Sintering [ Return towards Metal Fabrication Industries ]
Sintered mechanical components are commonly produced in continuous furnaces, where the sintering operations are carried out in several, but strongly interconnected steps.
For each step, a specific atmosphere composition must be implemented in order to make the complete process succeed :
- An oxidizing atmosphere in the first step to increase lubricant removal
- An active reducing non-decarburizing atmosphere in the hot zone for a good sintering operation
- A protective reducing atmosphere in the cooling zone to prevent any oxidation and obtain a bright surface aspect
Air Liquide has developed capability to master the atmosphere composition in each zone through a zoning technology. The atmosphere in each zone can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the different components to be treated.
Air Liquide is able to supply complete installation to deliver high purity nitrogen, hydrogen or hydrocarbon mixture with flow control panel and safety monitoring.
In many cases, nitrogen can also be delivered by non cryogenic on site FLOXAL solutions.
To be even more cost effective, Air Liquide has developed the ALNAT Endo offer, a flexible ready-to-use protective atmosphere produced in your workshop,combining hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.
Benefits of the ALNAT solutions will include improved safety, low-maintenance operations, low capital costs for a reliable and competitive atmosphere.
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