Vacuum Processing

Components are processed in a chamber under controlled vacuum and heating conditions. Time at temperature is controlled by the use of thermocouples within the load linked to the furnace control system.

Controlled heating and cooling can be easily achieved for special processes.
Quenching is achieved by the use of high purity nitrogen flowing through the
furnace load, over a heat exchanger and then returned to the furnace chamber.

Pressure and direction of the gas flow can be varied to suit the loading arrangements or workpieces to minimise distortion.
Pressures up to 10bar can be achieved.

Minimum distortion and items free from contaminants are the features of
vacuum heat treatment along with repeatability of process.

Most tool steels can be vacuum hardened and some stainless steels harden
well through a vacuum atmosphere.