Solar Atmospheres and ASM International at Materials Park in Ohio have partnered to offer a new Vacuum Heat Treating Course.This new course provides students with a means to combine basic vacuum heat treatment theory with hands-on instruction using the new ASM laboratory vacuum furnace donated by Solar Atmospheres, Inc., and manufactured by Solar Manufacturing Inc.

The first class of the new ASM course offering was taught in December 2013, with subsequent courses scheduled for April 2014, and September 2014.  The course was developed by Solar Atmospheres’ consultant in chemistry and metallurgy Virginia Osterman, Ph.D., who works closely with Solar Atmospheres Research and Development group. This course covers the background of vacuum measurement, vacuum furnace design, and vacuum technology as it applies to various metallurgical processes. Dr. Osterman noted, “Having a basic understanding of vacuum theory and its application in heat treating in itself is valuable, however with the added benefit of the new 'Mentor' Vacuum Furnace students now can see how to put theory into practice and get a better understanding as to why the use of vacuum heat treat processes add value to a product.”