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Date: October 18-21, 2026 - Location: Chicago, Illinois USA

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Our history
Surface Hardening & Heat Treatment

Expanites History

Expanite® was founded in 2010 by leading scientists in the field of stainless steel surface hardening, who had been conducting research in this area since 2000, and has its roots deeply embedded in a fact-based environment. The philosophy is quite simple: we want to offer the best solutions for stainless steel surface hardening.

Expanite® not only pushes the boundaries of stainless steel performance, but also enables our customers to implement the processes directly in their facilities.

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2024

Capacity Expansion in the US

Expanite Inc. moves into new facilities, increasing production capacity with new furnaces. 

The Expanite Hard-Ti process for titanium is now also available directly from the US.


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2023

Expanite China and USA

Extension of the ELS (Expanite License Solution) sites in China and USA.
15 furnaces in operation.


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2022

ISO14001

Expanite implements ISO14001 environment quality system.


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2021

Expanded Expanite presence in China and Germany

Extension of the ELS (Expanite License Solution) site in China, and the ETC (Expanite Treatment Center) site in Germany


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2020

Expanite Korea

Expanite opens an ELS (Expanite License Solution) site in Korea, in partnership with Kitech, Suncheon.


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2019

CQI-9 Compliant

Expanite becomes CQI-9 compliant.


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2017

Expanite China

Expanite opens an ELS (Expanite License Solution) site in China, in partnership with Kern-Liebers, Taicang.


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2016

Expanite GmbH

Expanite GmbH is established and Expanite’s third ETC (Expanite Treatment Center) is opened in Frickenhausen,
Germany.

The first parts in titanium with ExpaniteHard-Ti are delivered to customers.


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2015

Expanite Inc.

Expanite Inc. is established and Expanite’s second ETC (Expanite Treatment Center) is opened in Twinsburg, OH, USA.


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2013

ISO9001

ETC (Expanite Treatment Center) Hillerød implements ISO9001 quality management system.
6 furnaces in operation.


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2012

Expanite relocate to Hillerød and open first Treatment Center

Expanite relocates from DTU campus, to new HQ in Hillerød, Denmark, and open the first ETC (Expanite Treatment Center).

Thomas Abel Sandholdt joins as CEO.

First ELS (Expanite License Solution) installation at SSP in Twinsburg, OH, USA.


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2010

Expanite is founded

Expanite is founded by Prof. Marcel A.J. Somers,
PhD. Thomas L. Christiansen, and PhD. Thomas Strabo
Hummelshøj, as a spin-off from The Technical University of Denmark (DTU).


Expanite files its first patent application.

surface hardening by Expanite
Heat treatment  stainless steel and titanium

Our journey from a university spin-off to a global surface hardening leader is marked by innovation, strategic expansion, and a commitment to quality and sustainability. Each milestone reflects our dedication to helping customers achieve longer component life, improved performance, and operational efficiency.

Over the years, Expanite has not only expanded its global footprint but also continuously refined its proprietary technologies, including ExpaniteHard-Ti for titanium. By combining research-driven development with customer-focused service, we ensure that each treatment is precisely tailored to the component’s requirements, delivering optimal hardness, wear resistance, and longevity.

Looking ahead, Expanite remains committed to advancing the science of surface hardening. Our teams continue to explore new materials, innovative treatment methods, and sustainable processes, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. This relentless pursuit of excellence allows us to offer customers not just a service, but a strategic advantage in the design, performance, and reliability of their critical components.


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Surface hardening expert