Apparatus and method for tapered heating of metal billet
US5306365A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1992 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC21D2281/02
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and process are disclosed for providing, and continuously monitoring and controlling, a tapered temperature profile in solid metal first heated to a specified initial temperature. Temperatures are monitored at a plurality of locations along the length of the metal and are adjusted by successively withdrawing and returning a portion to a heating source through physical movement In one aspect, apparatus and process continuously monitor and control a tapered temperature profile in a billet of aluminum alloy through a first step of rapid heating in a single-zone electric induction furnace to a temperature sufficient to bring the billet to its cold end set point while not exceeding its maximum skin temperature. The temperatures of the billet are monitored at its die end and its ram end and are adjusted by successively withdrawing and returning the billet to the induction furnace to reduce the heat in the ram end relative to the die end. A specified tapered temperature profile can be established and maintained along the billet to match a desired temperature profile reference value. In one aspect, the tapered temperature profile preferably produces a traveling crush or upset for…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.