7. July 2025
Efficient heat treatment
The Neuman Aluminium extrusion plant is setting an example for sustainability and process optimisation with its switch to electrically powered furnaces.
Our extrusion plant in Marktl (Lower Austria) is setting a strong example for sustainability and process optimization: as part of a modernization project, the heat treatment furnaces were completely converted from gas-fired to electrically powered furnaces. A total of four new models were put into operation.
The changeover is an important step in terms of energy efficiency and resource conservation, with annual CO₂ savings of around 311 tons in the overall heat treatment process. At the same time, the new furnaces bring significant technical improvements to the production process.
Technical optimization and quality advantages at a glance
The new furnace technology offers a number of technical advantages: The components are heated more quickly and evenly by horizontal air flow. The appearance of the parts also benefits – stains and water residues are significantly minimized by extracting the residual moisture after quenching at the beginning of the heat treatment process during heating. In addition, the furnaces allow the process parameters to be specifically adjusted for each component. Furthermore, a temperature uniformity of +/- 2°C is achieved, which results in consistent mechanical properties. Overall, transport and handling costs are reduced – not least through the use of a new lightweight charging rack and direct transfer to the heat treatment furnaces after solution annealing.
All in all, the new furnace models impress with increased efficiency, higher process reliability, and improved component quality.
Process reliability through CQI-9-compliant heat treatment
Another key advantage is increased product reliability: the entire heat treatment plant meets the requirements of the CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment, an internationally recognized standard for heat treatment processes in the automotive industry. The assessment is carried out at the required intervals and the entire process is subject to continuous online monitoring. After each treatment, a report is automatically generated documenting compliance with the defined process parameters. This ensures complete traceability and consistent process quality – a decisive contribution to the reliability of the components.
Sustainable value creation along the process chain
For us, it is essential to use the most efficient and resource-saving processes possible in further processing – the conversion of the heat treatment process is another targeted step along our value chain.
“With our new electric heat treatment furnaces, we’re boosting process precision while cutting energy use. It's a clear win-win: Better quality for our customers, less impact on the environment.” explains Martin Horvath, Managing Director of the Impact Extrusion Division.
This project is funded through the environmental funding program of the BMK.