Solar Mfg. receives order for vacuum carburizing furnace

Solar Mfg. Inc., Souderton, Pa., has received an order for a specialized top-loading vacuum furnace required by a manufacturer of tube fittings, adapters, valves, filters, and related coupling hardware. Primary application of the vacuum furnace will be for the development and expansion of production carburizing.

The model VTL-714-VC furnace has a 7.5- by 14-in. work zone with a load capacity up to 250 lbs. The hot zone incorporates a combination of Flexshield hot face backed by layers of graphite felt to allow for operation up to 2,400 degrees F with bake-out capability of 2,500 degrees F.

Quenching is accomplished by an external 10-HP cooling system. Gas flow controls systems are provided to accomplish the processing results dictated by the proposed applications, and the vacuum system included allows for controlled operation in the 10^-2 to 50 torr range.