WALKING BEAM FURNACE COMPATIBLE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE HIGH VOLUME SINTERING.

The significance of a furnace designed with walking beam for high temperature sintering is considered in description of all aspects of the cycle. Walking beam furnaces provide a reliable way to sinter a high volume of PM components at temperatures ranging from 1650 degree F (904 degree C) to 2450 degree F or 1343 degree C. Nitrogen-hydrogen mixtures are generally used as atmospheres and atmosphere consumption can be greatly reduced and better controlled by use of entrance and exit lock chambers. Higher temperatures often result in a more homogeneous structure in a PM component resulting in improved physical properties. Depending on furnace design, temperature capabilities of 3000 degree F (1649 degree C) can be achieved in a walking beam furnace. High volume capacity at high temperatures with low utilities and atmosphere consumptions results in the economical sintering of PM components with improved physical properties.