Seco-Warwick Corp., Meadville, Pa., announces that a commercial heat treater in the United States has purchased a 15-bar high-pressure gas quench furnace for its facility in the southeast. The unit will be used for through hardening of molds, dies, and various tool steels. The furnace is to be equipped with PreNit LPC (low-pressure carburizing), pre-nitriding, and LPC vacuum carburizing capability.
PreNit is a patented pre-nitriding option for low pressure vacuum carburizing. PreNitLPC broadens the applications for LPC Vacuum Carburizing by utilizing higher carburizing temperatures. It is a modern, fast, and economical addition to our standard low pressure carburizing system that enhances the process by significantly reducing cycle times.
Through dosing of the nitrogen carrier during controlled heat-up ramp, the furnace can run at higher temperatures (1000°C/1800°F and above), while maintaining a fine grain structure within the case. The strength properties are similar to parts that have been conventionally carburized at lower temperatures.
This technology saves process costs by reducing the carburizing cycle time and reducing the consumption of process gases (C2H2, C2H4, H2, NH3) as measured in liters and not, as in the case of conventional technologies, in cubic meters per hour.
