Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli pioneer in defense and cybernetic solutions, has purchased a vacuum titanium casting furnace from Seco/Warwick for UPC Precision Castings. This is the first furnace of this type on the Israeli market.
The technology solution (Alloy VIM 40kg-400kW) is a single-chamber furnace, equipped with a hot (ceramic) and cold (copper, for CWI processes) crucible. In the first, ceramic crucible, melting processes of up to 40 kilograms of superalloys, mainly nickel-based, can be carried out. The copper crucible melts 10 kg of titanium at a time. The Alloy VIM furnace has a three-stage vacuum system, is equipped with mechanical, Roots, and diffusion pumps. The system allows the furnace to obtain a high vacuum in the range of 10-5 mbar. The device is also equipped with a mold heater. The entire project has been planned so that it can be equipped with additional accessories in the future. The device has stub pipes where additional furnace equipment, such as an alloy additive feeder, can be installed in the future. It is undoubtedly a very versatile and efficient device.
“This is the second vacuum metallurgy solution that we have delivered to Israel. However, this has been the first time a furnace for titanium castings has been supplied to this country. We are proud to be able to introduce innovative, pioneering solutions in this unique and highly growing market. Vacuum melting and casting processes are extremely technologically advanced. They require high precision of individual element execution and process design so that it proceeds in an optimal manner using the unique system advantages. Titanium alloy melting furnaces are mainly used by the aviation, defense, and energy industries,” said Sławomir Wożniak, president of Seco/Warwick Group.
The furnace purchased for the UPC Precision Castings foundry makes it possible to obtain both — superalloys and high-quality titanium castings. It is an innovative solution that combines two processes in one device. As a result, it allows foundries to quickly respond to dynamically changing customers’ needs. The Alloy VIM furnace allows the customer to adapt the production to current needs.
UPC Precision Castings did not previously use vacuum technology. The device purchased from Seco/Warwick will significantly expand the offer and foundry capabilities. UPC is a foundry that manufactures machine parts and components for the aviation and defense sectors. It is a leading partner with the world-famous Rafael Advanced Defense Systems concern. It manufactures the world’s most popular air defense system — the Iron Dome. The company recently publicized the fact that, thanks to this advanced technology, in the period of 10 years of implementation, more than 2,500 rockets have been intercepted, protecting cities, preventing extensive property damage, and saving lives. The system is also used by the U.S. military.
“Seco/Warwick became not only our supplier but also a partner. Because not only did Seco/Warwick provide a vacuum furnace for melting titanium and superalloys, they implemented this new technology in our company. The cooperation is going very well. We feel a real partnership in our business relationship, working with a party with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of vacuum metallurgy.
The first vacuum furnace for titanium melting is already in Israel, and we are very proud that UPC Precision Castings is the forerunner in implementing such advanced technology in the Israeli market. We are significantly expanding our offer and we will certainly be able to attract many customers from various, previously unavailable sectors,” said Oded Hammer, general manager of UPC Precision Castings.
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