Youngstown Tool & Die (YTD) is continuing the expansion of its operations in Youngstown, Ohio, with the purchase and installation of a new nitriding system.
Founded in 1961, YTD was launched with sole purpose of manufacturing of extrusion dies and tooling for the aluminum extrusion industry. Since its inception, the company has embraced the philosophy that technological advancements, industry leadership, and quality products are key elements to success. Over the years, Youngstown Tool & Die has expanded to continue meeting the needs of its customers.
YTD’s most recent expansion rolled out in Summer 2020, when the company moved to a larger, 70,000 sq ft facility (still located in Youngstown). With the move completed, the company has also made investments in new production and finishing equipment to increase its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand in the U.S. This new equipment includes CNC milling, turning, EDM wire, and sinker machines, as well as vacuum heat treatment and nitriding capabilities.
For now, YTD is hosting virtual tours of their new facility, but the company hopes to invite extruders and employees to their new home for in-house training and other programs in the near future.
New Nitriding System
The new nitriding system was supplied by Nitrex Canada, a provider of fully integrated heat-treating solutions and technologies based in Montreal, Canada. The NX-1015 pit-type system was installed with Nitreg® controlled nitriding. It has a capacity of 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg) capacity for the treatment of aluminum extrusion dies.
Since aluminum extrusion dies undergo extrusion cycles in conditions that include high temperatures, abrasion, and wear, periodic nitriding with the Nitreg technology ensures optimum results of the nitrided layer, translating to longer-lasting extrusion dies. Besides improving die quality, Nitreg also contributes to reduced costs associated with tooling, downtime, corrections, and profile quality.
“This is the company’s first purchase of a Nitrex nitriding system and we are glad to be part of their growth strategy,” said Jack Kalucki, account executive at Nitrex. “Use of the Nitreg nitriding technology will ensure that YTD customers optimize their die performance and achieve greater throughput capacities.”