Hanson Balk Steel Treating of Grand Rapids, MI, has installed the new Abar Ipsen 15 bar Super Turbo horizontal vacuum HPGQ furnace. As a size 48" x 48" x 72", this furnace provides a higher part hardness and faster quench while minimizing distortion due to directional cooling capabilities. Depending upon the part size and geometry, selecting different gas path exits out of the hot zone controls the flow of gas which improves cooling uniformity and cooling rates to control part distortion. In addition, this furnace exceeds the GM Powertrain Specification requiring a minimum quench rate of 70 degrees F per minute on the largest of hot working die steels while minimizing distortion. According to the company’s press release, Hanson Balk was the first heat treater worldwide to meet the requirements of GM Powertrain DC-9999-1 on the first attempt and also the first to install the largest HPGQ furnace in North America. Ipesen manufactures thermal processing technology. Their product offerings include atmosphere batch and systems, vacuum batch and systems, automation, controls and sensors and aftermarket support services.