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Vacuum furnace

Our vacuum hardening furnace is a highly specialized piece of industrial equipment used for the heat treatment of materials, typically metals, under controlled atmospheric conditions. This process, known as vacuum hardening or vacuum heat treatment, involves heating the material to a specific temperature in a vacuum environment, followed by controlled cooling, often using quenching mechanisms like gas or oil.

Vacuum furnace: Key Components and Mechanisms

  1. Heating Elements: Our furnaces use high-temperature-resistant materials such as molybdenum or graphite for their heating elements, which can sustain extreme temperatures, up to 1350°C and higher.
  2. Temperature Control: Precise control of the heating and cooling cycles is critical for achieving the desired mechanical properties in the material. Our advanced control systems, regulate the temperature ramps, hold times, and cooling rates, ensuring uniformity throughout the treatment process.
  3. Quenching System: After the material reaches the desired temperature, it is rapidly cooled (quenched) using our advanced design to lock in specific microstructures that enhance hardness and strength. Quenching in our vacuum furnaces can be done using high-pressure gas, such as nitrogen, argon or Hydrogen, which allows for controlled and uniform cooling, for special applications we can quench through oil, depending on the material and desired properties.
  4. Material Handling: Our furnaces are designed to handle various materials, ranging from steels and superalloys to titanium and other exotic metals. They can accommodate different component sizes and shapes, with sophisticated hot zone design to ensure even exposure to heat.

AICHELIN vacuum furnaces advantages

  • Oxidation Prevention: The vacuum environment prevents oxidation, resulting in a clean surface finish and maintaining material integrity.
  • Enhanced Mechanical Properties: Precise control over the thermal cycle allows for the optimization of material properties such as hardness, toughness, and tensile strength.
  • Reduced Distortion: The uniform heating and controlled cooling reduce the risk of distortion and warping, which is particularly important for high-precision components.

Applications of Vacuum Furnaces

Vacuum hardening furnaces are used in various industries where high-performance materials are essential, such as aerospace, automotive, and tool manufacturing. Components like turbine blades, gears, and cutting tools are often treated in these furnaces to enhance wear resistance, fatigue strength, and overall durability.

AICHELIN Vacuum Furnace: For High-Strength and Durable Components

A vacuum hardening furnace is an advanced thermal processing tool that plays a critical role in producing high-strength, durable components by controlling the heat treatment environment to enhance material properties while minimizing the risks associated with traditional heat treatment methods.

More about AICHELIN Vacuum Furnaces

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