03.26.25
| 4 min read
News
For more than three decades, Rob Simons has been a pillar of excellence in the field of metallurgy. As he prepares to retire after an extraordinary 37-year career at Paulo, we’re taking a moment to reflect on his unparalleled contributions, groundbreaking innovations, and lasting legacy in thermal processing.
A Career Marked by Innovation & Dedication
Rob Simons joined Paulo in 1987 as a metallurgical engineer and quickly became one of the most influential figures in the commercial heat treating industry. His deep expertise in process design, material behavior, and job development has been instrumental in advancing Paulo’s capabilities and the industry as a whole.
Over the course of his career, there may not be another metallurgist in a commercial shop who has analyzed as many hardness data points and process behaviors as Rob—millions of them, to be exact. His meticulous work has led to countless process optimizations, helping manufacturers achieve greater precision, consistency, and performance in their parts.
Rob’s commitment to reducing process variation and enhancing heat treatment methodologies has ensured that Paulo remains at the forefront of metallurgical excellence. His expertise has not only improved existing processes but also paved the way for new, cutting-edge techniques that have directly benefited Paulo’s customers.
Revolutionizing Thermal Processing: The Equivalent Diffusion Model
One of Rob’s most groundbreaking achievements was the development of the Equivalent Diffusion Model. Derived from tens of thousands of furnace cycles, this model revolutionized how Paulo and the industry approach thermal processing.
By leveraging real-world heat treat data, Rob created a system that predicts diffusion behavior with extreme precision, allowing for greater control over hardness, material properties, and overall efficiency. This innovation transformed how parts are processed, ensuring they meet rigorous performance standards while maximizing efficiency and repeatability.
His pioneering work in this area has influenced metallurgical practices not just at Paulo, but across the entire industry, setting new standards for quality and precision.
Industry Recognition: The Metal Treating Institute Award of Industry Merit
Rob’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Metal Treating Institute Award of Industry Merit, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field.
This award is reserved for individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the commercial heat treating industry, and Rob’s dedication, expertise, and leadership made him an obvious choice for the honor.
His passion for metallurgy and his commitment to continuous improvement have had an immeasurable impact on Paulo, its customers, and the industry at large.
A Mentor, Leader, and Inspiration
Beyond his technical expertise, Rob has been a trusted mentor and inspiring leader within Paulo. His willingness to share knowledge, problem-solve complex challenges, and push for innovation has helped shape generations of metallurgists.
His influence extends far beyond Paulo’s metallurgy team—he has helped engineers, technicians, and customers alike gain a better understanding of materials, processes, and the science behind heat treatment.
“Rob has set the gold standard for what it means to be an expert in this field,” say Ryan Van Dyke, lead metallurgical engineer. “His impact on Paulo—and the entire metallurgical community—will be felt for years to come.”
Beyond Metallurgy: A Passion for Racing & Restoration
When he’s not analyzing heat treatment data or refining metallurgical processes, Rob channels his engineering mindset into a personal passion: restoring cars.
A dedicated autocross enthusiast, Rob enjoys racing with his son and has even had two of his car restoration projects featured in automotive magazines. His meticulous attention to detail—so evident in his metallurgical work—translates seamlessly into his love for mechanics and performance engineering.
A Well-Deserved Retirement & A Lasting Legacy
As Rob embarks on his well-earned retirement, we celebrate not just his career, but the legacy he leaves behind. His innovations, mentorship, and relentless pursuit of excellence have shaped Paulo’s metallurgical expertise and have set new industry standards. Rob leaves an indelible mark on Paulo and the metallurgical world.
And of course, the Paulo team made sure to send him off in style! On March 21st, we gathered to celebrate Rob’s incredible career with a retirement party to remember. It was a night filled with stories, laughter, and heartfelt tributes to his unparalleled contributions—a true testament to the impact he’s made.
