ASK THE EXPERT
By Christina Connelly, Director of Ipsen Customer Service (ICS) – Parts
Introduction
When planning to purchase new heat-treating equipment or a hot zone replacement, it’s important to consider adding a spare parts kit to your order.
Ideally, spare parts should be discussed early in the planning process, often during the budgeting phase before a formal quotation is requested. Furnace upgrades and new equipment purchases are frequently planned months or even years in advance. Considering spare parts early helps ensure the necessary components are available when the project is completed.
Including a spare parts
kit with a new furnace or hot zone offers several advantages:
Save Time and
Simplify Ordering
Purchasing spare parts together with new equipment or a hot zone can simplify the ordering process and reduce overall costs, including freight expenses. Customers save up to 20 percent when spare parts are bundled with a furnace order rather than purchased separately later.
Prepare for Installation
and Startup
Installation and commissioning of new equipment or retrofit projects involve handling, adjustments, and final system checks, during which certain components may require replacement. Keeping key spare parts on-site helps prevent delays and keeps startup on schedule. Spare parts kits often include, or can be supplemented with, items such as sealing components (e.g., grafoil washers), graphite hardware (e.g., element nuts), temperature sensors, and fittings to support a smooth installation process.
Account for Long Lead Times
Some furnace components may have longer manufacturing or delivery times, depending on part type and availability. For example, if a heating element breaks and a replacement is not available, it could take a furnace out of production for as long as 10 days. Ordering recommended spare parts in advance helps mitigate this risk by ensuring essential components are available when they are needed.
Reduce Downtime and
Support Routine Maintenance
Even the failure of a small component can take a furnace out of operation and result in unexpected downtime. Spare parts kits include components that will eventually require replacement as part of normal furnace wear and tear. Keeping these items on hand allows maintenance teams to perform routine service efficiently and respond quickly to unexpected issues without interrupting production while waiting for parts.
Plan for Reliable Furnace Operation
Many heat treaters include recommended spare parts when purchasing new equipment or planning major furnace retrofits. Treating spare parts as part of the overall project rather than a future purchase helps support smoother installations, faster service, and more reliable long-term furnace operation.
If you are planning a hot zone replacement or other furnace modernization project, your Ipsen Customer Service representative can help identify the parts that best support your system and operating environment. Planning for spares early during budgeting and purchasing can help protect your investment and keep production running efficiently.
Once your furnace is fully operational, maintaining a healthy spare parts inventory becomes just as important as planning during the purchasing phase. To learn more about managing and replenishing your inventory, read our article “Ask the Expert: Reviewing Your Spare Parts Inventory” by Chuck Reed, Senior Ipsen Customer Service Sales Specialist.
Ready to start your project? Request a quote.