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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT

VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT
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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT

Product catalog summary
History
ALD Vacuum Technologies has a history linked to Degussa, Heraeus, and Leybold, with significant milestones such as Heraeus entering vacuum metallurgy in 1916, Leybold starting industrial vacuum equipment manufacturing in 1930, and the formation of Leybold-Heraeus GmbH in 1967. ALD Vacuum Technologies was founded in 1994, consolidating vacuum metallurgy and heat treatment businesses.
Know-How and Business Competence
ALD specializes in thermal and thermochemical treatment equipment for metallic materials, recognized for its expertise in vacuum process technology and custom system solutions. It is a global leader in vacuum metallurgy and heat treatment, providing systems for melting, casting, and remelting metals, and special coating equipment for turbine blades.
Worldwide Customer Sales & Service
ALD operates a global network for customer support, offering services like spare parts delivery, repair, maintenance, and equipment refurbishment, with subsidiaries in six countries and numerous representatives worldwide.
Vacuum Metallurgy
Advancements in vacuum metallurgy include processes that improve product quality for aerospace, electronics, and energy applications. Technologies like vacuum melting and electron beam physical vapor deposition are crucial for high-quality metallurgical products.
Vacuum Induction Melting and Casting (VIM/VIDP)
VIM is essential in secondary metallurgy for refining liquid metals and adjusting chemical compositions, allowing effective degassing and precise alloy composition adjustments. ALD's VIM furnaces handle charge weights from 1 kg to 30 tons, offering flexibility and high operational safety.
Product Range and Applications
ALD offers a comprehensive range of VIM furnaces for applications including semi-finished products like wires, strips, rods, ingots, and powders, supporting different casting methods such as mold casting, continuous casting, and centrifugal casting.
Overview
The document details vacuum induction melting (VIM) and electroslag remelting (ESR) technologies used in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and metallurgy, outlining specifications, procedures, and advantages of different furnace systems.
Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Systems
  • VIM-VMC and VIM-VCC Systems: Feature vertical mold chambers and continuous casting technology under inert gas to prevent surface oxidation, suitable for pilot production and various industrial applications.
  • System Variations: Compares different VIM chamber systems, highlighting charge weights and configurations.
  • Additional Features: Include launder systems, bottom purging for gas treatment, and double-door arrangements for easy maintenance and increased productivity.
Vacuum Induction Degassing (VID) Systems
  • VIDP Furnace: Designed for superalloy production, offering compact designs with small chamber volumes and efficient vacuum pumping systems.
  • Advantages: Provide fast furnace changes, high operating availability, and improved productivity.
Electroslag Remelting (ESR) Technology
  • Process Overview: Used for producing high-quality ingots with superior purity levels.
  • Metallurgical Benefits: Ensures high cleanliness, soundness, and structural integrity of ingots.
  • Process Variations: Includes PESR, IESR, and VAC-ESR, allowing remelting under different atmospheric conditions.
Conclusion
The document highlights technological advancements and customization options in VIM and ESR systems, emphasizing their importance in producing high-grade metals and alloys for critical industrial applications.
Introduction
Discusses advanced remelting processes like Electroslag Remelting (ESR), Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR), and Electron Beam Melting (EB), crucial for producing high-quality alloys for industries such as aerospace, power generation, and defense.
Electroslag Remelting (ESR)
ESR refines metals by remelting under a slag layer, recommended under a fully enclosed inert gas atmosphere to prevent hydrogen pick-up and oxidation.
ESR Furnace Types
Includes pilot systems, stationary mold systems, ingot withdrawal systems, atmospheric protection systems, and pressurized/vacuum systems.
Electroslag Remelting under Vacuum (VAC-ESR)
Combines ESR and VAR benefits, allowing remelting under vacuum with a slag.
Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)
Improves cleanliness and structure of ingots, involving remelting a consumable electrode under vacuum using an electric arc.
VAR Advantages
Includes removal of dissolved gases, reduction of trace elements, improved oxide cleanliness, and directional solidification.
Electron Beam Melting (EB)
Known for refining capacity and flexibility, used for remelting and refining metals under high vacuum.
Conclusion
These advanced remelting processes are critical for producing high-integrity materials required in demanding applications.
Electron Beam Melting Technology
Overview: Discusses the use of electron beam (EB) technology in remelting and refining processes, highlighting its flexibility and efficiency.
Process Variations:
  • Drip Melting: Used for refractory metals like Ta and Nb.
  • Electron Beam Cold Hearth Refining (EBCHR): Important for reactive metals.
  • Button Melting: Evaluates cleanliness of superalloy samples.
  • Floating Zone Melting: An older technique for producing high-purity metals.
Process Control: EB furnaces operate semi-automatically with computer-controlled automation.
Furnace Types and Applications:
  • Electron Beam Guns: Available in 60, 300, and 600 kW power.
  • EB Drip-Melt Production Furnaces: For refractory metal ingots.
  • EB Cold Hearth Production Furnaces: For reactive metal ingots.
  • EB Pilot Production Furnaces: Allow both drip melting and cold hearth refining.
Applications: Include remelting high-purity refractory materials, titanium production for aerospace, and high-purity metals for electronics.
Vacuum Investment Casting (VIM-IC):
  • General System Design: Tailored furnace designs for specific customer needs.
  • Liquid Metal Cooling (LMC): Enhances solidification conditions for large DS/SC components.
Cold Crucible Induction Melting and Casting: LEICOMELT® furnaces use copper crucibles to avoid contamination.
Vacuum Arc Melting and Casting: Used for reactive materials like titanium.
Powder Metallurgy: Discusses vacuum induction melting and inert gas atomization for metal powder production.
Metal Powder Applications: Metal powders are used in various industries, including aviation and electronics.
Vacuum Induction Melting and Inert Gas Atomization: The VIGA system combines vacuum induction melting with inert gas atomization.
Large Scale VIGA Atomization System: Features a double-door crucible design for efficient production.
Ceramic-Free Metal Powder Production: Uses processes like EIGA and PIGA to avoid ceramic inclusions.
Sprayforming Technology: Allows for direct fabrication of semi-finished products.
Inert Gas Recycling: Crucial for economical production, using closed-loop systems and liquefaction systems.
Vacuum Turbine Blade Coating (EB/PVD): Used for applying protective and thermal barrier coatings on turbine blades.
Overview of Modern Gas Turbine Coatings
Bond Coatings: Protect superalloy components in gas turbines from corrosion and thermal expansion differences.
Diffusion Barriers: Enhance adhesion between bond coatings and TBCs.
Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs): Protect turbine components from high temperatures.
EB/PVD Production Systems: Equipped with a central coating chamber and preheating chambers.
Process Control: Requires precise control over vapor generation and part movement.
Future Advances: May involve integrating standalone processes and developing new ceramic materials.
Solar Silicon Melting and Crystallization Technology: The SCU400 furnace is used for melting and crystallizing solar-grade silicon ingots.
Hot Isothermal Forging (HIF): Used for producing high-quality parts in "near net shape."
Induction Heated Quartz Tube Furnaces (IWQ): Used for heat-treatment, melting, and distillation processes.
High Vacuum Resistance Furnaces (WI): Designed for high-temperature processes.
Overview of Vacuum Heat Treatment Technology
Furnace Specifications and Layout: Discusses various aspects of furnace design.
Vacuum Heat Treatment Processes: Involves exposing metallic parts to specific time-temperature sequences.
Annealing: Involves heating to a specific temperature, holding, and slow cooling.
Hardening and Tempering: Involves heating to high temperatures and rapid cooling.
Case Hardening: Enriches the surface of parts with carbon.
Brazing: A joining process conducted in a vacuum.
Advantages of Vacuum Heat Treatment: Includes absence of toxic gases and reduced health hazards.
Vacuum Carburizing and Gas Quenching: Uses hydrocarbons like acetylene under low pressure.
Special Furnace Systems: Designed for various industrial applications.
Modular Furnace Systems: The ModulTherm® system offers a modular design.
Vacuum-Based Carburizing Processes
Uses propane or acetylene, with acetylene offering better carbon efficiency.
Thermal Decomposition and Process Parameters
Carburizing involves alternating steps of carburizing and diffusion.
Advantages of Vacuum Carburizing
Offers faster carbon transfer and no surface oxidation.
High Pressure Gas Quenching
Preferred for its environmental and commercial efficiency.
Advantages of Gas Quenching
Reduces distortion and allows adjustable quenching intensity.
Sintering Processes
Consolidates particles into a solid structure.
Overpressure Sintering
Used for hard metal tools and nuclear fuel elements.
Furnace Lines and Features
Various furnace lines offer features like high temperature uniformity.
Own & Operate Strategy
ALD provides heat treatment services while leveraging process knowledge.
Global Expansion and Service
ALD has expanded its operations globally, providing heat treatment services.
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Catalog excerpts

VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-1

METALLURGY HEAT TREATMENT >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-2

ALD Vacuum Technologies Hanau, Germany >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-3

3 History Know-How Is Our Business 6 Worldwide Customer Sales & Service 7 8 > Vacuum Induction Melting and Casting (VIM/VIDP) 10 Electroslag Remelting (ESR) 22 Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) 30 Electron Beam Melting (EB) 36 Vacuum Investment Casting (VIM-IC) 40 Powder Metallurgy 46 Vacuum Turbine Blade Coating (EB/PVD) 54 Solar Silicon Melting and Crystallization Technology 62 Hot Isothermal Forging (HIF) 64 Induction Heated Quartz Tube Furnaces (IWQ) 66 High Vacuum Resistances Furnaces (WI) 68 70 > Vacuum Hardening,Tempering 74 Vacuum Case Hardening 80 Sintering 88 92 >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-4

HERAEUS enters the field of vacuum metallurgy when it succeeds in melting chromium-nickel alloys under vacuum conditions. > DEGUSSA AG ac q uires all shares of Leybold-Heraeus GmbH, which is then renamed LEYBOLD AG. > De g ussa s p ins off its Durferrit business including Degussa Industrial Furnaces, while Leybold AG sheds its vacuum metallurgy division. The two spin-offs merge to form LEYBOLD DURFERRIT GmbH. LEYBOLD starts manufacturin g industrial vacuum equipment. > DEGUSSA decides to build vacuum furnaces. > The vacuum metallur gy and vacuum heat treatment businesses become part of the newly...

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-5

On Au g ust 3, 1998, Safe g uard International Fund, L.P., Wayne, PA, USA acquires all shares of ALD Vacuum Technologies. > Introduction of new heat treatment system, type ModulTherm > . Coo p eration with AFC Holcroft, Wixom, Michigan. ALD Vacuum Technolo g ies enters the Own & Operate Business. > 2 > nd US Own & O p erate factor y started in Port Huron, Michigan. Decision about Own & O p erate in USA. ALD enters into the vacuum coating business by acquiring all EB/PVD activities from Leybold AG. > ALD Polska, another p roduction site for ALD, started in Czosnow, Poland. > Start u p of the Own...

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-6

ALD Vacuum Technologies supplies equipment and systems for thermal and thermochemical treatment of metallic materials in solid and liquid form. The company`s competence consists on the one hand of its mastery in vacuum process technology and on the other hand of its know-how in designing custom-tailored system solutions for use in this field. ALD is noted for its superb know-how basis, high investments in research and development and its strategic alliances. Close collaborations with well-known manufacturers in operator companies have stren g thened its position as a supplier of key technologies...

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-7

7 ALD plants are built for operation around the clock, seven days per week. As and when the need for service arises, a global network is available to send urgently needed spare parts or an experienced service technician. ALD has subsidiaries in 6 countries worldwide and representations in many others. Our marketing and service network and replacement part stocks at strategic locations enable us to react at short notice. Additionally, our headquarters in Germany operate a customer support center with dozens of experts who assist whenever special know-how is required. ALD services include professional...

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-8

The Development of New Vacuum Processes for Metallurgy Drives Technological Advances in Future Markets >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-9

Vacuum metallurgy for the airplane of the future. Concealed behind the technical term, Ԅvacuum melting and controlled solidification" as well as electron beam physical vapor deposition" are path-breaking technologies for the energy saving airplane of the future. These vacuum metallurgical processes allow large-scale mass production of turbine blades, which reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and emissions by 15% and more. >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-10

Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM/VIDP) Furnaces for Charge Weights from 1 kg up to 30 tons >

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-11

11 Vacuum induction melting (VIM) is one of the most commonly used processes in secondary metallur g y applied for refining treatment in the liquid state and adjustment of chemical composition and temperature. To achieve the increasing quality demands on the resulting material and at the same time save raw materials such as alloying elements due to higher yield; and save energy, Vacuum induction melting makes possible effective degassing of the melt and extra- ordinarily precise adjustment of alloy composition, since the temperature, vacuum, gas atmosphere, pressure and material transport (e.g.,...

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VACUUM SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR METALLURGY AND HEAT TREATMENT-12

2 -1 to 10 > -4 mbar. The following methods can be easily combined with the VIM system to produce clean melts: Removal of undesired trace elements with high vapour pressures; Removal of dissolved gases e.g. oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen; Adjustment of precise and homogeneous alloy-composition and melt temperature. Depending on the product and metallurgical process, vacuum levels during the refining phase are in a range of 10 For this reason, metallurgical operations, such as dephosphorization and desulphurization, are limited. VIM metallurgy is primarily aimed at the pressure-dependent reactions,...

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VIM Application Advantages The following advantages have a decisive influence on the high demand for ALD's vacuum induction melting furnaces in metal production: The casting weight in VIM furnaces by Flexibility due to different batch size; ALD can vary from 1 kg to 30 tons or Fast change of program for different more, depending on whether the furnace types of steels and alloys; is being used for precision casting or for Low losses of alloying elements the production of ingots or electrodes by oxidation; for further processing. A large number of Achievement of very close optional items allows...

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4 VIM Chamber Furnaces Product Line ALD offers a complete product line of VIM furnaces with charge weights varying from 1 kg up to 30 tons for the making of: The product line is based on the chambertype VIM (Vacuum Induction Melting) or on the compact VIM-VIDP furnace design. Depending on production and economical requirements, the VIM furnace technology can be expanded by different implements. These are: VIM 02-4000 Semi-finished products, such as: - Wires, strips, rods - Ingots and electrodes - Targets - Structural parts - Powders by the following procedures: acuum I nduction M elting in the...

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All ALD catalogs and technical brochures

  1. MonoTherm

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  2. DualTherm

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  3. ModulTherm 2.0

    10  Pages

  4. SynroTherm

    10  Pages

*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.