Nitrex Metal Inc., Quebec, began operation of a new low-pressure carburizing (LPC) furnace at its plant in Franklin, Indiana. It was built and installed by vacuum and LPC furnace specialist ECM of France. It features ECM’s Infracarb technology, a process that guarantees the reduction of the cycle time, the absence of oxidation, and precise and repeatable control of the carburizing parameters.
The furnace has a nameplate capacity of 1650 pounds and a work chamber of 24 x 26 x 39 inches. The system is fully automated and is currently configured with two heat treat/carburizing cells and a load transfer system that is completely under vacuum. Additionally, this particular setup has the unique capability of quenching in both high-pressure gas (20 bar) and in oil to address most specifications. Because of its modular design, additional process chambers can be simply integrated to this system to meet high volume demand.
The LPC furnace features cold-wall technology, so the exterior surface stays at a low temperature, reducing the amount of heat emitted into the plant. Without any flames or hot walls, the furnace can be located in the middle of the machining area within the plant. This allows for better part flow and eliminates the need for a fireproof wall enclosing the heat-treat area.
With cold-wall technology, dangers specific to hot-wall technology such as open flames and hot surfaces are also eliminated. In addition, the plant does not need ventilation hoods to get rid of the burned gas. For these reasons, the LPC furnace occupies less plant floor space, especially as it allows a higher throughput.
Efficiency and energy savings are further advantages of the LPC furnace. Vacuum technology is the most efficient with only 35 kW to maintain 2200 pounds of steel at temperature. Gas usage is reduced because it is used in the most efficient way. LPC furnaces can be ready for production in as little as 90 minutes, and each chamber can be turned on or off at any time to be ready for production in 30 minutes.
