Automatic hardening machine UniCase Master® Custom

Overview
The UniCase Master Custom is a vacuum heat-treatment system engineered for single-piece flow production, combining low pressure carburizing (LPC) with high‑pressure nitrogen quenching. It targets mechanical transmission parts (gears, shafts, rings, sleeves) made from carburizing, special case and through‑hardening steels and can be configured for bright annealing and vacuum brazing.

Key features

• Single-piece flow vacuum heating and processing
• Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) capability
• High‑pressure nitrogen gas quenching (HPGQ)
• Proprietary 3D cooling nozzle arrangement
• Rotating table enabling 4D quench uniformity
• Capability for bright annealing and vacuum brazing
• Adoptable working zone size and compact footprint
• Full automation for in-line integration
• Low utilities consumption and no uncontrolled process gas emissions

Advantages

• One‑by‑one processing for true in-line production
• Customized configuration to match part geometry and process
• Improved distortion control and repeatability
• Elimination of oil/helium quenching and related contamination
• Surface protection (no IGO) and ideal part finish
• Reduced need for heat‑treatment fixtures and material logistics
• 100% part monitoring, traceability and automatic reporting
• Operational flexibility with on‑demand start/stop
• Safer, cleaner and environmentally compliant process

Technologies

• Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC)
• Bright hardening / High Pressure Gas Quench (HPGQ)
• Bright annealing
• Vacuum heating and processing
• Vacuum brazing

Industries

• Automotive
• Transmission manufacturing
• Bearing industry
• Machine building
• Aerospace
• Fabricated metal products

Materials

• Standard carburizing and through‑hardening steels
• Higher‑alloy and special steels suited for gas and oil quenching

Quenching concept (3D / 4D)
The system surrounds the part with an adjustable pattern of cooling nozzles to deliver uniform gas flow from top, bottom and sides (3D). A rotating table adds a spin motion (4D), improving quench uniformity. Nozzle pattern and quench power are adjustable to match part size and geometry, enabling strong, uniform nitrogen quenching without oil or helium.

Process benefits
Single‑piece flow enables seamless integration with CNC lines, eliminates dedicated heat‑treatment fixtures, shortens cycle times and lowers downstream hard‑machining requirements by reducing distortion. Every part is monitored for full traceability and quality control, supporting automated reporting and reduced manual intervention.

Technical specifications

• Vacuum heating chamber with LPC capability
• High‑pressure nitrogen quench chamber with integrated transfer systems
• Proprietary 3D nozzle arrangement and rotating table for 4D quench
• Adjustable nozzle pattern and customizable quench power
• Single‑piece flow operation with full automation and in‑line integration
• 100% part monitoring and traceability
• Configurable for bright annealing and vacuum brazing
• Compact footprint and reduced utilities consumption
• Elimination of oil/helium quenching and associated contamination risks