Non-Ferrous Metals – Forming
Gases for Forming in the Non-Ferrous Metals Industry
Technologies include: oxygen fuel (oxy-fuel) and oxygen-enriched (air/oxy-fuel) combustion heating systems; nitrogen blanketing (shrouding / inerting) and cooling; and other industrial gases applications.
These offer significant financial benefits for forming in the non-ferrous metals industry.
Offerings applicable to extrusion presses and rolling mills.
Extrusion Press – Rapidfire heating
This oxy-fuel technology using direct flame impingement is ideal for the rapid heating of billets prior to extruding. Heating rates greater than 100°C/min (or 200°C/min for highly conductive metals such as copper) are typical on 100mm diameter, non-ferrous metal billets. This proprietary technique yields fuel savings, higher productivity and improved surface quality.
Extrusion Press – Reheat Furnace Enrichment
Oxygen is injected into the furnace to increase productivity, reduce flue gas volume and allow a more stable flame. The cost of oxygen is offset against fuel savings.
Extrusion Press – Die Cooling / Inerting
Injecting gaseous or liquid nitrogen into the die tooling area can minimise oxide formation by displacing the oxygen-laden air. Additionally, heat generated by the extrusion process is removed. The resultant decrease in oxide build-up on the die bearing surface allows productivity increases as high as 30%, while the nitrogen used typically pays for itself with productivity gains of as little as 2%. The inerting effect also acts on the product to enhance final part quality and decrease reject rates. More financial benefits are possible from extended die life.
Rolling Mill – Rapidfire heating
This oxy-fuel technology using direct flame impingement is ideal for the rapid heating of billets and slabs prior to rolling. Heating rates greater than 100°C/min (or 200°C/min for highly conductive metals such as copper) are typical on 100mm diameter, non-ferrous metal billets. This proprietary technique yields fuel savings, higher productivity and improved surface quality.
Rolling Mill – Reheat Furnace Enrichment
Oxygen is injected into the furnace to increase productivity, reduce flue gas volume and allow a more stable flame. The cost of oxygen is offset against fuel savings.