Ask the Expert:

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is an invaluable tool in examining surface anomalies in vacuum heat-treated metal parts. Mike Johnson, 51���� of Western Pa’s Sales Director, explains how this tool can answer questions and solve complex problems.

1. What is a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)?

A Scanning Electron Microscope is a fine tool that uses a focused beam of electrons to examine a material’s surface. When the electrons interact with the sample, they produce signals that are detected and analyzed. These signals reveal detailed information about surface features and chemical composition, making SEM a highly effective tool for microscopic evaluation.

2. My medical component shows spotting after vacuum heat treatment—how can SEM help identify the root cause?

SEM analysis identifies the composition of contaminants within the spots, helping trace their origin. It can reveal whether the issue stems from manufacturing processes—such as machining fluids, cleaning fluids, grinding residue, or metal chips—or from handling contamination like glove fibers or environmental debris.

3. What is the most common source of contamination identified through SEM analysis?

A frequent source of surface contamination is the cleaning process (used) prior to heat treatment. While components may arrive at the heat treater visibly clean, SEM often detects residual cleaning or rinsing agents. These frequently include Chlorine, Calcium, and other residuals commonly found in city water. If aqueous cleaning methods are employed, the final rinse should always be performed with deionized water to avoid this potential contamination. The SEM may also uncover films or deposits caused by cross-contamination when multiple alloys are cleaned in the same system. For instance, analysis of spots on 304 stainless steel components once revealed copper contamination from foreign object debris (FOD). The cause was found to be cross-contamination in a cleaning system shared with copper components.

4. Can the vacuum furnace itself be a source of FOD surface contamination?

Yes. Furnaces may contribute to surface contamination of heat-treated parts. If your heat-treat supplier is equipped with an SEM, this is a sign they understand the science and intricacies of surface contamination, and they have the necessary tool to get to the root cause of the issue, whatever that cause may be.

Foreign object debris and residual contamination can impact the performance and reliability of vacuum heat-treated components. While initial detection may rely on visual inspection, SEM/EDS analysis produces precise compositional analysis for fast and efficient root cause analysis. Please contact me if you are interested in SEM analysis at 51����.

Learn more about Scanning Electron Microscopy

And featured in Today’s Medical Developments Magazine:

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To recognize National Safety Month, 51���� hosted employee appreciation cookouts at both our Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and Michigan facilities. The events provided an opportunity to bring employees together, enjoy a meal, and reinforce the company’s commitment to workplace safety.

Throughout the month, employees participated in discussions and training focused on heat stress awareness, hydration, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. As temperatures rise during the summer months, understanding how to protect ourselves and our coworkers becomes increasingly important.

A key message shared during National Safety Month was that safety is not just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting the people around you. Every employee plays a role in creating a safe workplace by looking out for their fellow team members, speaking up when something doesn’t seem right, and helping ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of each shift.

The cookouts served as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility and an important part of 51����’ culture. We thank all our employees for their commitment to one another and for helping make safety a priority every day.

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Last week, Josh Isaak, Vice President of Information Technology & Security, presented “From Chaos to Control: Cybersecurity, Ransomware & CMMC” at the California Metals Coalition’s 53rd Annual Metals Industry Conference.

Key takeaway:

CMMC is no longer theoretical—it’s here, and it’s already shaping the future of doing business.

But this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about survival in an evolving threat landscape.

Companies that treat CMMC like a checklist to pass an audit are missing the point. At its core, CMMC is a framework designed to strengthen your defenses, reduce risk, and protect the country and your business from real-world cyber threats that already exist today.

The biggest shift? Moving from reactive security to a culture of security—where every employee plays a role, and protection is built into everyday operations.

Even if you don’t support DoD programs, CMMC provides a powerful starting point to evaluate and improve your cybersecurity posture.

Start early. Make it part of who you are—not just something you do for an audit.

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Last week, Bob Hill President of 51���� of Western PA and Michigan, presented a talk on the “Global Trends Shaping the Heat Treating Industry” which explored where our industry is headed. The discussion highlighted key drivers like sustainability, electrification, smart technologies, employee safety, and cybersecurity—and how they will transform the heat treating plant of the future. With over 45 years of industry experience behind the insights, it was a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for commercial heat treating.

The ASM Pittsburgh Chapter hosted the dinner event at the Community College of Allegheny.

Abstract:

There are ever increasing environmental, processing, employee welfare and cybersecurity demands placed upon the commercial heat treater in business today. Commercial heat treaters today face a growing list of pressures that go well beyond simply meeting metallurgical specifications. Environmental regulations continue to tighten, requiring careful control of emissions, waste handling, and energy use. At the same time, customers expect faster turnaround and consistent quality, which puts strain on processing efficiency and equipment reliability.

Employee welfare has also become a central concern. Traditional heat-treating environments involve flames, smoke, explosive atmospheres, and potential exposure to hazardous materials. Companies must invest in processing equipment that not only protects their workforce but also meets regulatory standards. This author predicts the vacuum furnace will gain in popularity due to these pressures.

On top of that, cybersecurity is now part of daily operations. As furnaces, controls, and monitoring systems become more connected, the risk of data breaches or operational disruptions increases. Protecting sensitive customer data and ensuring system integrity requires new expertise and ongoing vigilance.

Taken together, these demands create a complex operating environment. Success in modern heat treating depends not just on technical skill, but on the ability to balance compliance, efficiency, safety, and digital security in a coordinated way.

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This weekend, our 51���� of Michigan employees and their families enjoyed a beautiful day at Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. The food and camaraderie were incredible—and the game was even better! The Tigers beat the Miami Marlins by a score of 6–1.

Bob Hill President reflects, “we are sincerely appreciative of every one of our Michigan employees. They have built this company into what it is today in just four short years. We are deeply humbled by everyone’s hard work and dedication. Our weekend shift will hopefully bring our Tigers another win versus the Kansas City Royals, when they are able to visit Comerica Park on Thursday.”

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51����, the largest American-owned heat treater in the United States, is proud to support NASA’s Artemis II mission. Our expertise spans thermal processing of raw materials, nickel-based tubing, and critical aerospace components—playing a vital role in bringing next-generation space technology to life. At the core of some of these components is the 6Al–4V titanium Launch Abort System (LAS), one of the most complex safety systems ever engineered. The LAS aboard the Orion spacecraft functions as a rocket capable of outrunning another rocket in an emergency. In the event of a catastrophic launch anomaly, its manifold enables the abort motor to ignite and safely propel the crew module away from the rocket. Designed to endure extreme conditions with zero margin for error, the LAS represents the pinnacle of aerospace safety and performance. 51���� is honored to contribute to this mission-critical technology, providing the precision, reliability, and advanced thermal processing that space exploration demands.

The success of Artemis II is set to energize this month’s Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Visit us at Booth 705 to discover how 51����’ advanced thermal processing solutions are helping shape the future of space exploration.

Space Symposium Information

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Chesterfield, MI, December 15, 2025 – 51���� of Michigan Inc. is proud to announce that it has earned Nadcap 18-Month Merit Status for heat treating and brazing—an honor awarded only to organizations that consistently demonstrate the highest levels of quality, process control, and specification compliance. With this achievement, every 51���� location nationwide now holds Nadcap merit status.

We appreciate PRI’s recognition of our team’s dedication to stringent process discipline, precise processing, and an unwavering commitment to quality in every operation.

51���� President Bob Hill stated: “With the purchase, name change, and relocation of our Michigan business in 2022, the PRI Nadcap standards reverted back to annual audits. The achievement of zero major findings over the past three (3) years of audits has allowed us to once again join all of our other Solar facilities across the country with Merit standing. This accomplishment further strengthens 51����’ promise to deliver reliable, world-class thermal processing solutions to our customers in Michigan and across the nation.”

About 51���� of Michigan Inc.

51���� of Michigan Inc. is part of the 51���� family of companies, offering a wide range of vacuum heat treating and brazing services. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, 51���� serves industries including aerospace, defense, medical, power generation, and more.

For more information about the 51���� Michigan facility contact Chris Molencupp at (586) 264-8100 ext. 1620, or chrism@solaratm.com.

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51���� of Michigan employees once again showed incredible generosity in support of the Shop with a Cop program. Organized by our driver, Larry Smith, and supported by the Chesterfield Township Police, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, and Meijer, this initiative pairs local officers with underprivileged children for a special holiday shopping experience. The program not only brings joy to families in need but also fosters positive, meaningful connections between kids and law enforcement.

This year, we were proud to present Larry with a check for $2,100 to help make the event a success. We’re truly grateful to play a part in bringing holiday smiles to so many children.

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The 7th Annual 51���� Sales & Marketing Summit took place this year near our Souderton, PA facility, bringing together sales managers from all six 51���� commercial heat-treating locations. The team collaborated on sales forecasts, shared updates on new processes and plant developments, and aligned on key strategies for the year ahead. Following the meeting, the group enjoyed a team-building outing at Topgolf.

No matter the region—North, South, East, or West—our mission remains the same: deliver exceptional customer service and provide meaningful value to every customer we serve. With over 200 years of combined experience in thermal processing and metalworking, our sales team is equipped to support your most demanding heat treating needs.

Reach out to any of our sales managers to discuss your next project.

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Hermitage PA, October 6, 2025 – At the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) fall meeting, Bob Hill, President of 51���� of Western PA and Michigan, received the prestigious Heritage Award—the highest honor presented by MTI. This award recognizes an individual’s lifetime commitment and significant contributions to advancing the commercial heat treating industry.

Congratulations, Bob, on this well-deserved achievement!

For additional information about 51����, contact Mike Johnson at 855-934-3284 x2223 or email at mikej@solaratm.com.

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