Aluminum Aging is commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and transportation industries, as well as building/home applications, to manufacture durable components for long-term use. NUTEC Bickley designs and manufactures aluminum Aging ovens in accordance with customers' specific requirements.
We consider all of the factors that come into play including rapid heating, temperature uniformity, safety-critical components, high precision and repeatability, and floor space.
Aluminum Aging – sometimes referred to as age hardening or precipitation hardening – is produced by phase transformations creating uniform dispersion of coherent precipitates in a softer matrix. Aging aluminum between 100°C–260°C (212°F–500°F) is called artificial aging because the alloy is heated to produce precipitation.
Using a lower aging temperature has the effect of making the properties more uniform. When heat treated alloys are aged at room temperature it is called natural aging. The rate and amount of natural aging or hardening varies from one alloy to another. Properties of the alloys are dependent on the aging temperature and aging time. Typically, the hardness and strength of the alloy increases initially with time and particle size until it reaches the peak where maximum strength is obtained. Any further aging will reduce the strength and hardness; also referred to as over-aging.
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Nutec Bickley aluminum furnaces and ovens are custom designed and built to meet MIL-SPEC as well as conforming to tough industry standards such as AIAG’s CQI-9 for heat treat assessment and relevant AMS standards covering heat treatment equipment.
The correct combination of air distribution and velocity are the key to Nutec Bickley ovens. Whether the heating method is gas fired directly and indirectly or electrically our equipment is designed to meet any needs.
Some typical operations might incorporate our roller hearth or basketless carousel furnaces/ovens. Where solution treatment is needed, we can fabricate custom designed water and air quench systems. Solution heat treating furnaces manufacturers generally take place up to a maximum temperature of 600°C (1,110°F), and for aging around 260°C (500°F).
Roller hearth furnaces and ovens are designed for batch process applications, and for indexing–continuous production.
Chain conveyor ovens and furnaces can be provided for temperature ranges from 93ºC (200ºF) to 650ºC (1,200ºF) to perform in the following industries
We design pusher ovens for continuous–indexing production with indexing pusher mechanisms located outside the furnace.
We manufacture heavy duty car bottom ovens in custom designs and dimensions. They have the ability to handle large/heavy loads.
We provide box furnaces and ovens for temperatures ranging from 150°C to 1,340°C (300ºF to 2,450ºF) to perform a wide variety of process applications.
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The aging process is a crucial heat treatment used to enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys, improving strength, hardness, and durability.
The process begins by heating aluminum components in a controlled environment, using direct or indirect gas combustion or electric heating elements for uniform heat distribution. Once the material reaches the required temperature, it is held for a specific soaking period to allow the precipitation of strengthening phases within the metal’s microstructure. This ensures that the final product meets the required performance and durability specifications.
Nutec Bickley’s Advanced Aging Furnaces:
The aging process in a furnace is a heat treatment used to enhance the mechanical properties of metals, particularly aluminum alloys. It involves heating the material to a specific temperature and holding it for a controlled soaking period to allow the precipitation of strengthening phases within its microstructure. This process improves the strength, hardness, and durability of the material, ensuring its performance in demanding industrial applications.
At Nutec Bickley, we design high-performance aging furnaces, utilizing direct or indirect gas combustion or electric heating systems to ensure uniform heat distribution.
The key difference between natural and artificial aging lies in the speed and method used to strengthen aluminum alloys through precipitation hardening.
Natural aging occurs at room temperature, gradually improving the metal’s properties over hours or days without requiring additional energy. While it is a cost-effective method, it may not provide optimal mechanical performance for demanding applications.
Artificial aging is a controlled heat treatment where aluminum is heated to a specific temperature and held for a set period to accelerate strengthening. This process ensures greater strength, uniformity, and faster results.
To optimize both natural and artificial aging, at Nutec Bickley we provide advanced thermal processing solutions. Our high-performance furnaces feature precise heat distribution and SCADA-integrated control systems, ensuring temperature accuracy, automation, and compliance with AMS 2750, ASTM B917, and CQI-9 standards.
We serve multiple industries through the design, building and installation of combustion systems, thermal insulation and highly specialized industrial furnaces, kilns and ovens. We are focused on understanding our customers’ needs and supplying the best equipment at the most competitive price.
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We offer specialized technical support and advice to ensure that you choose the solution that best suits your needs. Fill out this form or contact us to talk to us now.
