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UK's LARGEST CAPACITY

The UK's Largest Capacity
Heat Treatment Facility

Specializing in heat treatment of Nickel Alloys, Stainless and Low Alloy steels with energy-efficient furnaces and exceptional quality control

Industry-Leading Heat Treatment Excellence

Howco prides itself on operating one of the largest capacity heat treatment facilities in the UK. Our state-of-the-art facility combines advanced technology with decades of metallurgical expertise to deliver superior heat treatment services.

We utilize energy-efficient furnaces and maintain tight quality control throughout the heat treatment process, ensuring exceptional quality and on-time service for components ranging from small precision parts to massive 20-tonne assemblies.

Unmatched Capacity

With furnaces accommodating up to 20 tonnes and 6.4m length, we handle projects that others simply cannot, making us the preferred partner for large-scale industrial applications.

Howco's large capacity heat treatment furnace

Technical Capabilities

Industry-leading capacity combined with precision control for superior results

20 Tonnes

Maximum Capacity

Largest in the UK

6.4m

Maximum Length

Extended components

500-1100°C

Temperature Range

±5°C tolerance

< 60 sec

Transfer Time

Rapid quenching

Computerized Recording

Full digital furnace charts with complete cycle documentation

Precision Control

±5°C temperature uniformity throughout the working zone

Quality Assurance

Continuous monitoring with automated alarm systems

Multiple Furnaces

Various sizes to optimize efficiency for any job size

Comprehensive Heat Treatment Processes

Full range of heat treatment services to achieve optimal material properties

Annealing & Normalizing

Restore ductility and relieve internal stresses

Temperature Range

650-1100°C

Key Benefits

  • Softens material for improved machinability
  • Relieves internal stresses from forming
  • Refines grain structure
  • Improves dimensional stability

Suitable Materials

Carbon steelsLow alloy steelsStainless steelsNickel alloys
Heat treatment process in action

Quenching Capabilities

Multiple quench media options with sub-60 second transfer time for optimal results

Water Quench

Rapid cooling for maximum hardness

Cooling Rate

Fastest cooling

Best For

Carbon steels, low hardenability steels

Polymer Quench

Controlled cooling with reduced distortion

Cooling Rate

Medium cooling

Best For

Complex shapes, medium alloy steels

Oil Quench

Slower cooling for reduced cracking risk

Cooling Rate

Slow cooling

Best For

High alloy steels, large sections

Rapid Transfer Technology

Our sub-60 second transfer time from furnace to quench ensures optimal metallurgical properties and minimizes oxidation for superior quality results.

Complementary Services

Complete metallurgical services under one roof for comprehensive quality assurance

UKAS approved metallurgical testing laboratory

UKAS Approved Testing

In-house mechanical and metallurgical testing laboratory

  • Tensile testing
  • Impact testing
  • Hardness testing
  • Metallography

Corrosion Testing

Comprehensive corrosion resistance evaluation

  • ASTM G48
  • Pitting resistance
  • Intergranular attack
  • Salt spray testing

Non-Destructive Testing

Complete NDT services for quality verification

  • Ultrasonic testing
  • Magnetic particle
  • Dye penetrant
  • Phased array

Straightening Services

Commercial tolerance straightening up to 14" diameter

  • Bars and shafts
  • Tubes and pipes
  • Structural sections
  • Post-treatment straightening

Material Expertise

Nickel Alloys

Inconel 625

Inconel 718

Monel K500

Hastelloy

Specialized procedures for aerospace and oil & gas applications

Stainless Steels

316/316L

17-4PH

Duplex

Super Duplex

Optimized for corrosion resistance and mechanical properties

Low Alloy Steels

4130

4140

4340

8630

Precise control for strength and toughness requirements

Uncompromising Quality Standards

Every heat treatment cycle is meticulously controlled and documented to ensure compliance with international standards and customer specifications

Digital Documentation

Complete furnace charts and cycle data for every treatment

Hardness Verification

100% hardness inspection to confirm treatment effectiveness

Energy Efficiency

Modern furnaces reduce environmental impact and costs

Experience the UK's Largest Heat Treatment Capacity

From small precision components to 20-tonne assemblies, our expert team delivers exceptional heat treatment results on time, every time