Portugal: In a significant development for the European heat treatment sector, SECO/WARWICK has delivered a state-of-the-art Vector single chamber vacuum furnace to Treatnorte. The system, equipped with FineCarb technology and low-pressure carburizing (LPC), marks a major step in enhancing advanced heat treatment capabilities across Portugal and Spain.
This delivery is one of two vacuum furnaces ordered by Treatnorte and represents a strategic investment aimed at strengthening regional industrial infrastructure. The furnace will primarily support tool steel heat treatment while enabling a wide range of precision-driven applications.
The medium-sized Vector furnace is designed to offer maximum process flexibility. Its round heating chamber allows for the treatment of relatively large components, while its integration of high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) up to 15 bar and LPC technology enables complete and efficient heat treatment cycles.
Engineered for precision, the system ensures excellent temperature uniformity, convection heating at lower temperatures, and directional cooling—critical factors for maintaining dimensional accuracy in complex geometries.
At the core of this solution is FineCarb technology, a modern low-pressure carburizing method carried out in a vacuum atmosphere. By introducing carbon in controlled pulses, the process delivers superior layer uniformity, reduced distortion, and shorter cycle times compared to traditional carburizing techniques.
According to Maciej Korecki, “FineCarb enables precise shaping of the carbon profile in carburized layers, ensuring optimal performance for high-precision components such as gears, shafts, and pins. Additionally, its environmentally friendly design, with no open flame and reduced gas consumption, aligns with modern sustainability goals.”
The furnace supplied to Treatnorte also includes PreNitLPC pre-nitriding technology, further broadening its processing capabilities. This addition allows for tailored surface layer properties, making the system suitable for a diverse range of industries—from tooling and stamping to high-fatigue automotive components.
Paweł Okińczyc emphasised that the configuration was selected to support Treatnorte’s long-term growth. “A furnace with a comprehensive package of options not only meets current production needs but also creates opportunities to expand service offerings in the future,” he noted.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Celorico de Basto, Treatnorte has rapidly emerged as a technology-focused partner for precision engineering and the automotive sectors. The company’s ongoing investments, supported by the InovMetalTreat project co-financed by European Union funds, aim to establish a modern and competitive heat treatment facility.
Commenting on the development, Nuno Carvalho stated, “The ability to perform vacuum hardening and carburizing in-house enhances our operational independence, shortens supply chains, and ensures better quality control. This technology positions us to secure more demanding projects in both Portugal and Spain.”
The introduction of LPC technology in Portugal signals a broader shift within the European heat treatment landscape. Once limited to large industrial players, advanced vacuum carburizing solutions are now becoming accessible to agile regional companies.
For SECO/WARWICK, the project underscores its role not just as an equipment supplier, but as a partner in technological development. The deployment of the Vector furnace with FineCarb is expected to serve as a benchmark for the Iberian market, accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency, environmentally sustainable heat treatment solutions.
As regional players like Treatnorte embrace advanced technologies, the Iberian Peninsula is poised to elevate its position within Europe’s competitive manufacturing ecosystem.
