| Linde is the supplier of choice for high-quality gases used in annealing atmospheres, including nitrogen, hydrogen and various hydrocarbons. Nitrogen is also used as a purge gas, in compliance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) safety guidelines.
“Annealing” describes a range of heat treatment practices that improve mechanical properties, modify microstructures and/or modify surface finishes of various types of materials (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper). Annealing processes involve the heating, holding and cooling of workpieces under certain atmospheric conditions; the monitoring and control of temperature (of both the workpiece and the atmosphere) and, in many cases, atmosphere composition is critical to positive annealing outcomes.
Linde works with customers to develop, optimize and troubleshoot their annealing processes. Annealing of steel and non-ferrous alloys can often be optimized by using a HYDROFLEX® furnace atmosphere control system or a CARBOFLEX® (control of carbon potential) atmosphere control system.
The use of HYDROFLEX offers the following benefits:
· Parts surfaces are kept clean and bright
· Atmosphere consumption is minimized
CARBOFLEX offers the following benefits:
· Decarburization is controlled or minimized
· Active species (e.g., carbon monoxide) are efficiently used
· Atmosphere consumption is minimized
In some cases, decarburization is desirable during annealing (e.g., decarburization annealing of electrical steels).
To learn more about how your company can benefit from the use of HYDROFLEX or CARBOFLEX, please Contact Us. |
