Toptech Polska, a manufacturer of precision metal components, has ordered a Vector vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK to establish its in-house heat treatment capabilities. The investment is aimed at improving production control, reducing lead times and logistics costs, and strengthening the company’s expertise in processing tool steel components.
The furnace features high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) at up to 15 bar absolute and will primarily be used for hardening, tempering and annealing marking tools, type characters, punches, dies, and working components for stamping dies.
The compact Vector furnace has a working zone of 400 × 400 × 600 mm and uses nitrogen for high-pressure gas cooling. Its vacuum processing capabilities are designed to help maintain surface cleanliness, dimensional stability and consistent component quality while limiting oxidation and decarburisation.
According to Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Furnaces Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group, Toptech was already familiar with the company’s technology through its previous use of a commercial heat treatment provider operating SECO/WARWICK equipment. Rising production volumes and the need for greater operational control prompted Toptech to establish its own heat treatment facility.
Bringing the process in-house will enable Toptech to reduce its dependence on external service providers, simplify production planning and minimise the transportation of components between facilities. It will also allow the company to adjust heat treatment parameters according to material type, component geometry and required properties. In addition to meeting its internal requirements, Toptech plans to offer vacuum heat treatment services to other companies in the region.
High-Pressure Gas Quenching for Precision Components
The furnace’s 15-bar high-pressure gas quenching system is a key feature of the investment. Vacuum heat treatment involves heating components in a controlled, low-pressure environment before cooling them with high-pressure gas. This approach helps limit surface oxidation and decarburisation, enables precise control over cooling cycles and can reduce the need for subsequent processing.
Paweł Okińczyc, Sales Manager at SECO/WARWICK, highlighted the importance of surface quality, dimensional stability and predictable cooling in the heat treatment of precision components. These factors directly influence the durability and performance of tools, punches, dies and other components used in demanding industrial applications.
Strengthening Production Independence
Toptech’s investment comes amid growth in Poland’s manufacturing sector. According to Statistics Poland (GUS), industrial output increased by 3.1% in 2025, while machinery and equipment production rose by 7.2% and fabricated metal product output grew by 6.1%. These trends reflect the increasing need for manufacturers to improve operational efficiency while maintaining quality and delivery schedules.
Jacek Targosz, Management Board Member responsible for production processes at Toptech Polska, identified extended lead times and the limited availability of external heat treatment services as key challenges behind the decision. Greater control over component quality and service life, along with the availability of long-term technical support, were also important considerations.
The proximity of the two companies’ facilities, approximately 62 km apart, is expected to facilitate project coordination and equipment servicing.
SECO/WARWICK has been developing vacuum heat treatment technologies since the 1970s and has supplied thousands of installations to more than 70 countries over the past 35 years. Its solutions serve industries including aerospace, automotive, tooling, energy, medical and defence.
For Toptech Polska, the investment represents a move towards greater production independence, enhanced process control and the potential to expand its services to other manufacturers.
