Thermal Processing Magazine

Ipsen is expanding its TITAN assembly line at its Vacuum Technology Excellence Center in Illinois. What was the reason for the expansion? As our customers continue to invest in manufacturing, demand for the TITAN platform has accelerated significantly. We recently experienced our strongest month on record for TITAN orders, fueled by growth in the aerospace and energy industries.

By Bauyrzhan Rakhadilov, Zarina Satbayeva, Almasbek Maulit, Nurlat Kadyrbolat, and Anuar Rustemov In this work, the effect of preliminary mechanical surface treatment on the kinetics of formation, phase composition, and functional properties of the nitrided layer during electrolytic-plasma nitriding (EPN) of austenitic stainless steel 12Kh18N10T (AISI 321) was investigated.

By Ethan Elliott Demand for new or modernized forging equipment is rising globally as requirements surge for the forged parts needed to replace depleted stockpiles of items such as artillery shells, tanks, aircraft parts, and other military equipment. According to the Forging Industry Association, “Forged components are found in virtually every defense implement, from rifle triggers to nuclear submarine drive shafts.

This month, I am reflecting on the 15-plus years I have been in the automotive and aerospace industry as a process engineer, quality engineer, and quality manager. During our careers, we are often measured in terms of how many years we have put in, or what sort of position or title we can now add to our resume. These measures, though important, aren’t the complete picture of the work required today or what has also really been achieved. The workplace is changing.

D. Scott MacKenzie received the 2025 George H. Bodeen Heat Treating Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing quenching technology and dedication to training within the heat treat industry. In this column, I will discuss martempering, and when it should be selected for quenching steel parts.

IHEA’s annual SUMMIT that has previously focused on decarbonization returns this year with a few twists. It will focus on overall energy management, and it will be virtual on December 2, concluding with a half day on December 3.It will provide practical strategies for improving efficiency, reducing energy costs, and preparing manufacturing operations for the future.

The Executive Committee has awarded Dr. Scott MacKenzie the honorary presidency “In recognition of his exceptional and enduring service to IFHTSE, far exceeding duties as president, his interconnecting role in the global heat-treatment community, his significant technical contributions, and his generous mentorship to generations of professionals.” This is an exceptional honor for an exceptional service. In its more than 50 years of existence, IFHTSE has appointed only three honorary presidents.

Bodycote recently announced that two of its U.K. facilities are operating with zero carbon emissions. How was this made possible and why was it deemed necessary? We’re proud to announce that Derby and Rotherham are operating with zero emissions. They are part of a strategic pilot program, and they’re the first two sites where we’ve achieved this milestone. The transition to zero emissions has been achieved through a combination of energy efficiency, electrification, and use of renewable energy.

Tempering is a subcritical heat-treatment process used to reduce brittleness in case-hardened parts. Tempering is normally done between 280°F/138°C and 450°F/232°C, and 350°F/177°C is probably the most widely used temperature. The time is usually about 1 hour or more at temperature. “Untempered martensite is not fit for service.” This is undoubtedly something every materials or metallurgical engineering student has heard at some time. It is a well-accepted fact. However, it is not quite true.

In an article back in February 2026, I talked about the paradox of work and happiness — that this psychological phenomenon happens every day in the workplace. Employees have the potential to find flow states and do amazing work, but when asked where they would rather be, they indicate anywhere but doing the work they are doing.