimize the energy consumption of your vacuum furnace (Pt.1)

Giorgio Valsecchi — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 Z

As we all know, global events have led to a significant increase in energy cost in the past two years all over the world.

In Europe, current natural gas prices (February 2023) have more than doubled compared to the same period of 2020. In Italy, the cost of one MWh of electrical energy is about 3 times what the cost was just 1 year ago. Moreover, the strong price uncertainty makes difficult for companies to forecast the energy-related costs involved for the next few months.

What has changed in AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) 2750 rev. G?

Gerardo Errichiello — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 Z

AMS 2750F has been reviewed and updated with the revision G at the end of June 2022, the document has the same length. Revision G deleted some tables, now there are only 22. Small changes have been made to better clarify the meaning. Transition requirements from Rev. E to Rev. F (allowed for 2 years) have been eliminated with only one transition exception:

Transition exception

TAV VACUUM FURNACES at the 27th IFHTSE Congress & European Conference on Heat Treatment 2022

Giorgio Valsecchi — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 Z

From 5th to 8th September, TAV VACUUM FURNACES participated at the 27th IFHTSE Congress & European Conference on Heat Treatment 2022, held in Salzburg, Austria.

Powder Metallurgy: do you know your powders? (Part II)

Giorgio Valsecchi — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 Z

In the introduction of this article, we’ve already discussed how different powder metallurgy technologies rely on vacuum furnaces for critical steps of their production process, mentioning Metal Injection Molding (MIM), Binder Jetting (BJT), Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing.

Powder Metallurgy: do you know your powders? (Part I)

Giorgio Valsecchi — Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 Z

Powder metallurgy refers to a wide range of methodologies through which parts are fabricated starting from metal powders.

Binder Jetting and Vacuum Furnaces: everything you need to know

Giorgio Valsecchi — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 Z

In the wide array of additive manufacturing technologies available today, Binder Jetting stands on its own for the ability to combine the flexibility and part complexity typical of the Additive Manufacturing processes with a productivity rate unmatched by other AM technologies.

TAV VACUUM FURNACES at 2021 ATZK Conference on Heat Treatment of Metal Materials in Modern Industry

Giorgio Valsecchi — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 00:00:00 Z

Effect of pre and post heat treatments on microstructure and adhesion of AlTiN films deposited on additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

Do you know what Nadca 207 is?

Jir� Stanislav — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:00:00 Z

I first encountered the Nadca 207 specification in 1999. At that time, a large die weighing 400 kg, hardened by our heat treatment plant, cracked in the die casting foundry, and the tool shop wanted to compensate us for the damage caused. We did not believe that the fault was on our side. But then we learned about the Nadca 207 specification, and because we had good contacts, we invited Mr. Corwyn Berger, one of the co-authors of the specification, to a lecture in the Czech Republic. His presentation "Extended tool life on die casting" permanently changed our views and the way we work in the heat treatment shop.

AMS 2750F Pyrometric requirements for thermal treatments: �Radiation Survey�

Gerardo Errichiello — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 Z

What are the requirements for a radiation survey according to AMS 2750F (Aerospace Material Specifications)?

First of all, it is important to state that such a survey is required under AMS 2750, exclusively for furnaces used for the Thermal Treatment of Aluminium Alloys and it is limited to process temperatures above 427°C.

Therefore, it is mainly for plants dedicated to Thermal Treatment of Solubilisation. The solubilisation temperature for many alloys is very close to the eutectic melting point and this is why in these types of furnaces, it is also necessary to test the radiation effect directly on the metal as well as measuring and certifying the temperature uniformity of the operating volume qualified within the limits required by the applicable specifications.

Stainless steels vacuum sintering: choosing the atmosphere

Giorgio Valsecchi — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 Z

Stainless-steel components represent a large part of the market for sintered parts; they can be produced using many technologies and have a wide variety of applications such as automotive, biomedical industries, mechanical and fashion.

In this article we are going to discuss how sintering parameters, and especially the sintering atmosphere, may affect the quality achievable from sintered stainless-steel parts.
We’ll analyse the three gas options, and we’ll see that in some circumstances there are interesting alternatives that can fit your needs. Read on!

AMS 2750F: process instrumentation requirements

Gerardo Errichiello — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 Z

There are many innovations introduced by AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) 2750 revision F concerning the process instrumentation.

We will analyze the 4 new requirements requested by the legislation and the necessary precautions regarding the instrumentation calibration.

We will conclude by listing in detail all the information to be reported on the instrument calibration certificates.

AMS 2750F: what changes in heat treatment furnaces

Gerardo Errichiello — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:00:00 Z

Revision F of the AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) 2750 introduces three important changes concerning the equipment of the instrumentation of the heat treatment furnaces.

Which are the changes to the uniformity requirements required by the technical specifications of the process and by the technical specifications of the material?
How are the types of instrumentation of heat treatment plants classified?
And finally, what is the new D+ instrumentation type?

AMS 2750F: what�s the comparative SAT

Gerardo Errichiello — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 Z

Revision F of the AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) 2750 introduces many new features, in particular there are limitations on the alternate SAT and some conditions in which it is necessary to replace it with the comparative SAT.

What is the comparative SAT?
What are the operational procedures of the comparative SAT?
Is it possible to effectively measure the maintenance of the qualification performance of our plant and consequently the operational continuity?

AMS 2750: what's new in revision F

Gerardo Errichiello — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 Z

AMS 2750 (Aerospace Material Specifications) is an aerospace international specification which covers the pyrometric requirements for plants used for the heat treatment of metallic materials. Specifically, it covers temperature sensors, instrumentation, plant equipment, correction factors and offsets of instruments, system accuracy testing and temperature uniformity testing. These are necessary to ensure heat treatment of parts or raw materials in accordance with applicable specifications.

The AMS 2750 is now in revision F, was revision E from July 2012.

Let's see what’s new.

How to debind parts produced by additive manufacturing

Andrea Gionda — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:00:00 Z

Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing technology that is gaining more and more ground among metallurgists. The process involves all the techniques used to create 3D metal objects from a digital design.

The notable increase in the world of metal additive manufacturing of the use of methods such as the Metal Injection Molding (MIM), the Binder Jetting (BJ) and the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), prompted TAV VACUUM FURNACES to design and install a vacuum furnace for thermal debinding in its Research and Development laboratory, in order to experiment the best solutions for this delicate post-production phase.

Let's find out what debinding is, how it is obtained and above all which are the most suitable tools to create high quality components without risking contamination.

Medical applications: 3 benefits of vacuum heat treatments

Andrea Gionda — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:00:00 Z

Additive manufacturing and vacuum heat treatments are technologies capable of making important progress in various sectors, including dentistry applications.

In this case study carried out in collaboration with industry and Italian academy excellences, we will see the role of 3D printing in the medical-dental field and discover the benefits of post-printing vacuum heat treatments.

The final results are of a precision never known before with the more traditional procedures, while the mechanical and geometric advantages are innumerable.

The World Money Fair: vacuum furnaces for the minting industry

Andrea Gionda — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 Z

Held between 29-31 January 2020 in Berlin, Germany, the World Money Fair gathered together thousands of coin collecting enthusiasts, metal working businesses, and we were there.

Much more than just a jamboree for hobbyists, the WMF is a major trade event, where deals are done and ideas are shared.
As part of the packed program of guest speakers, we had the chance to explain how vacuum heat treatment works, and how it applies to coin production. And we really made an impression.

In this article, we'll look at the WMF itself, and offer some insights from the TAV VACUUM FURNACES team that should be relevant for anyone in the minting industry.

Learn all about coating the additive manufactured Titanium64 [2/2]

Alessandro Fiorese — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:00:00 Z

In the previous article we’ve seen how AlTiN thin film deposition process was carried out via reactive Physical Vapor Deposition High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (PVD HiPIMS) to coat Ti6Al4V substrates, realized via Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
Two different SLM process conditions were employed for modifying the obtained part surface morphology and, later, the samples were heat-treated under high vacuum.

Do not miss this in-depth investigation and the conclusions at the end, we’ll provide you all the information to get the most out of these three technologies.

Learn all about coating the additive manufactured Titanium64 [1/2]

Alessandro Fiorese — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 Z

Among the industrial AM technologies, selective laser melting (SLM) is the most widespread, thanks to its process stability and its favorable ratio between costs and part quality. However, selective laser melted products require coatings for functionalizing the surface with extra properties and in this article we’ll see how thin film deposition process can be carried out to coat titanium substrates.

Is it possible to coat the titanium alloy substrates to obtain a good improvement of the mechanical surface features?
What’s the role of vacuum heat treatments on additive manufactured parts?
Can the laser scanning paths affect the resulting adhesion of the coatings?

Minting industry: the importance of vacuum heat treatments

Andrea Gionda — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 Z

The minting industry has to be compliant to the highest level of standard certifications in order to avoid every possibility of falsification and, at the same time, to satisfy a high level of quality and reproducibility. The quantity of money and the great variety of coins in the world means that it is essential not make any sort of mistake in all the minting processes.

How to mint a coin?
Why vacuum heat treatments are so important in the minting industry?
What's the environmental impact of the minting process?

Sintering for microextrusion? Results on micro bi-lumen tubes

Alessandro Fiorese — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 Z

Microextrusion technology is a valid alternative to produce micro components with complex features and tight tolerances.
Microextrusion of plastics represents a solution for some industrial applications such as in the biomedical field, despite its many challenging aspects.

Let's analyze all the process chain improvements in order to develop new monitoring and control methods for improving the final part quality.

Why heat treating metals after additive manufacturing?

Alessandro Fiorese — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 00:00:00 Z

Additive Manufacturing means any technology capable of obtaining a final component starting from a 3D CAD file and adding material layer by layer. At a theoretical level, Additive Manufacturing only coincides with the 3D part construction phase. In reality, in order to fully understand this technology, a series of other preprinting and postprinting activities must be considered, which constitute the entire supply chain of Additive Manufacturing.

Read the article and discover the activities that precede and follow 3D printing, paying particular attention to the requirements of the materials and the processes necessary to obtain a high quality production.

Steel additive manufacturing: a study on corrosion resistance

Universit� degli Studi di Genova — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 Z

The mechanical characteristics and the density of the pieces produced by additive manufacturing with stainless steels have long been studied and are currently very high, that is, similar if not higher than those of traditionally manufactured parts.
Their resistance to corrosion is less well known and investigated.

To investigate the corrosion behavior, the Metallurgy section of the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI) of the University of Genoa in collaboration with TAV VACUUM FURNACES, the Saiem Srl company and the CNR-ICMATE of Padua started the study of steel samples made using the SLM technique (Selective Laser Melting).

Let's discover the interesting laboratory results.

Automotive sector: vacuum brazing furnace applications

Alessandro Fiorese — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 Z

Vacuum furnace brazing is a process of heat treatment that joins metallic parts to one another in an incredibly secure manner. Like the aerospace sector, automotive heat treatments are required for many high-quality joins and vacuum brazing fits the bill when other processes simply don't cut it.

In this article, you will discover exactly how the automotive sector leverages modern vacuum furnace technology and the various applications it can be put to.
Read on to find out everything you ever wanted to know about vacuum brazing furnaces and vehicle manufacturing.

[FREE eBook] The vacuum furnace buyers guide

Giuseppe Tonini — Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 Z

This clear and useful eBook will guide you in deciding the features you need for your next vacuum furnace.
Starting from the scratch it will also help you to understand what a vacuum furnace is and whether you need it or not.

Power, isolation, pumping units, heat exchangers and much more explained in simple words for the first time.
Make sure you read the eBook before your next purchase!

Selective Laser Melting: obtaining the best fatigue performance

Alessandro Fiorese — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:00:00 Z

How do vacuum heat treatments affect the fatigue performance of components made with Selective Laser Melting technology?

We will analyze the relevant improvements obtained on products for the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors, thanks to the vacuum furnace posts-processes of the components made with additive manufacturing (SLM).
Looking at the figures, we will conclude by exposing the interesting experimental results obtained in laboratory, thanks to a fruitful collaboration with an important university campus.

Metal Injection Molding vs. Binder Jetting [2/2]

Alessandro Fiorese — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 Z

Passing through Material Jetting additive manufacturing technology, we'll highlight benefits and drawbacks of Binder Jetting and Metal Injection Moulding.
Is it better to rely on an already mature technology rather than investing in the innovative three-dimensional printing?

I think you’ll be surprised by some of the information I’m going to reveal, read on.

Advanced ceramics: realizing the potential after ICACC19

Alessandro Fiorese — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:00:00 Z

Advanced ceramics are experiencing a boom. After attending ICACC19, an expo for researchers and industry professionals dedicated to the topic, we offer a peek inside the fascinating world of transparent and translucent ceramic composites.
Unlike conventional ceramics that we encounter in our daily lives, advanced ceramic materials are characterized by high purity, low porosity, and exceptionally small grain sizes.
Thanks to these properties, these materials find wide industrial and commercial application, from large machinery to highly resistant windows, to orthodontic brackets.

Vacuum sintering at extremely low pressures is the key to giving transparent ceramics their strength and translucence. Vacuum furnace sintering proves to be essential to that process.

Read more about this affordable, reliable, and exciting material and see if one of its many applications can transform your own production processes!

Metal Injection Molding vs. Binder Jetting [1/2]

Alessandro Fiorese — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 Z

MIM is a mature technology used for the large scale production of small and complex components with high precision and that not require subsequent processing.

What's the downside of Metal Injection Molding?
Are there any alternatives?

Let's take a look at a cheaper and more versatile technology, 3D Binder Jetting, analyzing pros and cons.

Additive manufacturing of nickel superalloys

Alessandro Fiorese — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:00:00 Z

What are Nickel-based superalloys?
What advantages do they provide in high-performance industrial applications?

Let's see how they are used in production processes through additive manufacturing technology and what are the advantages offered by special furnaces for vacuum heat treatment, regarding the components made with 3D printing.

An introduction to powder metallurgy

Alessia Paraviso — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:00:00 Z

Powder metallurgy is a cost effective way to create customised, strong and durable metal components for a huge range of industrial uses.
Learn about how powder metallurgy works and choose the right metal manufacturing solution for any industrial challenge.

This article provides a brief introduction to the various powder metallurgy techniques, including vacuum sintering and additive manufacturing. It suggests a few of the major benefits of implementing powder metallurgy, as well as some contemporary uses of the technique which could provide inspiration for future applications.

The buyer's guide to vacuum furnaces: 10 things to know [2/2]

Giuseppe Tonini — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 00:00:00 Z

We continue our journey to discover the basic elements of a vacuum treatment furnace.

The heat is our job, and we explain how not to be confused between points of heat dispersion and the yielding of heat during shutdown.
No more doubts with this small but exhaustive guide to vacuum technology.

The buyer's guide to vacuum furnaces: 10 things to know [1/2]

Giuseppe Tonini — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 00:00:00 Z

What are the elements that contribute to the development and perfect functioning of a vacuum furnace?

Do not be intimidated by the size of the topic: we will proceed gradually, I will address the topic by stages to help you read and understand.
This is the first of two articles...

Do I really need a vacuum furnace?

Giuseppe Tonini — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 00:00:00 Z

Who needs a vacuum oven? Does the vacuum furnace really represent a solution capable of stimulating the achievement of company objectives?
Definitely yes, but be careful to carefully consider which parameters are priority for you. Remember that once you have gathered basic information, an interview with an expert advisor will make the difference between a rough choice and a successful long-term investment.

Metal additive manufacturing and vacuum heat treatments

Gianni Nicoletto — Thu, 10 May 2018 00:00:00 Z

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is any of various processes of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
Unlike subtractive manufacturing methods that start with a solid block of material and then cut away the excess to create a finished part, additive manufacturing builds up a part (or features onto parts) layer by layer from geometry described in a 3D design model.

Discover how the additive manufacturing processing of metals makes it possible to design and build lightweight parts in real time and understand potential of heat treatments in vacuum for 3D printed parts.

Save time and money with vacuum furnace maintenance [2/2]

Alessia Paraviso — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 Z

Unexpected breakdown could bring operations to a halt. While there is no arguing with the fact that fixing something as soon as it breaks is important, what many people may not realize is that there are high costs associated with working in reactive mode. On the other hand, a proactive approach keeps your vacuum furnaces serviced and in working order through preventive and predictive maintenance. In particular, predictive maintenance (PdM) can help you make your furnaces more reliable and predictable through continuous monitoring and data analytics for mechanical and electrical conditions, operational efficiency and other performance indicators.

[FREE eBook] The ultimate guide to vacuum sintering

Andrea Alborghetti — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 Z

Powdered metal, metal injection molding (MIM), 3D printing, and other similar technologies can benefit greatly from the superior quality and flexibility of vacuum sintering. This complete guide to sintering in vacuum furnace offers you deep insight into the heat treatment process, and shows how an understanding of all aspects involved can be used practically to improve your products.

Save time and money with vacuum furnace maintenance [1/2]

Alessia Paraviso — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 Z

Like any other machine, your vacuum furnace can and will wear down over time – and if those little issues aren’t addressed, they can turn into big problems that require expensive future repairs or even furnace replacement. The way to keep your system running well for decades to come is to invest in regular preventative maintenance up front. Don't leave a potential disaster just waiting to happen! Learn how corrective maintenance can end up costing you more in the long run.

Why do I need Nadcap for my heat-treating processes?

Alessia Paraviso — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 Z

Quality is a crucial procurement consideration for companies in the aerospace and aviation industries. This is especially true for special processes and heat treating parts. Nadcap is an industry-managed approach to conformity assessment that brings together technical experts to establish requirements for accreditation, accredit suppliers and define operational program requirements. This results in a standardized approach to quality assurance.

TAV goes to Venice Biennale: new materials to design the future

Alessia Paraviso — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:00:00 Z

“Material” is the critical component that determines whether a product works as planned, or fails. Over the last 50 years there has been an explosion of new materials that today’s engineers have been experimenting with. The key challenge is to raise the sustainability and performance level of products. By adopting an unusual, artistic approach, TAV VACUUM FURNACES encourages you to reflect on new materials, and it does so with Biennale Arte in Venice.

Euro PM2017: powder metallurgy seen up close

Alessia Paraviso — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:00:00 Z

Today, PM products are an intrinsic part of a number of technical sectors. And of course, since suppliers’ innovation cycles are traditionally geared towards Euro PM, this is where you can see the latest innovations in the field. In this context, TAV VACUUM FURNACES has brought its expertise at Euro PM2017 by showcasing a vacuum furnace which gathered consensus and heightened interest in visitors.

If you missed it, read the article and learn more about Powder Metallurgy (PM) and the vacuum system exhibited.

Perfect vacuum sintering step by step [4/4]

Andrea Alborghetti — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 00:00:00 Z

The process of binder removal, also referred to as debinding, is an important step before sintering. It is essential that all binder or binder residues are removed in order to ensure correct and reliable operation. Now, the question is: may the binder residues, pumped up with the process gas, affect the smooth functioning of the primary pump?

Perfect vacuum sintering step by step [3/4]

Andrea Alborghetti — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 00:00:00 Z

The processability of the metal injection moulding feedstocks depends on different parameters such as their binder composition, the powder used, the method used for their fabrication, their thermal properties. Binder removal is a critical step for producers, but a wide array of options exists for debinding.

Perfect vacuum sintering step by step [2/4]

Andrea Alborghetti — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 Z

From mass production to laboratory applicative research, when it comes to vacuum sintering, a number of questions can arise. I mean, doubts regarding the thermal insulation, the gas fluxing, loading and unloading operations, and so on. In this second part, I will try to solve any doubt you may have related to hot zone for vacuum sintering furnaces, the distribution of gas flow, and the use of furnace box for loading and unloading sintered parts and components.

Perfect vacuum sintering step by step [1/4]

Andrea Alborghetti — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 Z

Several industries rely on sintered parts and components including automotive, medical, and tools. Vacuum sintering produces consistent, bright parts with no seams, joints, or fillers. Beginning with an overview of the benefits of sintering in a vacuum, the article focuses on debinding, with regard to the decision-making process for performing or not debinding and sintering in the same furnace.

Vacuum diffusion bonding: a true success story

Andrea Alborghetti — Thu, 11 May 2017 00:00:00 Z

Experience, innovation and customer focus are the basic components of this article on vacuum furnace diffusion bonding. Intuitive studying, based on physical concepts and technical testing, has led to an innovative solution for vacuum furnace equipment. This story has started more than 20 years ago...

Vacuum brazing: the guide to perfect brazed joints

Andrea Alborghetti — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:00:00 Z

When the importance of producing a perfect brazed joint is uppermost, vacuum brazing is a highly effective method of joining two parts. Due to the nature of the vacuum, heat is evenly distributed and part production is consistent. Brazing requires three components: two parent metal pieces and a filler to join them. In the furnace, the components are arranged so that the filler will melt and flow on the base pieces, and join them solidly when cooled. Vacuum brazing provides strength, durability, and reliability unmatched by other metal joining methods. It also requires no secondary fabrication or finishing.

Maintenance procedures: leak detection in vacuum furnaces

Giuseppe Tonini — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 Z

Successful use of a vacuum furnace depends ultimately on the purity and reliability of its vacuum. There are numerous factors that can play into why a furnace is leaking, and the first step towards fixing the problem is to identify its root cause. Let’s take a look to some practical tips on how to find a furnace leak by using a helium leak detector.

Roughing pump in high-vacuum furnaces for beginners [2/2]

Guido Locatelli — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:00:00 Z

This is the second part of the article on roughing pump operation in high-vacuum furnaces. It gives an overall picture of the situations due to malfunction of the pumping system. Nonetheless, it provides practical tips on how to deal with the presence of water in the pump, the formation of oil sludge, and the improper use of lubricated roughing pumps.

Roughing pump in high-vacuum furnaces for beginners [1/2]

Guido Locatelli — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:00:00 Z

For maximum performance and reliability, it is necessary to know how the pumping system of your furnace operates, the pros and cons of the different types of vacuum pumps. This is the first part of an article on roughing pump operation in high vacuum furnaces. Understanding how it works is the first step to make the right choices that will take into account also the reduction in operating costs.

Hot-wall vs cold-wall vacuum furnaces: which one to choose

Giuseppe Tonini — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 00:00:00 Z

The demands of heat treatment industry are for higher temperatures, lower pressures, rapid heating and cooling capabilities, and higher production rates. This has inevitably led to the use of so-called “cold-wall” vacuum furnaces, to the detriment of hot-wall furnaces, which are now considered obsolete. So, let’s see hot-wall and cold-wall furnaces - what could these be and how do they differ from each other?

Vacuum furnace hot zone: graphite vs all-metal design [2/2]

Andrea Alborghetti — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 Z

Keeping furnace downtime to an absolute minimum also means to be able to make the right choice of hot zone. In fact, the hot zone contributes to the performance of the whole system. It has an impact on the process quality, the temperature uniformity, the heating and cooling rates and the furnace's energy consumption. Therefore, which is the hot zone most economical and best performing based on losses and overall power costs? Graphite-based or all-metal design?

Vacuum furnace hot zone: graphite vs all-metal design [1/2]

Andrea Alborghetti — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:00:00 Z

Molybdenum and graphite are the most popular choices as hearth materials in vacuum furnaces. Throughout the last 40 years, the heat treating industry has experienced a significant shift in the type of hot zone most commonly used in furnaces. In the 1970s, most of the heat zones installed were all-metal hot zones. Today, however, the vast majority are graphite-based hot zones. But, what is the most efficient design in order to minimize hot zone losses and reduce power consumption?

Diffusion bonding of titanium: The Definitive Guide

Giuseppe Tonini — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:00:00 Z

Advanced engineering components require not only better materials but also new joining or welding processes. Recently, diffusion bonding has become a viable process in the fabrication of structural hardware or fluid and gas flow devices for aerospace and electronic industries. This technology heats and applies pressure on joint materials and uses molecular diffusion to bond them. This means that the resulting joint has properties similar or equal to the parent materials. The process has the ability to produce high quality titanium joints so that neither metallurgical discontinuities nor porosity exist across the interface.

Vacuum furnaces: 5 reasons to choose a safety PLC

Andrea Alborghetti — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 00:00:00 Z

Today there is a great deal of talk about safety PLCs. This, obviously, creates questions such as: why a safety PLC should be installed on my vacuum furnace? Are safety PLCs really useful? What are the advantages compared to traditional safety relays? Therefore, I want to give you 5 good reasons to install a safety PLC to maintain an efficient internal control system.

Vacuum furnace: how to calibrate the cooling system

Guido Locatelli — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 00:00:00 Z

As you know, heat dissipation is critical in the thermal process. For that reason, in this video, I'm going to show you how to calibrate the cooling system for an optimal management of your vacuum furnace. A correct calibration ensures greater efficiency of the cooling system and a significant savings in terms of energy consumption of pumps and the water used.

Nadcap: becoming an accredited supplier for aerospace

Gerardo Errichiello — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 00:00:00 Z

Nadcap is recognized as the premier accreditation program for aerospace suppliers. For a heat treater, Nadcap accreditation is crucial if you are trying to service the aerospace and defense sectors. Of course, Nadcap is a difficult and costly accreditation to obtain. But Nadcap is more than just obtaining an accreditation...

The furnace cooling system: 5 tips to avoid damage

Andrea Alborghetti — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 00:00:00 Z

Heat dissipation is crucial to your thermal process. And cooling systems will provide years of safe reliable service only with proper care. If you want to prevent damage to your vacuum furnace, it is therefore necessary to understand the risks connected to poor-quality process water, excessive temperatures or unsuitable equipment. Here are 5 useful tips to best manage the cooling loop.

How to get flawless brazing with vacuum furnaces

Giuseppe Tonini — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 00:00:00 Z

Due to the extreme operating conditions and stringent safety requirements, there is a strong demand for flawless brazed components. Vacuum furnaces allow you to produce leak-tight joints and bright assemblies.

But why they are being considered the best choice for brazing?
Which factors influence the quality and strength of brazed joints?
What risks might you face caused by an excess of magnesium?