Solar Mfg. installs gas fan quench vacuum hot press at Refrac Systems

Solar Mfg., Souderton, Pa., has completed the installation and startup of a 100-ton vacuum hot press that includes a 2-bar gas fan quench cooling system at Refrac Systems’ commercial and aerospace diffusion bonding operation in Chandler, Ariz. According to the manufacturer, it is the first press of its kind designed for parts up to 4,000 lbs.

The machine is based on the standard HLF-5748-2IQ internally quenched 2-bar vacuum furnace. The hot zone has been modified to contain a 100-ton-load hydraulic ram centered over the zone, which is configured to diffusion-bond parts up to 36 in. wide by 48 in. long by 30 in. tall. It is being used to bond advanced superalloy heat exchangers, as well as large plastic injection molding dies.