Solar Atmosphere's Specialized Services

When applicable, Solar offers specialized processing services. Our metallurgical expertise and extensive furnace capabilities allow us to meet a wide variety of metal processing needs, for any size project.

Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant (FLP)
Fluorescent penetrant inspection is a method of inspecting materials for cracks or indications after the heat treating process. This high sensitivity application is used to determine defects in heat treated parts by using a darkened atmosphere and fluorescent dye. The dye is attracted to defects in the weldments via capillary action giving a visual alert to the inspector that there is a crack in that particular area.
Click here for additional information

Sintering
High temperature (3600°F, 4000°C) batch sintering for P/M and MIM parts to achieve optimum mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties. With correct particle size distribution, sintered parts can approach full density. Solar is able to maintain sintering temperatures within a window of 5°F.
Click here for additional information

Graphite Coatings
Titanium carbide (TiC) and silicon carbide (SiC) coatings are diffused onto machined graphite for a super hard ceramic finish. The benefits include extraordinary wear life, chemical and oxidation resistance, and cleanliness for handling and the operating environment.
Click here for additional information

Cryogenic Processing
Deep freezing (-320°F) metal parts during the heat treating process can additional greater stability and wear life. Solar offers both liquid nitrogen and freezer box cooling for tool, alloy and stainless steel parts, tooling and dies.
Click here for additional information

Steam Treating
An environmentally safe black oxide coating (Fe3O4) produces a tenacious oxide layer
that improves part life, without costly cleanup, spotty residue or disposal problems. Offers corrosion resistance and lubricity for tool steel, alloy steel and powdered metal parts.
Click here for additional information

R&D and Prototype Partnering
Solar’s commitment is to develop the best processing cycle for part requirements and efficient service. To accomplish this goal Solar has several lab furnaces (temperature capabilities up to 3600°F) and a staff of metallurgists and processing consultants. Cycle and processing development includes consultation for fixturing, material handling and optimum process cycle.

Metallurgical Testing
Solar service includes on-site Rockwell and microhardness testing. Testing is done at a certified lab testing facility for micro and macro examinations, tensile, grain size and surface contamination. Helium leak checking is done on-site for vacuum brazed assemblies as low as 10 -9 torr.