The Mint of Poland, a producer of circulation and collector coins for the National Bank of Poland, has purchased a second Vector® vacuum furnace. The historic 250 year-old-plus institution will begin producing stamps and coins with the latest Seco/Warwick solution.
The new Vector vacuum furnace with Seco/Warwick quality is a symbol of the highest craftsmanship in the field of minting. Equipped with 15 bar high pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) capability, this is the second furnace of the same type purchased by the Mint of Poland. The first device, purchased in 2012 has continued to provide quick hardening in the most optimal floorspace for the customer throughout the past eight years in its Warsaw facility, considered one of the three most valued and technologically advanced mints in the world.
The latest Vector vacuum furnace is primarily intended to increase the efficiency of the Mint of Poland. It is also a back-up resource in the event of failure or downtime due to service inspection of the current unit.
“Considering the nature of the mint’s operation, including the security of the coin and tool production process, an important aspect is duplicating the device in order to maintain the continuity of heat treatment in any situation and to ensure that the entire technological line is carried out on the premises of the Mint. The second device from the same supplier, Seco/Warwick, secures our capabilities in this area,” said Piotr Kraszewski, director of the production department at Mennica Polska SA.”
The distinguishing feature of this new design is the additional option of high vacuum, convection heating and its PreNITLPC® technology, which opens up new possibilities for thin layer nitriding tests. This is an innovative application in the technological testing phase.
As emphasized by specialists in the heat-treatment industry, mints around the world are very demanding customers who pay close attention to the technologies used in the production of coins, numismatics, medals and stamps. It is an elite club of recipients of heat-treatment technology, in which opinion and recommendations are taken very seriously and are often the first criterion for choosing a partner. Seco/Warwick has for many years been on the list of the most recommended manufacturers of solutions for mints, not only state-owned, but throughout the world.
The Mint of Poland started cooperation with Seco/Warwick at the turn of 2011/2012, based on the recommendations of other mints and very good opinions of Polish users. One of the biggest initial challenges was to install and commission this full-size vacuum furnace on one of the floors of a skyscraper located in the very center of Warsaw. It involved not only logistics issues, but above all the operating conditions of the device in such a demanding external environment.
Another challenge was the relocation of the furnace from this difficult restricted access location in the center of Warsaw to the new production site of the Mint of Poland.
Over the years, Seco/Warwick has participated in numerous technological trials of mint products, dies, and their heat treatment. Many of these tests represent unique technologies not available anywhere in the world at the moment.
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