New Research Facility to Power Next-Gen Aviation Engines with Specialized Thermal Processing
A leading manufacturer of aviation engine components is expanding its operational scope from pure production to advanced research and development. To support this strategic shift, the company is constructing a dedicated laboratory equipped with a customized thermal processing system from SECO/WARWICK, designed to rigorously test and improve aerospace materials.
The aerospace sector demands continuous improvement in material durability and performance. Recognizing this, the manufacturer—already a user of SECO/WARWICK technology for standard manufacturing—has invested in a highly specialized unit intended exclusively for their new R&D center. This move highlights a growing trend where top-tier aviation suppliers are bringing material science testing in-house.
Advancing R&D with Adapted Technology
Laboratory environments differ significantly from the factory floor. While high throughput is key in production, flexibility and precision are paramount in research. To meet these specific needs, the client selected a modified Vector® furnace.
Integration of modern VACUUM FURNACES into a research facility allows engineers to simulate extreme operating conditions. This specific unit is equipped with isothermal quenching capabilities and a frequency inverter for precise blower control. These features provide the R&D team with unparalleled command over load temperatures and cooling rates, which is essential when developing innovative alloy mixtures for jet engines.
Engineered for High-Temperature Uniformity
Standard “off-the-shelf” solutions were insufficient for the ambitious goals of this project. SECO/WARWICK engineers rebuilt the heating chamber to accommodate the specific dimensions of the prototype parts.
- Extreme Heat: The system is calibrated to maintain temperature uniformity even at levels exceeding 1300°C (2372°F).
- Preventive Intelligence: The unit includes the SECO/PREDICTIVE system, a diagnostic tool that forecasts potential failures. This ensures that long-term experiments are not compromised by unexpected downtime.
“This furnace will not be used in series production, but in development processes, contributing to the creation of innovative solutions for the aerospace industry,” commented Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Furnace Segment at SECO/WARWICK. He added that these compact, adapted Vector furnaces are specifically tailored for scientific institutes and plants aiming to refine their component technology.
Solving the Oxidation Challenge
One of the most critical aspects of treating aviation parts is maintaining surface integrity. Even microscopic oxidation can lead to component rejection. To address this, the furnace operates on a dual-gas system:
- Argon is used for partial pressure to maintain the stringent purity required by aviation standards.
- Nitrogen is utilized for the hardening process.
Crucially, the system features dedicated dew point sensors for each gas. This technical addition actively monitors and prevents water vapor condensation, effectively solving the problem of surface oxidation during the heat treatment cycle.
