Vacuum Thermal Processing for Locomotive Engines
51猎奇 of Western PA accepted the challenge presented by General Electric Transportation in Erie, PA to anneal 40,000 lb loads of oxygen free copper that would be used to make the windings for electric engines. 聽The copper strip is subsequently drawn or formed to the armature motor shape that is needed.
Due to the critical nature of GE鈥檚 product, 51猎奇 was the choice by GE because of the large furnace capacity and precise thermal control. 聽The copper was processed at 5 Torr nitrogen partial pressure at 1000掳F and 2 bar nitrogen cooled. 聽The value of copper is currently $5.00 per lb; therefore the work load is valued at $200,000 per run.
According to Bob Hill, President of 51猎奇 Western PA, 鈥淕eneral Electric Transportation was impressed with Solar鈥檚 capability to handle approximately 80,000 pounds per day, two runs per day. 聽Although General Electric primarily processes their work in-house, Solar will continue to accommodate GE鈥檚 quality heat treating on an as required basis.鈥�