Solar Atmospheres of Western PA Expands Titanium Processing Capabilities with New Water Quench Furnace
Hermitage, PA, October 6, 2026 — Solar Atmospheres of Western PA has expanded its heat treatment capabilities with the delivery of a new water quench furnace specifically designed to process large titanium components. The company is currently commissioning the new system at its Hermitage, Pennsylvania, facility.
Manufactured by Heat Treat Equipment Inc. of Canton, Michigan, the new furnace significantly expands Solar Atmospheres of Western PA’s ability to provide controlled heat treatment for large titanium components weighing up to 7,500 pounds. The system is designed to maintain temperature uniformity within ±5°F and achieve rapid water quenching within seven seconds.
Titanium alloys are widely used in aerospace, defense, medical, and other critical applications where high strength-to-weight ratios and reliable performance in demanding environments are essential. The new furnace provides Solar Atmospheres of Western PA with the capability to process larger titanium components while thermocoupling the actual workload, providing precise monitoring and control throughout the heat treatment process. An in-process camera will also be installed to monitor the workload while being heated above the critical beta transus temperatures.
“This new furnace is an important investment in our continued commitment to serving our customers,” said Bob Hill, President of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA. “This equipment finally gives us the opportunity to solution anneal critical titanium alloys that our titanium customers have continuously asked for over the years.”
The 14-foot-long by 54-inch-wide by 48-inch-high furnace is positioned directly above an 11,000-gallon, multidirectional, highly agitated water quench tank. This configuration is designed to minimize transfer time between the furnace and quench tank, enabling extremely rapid quenching of titanium components that is required by stringent aerospace specifications. Additionally, a closed loop cooling system provides a water quenchant temperature never to exceed 100 F.
Once fully operational, the new system will further expand Solar Atmospheres of Western PA’s comprehensive range of vacuum and air heat treatment services. The investment reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art equipment and delivering advanced heat treatment solutions for customers across demanding industries.
For additional information about Solar Atmospheres, contact Mike Johnson at 855-934-3284 x2223 or email at mikej@solaratm.com.