Hardening aluminum
Our furnace system is primarily used to harden aluminum pinions, which are then stored. The pinions are made of high-strength aluminum, which is often used in the bicycle industry as well as in aerospace applications. The furnace was designed as an overhead system. This enables fully automatic heat treatment of larger batches. In our case, the furnace is loaded with 1,200 parts.
The entire system consists of a solution annealing furnace, a quenching tank, a warm aging furnace, and a charging rack for transferring parts between the furnaces. The two furnaces each consist of a movable furnace cover, a frequency-controlled cover drive, and a circulation fan. The latter ensures the circulation of hot air, which enters the usable space with the aid of vertical air ducts.
Solution annealing furnace
Two double thermocouples are installed in the side wall of the furnace to monitor and control the temperature. The associated safety temperature limiter switches off the furnace if the temperature exceeds 510°C. The temperature and duration of the hardening process can be freely selected by the operator via the control panel. The actual values can also be monitored here during the process.
The aim of solution annealing is to reduce concentration differences in the material and thus positively change the material properties.
Quenching device
The quenching process takes place between the furnace processes. The quenching tank is filled with water and is located below the furnace. After opening the furnace door, the charging rack is lowered into the quenching tank, then lifted again and, after the draining time, transported to the solution annealing furnace.
Aging furnace
Just like in the solution annealing furnace, two double thermocouples are installed in the Aging furnace for monitoring and control. A maximum temperature of 210°C is set for the aluminum pinions. The final strength is achieved during aging.
Do you have any questions about hardening aluminum or would you like to start working with us?
Then don't hesitate to contact us – we are looking forward to hearing from you!