MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
Quenching systems After solution treatment, fasteners are rapidly deposited into
an aqueous quench via a gravity drop into a water or polymer quench system. These quench incorporate unique features that ensure parts are quenched rapidly. These features include quenchant agitation, cooling and flow control. Quenchant vapours are controlled and collected to minimise contamination into the solution furnace. Following quenching, fasteners are conveyed and subsequently dried to remove any excess moisture prior to loading into the Age furnace.
Aging or precipitation hardening Post quenching artificial aging or precipitation hardening is
performed in a mesh belt conveyor furnace. The careful control of temperature and recirculation is critical in determining the products final mechanical properties. These cycle times are considerably longer when compared to the solution cycle times are as such require furnaces of greater capacity. This can be achieved by processing products using increased loading densities and furnace capacities. With the proper combination of solution heat treatment,
quenching and artificial aging, the highest strengths are met. All the benefits found in a traditional CAN-ENG mesh belt
atmosphere furnace system for ferrous fasteners are also found in a non-ferrous system.
Reducing part damage during processing CAN-ENG understands that gentle handling of fasteners is
important to prevent damage, particularly when the parts are still soft. CAN-ENG has focused on integrating mesh belt conveying technology utilising a wire woven belt for each individual customer’s needs and process requirements. The integration of CAN-ENG’s ‘soft handling’ systems and part transition know-how have significantly reduced part nicking potential. In addition, fasteners are loaded externally to the solution and aging furnaces. This reduces the empty gaps deposited on the belt for proper lot separation improving the operating efficiency of the system.
Improved heating efficiency CAN-ENG has integrated a unique combination of forced recirculation heating and directional distribution plenums to
both the solution and aging furnaces. This system provides the rapid heating of product to set point temperatures while also providing good uniformity ± 3°C during the long soaking periods.
Waste heat recovery Further improvements in waste heat recovery have been a
focus for CAN-ENG. Recently, CAN-ENG has developed and integrated its Energy Reduction System (ERS) focusing on waste heat recovery-reducing overall natural gas consumption when compared to conventional systems.
“ All the benefits found in a traditional CAN-ENG mesh belt atmosphere furnace system for ferrous fasteners are also found in a non-ferrous system.”
Control system integration Developments in area of process controls have been
significant. The integration of a Level 2 SCADA systems into its manufacturing processes enables manufacturers to monitor, control and update in real time. Other features include the data collection, process control and equipment, and diagnostics requirements outlined in CQI-9 automotive standards, as well as meeting relevant AMS specifications.
Conclusion A new efficient continuous heat treatment system is now
commercially available to manufacturers of high strength aluminium fasteners. Efficiencies have been found in a more automated and robust processing system suitable to the requirements of high production facilities.
www.can-eng.com
Hall: 21 Stand: L21
136 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 74 March 2012
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