Lindberg/MPH ships gas fired zinc melting, holding furnace for diecasting
March 30, 2017
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Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired melting and holding furnace with a maximum temperature of 850°F for melting and holding up to 45,000 pounds of molten zinc for diecasting. The furnace incorporates seven immersion tubes, each with its own burner and ratio regulator control.
The system is rated at 2,300,000 BTU/hr. The furnace temperature controller includes a PID loop and LED display. The furnace includes an adjacent pump well with stainless steel weir to isolate dross. A splash shield was added to protect combustion piping from molten metal contact. The 180°F exhaust deflector improves efficiency and reduces noise.
"The design of this system facilitates energy-efficient melting and holding of the zinc and precise temperature control. Lindberg/MPH also supplied control and power wiring." – Andrew Paul
This Lindberg/MPH furnace features individually operable spark ignited burners with flame rod flame safety. Each burner has its own gas/air ratio regulator assuring the correct air and gas mixture for dependable ignition and efficient combustion. On-off firing allows for a wide input range virtually eliminating temperature creep.
www.Lindbergmph.com
Lindberg/MPH, Riverside, Mich., has shipped a gas-fired melting and holding furnace with a maximum temperature of 850°F for melting and holding up to 45,000 pounds of molten zinc for diecasting.
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Wisconsin Oven four-zone conveyor furnace heat-treats AR-15 forged aluminum parts
March 29, 2017
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped a natural gas-fired four-zone solution treatment conveyor furnace for treating forged aluminum parts for AR-15 rifles prior to quenching in water. The maximum operating temperature is 1100°F, and the work chamber dimensions are 4 1/6 ft. wide x 60 ft. long X 1 ft. high.
Each of the four work zones has dimensions of 4 1/6 ft. wide X 15 ft. long X 1 ft. high. The design capacity of the furnace is 1500 pounds per hour of aluminum. The equipment achieves temperature uniformity of +/-10°F at 750°F and 1100°F.
The conveyor furnace shell features "CAN" type, double-wall construction and includes two inches of 14# density high temperature industrial mineral wool insulation, backed with six inches of 6# density, industrial board type insulation, for a total of eight inches. The shell, including the roof, consists of Wisconsin Oven's patented high-efficiency Expandable Surface Design. The solution treatment furnace utilizes a flat wire belt to transfer parts through the work zones.
"Temperature control and uniformity was a critical feature in the design of this system," says Mike Grande, Sales Manager. The equipment achieves the tightest temperature tolerances available in the industry for a furnace of its type."-
The conveyor furnace was fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment from our facility. All safety interlocks are checked for proper operation and the equipment is operated at the normal and maximum operating temperatures. An extensive quality assurance check list was completed to ensure the equipment met all Wisconsin Oven quality standards.
www.wisoven.com
Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped a natural gas-fired four-zone solution treatment conveyor furnace for treating forged aluminum parts for AR-15 rifles prior to quenching in water.
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Instron website explains new ISO 6892-1:2016 for ambient tensile testing of metals
March 22, 2017
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Instron, Norwood, Mass., reports that the newly released ISO 6892-1:2016 standard for ambient tensile testing of metallic materials provides greater clarity of the major changes that were introduced in the previous version, ISO 6892-1:2009.
The 2009 version of the standard introduced testing rates based on strain rate (Method A). Method A was based on maintaining a strain rate around the area of interest (yield), whereas traditional testing was based on having a constant stress rate during the elastic region (Method B).
As some metals are strain-rate sensitive, Method A provides improved repeatability and allows for more comparable results by reducing the variation of test rates at the time when strain-rate sensitive parameters are determined. The introduction of Method A caused confusion. Many understood this as only being achievable by using equipment capable of closed-loop strain control, but this is not true. It is possible to conform to Method A of ISO 6892-1:2009 by using a constant crosshead speed.
To better clarify, the requirements of Method A, ISO 6892-1:2016 now includes two clearly defined approaches, Method A1 (closed-loop strain control) and Method A2 (constant crosshead separation rate).
The Instron website also features a video that demonstrates the changes.
www.instron.com
Instron, Norwood, Mass., reports that the newly released ISO 6892-1:2016 standard for ambient tensile testing of metallic materials provides greater clarity of the major changes that were introduced in the previous version, ISO 6892-1:2009.
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Argonne self-healing diamondlike carbon tribofilms reduce friction by 25 to 40%
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Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Ill., announces that a research team has developed a self-lubricating diamondlike carbon tribofilm that regenerates itself by breaking down the molecules of lubricating oil and rebuilding the tribofilm as it is worn away. Tests also revealed that the DLC tribofilm reduced friction by 25 to 40%, and that wear was reduced to unmeasurable values.
"This is a very unique discovery, and one that was a little unexpected," says team leader Dr. Ali Erdemir in a massive understatement. "We have developed many types of diamondlike carbon coatings of our own, but we've never found one that regenerates itself by breaking down the molecules of the lubricating oil, actually rebuilding the tribofilm as it is worn away."
The original discovery occurred when Dr. Erdemir and Dr. Osman Levent Eryilmaz decided to see what would happen when a small steel ring was coated with a catalytically active nanocoating, then subjected to high pressure and heat in a base oil without the complex additives of modern lubricants. When they looked at the ring after the endurance test, they did not see the expected rust and surface damage, but an intact ring with an odd blackish deposit on the contact area.
"This test creates extreme contact pressure and temperatures, which are supposed to cause the ring to wear and eventually seize," said Dr. Eryilmaz. "But this ring did not significantly wear, and this blackish deposit was visible. We said, 'This material is strange. Maybe this is what is causing the unusual effect.'"
Looking at the deposit under high-powered optical and laser Raman microscopes, the scientists realized the deposit was a tribofilm of diamondlike carbon, similar to several other DLCs developed at Argonne in the past. But it worked even better. Tests revealed the DLC tribofilm reduced friction by 25 to 40%, and that wear was reduced to unmeasurable values.
Further experiments showed the coatings interact with the oil molecules to create the DLC film, which adheres to the metal surfaces. When the tribofilm is worn away, the catalyst in the coating is re-exposed to the oil, causing the catalysis to restart and develop new layers of tribofilm. The process is self-regulating, keeping the film at consistent thickness.
http://www.anl.gov/articles/argonne-discovery-yields-self-healing-diamond-carbon
Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Ill., announces that a research team has developed a self-lubricating diamondlike carbon tribofilm that regenerates itself by breaking down the molecules of lubricating oil and rebuilding the tribofilm as it is worn away.
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Materion acquires Heraeus target materials for its semiconductor and other markets
March 19, 2017
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Materion Corp., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, announces that it has acquired the target materials business of the Heraeus Group to strengthen its position in precious and non-precious target materials for the semiconductor, architectural and automotive glass, photovoltaic, and display markets. Through this transaction, Materion's Advanced Materials segment gains target manufacturing capability in Europe, Asia, and the United States, as well as new technologies and a highly specialized workforce of 135 employees.
The business is now operating within the Materion Advanced Materials business segment. It is expected to generate approximately $50 to $60 million in new value-added sales on an annualized basis, and be accretive to 2017 earnings. Materion Advanced Materials reported value-added sales of $176.3 million in 2016.
According to Donald G. Klimkowicz, President, Materion Advanced Materials, "Beyond accelerating and solidifying our global materials products in semiconductor and display, the acquisition provides diversification, critical mass, and new opportunities in other growing target-related areas where Materion has not enjoyed as strong a position, including glass and photovoltaic. This truly is a winning combination."
Added Materion Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Hipple, "This transaction is the latest in a series of advanced materials acquisitions made by Materion since 2005 to augment our growth and further our diversification into a leading advanced materials organization. "
Materion Corporation is headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, supplies highly engineered advanced enabling materials to global markets. Products include precious and non-precious specialty metals, inorganic chemicals and powders, specialty coatings, specialty engineered beryllium alloys, beryllium and beryllium composites, and engineered clad and plated metal systems.
www.materion.com
Materion Corp., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, announces that it has acquired the target materials business of the Heraeus Group to strengthen its position in precious and non-precious target materials for the semiconductor, architectural and automotive glass, photovoltaic, and display markets.
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One Minute Mentor: Nitriding in Fluidized-Bed Reactors at Low Temperatures
March 16, 2017
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In nitriding treatment furnaces, the heating is done electrically, and the fluidizing gas composition is chosen to provide the optimum chemistry for the desired surface treatment (usually a mixture of NH3 + N2, with CH4 added when nitrocarburizing is desired). The granular solid is considered inert and does not react with the part being treated but is fundamental in establishing the fluidized bed and its outstanding properties.
For stainless steel nitriding, treatment temperature must be kept below 840°F to prevent the precipitation of chromium nitride. The lower treatment temperature increases the efficiency of the Cr2O3 barrier against nitriding; even after the acid treatment, there is still some oxide layer left at the steel surface.
The result is lower diffusion rates and lower nitriding potential (less dissociation of NH3, which is the mean supplier of atomic nitrogen needed for the nitriding treatment), as shown in the graph. The NH3 dissociation effect is controlled by changing the composition of the atmosphere, but the oxide layer would dissociate or become permeable only at much higher temperatures, which would cause the precipitation of nitrides and carbides in the case.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Nitriding of Stainless Steels ⇒ Thermochemical Nitriding Treatments
In nitriding treatment furnaces, the heating is done electrically, and the fluidizing gas composition is chosen to provide the optimum chemistry for the desired surface treatment (usually a mixture of NH3 + N2, with CH4 added when nitrocarburizing is desired).
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Wisconsin Oven composite curing ovens feature temperature uniformity of ±5°F
March 15, 2017
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Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped three electrically heated, heavy-duty walk-in ovens with temperature uniformity of ±5°F for composite curing. The maximum temperature rating for each oven is 500°F, with chamber dimensions of 10x24x10 feet. The customer required guaranteed temperature uniformity of ±5°F at 150°F, 250°F, and 350°F, which was verified through a fifteen-point profile test conducted in an empty chamber under static operating conditions.
The composite curing ovens feature combination airflow to maximize heating rates and temperature uniformity. The oven bodies are constructed of tongue-and-groove panels that feature high-efficiency panel seams. These panels provide 25% better efficiency than standard panels.
"For this project, our customer required guaranteed temperature uniformity," says Jim Lucas, Senior Sales Engineer. "Now in use, the customer is very pleased with the consistent uniformity at all three temperature marks."
These composite curing ovens include a reinforced insulated two-inch thick floor with wheel guides; a 35,000 CFM @ 25 HP recirculation blower; and one thermocouple check port and three vacuum ports on the side wall.
The combination airflow provides both horizontal and vertical upward airflow. The digital programmable temperature controller includes Ethernet communications, and the paperless chart recorder has four inputs.
The composite curing ovens were fully factory tested and adjusted prior to shipment. All safety interlocks were checked for proper operation, and the equipment was operated at the normal and maximum operating temperatures. An extensive quality assurance check list was completed to ensure the equipment met all Wisconsin Oven quality standards.
The ovens are backed by Wisconsin Oven's exclusive and unprecedented five-Year WOW warranty. This warranty covers all materials for all components (less wear items).
www.wisoven.com
Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis., has shipped three electrically heated, heavy-duty walk-in ovens with temperature uniformity of ±5°F for composite curing.
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Seco Warwick enables constant control of temperature in multi-chamber heat-treat furnaces
March 14, 2017
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Seco Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announces that its engineering team has designed an innovative way to continuously control the heating and cooling of the entire cycle in multi-chamber heat treating furnaces. The company says that this is a unique technological solution on a global scale that could revolutionize the heat treatment process and exceed the aerospace sector's standards.
"All of our customers set the bar high," says Katarzyna Sawka, Global Marketing Director. "Nevertheless, the aerospace industry sets the bar the highest."
The patented solution, designed to meet the highest AMS standard, is based on thermocouples that move between chambers during the heat treatment cycle. Temperature control is achieved based on a special construction that allows the operator to monitor the temperature in both chambers. This provides full temperature control of the processed parts in multi-chamber vacuum furnaces during the entire process.
The technology has already been successfully implemented in a two-chamber vacuum furnace, the CaseMaster Evolution, which enables precise vacuum case-hardening for the most challenging industries. It has been successful in applications for aerospace, automotive, machinery, wind energy, and commercial heat treating facilities.
In 2016, Seco Warwick received a number of prestigious awards and nominations. The company won the Symbol of Innovation 2016, for implementing research and development projects with technical universities, and for developing an innovative graphene production line. Seco Warwick was also one of the first companies in the world to introduce augmented reality technology into heavy industry (SECO/LENS).
www.secowarwick.com
Seco Warwick, Meadville, Pa., announces that its engineering team has designed an innovative technology for continuous control over the heating and cooling of the entire cycle in multi-chamber furnaces.
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Lucifer Furnaces benchtop furnace heat-treats BeCu pins in nitrogen atmosphere
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Lucifer Furnaces, Warrington, Pa., has shipped a customized benchtop heat-treating furnace to R. Hueter Co., Beverly, Mass., a CNC machine shop, to harden beryllium-copper pins. With a chamber size of 9x12x12 inches, Model 42GT-H12 is insulated with five inches of both insulating firebrick and mineral wool backup. Four kilowatts of power allow fast heat-up to 1200°F.
Hueter plans to use the furnace primarily at around 600°F for two-hour cycles, to achieve a specific Rockwell hardness on small lots of beryllium-copper pins. They will be treated under a nitrogen atmosphere to reduce surface oxidation and achieve a scale-free, bright finish.
The GT ovens, built for operation with an inert atmosphere, are crafted with a continuously welded outer steel shell and gasketed roof plate. A strong seal on the double-pivot door is achieved with a square gasket around the door perimeter to form a tight seal to the oven face-plate. Swing bolts with T handles make clamping easy.
The stainless-steel liner baffles the work chamber from the side wall heating elements, and directs the air flow horizontally through the chamber for uniform heating. Hueter chose a Honeywell DC2500 temperature controller with a soak timer to shut off heating elements at the end of a programmed cycle, in addition to a flowmeter mounted and piped to the oven for easy connection to the atmosphere supply.
www.luciferfurnaces.com
Lucifer Furnaces, Warrington, Pa., has shipped a customized benchtop heat-treating furnace to R. Hueter Co., Beverly, Mass., a CNC machine shop, to harden beryllium-copper pins.
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Sinterite installs process development furnace at China research center
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Sinterite, a Gasbarre Furnace Group Company, St. Marys, Pa., recently installed a continuous belt furnace for development of sintering, brazing, annealing, and heat treatment applications at the new Air Liquide Shanghai Research & Technology Center. The center houses offices, showroom, laboratories, and a pilot demonstration department.
The Sinterite Furnace is a nine-zone, 12-inch-wide continuous belt atmosphere furnace design with numerous processing capabilities. The electrically heated furnace is capable of operation to 2100°F and rapid cooling with the advanced technology Sinterite HyperCooler. Additionally, multiple configurations of atmosphere gas setups are possible (H2, N2, NH3, O2, CO2).
The process control system has advanced capabilities for monitoring and recording for process development. The furnace, primarily designed for the powder metallurgy sintering process, has dedicated delubrication, sintering, and cooling sections. The Sinterite HyperCooler inline rapid cooling system provides for traditional protected atmosphere cooling and sinter-hardening of compacted powder metal components.
Sinterite designs, manufactures, and services custom continuous belt and batch furnaces for sintering, steam treating, annealing, brazing and heat treating applications. Sinterite's design includes alloy and ceramic muffles, powder-handling equipment, custom fabrications, and the exclusivel HyperCooler, sinter-hardening system.
www.sinterite.com
www.gasbarrefurnacegroup.com
Sinterite, a Gasbarre Furnace Group Company, St. Marys, Pa., recently installed a continuous belt furnace for development of sintering, brazing, annealing, and heat treatment applications at the new Air Liquide Shanghai Research & Technology Center.
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