Jul 10 2009
Citing the need for HVAC/R manufacturers to change production from copper to aluminum condensers and evaporators, SECO/WARWICK S. A. is scheduled to open a new test facility in September 2009 to allow customers to run trials and prototype cores. The HVAC/R industry is changing from copper to aluminum for several reasons:
- Aluminum is cheaper and more available
- The coils are lighter in weight
- Due to the higher total efficiency of the coil, the overall coil size may be reduced
According to Piotr Skarbinski, Global Product Director, "Customers who have traditionally used copper materials are switching to aluminum in order to achieve the higher SEER efficiency ratings. We recognized the problems involved with making this transition having over 20 years of experience establishing the CAB process for automotive heat exchangers. We are building this new test center to support our HVAC customers by allowing them to reduce their investment risk by providing equipment to run trials and prototype along with providing comprehensive information and training."
SECO/WARWICK is offering introductory packages at reduced rates for HVAC/R customers for a limited time, beginning in September and extending through December 2009.
Test Facility
The test facility will be fully equipped with an Active Only CAB Brazing system, wet fluxer and dryer/thermal degreaser to allow customers to utilize a complete operational manufacturing cell. The Active Only furnace has been chosen by customers as the best configuration for HVAC/R as the semi-continuous unit produces a high quality braze on large cores. The test furnace can handle loads up to 1500mm wide x 2500 mm long x 400 mm high (59 in x 98 in x 15 in). The facility will be located in Poland; SECO/WARWICK will assist customers in making travel arrangements to Poland and shipping product to and from the facility.
Why Active Only?
The Active Only furnace offers these unique process benefits for large cores:
- AccuBraze fully automated, patented process controls
- Convection heating reduces cycle time and conserves floor space
- Uniform temperature throughout the braze area improves braze quality
- A sharper temperature profile provides accurate process control