Customer Challenge

A leading heat treatment company in Italy contacted FH seeking a cost-effective, lighter, and more durable basket for their new continuous heat treatment line. Their existing baskets were fabricated, heavy, and difficult to maintain. The customer was specifically looking for a cast basket solution that would reduce weight while improving long-term performance.

Our Approach

FH’s engineering team worked closely with the customer to understand all technical and operational details of their process, including:

• Heat treatment recipe and temperature cycle
• Furnace loading dimensions
• Maximum basket load weight
• Types and sizes of parts loaded into the basket

Leveraging our expertise in fixture design, material technology, and manufacturing, we developed a customized cast basket engineered to fit seamlessly into their continuous heat treatment line.

Results & Advantages Delivered

1. Reduced Basket Weight

Thanks to optimized structural design, the new cast basket was 20% lighter than the previous fabricated version, improving handling efficiency and reducing furnace workload.

2. Significantly Longer Service Life

With upgraded alloys and a reinforced cast structure, the new basket demonstrated outstanding durability, providing a much longer service life under continuous operation.

3. Easier Maintenance & Flexible Use

The redesigned basket features removable side panels, making maintenance easier and enabling the customer to use the base as a standalone tray when needed—improving flexibility across different heat treatment tasks.

4. Reduced Operating Costs

The combination of longer service life, easier maintenance, and improved stability lowered replacement frequency and minimized downtime, delivering substantial operational cost savings.

Customer Impact

With improved handling, enhanced durability, and lower overall costs, the customer now benefits from a more reliable and efficient continuous heat treatment process. This project demonstrates how FH’s customized engineering solutions deliver long-term value and stronger performance in demanding industrial environments.