News Archives

MRF and University of Tennessee, Knoxville Announce Collaboration for Integrated Materials Program

May 11, 2026

Materials Research Furnaces and University of Tennessee Advance U.S. Fusion Materials Qualification Capability

High-temperature testing system to support nuclear-code-relevant structural materials development under DOE FIRE Collaboratives initiative

ALLENSTOWN, N.H. — Materials Research Furnaces (MRF), a global leader in precision thermal processing systems, today announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Tickle College of Engineering to design and deliver a next-generation high-temperature tensile testing furnace system supporting the development and qualification of structural materials for fusion energy systems.

The custom engineered system will be deployed under the Integrated Materials Program to Accelerate Chamber Technologies (IMPACT) project and will enable researchers to conduct mechanical property testing of advanced structural materials under tightly controlled high temperature and high vacuum conditions. The furnace is designed to achieve operating temperatures up to 800 °C with ultimate vacuum performance of 10⁻⁶ Torr, providing the precision environment required to evaluate tensile and compressive behavior representative of future fusion reactor operation.

“Fusion energy materials must perform reliably under extreme temperature and environmental conditions, and that demands equally advanced testing capability,” said Chuck Miller, President of Materials Research Furnaces. “We are proud to partner with the University of Tennessee to deliver a precision high-temperature tensile testing system that will help generate the nuclear-code-qualified data needed to move fusion technologies closer to commercial reality.”

Funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives initiative, the IMPACT program is focused on accelerating the design, validation, and manufacturing readiness of high-performance structural materials critical to next-generation fusion chamber technologies. The testing system is expected to be fully operational in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2026, strengthening domestic capabilities in fusion materials qualification and supporting the broader transition toward commercially viable fusion energy.

“Understanding the high temperature mechanical performance of structural materials is essential for the successful deployment of fusion energy systems,” said Steve Zinkle, UT-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor’s Chair for Nuclear Materials. “This collaboration with MRF provides the advanced testing capability needed to generate reliable data that supports qualification of next-generation materials for demanding fusion environments.”

This collaboration reinforces the University of Tennessee’s leadership in fusion materials science while highlighting MRF’s continued role as a trusted partner delivering highly customized thermal systems that enable innovation across strategic sectors including energy, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

About Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) is a global leader in precision thermal systems for the development, research, and production of advanced materials. MRF systems support applications across carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), advanced ceramics, nuclear materials, and semiconductor technologies. For decades, MRF has pioneered highly customized furnace solutions designed for precise, hightemperature processing in controlled atmospheres and vacuum environments.

About the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Tickle College of Engineering The University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is in the midst of rapid growth, including adding over 30 new faculty to the college and record growth in research expenditures, enrollment, incoming student GPA, intellectual property development, and USNWR rank in the past three years. New facilities include the state-of-the art Zeanah

Engineering Complex, the University of Tennessee Manufacturing and Design Enterprise

(TN-MADE) facility, and Innovation South, which houses UT’s Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF). TCE currently has 203 tenure/tenure track and 79 nontenure track faculty in its nine academic departments and offers 11 undergraduate, 16 MS, and 15 PhD/DE degree programs. The college is home to eight research centers and three interdisciplinary institutes and has approximately 4,300 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students. The college annual research expenditures totaled $113.6M in FY24.

Redefining What’s Possible in High-Temperature Materials Testing

February 12, 2026

Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) and University of Arizona’s Material Science and Engineering Program Announce Collaboration in Advanced Material Testing

Allenstown, NH — Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) is partnering with the University of Arizona’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering to develop a high-temperature, high-vacuum physical testing furnace. Engineered for precise atmosphere control, the system achieves an ultimate vacuum of 10⁻⁶ Torr and temperatures up to 2000 °C, enabling researchers to gain critical insights into the mechanical behavior of advanced materials.

The new furnace will support pioneering research in hypersonic flight, defense technologies, and additive manufacturing—marking a major step forward in high-temperature materials science and next-generation aerospace innovation.

Equipped for both tensile and compression testing, this state-of-the-art system will accelerate the development of materials capable of withstanding extreme environments. With advanced thermal control and mechanical precision, it will enable breakthroughs in high-performance metallic alloys and other materials essential for the future of flight.

“We are excited to join forces with the University of Arizona’s Department of Materials Science & Engineering — a team renowned for transforming cutting-edge materials science into real-world aerospace breakthroughs,” said Chuck Miller, President MRF. “By integrating our advanced furnace-processing capabilities with their deep expertise in high-temperature metallic alloys, composites and extreme-environment ceramics, we are poised to accelerate the development of next-generation aerospace solutions.”

The University of Arizona has expressed interest in broadening access to its physical testing furnace, allowing organizations in the hypersonic, defense, and advanced materials sectors to utilize the system during periods when it is not in academic use. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to drive research and technological advancement. The system is scheduled to be fully functional in Q3 of 2026.

The collaboration reflects the University of Arizona’s dedication to fostering industry partnerships that fuel research and innovation. “We’re thrilled to bring this new system online—it’s going to be a true workhorse for advanced materials research,” said Sammy Tin, Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering and Patrick R Taylor Professor at the University of Arizona. “It provides the foundation to gather meaningful data that will drive material optimization, and we’re eager to make these resources available to the broader industry.”

About Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) MRF is a global leader in precision thermal systems essential for the production, development, and research of advanced materials. These advanced materials include carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composites (CMC’s), advanced ceramics, materials for nuclear power and semiconductor applications. For decades, we have pioneered some of the world’s most innovative, customized furnace systems, with a focus on enabling the processing of materials with precision at high temperature in controlled atmospheres or vacuum.

About the University of Arizona’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering
The University of Arizona’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering is dedicated to making the stuff that makes the future. In an era of big data and growing global challenges, The University of Arizona brings together cutting-edge research and hands-on learning across disciplines — from phonons for quantum computing to ceramics built for outer space.

The Material Science and Engineering program is recognized for its industry-relevant curriculum, world-class faculty, entrepreneurial mindset, small class sizes, and modern research facilities. Students and researchers alike engage in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment designed to solve real-world problems and advance technologies that shape the world — preparing graduates for leadership in high-tech industries, research institutions, and beyond.

Media Contact:
Cheryl Paiva
Marketing Specialist
E-mail: Cpaiva@mrf-furnaces.com

MRF Collaboration with the University of South Carolina’s McNair Aerospace Center

January 21, 2026

Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) and University of South Carolina’s McNair Aerospace Center Announce Pioneering Collaboration in Carbon-Carbon Composite Precision Processing

Allenstown, NH — Materials Research Furnaces (MRF), a global leader in high-temperature furnace technology, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of South Carolina’s McNair Aerospace Center. Together, MRF and the McNair Center are establishing a cutting-edge precision ultra-high-temperature furnace system capable of 2400°C operation. This advanced furnace system, featuring an approximately 8ft³ usable hot zone, represents a significant leap forward in materials processing technology.

This state-of-the-art furnace system is uniquely equipped to perform pyrolysis, densification, and graphitization processes for aerospace composite components and advanced ceramics. Designed with precision thermal and atmosphere environments, the furnace will support the development and enhancement of high-performance materials, including carbon-carbon, carbon-SiC, and SiC-SiC composites. These materials are critical for next-generation aerospace applications, where strength, durability, and heat resistance are paramount.

“The partnership with the McNair Aerospace Center team underscores MRF’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of materials processing,” said Chuck Miller, President, MRF. “By combining our expertise in furnace technology with the McNair Center’s leadership in aerospace innovation, we aim to drive groundbreaking advancements in composite and ceramic materials that will shape the future of the aerospace industry.”

The collaboration reflects the University of South Carolina’s dedication to fostering industry partnerships that fuel research and innovation. “This new furnace system will be a game-changer for our research and development initiatives,” said Paul Ziehl, Associate Dean for Research at the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of

Engineering and Computing, and Director of the McNAIR Center. “It will enable us to explore novel processing techniques and optimize material properties, opening doors to transformative solutions for aerospace and beyond.”

The University of South Carolina is also partnered with Columbia, S.C.-based defense tech and software company Integer Technologies, which has been involved in the MRF furnace design. Together, the university and Integer are developing intelligent model-based tools to optimize and automate manufacturing processes related to advanced materials like composites, ceramics, and high-temperature metals critical for developing new capabilities in aerospace and defense.

The ultra-high-temperature furnace system is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the increasing demand for high-performance materials in aerospace, defense, and other advanced industries. This partnership highlights the synergy between academia and industry, showcasing how collaboration can accelerate technological progress and deliver tangible benefits to society.

About Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) MRF is a global leader in precision thermal systems essential for the production, development, and research of advanced materials. These advanced materials include carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composites (CMC’s), advanced ceramics, materials for nuclear power and semiconductor applications. For decades, we have pioneered some of the world’s most innovative, customized furnace systems, with a focus on enabling the processing of materials with precision at high temperature in controlled atmospheres or vacuum.

About the University of South Carolina, McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research Located at the University of South Carolina, the McNAIR Center is a hub for aerospace innovation, research, and education. The McNAIR Center fosters innovation and workforce development to develop engineered solutions that meet evolving needs of industry and government.

Dave Kent Standing in front of a furnace backdrop

Building Relationships and Solutions the MRF Way

December 18, 2024

At Materials Research Furnaces (MRF), customer service is more than a department—it’s a commitment. Led by passionate experts like Dave Kent, our Customer Care team prides themselves on going above and beyond to meet the needs of our customers. One of the standout approaches in this mission is “Doing the Dave,” a personalized, hands-on process that has become synonymous with exceptional service.

Let’s dive into what makes “Doing the Dave” a game-changer for MRF’s customers.

The Heart of Customer Care: Listening and Understanding

For Dave and the Customer Care team, the journey starts with listening.

“We don’t just sell parts; we solve problems,” Dave explains. “When we reach out to customers, especially those with non-MRF furnaces, it’s about understanding their frustrations. Maybe their current supplier is late, the quality isn’t there, or they’re simply not being heard. That’s where we come in.” Dave’s ability to connect with customers and truly hear their needs is a cornerstone of the Customer Care team’s approach. His process ensures that every project starts with clarity and understanding, creating a foundation for tailored solutions.

Hands-On Solutions: Dave in Action

Unlike traditional support models, Dave and the Customer Care team take a hands-on approach to customer service. Once a customer shares their concerns, Dave doesn’t just send an email or hop on a call—he gets on a plane.

“I’ll schedule a visit to the customer’s site—because sometimes, you just have to see it to fix it,” Dave says. “We’ll walk through their furnace operations, talk about design improvements, and inspect the furnace. Then, I’ll take detailed measurements and sketches right there.” This meticulous process allows Dave to reverse-engineer components and create precise solutions back at MRF headquarters. It’s a skill he honed over years in the industry.

“In a previous job, I did this type of work for 10 years—flying all over the U.S. and Mexico, taking sketches and turning them into finished parts. Reverse engineering is one of my favorite things to do. I love creating something tangible from nothing,” he adds. This passion translates into results for customers. From initial sketches to finished parts, Dave ensures every detail is perfect.

Seamless Execution, Start to Finish

Once the sketches and measurements are complete, Dave and the Customer Care team swing into action.

Quotation: A detailed quote is prepared, ensuring clarity on pricing and lead times. Adjustments are made based on customer feedback.
Fabrication: MRF’s in-house manufacturing capabilities allow the team to quickly produce components, from heating elements to shielding.
Installation: Dave will travel to the customer’s location, overseeing the installation process to the end to ensure everything works as it should.

“Our in-house fabrication is a game-changer,” Dave says. “Many customers come to us after frustrating experiences with OEMs—outrageous lead times, poor communication, or supply chain delays. Because we do everything ourselves, we can cut lead times significantly and deliver on our promises.”

Building Trust Through Long-Term Care

For Dave and the Customer Care team, the relationship doesn’t end after the parts are installed.

“We encourage customers to stock key spare parts to avoid downtime,” Dave notes. “If a major component like a heating element fails, it can take weeks to replace. Having spares on hand ensures their operations stay up and running.” This proactive approach has earned MRF a reputation as a reliable partner. “Once customers experience our process, they often come back. At one site, we started with one furnace. By the end, they asked us to quote every furnace in their facility,” Dave shares.

The MRF Difference: Listening, Solving, Delivering, Caring

The success of “Doing the Dave” lies in its simplicity: care, precision, and follow-through.

“Customers aren’t just looking for parts—they’re looking for a partner,” Dave says. “At MRF, we’re not just here to deliver a product. We’re here to build trust, solve problems, and make their lives easier.”

Ready to Experience the MRF Difference?

If you’re ready to see what “Doing the Dave” and the MRF Customer Care team can do for you, contact us today. Let us help you turn challenges into solutions—one furnace at a time.

Growing the MRF team

November 10, 2022

MRF would like to welcome Dr. William Carty

Professor Emeritus William Carty joined MRF, Inc., as Chief Technology Officer in September 2022. He retired from Alfred University in December 2020 after 27 years of teaching ceramic processing for traditional and advanced ceramics, that included powder characterization, rheology, forming, sintering, and mechanical behavior.

He received a B.S. (1985) and M.S. (1987) both in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology), and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Washington (Seattle, 1992). He joined Alfred University following a one-year post-doctoral position at Koninklijke/Shell-Laboratorium, Amsterdam (The Netherlands).

Dr. Carty has worked closely with industry during his tenure at Alfred University and has generated over $23 million in research funding, mostly with industrial projects or by leveraging industrial funds with New York State funding sources. He has advised over 200 thesis projects including 10 Ph.D. and 77 M.S. students. He is currently a Research Professor at Alfred University, advising three Ph.D. students, two M.S. students, and six undergraduate thesis students.

The focus of his work at MRF is the establishment of a research program for high temperature sintering and for high temperature mechanical testing of ceramic materials. In addition to working with MRF, he is establishing an analytical laboratory for ceramic materials in Amherst, NH.