PTC Industries Unveils India’s First Private-Sector Vacuum Arc Remelting Furnace for Aerospace-Grade Titanium

In a groundbreaking achievement for India's aerospace manufacturing sector, Aerolloy Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTC Industries, has launched the country’s first private-sector Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) furnace in Lucknow. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the production of aerospace-grade titanium alloys in India, aligning with the nation’s 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

A Facility of Global Standards

The newly inaugurated VAR furnace, imported from Germany, is equipped with cutting-edge technology that meets the highest global standards for titanium alloy production. It has an annual melting capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes and can produce titanium alloy ingots with diameters reaching up to 1,000 mm. These specifications position the facility as a key player in addressing the high-quality demands of the aerospace industry.

The VAR process itself is critical for refining metals under vacuum conditions. This technique removes impurities, minimizes inclusions, and ensures a superior metallurgical structure with uniform alloy composition. Such precision is essential for applications in jet engines, airframes, and other high-performance aerospace components, where reliability and safety are non-negotiable.

Significance of Titanium in Aerospace

Titanium alloys are indispensable in aerospace due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, producing these alloys to stringent aerospace-grade standards has traditionally been a challenge, necessitating imports from nations like the U.S., Russia, and China.

The establishment of this VAR furnace bridges a critical gap, making India one of the few nations capable of producing such high-grade materials domestically. This not only reduces reliance on foreign suppliers but also enhances India’s strategic capabilities in aerospace and defence.

Strategic Importance

Sachin Agarwal, Chairman of PTC Industries, described the launch as a “momentous achievement” that eliminates India’s dependency on imported aerospace-grade titanium alloys. “This is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defence and aerospace manufacturing, empowering indigenous production of critical aircraft and military equipment,” he stated.

Jim Collins, Chief Technology Officer at PTC Industries, added, “This facility is a testament to our dedication to quality and innovation. The VAR furnace represents a major leap forward in India’s ability to produce titanium alloys that meet the most rigorous global standards.”

Supporting India’s Defence and Aerospace Goals

The commissioning of the VAR furnace aligns with India’s growing emphasis on indigenization in defence and aerospace. By producing high-quality titanium alloys domestically, the facility will support the development of indigenous aircraft such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and advanced military equipment. This is a crucial step in reducing dependency on imports while boosting national security.

The new facility is also expected to drive innovation and technological advancements in the aerospace sector, opening doors for collaborations and export opportunities. As India strengthens its position in the global aerospace ecosystem, this initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to becoming a self-reliant and innovative leader in advanced manufacturing.

PTC Industries’ achievement is more than just a technological milestone—it’s a strategic enabler for India’s aerospace and defence aspirations. The journey from importing critical materials to becoming a global manufacturing hub has taken a significant leap forward with this landmark development.