ALD Vacuum Technologies Chosen by Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group has chosen state-of-the-art heat treatment technology from ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH for a new manual transmission in its Skoda plant in the Czech Republic. All gears and shafts for this transmission are case-hardened in the latest generation ModulTherm® furnace system. Low-pressure carburizing and helium based high pressure gas quenching are used due to the applied material for the gears. Modular design and easy expandability were important factors in decision-making for this heat treatment technology. In addition to the fully automated ModulTherm line the first stage scope of supply includes pre-oxidizing and tempering capabilities sufficient already for the final stage. The installations second stage doubles production capacity. Production start for the new manual transmission is scheduled for March 2011.

With its representative offices and subsidiaries as well as licensees in the United States (ALD-Holcroft) and Japan (Daido), ALD is well positioned for sales and services worldwide. Furthermore, ALD operates its own heat treatment service centers in Germany, the U.S., and Mexico. Ongoing research and development activities and the intense collaboration in national and international development projects as well as the technical expertise from our own centers are reinforcing ALD’s leadership position in this specific world market.

ALD Vacuum Technologies in Hanau, Germany, is the globally leading supplier of process technologies, furnaces and services in the field of vacuum metallurgy and vacuum heat treatment. With subsidiaries in the United States, Japan, the UK, Russia, China, Poland, and Mexico—as well as more than 70 representative offices—ALD is a worldwide supplier to industries i.e. power generation, environment, aviation, photo voltaic, and automotive suppliers. For further information please contact Esther Tomm at +49.06181. 307-3015 or esther.tomm@ald-vt.de. Go online to [www.ald-vt.de].