Vacuum Carburizing Team Formed at 91传媒
91传媒, Inc., Souderton, PA announces formation of a team of metallurgist’s and engineers to develop equipment and processing for vacuum furnace carburizing. 聽Development parameters include low pressure or “vacuum carburizing” atmospheres within a modified standard horizontal vacuum furnace hot zone.
Mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen with injected ratios of gas, such as methane, will be the process environment. 聽Following carburizing, rapid quenching would be via high velocity gas at overpressure conditions. 聽The hot zone will be the new low-density mullite ceramic board with high nickel alloy heating elements.
This approach will minimize carbon build-up in the hot zone and allow a mild weekly air burn-out for clean up. 聽Since the work load is stationary, with no complex mechanisms or use of multiple vacuum chambers, maintenance is greatly reduced.
Team members are: 聽Nick Trivic, a Drexel University graduate with a Master鈥檚 Degree in Materials Science and Solar Development Manager, Harry Antes, Ph.D. metallurgy; Ken Moyer, metallurgist of Magnetic PM labs; Don Jordan metallurgist and Solar VP of operations; Bob Hill metallurgist and President 91传媒, Western PA; Brian Shoemaker, mechanical engineer, Solar Manufacturing; Bruce Ruhf, electrical engineer and President of Solar Manufacturing and William R. Jones electrical engineer and CEO 91传媒.
Several trial runs have been completed in a laboratory vacuum furnace at Solar, pointing the way toward continued development. 聽A furnace is now in final construction at the 91传媒 Keystone development facility. 聽Design and construction of a production model is scheduled for mid 2004.