Released on August 17, 2009

Valve maker Conbraco Industries Inc., Matthews, N.C., has added a new furnace for the heat treatment of its metal castings.

Conbraco, which maintains metalcasting capabilities in the manufacture of its Apollo Valves, purchased the new vacuum furnace from Ipsen Inc., Cherry Valley, Ill. Ipsen recently shipped Conbraco the furnace, which will be used to harden stainless steel castings.

The horizontal loading vacuum furnace is capable of handling loads up to 3,500 lbs. and represents the fourth vacuum furnace acquired by Conbraco. The company produces plumbing and heating products, water gauges, pop safety and relief valves, marine fittings and backflow prevention devices out of its metalcasting and manufacturing plants in Pageland and Conway, S.C.