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PRODUCTS Single Chamber
Tool Room Dual Chamber OPTIMIZED FOR
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Frequently Asked Questions How do I chose the right size furnace? A general rule is to utilize 2/3 of the total hearth, with the load off center toward the back of the furnace. When determining the width of the furnace, you must allow a minimum of 2" from the part to the side wall in a small furnace and up to 6" for a larger unit. Finally, when determining the height required another general rule is that 3/4 of the total height may be utilized. What temperature range do I need? This question is process specific. However, most tool steels heat treat between 1550 Degrees F (842 Degrees C) and 2000 Degrees F (1093 Degrees C). Therefore, a standard 2000 Degrees F maximum temperature will satisfy most applications. There are a variety of steels which do require temperatures up to 2300 Degrees F (1260 Degrees C). Tempering or Stress Relieving ranges from 500 Degrees F ( 260 Degrees C) to 1300 Degrees F (704 Degrees C). In these temperature ranges, a circulating fan in the chamber is highly recommended for temperature uniformity throughout the chamber. If you are unsure about the temperature requirements of a steel, there are a variety of reference books available, or you can check with your steel supplier or contact Huppert Industries, Inc. and we will assist you. Why would I need an atmosphere? Atmospheres can be used for a variety of reasons. One is to introduce a gas which will generate a chemical reaction with the steel forming a hard protective coating (Case Hardening). Huppert Industries Gas Nitriding furnace is a common example of this process. An anhydrous ammonia is used to generate ionized Nitrogen which bonds with the steel to produce a very hard surface. The second and more common application of an atmosphere is to remove Oxygen from the heating chamber to reduce or eliminate oxidation of the steel. This process typically utilizes an Inert Atmosphere such as Argon or Nitrogen. A wide variety of Huppert Industries, Inc. furnaces are atmosphere capable. Why gas or electric? This is usually determined by the customers utility costs. Electric furnaces are very easy to operate and maintain, there are fewer operating parts and there is no exhaust to vent. Operating costs are very low depending on the area of the country and cost of electricity. If electric power is terribly expensive, then a gas fired unit may be more economical in the long run. However, when dealing with smaller chamber sizes, gas fired furnaces can cost up to 60% more than a comparable electric furnace in initial price. As chamber sizes increase the variance between gas fired and electric units closes. When chamber sizes reach very large production sizes the gas fired units become very attractive for their operating cost relative to electric. |
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