As part of its commitment to environmental leadership, Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI), the parent company based in Austria, has implemented a Nitrex nitriding system at its facility in Romania. This installation, aligning with the company’s corporate values and best practices, marks a significant advancement in HAI’s initiative to modernize operations and advance the sustainability of aluminum profile production.
HAI Romania, a subsidiary of Hammerer Aluminium Industries, has been a key player in Romania’s aluminum industry since its establishment in 2009. Acquired from Hydro in February 2020, the Chișineu-Criș extrusion plant, located in western Romania near the Hungarian border, operates five extrusion presses: a 5-inch (127 mm), a 7-inch (178 mm), two 8-inch (203 mm), and a new 10-inch (254 mm) press. Specializing in the production of high-quality aluminum profiles and systems, this facility is strategically positioned to provide easy access to both Western and Eastern European markets, facilitating the production and distribution of a wide range of extrusions for industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging.
The newly installed nitriding system replaces the traditional salt bath nitriding process, aligning with HAI’s eco-friendly directives. Unlike salt bath nitriding, which involves the use of salts that can leave environmentally challenging residues necessitating post-finishing operations and disposal, the controlled gas nitriding process used in the Nitrex NX-815 furnace model is more sustainable. With a load capacity of 3,300 lb (1,500 kg) and designed specifically for treating extrusion dies, the Nitrex system offers advanced process capabilities such as Nitreg® controlled nitriding and Nitreg®-C controlled ferritic nitrocarburizing, ensuring superior and consistent performance outcomes.
By adopting Nitreg® technologies, HAI Romania not only reduces its ecological footprint by eliminating hazardous waste and minimizing energy consumption but also enhances the durability and performance of aluminum extrusion dies. This approach eliminates the need for costly post-finishing operations, optimizing production efficiency and overall operational cost-effectiveness.
The decision to implement these advanced technologies was driven by the head office’s strategic focus on sustainability and innovation. The new system will not only improve production efficiency but also ensure that HAI Romania remains at the forefront of green manufacturing practices in the aluminum industry.
Marcin Stoklosa, Technical Sales Manager – EMEA region at Nitrex, shared, “HAI is setting a strong benchmark in greener manufacturing as it continues to grow. The innovative spirit of this young enterprise, combined with the seasoned experience of a traditional business, underscores HAI’s commitment to leading the way in environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. This investment not only enhances sustainability but also improves operational efficiency, ensuring products meet high standards of quality and reliability for HAI’s customers.”
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