Summary of Methods to Reduce Costs in Heat Treatment Processes

During heat treatment processes, it is a technical challenge to balance processing time, achieve optimal heat treatment effects on workpieces, and avoid energy waste. Here are insights from heat treatment technicians on reducing costs in heat treatment:

(I)

1. Utilize off-peak electricity hours for heating to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.

2. Load workpieces into the furnace at high temperatures.

3. Operate continuously to fully utilize residual heat in the furnace.

4. Employ advanced insulation materials in the construction of furnace bodies.

(II)

1. Select as high a quenching temperature as possible, based on part requirements and conditions, to reduce soaking time.

2. Pit-type furnaces offer better temperature uniformity in tempering, allowing for higher tempering temperatures and shorter soaking times.

3. For single-piece tempering, high-temperature tempering is recommended.

4. For general carburized parts with low requirements, the carburizing temperature can be increased to 950°C or higher, followed by subcritical quenching.

5. Box furnaces should preferably use full-fiber construction with internal infrared coatings to enhance heating rates.

(III)

1. Choose appropriate materials based on the working conditions of the parts, including load type and magnitude, environmental conditions, and primary failure modes.

2. Consider factors such as workpiece structure, shape, and size to select reasonable heat treatment processes and parameters.

3. Understand the microstructure and properties of materials after heat treatment.

4.Under conditions that ensure service performance and lifespan, simplified heat treatment processes, especially those that conserve energy, should be preferred.

5. Adopt highly mechanized and automated process equipment to not only improve labor productivity but also facilitate process control, ensuring stable and reliable heat treatment quality and reducing costs.

6. Strictly manage and control the quality of heat treatment materials and equipment.