A critical aspect of the heat treatment plant is represented by the loading and unloading of the products to be treated.
The main aspects of handling are represented by:
- loading and unloading of the plant
- motion during the thermal process such as in continuous furnaces
With regard to the first point, two fundamental aspects are identified:
- management of heavy loads
- management of standardized loading methods such as through the use of trolleys that transport trays on which the elements to be treated are placed.
The solutions that are normally used for the management of heavy loads are represented by trolleys, with manual motion or electrically/pneumatically powered, also organized in such a way as to serve multiple lines (translators), which allow loading/unloading from above (by using forklifts or overhead cranes).
Detail of the mechanics of the pneumatic trolley
Oven with trolley and translator
Fan oven with customized trolley. Upon request, the ovens can be adapted to existing trolleys
During heat treatment, especially in continuous furnaces, the elements are conveyed in such a way that the entire process takes place during transit, from the entrance to the exit of the furnace.
The creation of this type of automation is a further aspect of the customization of the system since it will be sized according to the weight and shape of the elements to be treated as well as the expected production volume.
In this category, in addition to tunnel furnaces, there are furnaces with internal movement. Below is an example of a polymerization furnace where the components are loaded onto trays. Depending on the required process, cycle duration (step frequency) and working temperature can be adjusted by the operator through the user interface.
Otherwise, when the shape of the component requires it, the housing is customized.
Step oven with vertical movement. The solution allowed to contain the transversal development of the oven.
Below are two applications for thread-shaped components, with vertical or horizontal load.
Two-stage oven for drying electrical resistances. The oven is divided into two separate zones with different temperatures so that the entire cycle includes preheating, a drying phase and a cooling one before exit. The oven and the movement are dimensioned to treat 3000 kg. of product per cycle.
This solution allows for horizontal loading of the resistors.