Heatmasters and Axiom Heat Treatment join forces through a distributorship agreement to enhance the distribution and delivery of Heatmasters’ innovative heat treatment equipment and control systems to the US market.

Since 1974, Heatmasters has designed and manufactured state-of-the-art technology for the heat treatment of metals. The design of our heat treatment equipment is rooted in half a century of expertise using the equipment and technology in the field. Our extensive heat treatment equipment range provides our customers across the globe with modern heat treatment furnaces, heat treatment units, temperature control systems, and all related tools and accessories.

Cooperation with Axiom Heat Treatment will provide Heatmasters’ customers within North America with improved access to reliable, modern, and cost-effective heat treatment equipment. Through this cooperation, Axiom Heat Treatment will also expand its fleet of equipment with Heatmasters HM406T_R26 heat treatment units.

“Heatmasters has been in the North American market now for a decade and especially our temperature control systems are very well known here. Through this distribution partnership with Axiom Heat Treatment, we are further improving our position by actively and professionally offering the whole range of Heatmasters’ heat treatment equipment and industrial heating solutions across the nation.”
-Ilkka Mujunen, President & CEO @ Heatmasters

Axiom Heat Treatment is a full on-site service company that provides preheat, post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), bake out, and all other field heat treatment services to its customers within the United States. With over 100 years of heat treatment knowledge across Axiom’s executive team, the company takes pride in its ability to plan, budget, and schedule large complex heat treatments that meet or exceed the most stringent code stipulations.

“Leading companies continue to innovate, and while searching for a partner, innovation, as well as quality of existing products, were uppermost in my mind, Heatmasters ticked all the boxes and more. I am very excited to start cooperation with Heatmasters and look forward to seeing mutual growth in both companies!”
-Gerry McWeeney, Founder & CEO @ Axiom Heat Treatment

Find out more about Axiom Heat Treatment here.

Heatmasters completed PWHT on a welded bottom ring at the IP Huse mechanical workshop in Norway, located on the Harøy island between Ålesund and Molde.

IP Huse is a world leader in the design and production of winches for anchor handling vessels as well as winches and related equipment for special vessels and floating installations. IP Huse also provides services and solutions for various products in areas such as equipment for hydropower plants, sub-sea, and handling solutions.

The heated item is a bottom ring component for a Francis turbine, which will be delivered to a hydropower plant. The component had a diameter of 5.5 meters, a height of 1.1 meters, and weighed more than 70,000 kg. The component is made out of welded plates of carbon steel S355 material. Due to the plates having a thickness of up to 200mm and a significant amount of welding (24 stiffeners inside, consisting of 90 mm plates), there was a need for stress relief after welding, before the final machining of the ring could be started.

Heat treatment was completed utilizing a Heatmasters temporary furnace. Temporary furnaces are a cost-efficient solution for heat treatment for large objects, such as pressure vessels, boiler parts, and off-shore components. Our heat treatment specialists utilized Heatmasters’ digital temperature control system to accurately control heaters installed into the furnace and digital documentation of the heating process.

“The Heatmasters team performed an excellent job, with a calm and professional approach and attitude to the different tasks during the entire project. From the very beginning with the establishment of communication and commercial offer to the final delivery of documentation after PWHT was performed, Heatmasters has performed in the utmost professional manner. Good job and well done!”
– Magne Runar Harnes, Project Manager at IP Huse AS

Heatmasters is your partner for successful heat treatment and industrial service projects. From single heat treatment jobs to turn-key solutions and value partnerships designed according to your needs.

In the intricate world of heat treatment, temperature control stands as a linchpin, wielding immense influence over the outcome of the process. This article will delve into the paramount importance of precise temperature regulation in heat treatment procedures, shedding light on its impact and significance in various industries.

Understanding the Basics: Temperature’s Influence on Microstructure

At the core of heat treatment lies the manipulation of a material’s microstructure through carefully calibrated temperature changes. Whether it’s annealing, quenching, tempering, or any other process, the success hinges on maintaining specific temperatures at critical points. Deviations, even slight ones, can alter the microstructure and, consequently, the mechanical properties of the material.

Annealing: Crafting Softness Through Precision

In annealing, the material is heated to a defined temperature and then gradually cooled. This meticulous temperature control allows for the reduction of internal stresses and the refinement of the material’s grain structure. The result is enhanced ductility and a softer, more malleable material.

Quenching: The Fine Line Between Hardness and Brittleness

Quenching, a rapid cooling process, transforms the material’s microstructure to achieve heightened hardness. Yet, the key lies in striking a delicate balance. The temperature at which quenching occurs determines the degree of hardness, and any deviation can lead to undesired brittleness.

Tempering: Tailoring Toughness Through Temperature Precision

Following quenching, tempering is a critical step to reduce brittleness and enhance toughness. By reheating the material to a specific temperature and then controlled cooling, the material achieves the desired balance between hardness and toughness.

Other Processes: A Symphony of Temperature Dynamics

From normalizing to case hardening, each heat treatment process relies on a symphony of temperature dynamics. Normalizing uses air cooling, case hardening introduces carbon at specific temperatures, and solution heat treatment demands precision in high-temperature environments.

The Industrial Impact: Precision for Performance

In industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, the precision of temperature control in heat treatment is non-negotiable. For example:

• Automotive: Ensuring the hardness of engine components requires meticulous temperature management during heat treatment.
• Aerospace: Precision parts demand specific temperature profiles to meet stringent performance standards, from durability to corrosion resistance.

The Technological Edge: Computer-Controlled Precision

Modern heat treatment facilities leverage computer-controlled equipment to achieve unparalleled precision. This technology allows for consistent and accurate temperature management, ensuring that each component meets exacting industry specifications.

Mastering the Art of Temperature Control

In the realm of heat treatment, temperature control emerges as both an art and a science. The ability to precisely manipulate temperature during annealing, quenching, and other processes defines the success of the treatment. Whether you’re a metallurgist, engineer, or industry professional, understanding and mastering the art of temperature control is the key to unlocking the full potential of heat treatment processes.

For decades, Heatmasters has been at the forefront of temperature control systems for metal heat treatment applications. Today, we continue to design and integrate state-of-the-art temperature and process control systems into new and existing heat treatment equipment for industry leaders across the globe.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team of heat treatment experts, who are happy to help you with anything related to temperature control systems, heat treatment equipment, furnaces, or on-site services.

Heat treatment is a critical and versatile process in the world of metallurgy and manufacturing. It involves controlled heating and cooling of metals and alloys to alter their physical and mechanical properties, making them more suitable for various industrial applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fundamental principles and various techniques involved in heat treatment.

Understanding the Basics

At its core, heat treatment is all about manipulating the microstructure of a material through controlled temperature changes. The key processes involved in heat treatment are:

• Annealing: Annealing is used to soften materials, improve their ductility, and reduce internal stresses. It involves heating the material to a specific temperature and then slowly cooling it.
• Quenching: Quenching is the rapid cooling of a material after heating, typically in a bath of oil, water, or air. This process hardens the material but can also make it brittle.
• Tempering: After quenching, tempering is employed to reduce brittleness and improve toughness. The material is heated again to a lower temperature and then cooled.
• Normalizing: Normalizing is similar to annealing but involves air cooling instead of slow cooling in a furnace. It refines the material’s grain structure and relieves internal stresses.
• Case Hardening: Case hardening, or carburizing, involves introducing carbon into the outer layer of a metal, creating a hard, wear-resistant surface while retaining a softer core.
• Solution Heat Treatment: This process is used for non-ferrous alloys and involves heating the material to a high temperature to dissolve solid particles, followed by rapid cooling to prevent reformation.

Applications of Heat Treatment

The applications of heat treatment are vast and varied, and they play a pivotal role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and more. Some of the common uses include:

• Improving hardness: Heat treatment can increase the hardness of materials, making them suitable for applications where wear resistance is essential, like in gears and bearings.
• Enhancing toughness: Materials can be made tougher and more durable for applications like crankshafts and engine components in the automotive industry.
• Stress relief: Heat treatment is used to relieve internal stresses in welded components, preventing cracking and deformation.
• Corrosion resistance: By altering the microstructure, heat treatment can enhance a material’s resistance to corrosion, which is crucial in the oil and gas industry.
• Precision parts: In industries like aerospace, where precision is paramount, heat treatment ensures the reliability of critical components.

The Importance of Controlled Heating and Cooling

The success of heat treatment lies in precise temperature control and cooling rates. Modern heat treatment processes often involve computer-controlled equipment to ensure consistency and accuracy. This level of control is essential in meeting stringent industry standards and specifications.

In conclusion, heat treatment is a multifaceted process that significantly impacts the properties of metals and alloys. Its ability to enhance hardness, toughness, and other desirable characteristics makes it an indispensable tool in various industries. Whether you are a manufacturer, engineer, or simply curious about the metallurgical world, understanding the principles and applications of heat treatment is a valuable asset.

If you are looking for heat treatment services or equipment, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts!

If you are looking for a heat treatment furnace, services, or other equipment, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts!

Heat treatment is a critical process in the world of metallurgy, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of various metals and alloys. Whether you’re working with steel, aluminum, or other materials, understanding why heat treatment is performed is essential to optimizing the performance and durability of your components. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of heat treatment, its significance, and why it’s an indispensable process in modern manufacturing.

Why Heat Treatment Is Done

Heat treatment is performed for a multitude of reasons, each aimed at improving the properties of metals for specific applications. Here are the primary motivations behind heat treatment:

Strengthening Materials

Heat treatment allows manufacturers to tailor the mechanical properties of metals to meet specific requirements. By heating and cooling metals under controlled conditions, it is possible to enhance their strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and deformation. This is particularly important in industries where durable and reliable materials are a necessity, such as in construction and aerospace.

Increasing Ductility

Ductility is the ability of a material to deform without breaking. Heat treatment can be used to increase ductility, making metals more versatile for various applications. For instance, in the automotive industry, parts like chassis components and engine blocks benefit from enhanced ductility to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Reducing Brittleness

Heat treatment can reduce the brittleness of certain metals, such as steel. This is crucial in preventing catastrophic failures in applications where materials must withstand dynamic loads or sudden impacts. For example, bridges and buildings rely on heat-treated steel to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Modifying Electrical and Thermal Conductivity

In electronics and electrical engineering, heat treatment can be used to modify the electrical and thermal conductivity of metals like copper and aluminum. This is vital for optimizing the performance of components like electrical wires and heat sinks.

Improving Corrosion Resistance

Many industries require metals to have exceptional resistance to corrosion, such as the marine industry and chemical processing. Heat treatment can create a protective surface layer, enhancing a metal’s ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Refining Microstructure

The internal microstructure of a metal greatly impacts its properties. Heat treatment processes like annealing, tempering, and quenching can refine the microstructure to achieve desired characteristics, such as fine grain size or precipitation hardening.

Enhancing Machinability

Metals that are too hard can be difficult to machine. Heat treatment can make materials more machinable, reducing tool wear and costs in machining processes.

Stress Relief

Metals can develop internal stresses during manufacturing processes like welding and casting. Heat treatment can help relieve these stresses, preventing deformation and cracking.

Aging and Precipitation Hardening

Certain alloys can be aged at controlled temperatures to improve their strength. This process, known as precipitation hardening, is widely used in aerospace and defense industries for manufacturing aircraft and military equipment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, heat treatment is a versatile and indispensable process in modern metallurgy and manufacturing. It serves a variety of purposes, including strengthening materials, increasing ductility, reducing brittleness, and enhancing resistance to corrosion. Whether you are designing a high-performance engine or constructing a safe and durable building, understanding the importance of heat treatment is vital for producing reliable and long-lasting products.

So, the next time you see a sturdy bridge or a powerful machine, remember that behind its success lies the science and art of heat treatment, possibly even the work of the #wizardsofmetal.

If you are looking for heat treatment services or equipment, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts!

Heatmasters delivered a new heat treatment furnace to RAFAKO S.A in Poland. The heat treatment furnace will further expand and optimize the in-house heat treatment processes at RAFAKO.

RAFAKO has over 70 years of experience providing specialized solutions to power generation, heat generation as well as oil and gas sectors both in Poland and abroad. The company manufactures boiler elements including membrane walls, drums, coils, rotary air and flue gas preheaters, air and flue gas ducts, steel structures and heat exchangers as well as other pressure equipment.

Click here to read more about RAFAKO.

Heatmasters has provided innovative, custom-tailored heat treatment equipment since 1974. In-depth heat treatment know-how accumulated during the last half a century, customer orientation, and our capability to adapt to industry needs has forged us into pioneers in heat treatment solutions. We design and manufacture high-quality custom-tailored industrial and heat treatment furnaces for companies that have decided to invest in in-house heat treatment capabilities and know-how. Each furnace is designed together with the customer, to ensure each furnace also meets current and future heating requirements.

“Based on our cooperation during this project, Rafako would like to thank Heatmasters company for their work towards our new investment. The decision to buy a new moveable furnace from Heatmasters provided us the opportunity to be more flexible and reduce the time and cost of our in-house heat treatment processes. Investing into this new furnace from Heatmasters allows us to extend our facilities’ capabilities and scope of offering to our clients.
On behalf of the Rafako team, I would like to wish you all the best and we are looking forward to more cooperation in the future!”
-Jakub Konior, Plant Director/Proxy at RAFAKO S.A

Heatmasters completed the design and engineering work for this furnace and provided heating technology, as well as installation and commissioning services. As a cost-effective solution, the steel works for the furnace were completed locally by RAFAKO, under the supervision of Heatmasters.

The dimensions of this new furnace are 6 x 6 x 2 meters. The furnace has a maximum operating temperature of 800 °C and a heating power output of 216 kW.

The furnace of course includes Heatmasters’ digital temperature control system with a Rigel26 controller. This provides RAFAKO with accurate, repeatable heat treatment processes, digital process control, and documentation of each heat treatment.

Heatmasters is happy to have another end-user utilizing a modern and efficient Heatmasters furnace. We look forward to future cooperation with Rafako, as it was also a pleasure to work with their professional team during this project.

Heatmasters furnaces and equipment are supported by modern, high-tech features and backed by the industry’s most comprehensive life-cycle services to ensure smooth and efficient heat treatment operations for years to come.

During Q1 2023, Heatmasters heat treatment experts were once again in Uruguay, during the annual maintenance shutdown of the Montes del Plata Mill, officially called “PGP 2023” (Parada General de Planta). Over 3,000 people worked simultaneously during the maintenance shutdown to complete maintenance, improvement and inspection works at the plant. Heatmasters heat treatment experts were excited to be a part of this project, providing heat treatment services on-site and working with ANDRITZ Uruguay specialists.

The annual maintenance shutdown ensures the plant meets its’ goals related to pulp and energy production, environmental safety, quality, and sustainability as well as the health and safety of people, which is the number one priority for the plant.

Scope of Heat Treatment Works

During the annual maintenance works bends and tubes in the superheaters II, III and IV of the recovery boiler were to be replaced. The repair of high-grade materials used in superheaters often requires special welding techniques and heat treatment. During this project, annealing was required.

Annealing is a controlled heating and cooling process used to alter the microstructure of a metal or alloy, providing desirable properties such as stress relief, softening, improved ductility, refined grain structure, and homogenization of alloying elements.

Return bends and tubes were heated by our heat treatment experts during their replacement. In total, around 80 welds were heat treated during this project, with each heating process digitally documented thanks to Heatmasters’ modern heat treatment equipment and integrated temperature control systems.

Heat Treatment Equipment

Heatmasters’ heat treatment specialists were equipped with multiple HM406T_R26 heat treatment units which have a power output of 40kW and 6 heating channels. These fully automatic thyristor-controlled heat treatment units for the annealing of metal parts have been designed with usability in mind: their simple and lightweight structure allows effortless mobility and efficient heat treatment work at any location.

During the previous projects at the Montes del Plata Mill, our team received positive feedback regarding the equipment’s compact design, which allowed the units to stay in place on the narrow hallways of the plant without causing any issues and reducing time spent moving equipment during the works.

The units’ computerized state-of-the-art temperature control system provides digital, easy, and accurate setting, controlling, monitoring, and digital documentation of the heat treatment process, even remotely. This allowed our team to provide the customer with heat treatment certificates of each process in PDF format. Thanks to the digital control system, an external temperature recorder is also not required. Heatmasters heat treatment units are almost maintenance-free, ensuring cost-efficient and trouble-free heating operations, which is why they come with a 3-year warranty.

Montes del Plata Mill

The Montes del Plata Mill is a eucalyptus wood pulp mill located in Southern Uruguay. It is run as a joint venture between Stora Enso and Arauco. Montes del Plata produces 1,400,000 tons per year of bleached eucalyptus pulp, which is exported to North America, Europe and Asia. For eight years the industrial plant has been operating in Punta Pereira, Conchillas, in a high-tech industrial complex that in turn generates renewable electricity.

The Montes del Plata Industrial Complex is environmentally friendly, incorporating the latest technological advancements which guarantee minimal environmental impact, meeting all environmental regulations established by the European Union (IPCC), and operating according to the industry’s best available techniques (IPPC-BAT).

Montes del Plata owns 190 000 hectares of land and leases 56 500 hectares of land, and the company has incorporated standards of responsible forest management – FSC® and internationally recognized PEFCTM-, which certify 100% of its plantations. Montes del Plata is also the largest private power generator in Uruguay, the third-largest producer after the hydroelectric stations of Salto Grande and Palmar. The mill delivers its surplus energy of around 500 GWh per year to Uruguay’s national grid, which equates to around 5% of the country’s total energy needs and is a contributor to the country’s conversion of its energy matrix to renewables, minimizing fossil fuel use.

Pulp Production Process

From the production of seedlings in its own nursery to the export of cellulose, Montes del Plata involves more than 6,000 people throughout its production chain. Find a short summary of the pulp production process below.

Wood Chipping

Wood is transported to the industrial complex on trucks and barges, after which it is converted into smaller pieces called chips to reduce and standardize their size whilst facilitating the digestion process.

Cooking

The chips enter the digester. A mixture of water and chemicals called white liquor is added to the chips, causing cellulose fibres to separate from lignin, a high-energy wood component, at high pressure and temperature.

Bleaching

The pulp from the cooking process is filtered, washed, and then bleached. This changes the color of the pulp from brown to white.

Drying

White sheets pass through dryers until the water content is less than 10%. After this, they are cut, grouped into bales, and packaged.

Chemicals and wood components from this process are concentrated and burned, generating steam and electricity. Non-combustible components are reintegrated into the pulp production process. The plant’s energy and chemical inputs are recovered and reused, making the Kraft process economically and environmentally viable. Atmospheric emissions are 99% water vapor and meet the most demanding national and international environmental standards, just as liquid effluents do.

Heat Treatment Services

Heatmasters looks forward to future heat treatment projects utilizing our knowledge and long-term experience in high-quality heat treatment and industrial services.
In addition to on-site pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), Heatmasters provides custom-tailored solutions including:

• Heat treatment of workpieces in fixed furnaces
• Heat treatment of large workpieces in portable temporary furnaces
• Refractory dry-outs
• Wide range of industrial services (NDT, surface treatment, welding, etc.)
• High-tech heat treatment equipment (furnaces, transformers, temperature control systems, etc.)
• Modernizations for all manufacturer’s heat treatment equipment

Click here to read more about Montes del Plata.
Click here to read more about Stora Enso.

Gaujas Koks is a large and well-known raw wood processor and producer of structural wood in Latvia. Products manufactured include sawn KD boards, machine-strength graded structural timber, and various profiles of decking boards. Established in 1990, the company has shown continuous growth and now focuses on becoming more efficient and modern.

During this project, Heatmasters qualified specialists used 1 MW propane burners with calibrated controllers to complete the dry-out processes at the customer’s site. A temporary gas installation supplied propane for the burners.

Heatmasters’ burner systems include burners with a power output between 0,5 and 1 MW, and depending on the project, we can also utilize heating elements for dry-outs and other heating processes.

All our heating systems, including burners, utilize Heatmasters’ advanced digital temperature control systems. When using gas-fired burners, the digital temperature control system allows for precise burner control, ensuring accurate heating processes according to dry-out curves or set temperature parameters, and finally, digital documentation of the entire heating process.

In Gaujas Koks, two separate objects were heated, and for each process, thermocouples were installed directly on the combustion chamber’s lining surface. This allowed for precise temperature readings and appropriate control of the burners.

Despite difficult weather conditions on-site, all dry-out processes were completed on time and in accordance with the set parameters from dry-out curves and manufacturer instructions.

Cooperation with the client was exemplary and our team appreciates feedback received from Gaujas Koks, the best confirmation of a job well done!
“Thanks to the entire Heatmasters team for the high level of services provided during dry-outs in Gaujas Koks.”
– Romāns Kazaks, Technical Director of Gaujas Koks

In addition to providing professional refractory dry-out services around the world, Heatmasters has a strong track record of cooperation with process facilities, manufacturers, and other parties’ heat treatment services, equipment, or for example, turn-key greenfield projects.

Find out more about our heat treatment services.

Interested in heat treatment equipment or furnaces?

To find out more about Gaujas Koks, click here.

On-site heat treatment at one of the world’s largest oil shale-fired thermal power plants. Heatmasters operators were on-site, providing heat treatment services around the clock.

The power plant unit where the work took place utilizes circulating fluidized bed boiler technology. Heatmasters has decades of experience in the heat treatment of superheater and CFB boiler components.
Our operators were on-site for 3 weeks, during which all heat treatment processes included in this project’s scope were completed successfully and on time.

300 superheater welds and other components related to high-temperature superheaters and high-temperature reheaters were accurately heated to a temperature between 650 °C and 800 °C. Thanks to the Heatmasters digital temperature control system, our operators had complete control of heat treatment parameters and digital documentation along with certificates were provided to the customer. This is one of the benefits of our advanced temperature control system, which is integrated into our fully automatic heat treatment units as well as many furnaces.

The temperature in the working areas was only around 6 °C, but luckily this was comfortably warm compared to the winter weather back home in Finland. According to our team, the only real challenge during this project was the tight spaces within the facility, which were also managed thanks to the equipment utilized. Our team was equipped with several HM406T_R26 mobile heat treatment units, perfect for heat treatment operations inside a facility such as this power plant, where mobile and lightweight units with minimized maintenance requirements are needed.

Heatmasters’ experts have a strong track record of successful heat treatment and industrial services projects completed in accordance with rigorous quality standards across various process facilities worldwide.