Solar Atmospheres of California (SCA) has announced the completion of its most recent facility expansion. The new expansion allows SCA to double its current heat treating capacity on the west coast while continually striving to meet the needs of an ever growing customer base.

Project expansion began taking shape in July 2016 with ground breaking for a new 25,000 sq. ft. building. Upon completion of building construction in July 2017 and, applying the lessons learned from SCA's initial facility build in 2010-11, SCA immediately began the design, fabrication and installation of all required support systems including water and gas delivery.

In preparation for the added growth, SCA has procured an additional four vacuum furnaces from sister company Solar Manufacturing (SMI) based in Souderton, PA.

Additional state-of-the-art vacuum heat treating equipment includes an SMI Model HFL-5748-10IQ-VC "High Pressure Vacuum Gas Carburizing Furnace." The furnace features a rigid graphite hot zone design measuring 36"W X 36"H X 48" deep, 35" Varian diffusion pump for sustained high vacuum processing, low pressure vacuum carburizing capability, operating range of 600°F - 2200°F (maximum temperature 2750°F), maximum cooling pressure of 10 Bar (135 psig) with 300HP gas blower and maximum loading capacity of 7,000 lbs.

Another new furnace is the SMI Model HFL-7472-10IQ-VC "High Pressure Vacuum Gas Carburizing Furnace" The furnace features a rigid graphite hot zone design measuring 48"W X 48"H X 72" deep, 35" Varian diffusion pump for sustained high vacuum processing, low pressure vacuum carburizing capability, operating range of 600°F - 2200°F (Maximum Temperature 2750°F), a maximum cooling pressure of 10 Bar (135 psig) with 300HP gas blower and a maximum loading capacity of 15,000 lbs.

The third furnace is an SMI Model HFL-7472-2EQ "All Metal Hot Zone with Isolated Gas Quench System," featuring a 6-layer all moly hot zone design measuring 48"W X 48"H X 72" deep, 35" Varian diffusion pump with "isolated" external gas quench system for optimized sustained high vacuum processing of sensitive materials, an operating range of 600°F - 2400°F (maximum temperature 2800°F), and a maximum loading capacity of 15,000 lbs.

The final furnace is an SMI Model HCB-120288-2EQ "120"DIA X 288" Long Horizontal Car-Bottom Furnace," featuring a rigid graphite hot zone design measuring 96"W X 96"H X 288" deep, multiple 35" Varian diffusion pumps for sustained high vacuum processing, an operating range of 600°F - 2200°F (maximum temperature 2600°F) and a maximum loading capacity of 150,000 lbs.

All Solar Manufacturing furnaces are designed for high performance, low maintenance and energy efficient results.

"We are very thankful for the opportunity to grow our facility," states Derek Dennis, president, Solar Atmospheres of California. "Every SCA employee appreciates the trust and confidence that our customers have placed in our abilities to service their Vacuum Heat Treating, Brazing and Carburizing requirements. Our focus remains on providing the highest quality product with unsurpassed customer service on-time, every-time in the safest, most efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The last 6+ years of providing vacuum processing services in Southern California have proven to be both challenging and rewarding. We look forward to working with our current customer base along with new customers in solving their heat treat challenges. SCA understands the importance we play in our customers' supply chain, especially where delivery and quality are expected. These new facility expansions well help us meet these expectations."