A European aircraft engine manufacturer has purchased a VIM furnace from the vacuum metallurgy segment of SECO/WARWICK. The system ordered is a two chamber 50 kg VIM induction furnace designed for equiaxed (EQ) casting. The furnace features a non standard design in which the mold heater, together with the mold, moves horizontally on a specially designed rail mounted trolley after casting, allowing the mold to exit the chamber.
Tailor made for heavy industry
The industrial furnace sold will be used to produce equiaxed turbine blade castings for aircraft engines. This is the Partner’s first order for a SECO/WARWICK melting furnace.
The SECO/WARWICK Group specializes in manufacturing metal heat treatment and metallurgical furnaces tailored to the specific needs of its business partners. Instead of offering only standard solutions, the Group develops technologies tailored to specific production processes, quality requirements, and industry characteristics. As a result, the systems delivered high efficiency, advanced technology and flexibility, helping customers optimize processes and build a competitive advantage.
The “Tailor-made” solutions in industry is not a passing trend, but an important direction in the development of modern manufacturing. For years, SECO/WARWICK has been moving away from the “one product fits all” approach toward a model of “flexible production for many different needs.” The SECO/WARWICK Group combines customization with automation, data, and an efficient supply chain to gain a strong competitive edge. The same approach was applied to this project.
“The system design was adapted to the customer’s specific needs and capabilities. The furnace has a non‑standard design in which the mold elevator was replaced with a special trolley that moves horizontally on rails. Thanks to this solution, the furnace fits perfectly into the available space without any impact on its performance,” said Earl Good, Managing Director of RETECH, a company within the SECO/WARWICK Group, and Vice President of the Vacuum Metallurgy Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.
VIM for aerospace
A user-friendly control system ensures precise casting processes, temperature control, and comprehensive data acquisition. VIM furnaces by SECO/WARWICK are equipped with unique and intuitive control systems that deliver the repeatability and throughput essential to the aerospace industry.
The two-chamber furnace design and high-performance pumping system enable fast, continuous production of the highest-quality castings. In addition, the customer can use a mold heater to ensure optimal thermal conditions for the casting mold.
“This is an important contract, as it is the Partner’s first order for a melting furnace. At the same time, we are talking about a region that is significantly expanding its production capacity. Flexibility and readiness to adapt the equipment to specific production requirements were key factors influencing the choice of SECO/WARWICK,” commented Sławomir Woźniak, CEO SECO/WARWICK Group.
The growing popularity of VIM furnaces and the increasing importance of vacuum metallurgy is, among other factors, the result of the aerospace industry’s constantly changing production needs.
