Thermacore has completed its acquisition of Pittsburgh Materials Technology (PMT). As a result of this acquisition, Thermacore gains a range of in-house materials fabrication capabilities and materials expertise to add to their existing thermal management products and services. PMT joins Thermacore as a division.
Focusing on solutions for many of the same industrial, aerospace, and military applications as Thermacore, PMT specializes in complex material joining, refractory metal alloy development and characterization, mechanical testing to 2000°C (3,600°F) and above, and most recently, cryomilling of aluminum to achieve dramatically higher material strengths.
Among the capabilities that PMT will add to Thermacore is vacuum brazing of complex aluminum cold plates and heat exchangers used in electronic systems. Specifically, the key elements of PMT’s vacuum brazing capabilities include a number of vacuum braze furnaces for applications with temperatures ranging from 600 to 1900°C+ (1100 to 3300°F+) , complex joint design and assembly, helium leak testing and post braze heat treatment.
PMT’s experience with refractory metal alloys will help Thermacore’s engineers apply thermal management solutions in high temperature applications. PMT’s experience in high temperature metal alloys, and ultra high vacuum environments began with the successful Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) space reactor. The NERVA project’s purpose was to move men and material from earth orbit to the outer planets. From this effort came a focus on the invention and characterization of refractory metal alloys and their use in space and on earth.
In addition, PMT offers the engineering expertise to apply high and ultra-high vacuum technology to material processing and testing. More recently, PMT’s material processing experience has enabled them to participate in an innovative Department of Defense project that strengthens an aluminum composite alloy fivefold.
"We are happy to announce this acquisition, which strengthens our position as the global supplier of advanced thermal solutions. Specifically, with PMT, Thermacore will be able to more effectively bring to our customers advanced material joining technology such as vacuum brazing capabilities. In addition, PMT’s expertise in advanced materials development and testing will extend the capabilities we can offer our customers in the thermal management solution space and beyond," said Jerome Toth, Thermacore President and CEO. "PMT also offers an excellent track record of experience and innovation, which aligns with our main business objectives."
In addition to metalworking, materials joining and cryomilling, PMT offers a wide range of processing and diagnostic services including hydrogen and vacuum heat treating, metallography and scanning electron microscopy.
"We are looking forward to supporting Thermacore as they continue to provide efficient, high performance thermal management solutions to their customers," said Joseph Giglio, PMT’s Senior Vice President and General Manager. "This union will allow us to reach customers on a global scale, and add our industry expertise to an already robust solution set."
