51����, the largest family-owned commercial heat treating company in the United States, processes more than 15 million pounds of metal annually. To enhance material handling efficiency and improve workplace safety, the Western PA facility recently installed a new clear-span 20-ton crane in its shipping and receiving department.

Bob Hill, President of 51���� of Western PA, explained the motivation behind the investment: “I grew weary of seeing our employees unloading flatbed trucks outside in inclement weather and struggling to maneuver 40-foot-long bars, plates, or billets through a 30-foot overhead door opening. The primary reason we made this investment was to improve the safety of all our employees.”

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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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Before any vacuum heat treatment can begin, components must be thoroughly cleaned to remove both organic and inorganic contaminants. Standard cleaning methods—such as solvent immersion, drying, and vapor degreasing—are essential for eliminating residues that might volatilize during processing. Left unchecked, these contaminants can redeposit inside the vacuum furnace, degrade part quality, and even damage the hot zone or cold wall.

For years, achieving consistent cleanliness in vacuum heat treating has been a persistent industry challenge, often requiring significant labor, expensive chemicals, and the use of stainless steel or titanium foil. 51����’ innovative dual-pump vacuum cleaning system changes that dynamic. Integrated directly into a standard heat treatment cycle, this technology establishes a new benchmark for cleanliness and process efficiency.

This “self-cleaning furnace” approach not only produces exceptionally bright, clean parts—it also enhances safety, minimizes environmental impact, and lowers operating costs. In a time when precision, cleanliness, and sustainability matter more than ever, this advancement delivers meaningful value across the board.

Read the full article about the self cleaning vacuum furnace

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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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Matt Striewski, Lab Technician at 51���� of Western Pennsylvania, knows firsthand what it’s like to face food insecurity—he grew up in Western PA not always knowing where his next meal would come from.

With the current challenges caused by the federal shutdown, the Pennsylvania budget impasse, and the curtailment of SNAP funding, Matt recognized an urgent need in the community and proposed starting Solar’s annual Christmas food drive early to support the Mercer County Food Bank.

Our employees quickly responded. Seeing the growing food lines at local churches and shelters, the Western PA Solar team decided to take action. Every employee contributed generously, and with the company match, 51���� proudly presented a $3,000 donation to the Mercer County Food Bank. This donation will enable the Mercer County Food Bank to purchase food where they need it most. Neighbors always helping neighbors!

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Hermitage PA, November 4, 2025 – This installation marks the second all-metal hot zone vacuum furnace added to the climate-controlled processing area at 51����’ Hermitage, Pennsylvania facility. The new system significantly expands the company’s capacity to heat treat highly sensitive materials such as precipitation-hardened stainless steels, nickel-chrome-based superalloys, titanium, and niobium.

Engineered for precision and performance, the furnace incorporates strategically placed isolation valves, an oversized main valve, a high-capacity diffusion pump, and a polished stainless-steel chamber. Together, these features create an ultra-clean processing environment that meets the stringent demands of the aerospace and medical industries. Capable of achieving vacuum levels below 5 x 10⁻⁶ Torr, the system ensures bright, contamination-free results.

Michael Johnson, Sales Director at 51���� of Western Pennsylvania, stated: “The all-metal vacuum furnace plays a critical role in delivering the purest possible processing environment. This level of cleanliness and control results in pristine end products that meet the most demanding industry standards. We’re proud to partner with the engineers at Solar Manufacturing to bring this advanced technology to fruition.”

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

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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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51���� of Western PA is expanding our footprint in the medical device market with the addition of a brand-new Solar Manufacturing all-metal hot zone vacuum furnace, engineered specifically for the high-vacuum processing of critical medical components.

To support this growth, our existing medical clean room was doubled in size, ensuring we meet the highest standards for precision, cleanliness, and reliability.

Proud to continue advancing innovation in medical device processing!

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Hermitage PA, July 14, 2025 – The foundation is now in place at 51���� of Western PA for the installation of a state-of-the-art titanium drop bottom water quench furnace. Engineered for precision and performance, this new furnace is rated for a maximum operating temperature of 1850°F ±10°F and is designed to process titanium bar and forging loads of up to 7,500 pounds.

Measuring 14 feet long by 54 inches wide by 48 inches high, workloads will be rapidly transferred into a 7,000-gallon, recirculated water quench tank within seconds—ensuring consistent metallurgical results for demanding aerospace and industrial applications.

This investment marks a significant step forward, opening the door to expanded titanium solution treating capabilities and reinforcing 51����’ commitment to innovation and customer-driven thermal processing solutions.

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

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Recently, 51���� of Western PA celebrated our incredible team with two dedicated Employee Appreciation Days at PNC Park—one for our weekday shift and one for our weekend crew. It was a great opportunity to relax, connect, and cheer on the Pirates, who won both games! We are truly grateful for the loyalty, hard work, and dedication of our employees. Thank you for all that you do—Go Bucs!

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