In a move designed to accelerate innovation in propulsion technology, a leading manufacturer of aviation engine components is launching a new dedicated research center. The facility’s technological cornerstone will be a custom-engineered thermal processing system provided by SECO/WARWICK, aimed at pushing the boundaries of material science.
The aerospace industry allows zero margin for error. As engines become more powerful and efficient, the materials used to build them must withstand increasingly extreme conditions. Recognizing this, the manufacturer—who already utilizes SECO/WARWICK solutions for mass production—has commissioned a specialized unit strictly for laboratory testing and Research & Development (R&D).
Precision Engineering for the Laboratory
The centerpiece of this new investment is a heavily modified version of the Vector® single-chamber furnace. While standard industrial VACUUM FURNACES are typically built for high-volume throughput, this specific unit has been calibrated for the nuance and flexibility required in a research environment.
The system features advanced isothermal quenching capabilities. By utilizing a frequency inverter to control the cooling blower, researchers can manipulate the cooling curve with exceptional precision. This level of control is vital when developing new alloys, as it allows engineers to dictate the exact microstructural changes within the metal.
Customization for Extreme Environments
SECO/WARWICK engineers completely redesigned the heating chamber to suit the client’s experimental needs. The focus was not on volume, but on versatility and extreme performance.
- High-Temperature Uniformity: The system is engineered to maintain consistent heat distribution even at temperatures exceeding 1300°C (2372°F).
- Geometric Adaptation: The workspace dimensions were tailored to handle the specific geometry of prototype engine parts, ensuring that test results can be accurately scaled up to production.
“Compact, specially adapted Vector furnaces are the bridge between scientific theory and industrial application,” said Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Furnace Segment at SECO/WARWICK. “This furnace will not be used in series production, but in development processes. It is a tool for discovery, contributing directly to the creation of innovative solutions for the next generation of aerospace technology.”
Uncompromising Process Purity
In aviation, surface oxidation can lead to catastrophic component failure. To eliminate this risk, the furnace employs a sophisticated dual-gas system:
- Argon: Used for partial pressure to ensure the absolute purity required by restrictive aviation standards.
- Nitrogen: Utilized for the hardening process.
Critically, the system includes dedicated dew point sensors for each gas.
This monitoring technology prevents water vapor condensation—a common enemy in heat treatment—thereby guaranteeing that the processed surface remains pristine and free of oxidation.
Smart Diagnostics with SECO/PREDICTIVE
The installation also embraces the principles of Industry 4.0. The furnace is equipped with the SECO/PREDICTIVE system, an advanced diagnostic tool that monitors equipment health in real-time. By analyzing data patterns, the system can predict potential failures before they occur, allowing the R&D team to schedule maintenance proactively and avoid unplanned downtime that could disrupt critical experiments.
