Automotive manufacturers have joined other industries facing the dual challenges of compressed time to market and compliance with strict industry standards in exploring new strategies for achieving their goals.
The Industry 4.0 approach to modern manufacturing addresses these challenges using automation and technologies that produce high-quality products with repeatable results while reducing operating costs by eliminating waste and cycle time with a focus on quality. By approaching old problems with new thinking, SECO/WARWICK has developed an innovative UniCase Master® system, which can replace outdated heat treatment methods by utilizing a fully automated system that revolutionized how gearbox components are loaded and quenched using the single-flow case hardening system.
The system, simply defined, continuously loads parts that individually enter the heat treatment process, and when complete, enter 4D quench for precision cooling that is key to eliminating component distortion. The transfer systems in and out of the furnace are designed to maintain the integrity and surface quality of each component, even at high volumes.