Solar Atmospheres and ASM International at Materials Park in Ohio have partnered to offer a new Vacuum Heat Treating Course. This course provides students with a means to combine basic vacuum heat treatment theory with hands-on instruction using the new ASM laboratory vacuum furnace donated by Solar Atmospheres, Inc., and manufactured by Solar Manufacturing Inc. The first class of the ASM course offering was taught in December 2013. The next course is scheduled for September 2014. The course was developed by Solar Atmospheres' consultant in chemistry and metallurgy, Virginia Osterman, PhD, who works closely with Solar Atmospheres' research and development group. This course covers the background of vacuum measurement, vacuum furnace design and vacuum technology as it applies to various metallurgical processes. Dr. Osterman said, "Having a basic understanding of vacuum theory and its application in heat treating in itself is valuable. However, with the added benefit of the new 'Mentor' vacuum furnace, students now can see how to put theory into practice and get a better understanding as to why the use of vacuum heat treat processes add value to a product." For more information contact: Solar Atmospheres 1969 Clearview Road Souderton, PA 18964-0476 800-347-3236 info@solaratm.com www.solaratm.com