KNC/V line for solution annealing and artificial aging of aluminum alloys

For manufacturers of parts and components for HV overhead power lines and substations, it is particularly important to maintain the required mechanical properties of the products, and especially the required hardness for aluminum alloy castings. These properties can be achieved by a suitable curing process, i.e. by the process of solution annealing and subsequently by the process of artificial aging. This requires several heat treatment steps in precise sequence and speed under difficult working conditions and at high temperatures. In similar series production, there are only limited possibilities to repeatedly perform this thermal process while maintaining the required standards, ensuring work safety and maintaining economic costs.

The solution is provided by the automated heat treatment line KNC/V 1800/60 with a working temperature of 550 °C, designed for the thermal process of solution annealing followed by rapid cooling in a water bath (quenching bath) KLV 4000. The line is a combination of two basic devices – electric chamber portal furnaces with a bottom (vertical) installation using a hanging basket and a cooling bath with cooling in water (or oil or a mixture of water and polymer). Depending on the location of the water bath, the line can be installed in the floor or on the floor.

The KNC/V line is located on rails and moves from the work position, which also serves as a charging position, to the position above the water bath. In the first step, the operator takes the basket with the batch under the furnace, where with the help of an electrically controlled chain winch, it is hung and the program starts. After processing, the furnace moves over the bath, the door opens and the basket with the charge is lowered into the water. Thanks to the minimization of the distance between the furnace and the water bath, it is possible to reduce the immersion time to values ​​below 8–10 sec, this is an important parameter for ensuring the appropriate properties of the charge after heat treatment. The line and process are controlled by a programmable PLC, which controls the temperature profile of the furnace, the temperature of the water in the tempering bath, synchronizes the movement of the furnace, the movement of the door and the loading of the charge basket. The entire heat treatment is therefore completely automated, no operator intervention is necessary. Handling of the batch takes place with the help of an electrically driven winch, the furnace door is hydraulically driven. The furnace is assembled from a steel structure and high-quality insulating materials. The entire device is characterized by mechanical resistance and durability.

The KNC/V line is further supplemented by an SV 1502/30 Mk.II furnace from our production, in which artificial aging takes place. Therefore, a solution is offered for complex heat treatment T6 process, solution annealing 520–540 °C / 3–6 hours, rapid cooling, precipitation hardening under heat 145–160 °C / 3–5 hours. The line can be supplied in a design to meet the AMS 2750 standard.

The delivery also includes complete operating, revision and technical documentation, necessary for putting this device into operation, as well as complete installation at the customer's place, including delivery.