18 Vacuum Furnace Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for vacuum furnaces as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 18 vacuum furnace manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked vacuum furnace companies as of April, 2024: 1.Centorr Vacuum Industries, 2.Ipsen, 3.MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC.
Table of Contents
Engaged in research on nitride semiconductor growth using the MBE method at Waseda University Graduate School. After graduating from graduate school in 2016, he joined a non-ferrous metal manufacturer.
Engaged in equipment maintenance and engineering work at metal smelting plants. Moved to a chemical manufacturer in 2022. Engaging in similar tasks.
What Is a Vacuum Furnace?
A vacuum furnace is a furnace capable of vacuum heat treatment processing.
Since the object is heated in a vacuum furnace, the surface of the object can be processed without oxidizing it. Decarburization is prevented and the luster of stainless steel and other materials can be maintained after heat treatment.
Also, because of the high surface cleanliness, bonding of dissimilar metals can be processed cleanly. A major feature of this process is that distortion can be reduced because of the gradual cooling process from heating to cooling.
This processing method emits less carbon dioxide and reduces variation in dimensions and hardness. In some cases, heat treatment is performed in a Vacuum Furnace with nitrogen gas flowing through it.
Uses of Vacuum Furnace
Vacuum furnaces are mainly used for processing metals and semiconductors.
The following are examples of vacuum furnace applications:
- Quenching, tempering, and sintering of metals
- Brazing of evaporators, etc.
- Annealing
The following are also examples of products manufactured in vacuum furnaces:
- High-grade steels for carbide tools
- Materials for electronic products such as magnets and capacitors
- Automotive parts and industrial machinery parts
Metals that require special features are fabricated in vacuum furnaces. Metals treated in vacuum furnaces are characterized by high luminosity, and surface oxidation and impurities can be reduced.
Vacuum furnaces have many advantages, but they also have the disadvantage of high maintenance and initial installation costs.
Principle of Vacuum Furnaces
Vacuum furnaces use a combination of oil rotary pumps and turbo molecular pumps to exhaust the air inside the furnace and maintain a high vacuum. Heating in the absence of oxygen in a high vacuum prevents oxidation.
1. Vessel Material
Stainless steel is generally used as the furnace vessel material; it can be heated to 1,000°C to 2,300°C and is heated by metal heaters such as tungsten, molybdenum, and silicon carbide.
Smaller furnaces are also available in which the object is heated in a tubular furnace made of alumina or quartz glass. Kanthal wire is used as the heater material, and the furnace can heat up to 700°C to 1,600°C.
2. Cooling Method
Cooling methods include natural cooling, gas cooling, and oil cooling. For high temperatures, the vessel is double-layered and water-cooled. High temperatures are measured externally with a radiation thermometer.
In a standard vacuum furnace, heating and cooling are performed in the same chamber.
Structure of Vacuum Furnaces
Vacuum furnaces perform heat treatment of heat-treated products through the three processes of conveyance, heating, and cooling. There are two main types of furnaces, the "one-chamber type" and the "multi-chamber type," depending on the type and purpose of the heat-treated parts.
1. One-Chamber Vacuum Furnace
In the one-chamber type vacuum furnace, the operator transfers and places the product to be treated in the furnace, and the heating and cooling processes are performed in a single chamber. Since the heating and cooling processes are performed in the same room, the furnace must be able to withstand sudden temperature differences. Heat-resistant stainless steel or carbon materials are used for the heater and structural components.
Because of its simple structure, the lineup of furnaces is extensive, ranging from small to large sizes. For cooling, natural cooling or inert gas cooling with nitrogen or other inert gases is used to prevent contamination of the furnace interior and heat-treated products. The cooling gas outlet structure and stirring fan enable uniform cooling with minimal contamination.
Therefore, it is suitable for processing products that are sensitive to surface contamination or deformation. On the other hand, the disadvantage is low productivity because the next product to be heat-treated cannot be loaded until the previous treatment is completed.
2. Multi-Chamber Vacuum Furnace
The multi-chamber type vacuum furnace has a structure in which the conveying, heating, and cooling processes are performed in two or more chambers. Heating and cooling are basically completed automatically, as per the settings once the product is fed into the transfer chamber. It is possible to control the temperature in each zone, or to set up multiple heating chambers for small batches and stagger the processing time.
The above innovations can improve productivity. By making cooling in a separate chamber, liquid refrigerants with high cooling capacity, such as oil, can be selected. High cooling capacity can be maintained because the cooling chamber is not heated.
Even metallic materials with low hardenability and sensitive to cooling rates can be cooled to a high level of performance. On the other hand, cleaning is required after heat treatment due to contamination of the treated material by the refrigerant. There is also a risk of distortion and cracking due to the high cooling rate.
Other Information on Vacuum Furnaces
Carbon Components of Vacuum Furnaces
Carbon components such as carbon graphite and C/C composite are used in Vacuum Furnaces. They are used for heating elements, structural materials, and heat treatment jigs.
Carbon materials have high heat resistance, up to 3,000°C. They are lightweight and have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. They are characterized by their light weight, low coefficient of thermal expansion, low deformation due to thermal fatigue, and low heat capacity.
Its light weight allows for increased loading capacity of heat-treated products and reduced setup load. The low deformation resistance also leads to lower running costs. The low thermal capacity and high energy-saving effect provide many productivity-enhancing benefits.
However, a disadvantage is that carbon volatilization during heating causes contamination of the furnace interior and heat-treated parts. The cooling method is also limited to gas cooling only.
List of 18 Vacuum Furnace Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- India
- Italy
- Japan
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Surface Combustion, Inc.
Vacuum Heat Treat Furnaces
Manufacturer Overview
Surface Combustion, Inc., established in 1915, is a manufacturer and provider of industrial heat treatment solutions headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, USA. With over 100 years of experience, they offer a diverse range of products, including batch and continuous heat treat furnaces, atmosphere and vacuum heat treat furnaces, and gas generators. The company has a manufacturing facility in Waterville, Ohio, USA, which serves industries like aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and more. Additionally, they provide in-house technical support, a large inventory of replacement parts, and an active team of customer service engineers, ensuring quick and effective troubleshooting.
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Palomar Technologies
Vacuum Pressure Furnace
Manufacturer Overview
Palomar Technologies, Inc., Established in 1975, is a manufacturer of precision automation equipment specializing in microelectronics assembly and packaging solutions. The company offers a range of products, including die attach solutions, wire bonding equipment, and optoelectronic packaging systems. With a global captivity, Palomar Technologies has solidified its position as a key player in the industry, providing cutting-edge technology for various applications. the company's Wide range of products has made them a preferred choice among those seeking advanced assembly solutions.
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Gasbarre Products, Inc.
continuous vacuum furnace
Manufacturer Overview
Gasbarre Products, Inc., established in 1973, is a manufacturer and supplier based in the United States, specializing in providing advanced equipment and solutions for the powder metallurgy, thermal processing, and thermal spray industries. Gasbarre Products delivers quality machinery and systems. Their main products include powder compaction presses, sintering furnaces, and thermal spray equipment. The company is devoted to enabling its customers to optimize their manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
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Concepts & Methods Company, Inc.
Camco High Vacuum Furnaces
Manufacturer Overview
Concepts & Methods Company, Inc., in the San Francisco Bay Area in San Carlos, since 1984, has been a metallurgical and heat-treating equipment manufacturer and supplier. The company produces hydrogen and high vacuum furnaces in small, medium, and large models and configurations, such as glovebox furnaces and touchscreen controllers. It has other products, such as refurbished equipment and high-temperature fixturing such as molybdenum racks, all-threads & nuts, plates, mesh layers, and boxes. It also supplies custom high vacuum pump stations with optical bake-out ovens.
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MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC
VACUUM FURNACES
Manufacturer Overview
MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC, founded in 1990, and based in Allenstown, NH, is a manufacturer and supplier of high-temperature, controlled atmosphere, and high vacuum furnaces. The products include production furnaces, laboratory furnaces, crystal growth furnaces, ultra-high-temperature furnaces, and specialty furnaces. These are used in wire annealing, sintering, hot pressing, arc melting, and loading. The company services electronics, nuclear, research & development, medical, and aviation industries. It offers field services such as replacing pumping fluid, checking vacuum seals, calibrating sensors, checking safety interlocks, and ensuring vacuum integrity.
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Centorr Vacuum Industries
VACUUM FURNACE
Manufacturer Overview
Centorr Vacuum Industries, based in Nashua, NH, has been a manufacturer of high-temperature vacuum and controlled environment furnaces since 1954. The models of furnaces offered include production vacuum, sintering, custom kit, hot press, and induction furnaces. The furnaces are used for gas purification, metal and ceramic processing, debinding, and sintering. The company sells used furnaces and provides aftermarket services such as rebuilding, upgrades & retrofits, replacement chambers & furnace controls, ATC lab testing, and preventive maintenance plans.
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Plansee Japan Ltd.
Metallic hot zones
Manufacturer Overview
Plansee Japan Ltd., set up in 2009 in Japan, is a manufacturer of advanced metal components from molybdenum and tungsten for electrical, medical, and industrial uses. The company was formed with the amalgamation of Nippon Plansee, Japan Vacs Metal, and Japan Vacs Precision, although the parent organization started in 1921. Products include temperature-resistant metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, and tantalum for semiconductors, furnace construction, and the electrical industry. The product categories comprise X-ray components, cooling inserts for molds, evaporation coils and dimming caps. They are used in applications like thermal management and rocket propulsion systems for resilience, performance, and robustness.
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IHI Machinery and Furnace Co., Ltd.
Vacuum Furnace
Manufacturer Overview
IHI Machinery and Furnace Co. Ltd, founded in the year 1937, based in Kotoku, Tokyo, is a manufacturer of industrial machinery. Their product portfolio includes carbon solutions, gas turbines, diesel and gas engines, storage tanks, process plants, plant components, nuclear energy, bridge, water-gate, shield, concrete building materials, transportation systems, urban development, security, environmental measurement, compressor, separator, vehicle supercharger, industrial furnace, marine machinery, paper and pulp machinery, agriculture machinery, lifestyle equipment, aviation machinery, defense equipment, aero-engine, and logistics. The products are used in multiple industries which include natural resources, energy and environment, social infrastructure, industrial machinery, aviation, and defense.
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DOWA THERMOTECH CO., LTD
Metal Hot Zone High Temperature Vacuum Furnace
Manufacturer Overview
DOWA THERMOTECH CO. LTD is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is an industrial furnaces manufacturer that was established in 2000 as a subsidiary of DOWA Holdings Co. Ltd. The company’s product lineup includes industrial furnaces for forging, melting, or annealing processes, as well as heat treatment systems consisting of furnaces and ancillary equipment such as quenching tanks. It also offers heat and surface treatment processing, including nitriding, carburizing, and oxidizing services. The company chiefly serves clients in the construction, automotive, and industrial machinery manufacturing industries.
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ULVAC, Inc
Vacuum Furnace
Manufacturer Overview
Ulvac Inc., established in 1952 and headquartered in Kanagawa, Japan, is a manufacturer of vacuum equipment, components, peripheral devices, and materials for the solar cell and semiconductor industries, among others. The company operates businesses in six areas, including materials, components, electronic devices, semiconductors, and flat panel display production equipment. Some of its products include roll coaters, semiconductor production equipment, LED production equipment, leak detectors, and vacuum brazing furnaces. It is ISO9001 certified, and its net sales in the 2022 fiscal year were 227.5 billion Japanese Yen, with 34% of this amount coming from semiconductor and electronic device production equipment.
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Therelek
Vacuum Furnace
Manufacturer Overview
Therelek, established in 1980, is a reputable manufacturer and supplier headquartered in India, specializing in high-temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces. Therelek has a proven track record of delivering thermal solutions for various industries including aerospace, automotive, and research. The company's main products encompass vacuum furnaces, sintering furnaces, and high-temperature furnaces, all designed to meet stringent quality standards and precise temperature requirements. Therelek's provides customized thermal processing solutions that enhance material properties and support advanced manufacturing processes. Therelek ensures optimal furnace performance and consistent results.
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TAV VACUUM FURNACES
VACUUM FURNACES
Manufacturer Overview
TAV VACUUM FURNACES, founded in 1984 and located in Caravaggio, Italy, is a manufacturer of flexible and customized vacuum heat treatment solutions. The products include ovens and furnaces, such as horizontal vacuum furnaces with hinged or cart-bottom doors and vertical vacuum furnaces with loads applied in aerospace, automotive, industrial, and commercial industries. The company offers post-sale services such as technical support, software updates, and training courses with representatives in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
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Consarc Corporation
Vacuum Precision Investment Casting Furnaces
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Ipsen
Vacuum Furnaces
Manufacturer Overview
Ipsen, established in 1940, is a manufacturer of expertly engineered vacuum and atmosphere furnaces used in heat treatment and brazing processes. The company offers genuine replacement components such as connectors & fasteners, oil & lubricants, vacuum pumps, transfer devices, and safety components. It provides immediate technical assistance, furnace modernization, and services such as installation & relocation, preventive maintenance, repair, major refurbishments, and technical training. The firm has facilities in Europe, North America, and Asia and representatives in 34 countries.
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ECMTechnologies
VACUUM FURNACES
Manufacturer Overview
ECMTechnologies was established in 1928 in Grenoble, France, and is a manufacturer and designer of industrial heat treatment furnaces made for the energy and nuclear sectors. The company is known for low-pressure carburizing industrial furnaces and helpful heat-treating solutions. Its team is made up of experts who manufacture thermal applications for different industries. The company has 15 global subsidiaries, and its furnace types are induction, vacuum, crystal growth, deposition, and customized. These services improve the system's performance and lower manufacturing costs.
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Solar Manufacturing
Vacuum Heat Treating Furnaces
Manufacturer Overview
Solar Manufacturing, located in Sellersville, PA, and founded in 1983, is a manufacturer of advanced vacuum furnaces that are energy efficient for heat treating and brazing problems. The company is affiliated with Solar Atmosphere and Magnetic Specialties. The types of furnaces produced are horizontal internal & external quench vacuum furnaces, vacuum oil quench furnaces, car bottom vacuum furnaces, low-pressure carburizing, and aerospace components. It offers services such as vacuum furnace repair, troubleshooting, and vacuum pump services like repair, reconditioning, preventive maintenance, and onsite training.
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Carbolite Gero Ltd.
VACUUM FURNACES
Manufacturer Overview
Carbolite Gero Ltd., established in 1982, is a manufacturer of high-temperature furnaces and ovens from 30°C to 3000°C with a specialization in vacuum and unique atmosphere technology. The furnaces are chamber, tube, and vacuum furnaces; more products include ovens, asphalt binder analyzers, and controllers. The Derbyshire, United Kingdom, company offers custom-designed furnaces and ovens for continuous heat treatment. The furnaces have heating applications in aerospace, ceramics, electronics, material research, and medical device industries.
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Nuova A.S.A.V. snc
Vacuum furnace
Company Overview
Nuova ASAV is an Italian manufacturer and supplier of dental equipment and related accessories that was established in Cavriago, Reggio Emilia, in 1985. The company specializes in manufacturing standard as well as customized products for dental laboratories and clinics. These products include sandblasters for surface treatment applications, furnaces with programmable or touch-screen controls, and micro-motors for milling, drilling, or polishing operations. The company’s products are commonly used in Italy’s dental schools, clinics, and laboratories.
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Vacuum Furnace Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ipsen |
11.3%
|
| 2 | Centorr Vacuum Industries |
11.1%
|
| 3 | MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC |
9.5%
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| 4 | Gasbarre Products, Inc. |
8.8%
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| 5 | Concepts & Methods Company, Inc. |
7.2%
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| 6 | Solar Manufacturing |
7.0%
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| 7 | Therelek |
6.4%
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| 8 | Carbolite Gero Ltd. |
6.4%
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| 9 | ECMTechnologies |
5.9%
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| 10 | TAV VACUUM FURNACES |
5.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the vacuum furnace page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- ULVAC, Inc: 6,235
- Carbolite Gero Ltd.: 2,000
- DOWA THERMOTECH CO., LTD: 1,829
Newly Established Company
- Palomar Technologies: 1995 (29 years ago)
- MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC: 1990 (34 years ago)
- Concepts & Methods Company, Inc.: 1984 (40 years ago)
Company with a History
- Surface Combustion, Inc.: 1915 (109 years ago)
- ECMTechnologies: 1928 (96 years ago)
- ULVAC, Inc: 1952 (72 years ago)
Vacuum Furnace Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Surface Combustion, Inc.
- Palomar Technologies
- Gasbarre Products, Inc.
- Concepts & Methods Company, Inc.
- MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC
- Centorr Vacuum Industries
Global Distribution of Vacuum Furnace Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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6 | 46.2% |
Japan
|
4 | 30.8% |
Italy
|
2 | 15.4% |
India
|
1 | 7.7% |
List of Vacuum Furnace Products
1 product is listed.
Sun Fars
Industrial furnace / heat treatment device true furnace
10+ people viewing
The vacuum furnace is used when you want to avoid oxidation because the steel reacts with oxygen and has an oxidation scale in the atmosphere. When...
