High-Vacuum Annealing Furnace
High-vacuum annealing furnace is a heat treatment equipment that processes metals at very low air pressure in an annealing state. This prevents oxidation and decarburization.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The high-vacuum annealing furnace reduces the air pressure in the chamber so much that the metal surface can be processed in a glowing state without oxygen reactions. This allows for the finest surface finish and minimizes the formation of pores and cracks.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Using the high-vacuum annealing furnace in welding processes is especially important for high-quality steel grades to maintain their surface finish. Lack of evacuation can lead to oxidation and edge decarburization, which impairs the strength and resistance of the weld.
Workshop Practice & Action Instructions
To effectively use a high-vacuum annealing furnace, the air pressure in the chamber must be reduced below 10^-6 mbar. The annealing time should be at least 30 minutes to ensure a careful surface finish. When welding high-quality steels, it is crucial to precisely maintain the annealing time and pressure to avoid oxidation and edge decarburization.