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Dana Corporation to Feature Heat-Treating Technology at Microwave Technology Show TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE:DCN) announced today that it will feature its new heat-treating technology, AtmoPlas(TM) atmospheric plasma microwave technology, at the Fourth World Congress on Microwave and Radio Frequency Applications in Austin, Texas, Nov. 7 to 10. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA ) Using microwave-absorbing plasma, the AtmoPlas process rapidly heats metal parts up to 1200 degrees Celsius in a matter of seconds and controls arcing. Microwave technology has traditionally required the creation of a vacuum. However, the AtmoPlas process operates at atmospheric pressure, which opens the door for microwave processing to many other processes and applications. In addition to shortening heat-treating cycle times and eliminating the need for vacuum equipment, Dana's AtmoPlas technology reduces energy -- 95 percent of the energy created is absorbed -- and maintenance costs. Tests show equivalent or better metallurgical properties than those produced by blast furnaces. The AtmoPlas process can be used not only with metals, but also with advanced ceramics and hard material coatings. "While we expect the AtmoPlas technology to boost operating efficiencies in our metal-treating operations, we're equally excited to demonstrate its value to other manufacturers and research organizations," said Dana Chairman and CEO Michael J. Burns. "The potential of this proprietary process is far- reaching in industry." Dana's simple and cost-effective method of producing the plasma enables a variety of metal-processing techniques including brazing, sintering, carburizing, annealing, tempering, and nitriding. The even and reliable distribution of heat provided by AtmoPlas technology is also extremely useful in processes such as ceramic sintering. "We began exploring microwave processing to improve our brazing process," said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "What resulted was a revolutionary breakthrough -- being able to produce and maintain plasma at atmospheric pressure. We're excited to be a pioneer in this field." Dana is refining its AtmoPlas microwave plasma technology and exploring cooperative efforts with other companies to develop external commercialization applications. Future applications of AtmoPlas atmospheric plasma microwave technology could include using microwave energy to treat vehicle exhaust and generate hydrogen, and creating carbon nanostructures for use in the electronics and medical fields. Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. Delivering on a century of innovation, the company's continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries. Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com/ . Note to Editors: Visit Dana in Booths 316-318 at the Fourth World Congress on Microwave and Radio Frequency Applications in Austin, Texas, Nov. 7 to 10. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Dana Corporation CONTACT: Chuck Hartlage of Dana Corporation, +1-419-535-4728, or Web site: http://www.dana.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/226839.html

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