Solar Atmospheres of Western PA took chamber delivery of its third 24 foot, 75,000 lb capacity furnace. In 2006 Solar added 16,000 square feet of floor space and added its second 24 foot furnace, which is fully operational today. Now the third 24 foot furnace is in place with a planned spring start-up. The new 24 foot furnace is being constructed on site by Solar Manufacturing.

The Hermitage, PA plant specializes in vacuum heat treating and brazing. Started in 2001, Solar Atmospheres' second facility has quickly become the center for large vacuum furnaces. Currently Solar is operating 6',10', 12', and the three 24 foot long large vacuum furnaces among its 12 furnaces. The three 24 foot furnaces have been built to meet the growing demand from titanium producers and the use of titanium for aerospace and other industries. Up to 75,000 lbs of primary / secondary titanium and other metals are annealed or degassed in a single run. Large titanium parts or loads are solution annealed and aged. Other customer requested processes include stress relieving, diffusion bonding, and numerous other thermal processes.

Bob Hill, President of Solar Atmospheres, Western PA anticipates increased usage for the large furnaces. "The explosive demand for titanium structural members and parts in the new military and commercial airline industry requires the capability, processing experience and furnace capacity that Solar has developed and has in place. Even larger furnaces are in the pipeline and should be in operational in 2008. That furnace will be 36 feet long with a loading capacity of 150,000 pounds! " states Hill.