FNA 2026 Technical Program Finalizes Industry-Leading Technical Sessions
The Furnaces North America (FNA) Education Committee has officially approved the technical program for Furnaces North America 2026, setting the stage for one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking educational conferences ever assembled for the heat treating industry.
Taking place October 12–14, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, FNA 2026 will feature 10 specialized technical tracks designed to help heat treat professionals improve operations today, while preparing for the technologies, workforce challenges, and competitive pressures of tomorrow.
The approved program reflects months of proposal reviews by the Education Committee and showcases presentations from industry experts, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, universities, and technology innovators. Attendees can expect practical, real-world solutions alongside emerging technologies that are reshaping the future of thermal processing. Following are summaries of each track with a link at the bottom to the full grid and descriptions of the sessions:
Tuesday, October 13 Technical Tracks
Furnace Technology
Explore the latest advancements in furnace design, vacuum processing, distortion control, leak detection, production flow, and equipment optimization to improve productivity and uptime.
Materials & Metallurgy
Learn how evolving materials and metallurgical processes are influencing heat treatment, including advanced stainless steels, coating technologies, ammonia dissociation, and component performance.
Process Control & Quality
Gain insights into atmosphere control, furnace sensors, modern controls, flame detection, CQI-9 and Nadcap compliance, and practical approaches to achieving greater process consistency.
The Future of Heat Treating
One of the conference's most forward-looking tracks, this series examines AI-driven compliance, leadership development, workforce challenges, and the economic and technological trends that will shape the industry over the coming decade.
Wednesday, October 14 Technical Tracks
Advanced Technologies
Discover innovations transforming manufacturing, including additive manufacturing, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), powder metallurgy, and next-generation furnace components.
AI & Smart Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence takes center stage with sessions covering AI implementation strategies, machine learning applications, digital transformation, and practical examples of how heat treat companies are already using AI to improve performance.
Automation & Robotics
See how robotics, intelligent induction systems, automated material handling, and smart manufacturing technologies are increasing efficiency while helping companies address ongoing labor shortages.
Energy & Sustainability
Learn practical methods for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, lowering lifecycle costs, and implementing sustainable thermal processing technologies.
Tooling, Fixtures & Components
Explore advancements in graphite components, carbon fiber composite fixtures, fluidized bed technology, and component selection to maximize furnace performance and reliability.
CLICK HERE to view Technical Track Grid
CLICK HERE to view Full Description of FNA Technical Sessions
More Than Technical Sessions
Following the morning technical sessions each day, attendees will have extensive opportunities to visit the FNA Expo, where leading equipment manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the newest technologies, equipment, materials, controls, automation systems, and services available to the heat treating industry.
Preparing the Industry for Tomorrow
"The Education Committee's goal was to build a program that addresses both today's operational challenges and tomorrow's opportunities," said Tom Morrison, CEO of the Metal Treating Institute. "Whether your focus is furnace technology, metallurgy, AI, automation, sustainability, or leadership, FNA 2026 delivers practical knowledge that attendees can immediately apply within their organizations."
The breadth of this year's program demonstrates how rapidly the industry is evolving. While traditional topics such as furnace technology, metallurgy, and process control remain foundational, new emphasis has been placed on artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, automation, energy efficiency, and strategic leadership…reflecting the changing needs of today's heat treat operations.
With nearly 35 technical presentations spread across these specialized tracks, FNA 2026 promises to be an essential educational event for owners, executives, engineers, metallurgists, plant managers, quality professionals, maintenance personnel, and production leaders throughout the thermal processing industry.
Registration is open and the host hotel room block is filling up. Plan now to attend Furnaces North America in Indianapolis 2026, where the industry's brightest minds come together to learn, innovate, and prepare for the future.
For full details, visit FurnacesNorthAmerica.com.