Abstract: A double tapered steel wire (S) is evenly heat treated over the entire length thereof. The wire (S) has its constant-diameter straight portion (21, 24) disposed between its opposite end tapered portions (22, 23) each tapered down to its reduced-diameter outer end. In heat treatments, a diameter of the wire (S) is continuously detected by a detection means (3, 6), so that the amount of energy of induction heating applied to the wire (S) is controlled by a control unit (12) in a manner such that the amount of the energy is proportional to a wire diameter of the wire (S) having been detected, whereby heat applied to the wire (S) varies over the entire length of the wire (S). As a result, the wire (S) is quenched and tempered over its entire length in a manner such that the wire (S) thus heat treated has its small-diameter portions (24) and its large-diameter portion (21) differ from each other in tensile strength.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for enhancing the metallurgical quality of products treated in a furnace with several zones, wherein the temperature and the atmospheric conditions can be controlled. The applies to any type of product treated in a furnace, such as billets, blooms, slugs or slabs. Alternatively, this may be used by iron and steel manufacturers in the production line for sheets, plates, tubes, etc.

Abstract: A method and device for the automation of a cooling section in a hot strip rolling mill, wherein an individual course of cooling over time for each strip point of the metal strip is specified and whereby the cooling specifications can be determined from the desired properties of the steel, independent of variable process value.

Abstract: To determine the temperature profile (Tm(t)) of a hot-rolled material (1) in a cooling line (5), a heat conduction equation which takes the following form ? e ? t - div ? [ ? ? ( e , p ) ? · grad ? ? ? T ? ( e , p ) ] = 0 where e is the enthalpy, ? the thermal conductivity, p the degree of phase transformation, ? the density and T the temperature of the rolled material at the rolled-material location and t is the time, is solved in a cooling-line model (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing especially shape-rolled products from rail steels that have a finely perlitic and/or ferritic/perlitic structure after cooling. The inventive method is characterized by guiding the workpiece through a cooling stretch that is composed of individual independent cooling modules (2a-e) having independently adjustable cooling parameters.

Abstract: Method of reducing the wrinkles formed in heating zones, by radiant tubes, of continuous heat treatment lines for metal strip, such as annealing or galvanizing lines, the said strip passing over transporting and/or return rollers in the said furnaces, the said method, which consists in modifying the thermal state of the rollers, being characterized in that the said modification is made directly by varying the heating by the said radiant tubes located near the rollers, thereby directly controlling the heat flux emitted by the radiant tubes towards the rollers.

Abstract: The recoiling temperature of a metal strip from a continuous heat treatment line is controlled by continuously passing the metal strip through an accumulator system where it passes around spaced accumulator rolls. While travelling through the accumulator, the metal strip is subjected to ambient cooling air and the length of aluminum strip travelling through the accumulator determines the amount of cooling that takes place. The length of the metal strip in the accumulator is in turn controlled by varying spacing between the accumulator rolls around which the metal strip travels. The spacing is preferably controlled by a programmed controller in response to temperature signals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for casting, hot rolling and annealing of non-heat treatable aluminum alloys which comprises continuously casting, hot rolling and, in-line with the hot rolling line, heating the aluminum sheet using infrared heat. The infrared heating system uses a control to assure that the aluminum alloy is heated to the proper temperature based on one or a number of process variables, such as hot rolling exit temperature, hot rolled product exit rate in terms of speed and product dimensions, and sheet temperature at the exit of the infrared heater. Variations in the infrared heating temperature can be tolerated in the product without deviating from target mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method, which is used to make controlled defects corresponding to natural flaws and residual stresses in various kinds of test pieces. Defects identical to natural flaws are required to qualify non-destructive testing (NDT) procedures. In the method, sequential, repeated, heating-cooling cycles are used to create defects and residual stresses. The shape of the heating and cooling pattern, the duration of the heating and cooling, and the number of thermal cycles are used to control the size of the defects and residual stresses obtained. The defect is grown without initial flaw or other nucleator. The defects correspond to natural flaws in terms of morphology and also of the signals obtained with NDT methods, and are suitable for use in, for example, NDT-qualification blocks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for optimizing heat treatment of precipitation-hardened alloys having at least one precipitate phase by decreasing aging time and/or aging temperature using thermal growth predictions based on a quantitative model. The method includes predicting three values: a volume change in the precipitation-hardened alloy due to transformations in at least one precipitation phase, an equilibrium phase fraction of at least one precipitation phase, and a kinetic growth coefficient of at least one precipitation phase. Based on these three values and a thermal growth model, the method predicts thermal growth in a precipitation-hardened alloy. The thermal growth model is particularly suitable for Al-Si-Cu alloys used in aluminum alloy components. The present invention also discloses a method to predict heat treatment aging time and temperature necessary for dimensional stability without the need for inexact and costly trial and error measurements.

Abstract: The joint properties of a metal strip being rolled in a hot strip rolling mill, especially a steel strip, are adjusted in the cooling stretch of said mill by cooling. According to the invention, a time-related cooling course is predetermined for each strip point of the metal strip. An individual cooling curve is established as a function of time for each strip point, the established time curve is constantly compared with the model time-related cooling curve for each strip point and process control signals for controlling and/or regulating the cooling stretch are derived from this comparison. The corresponding device is provided with a calculating device and a process control device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the cooling action of a flowing gas atmosphere on workpieces by a measuring body with at least on temperature sensor and heated to workpiece temperature and is exposed to the gas atmosphere. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in hardening steel.

Abstract: Temperature in the vicinity of a heated point on a work (1) surface on a moving locus of flame poured from a torch (3) is measured, the measured value is inputted into a controlling unit (8). It is converted into a physical quantity which appeals to the perception of a worker, such as light, sound, or vibration, and outputted to warning means (5, 9, and 10). The measured value is compared with a predetermined standard temperature range, and as the measured value approaches the upper limit or the lower limit of the standard temperature range, the physical quantity produced as warning signal is stepwise changed. This permits the worker to perceive the change in the measured value, and to easily change the position of the torch or the moving speed thereof so that the temperature at the heated point is maintained within the standard temperature range.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab or ingot, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the ingot at the beginning of hot rolling is maintained at a temperature between 925° F. (496° C.) and 1025° F. (552° C.), and the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500° F. (260° C.) and 600° F. (316° C.). The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge.

Abstract: A distortion control method that can suppress distortion of a member during quenching and a cooling power measuring device that can precisely measure cooling power are provided. In the distortion control method, when the member is subjected to quenching using liquid cooling medium, the cooling power of the cooling medium being used is maintained within a prescribed range, so that variation in distortion suffered by the member is restricted.

Abstract: This marking method is carried out with an object to form a mark of high visibility on a surface of a metallic layer of such as a cover plate of a semiconductor device or the like without generating metallic debris or the like. According to this method, on a marking area of a metallic layer with a matte surface (Rmax: 0.5 to 5 &mgr;m), a laser beam is illuminated, thereby the metallic layer is melted, then re-solidified, thereby minute unevenness on the surface of the metallic layer is averaged and erased to be smooth. Thus formed marking portion reflects light specularly and is different in light reflectivity from an underlying portion which scatters light (diffuse reflection). Due to the difference of reflectivity, the marking portion can be visually discerned with excellency.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method of calculating the total laser energy needed to produce one or more selected laser induced surface modification reactions in a substrate moving relative to a laser beam. The present invention is further directed to a method for programming a programmable feedback control system with the calculated total laser energy such that the control system may be used to control laser beam power level and beam width in a process for producing a laser induced surface modification.

Abstract: In a method for cooling hot-rolled profiled sections from the rolling heat, wherein the profiled sections are formed of section parts of different mass, wherein, by using measuring-technological means in cooperation with a computer with the aid of a computing program, the quantity of heat to be proportionally removed from the different section parts in accordance with their mass and temperature and the amount of cooling medium required therefor are calculated and controlled, the course of temperature for the rolling stock in the rolling mill is simulated already before the actual rolling and cooling process by performing several simulation calculations by varying the cooling parameters in the simulation calculation to obtain calculated parameters. The actual values are measured upstream and downstream of the cooling stretch.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for casting, hot rolling and annealing of non-heat treatable aluminum alloys which comprises continuously casting, hot rolling, and, in-line with the hot rolling line, inductively heating the aluminum sheet. The induction heating system uses a feedback control to assure that the aluminum alloy is heated to the proper temperature based on one or a number of process variables, such as hot rolling exit temperature, hot rolled product exit rate in terms of speed and product dimensions, and sheet temperature at the exit of the induction heater. Variations in the induction heating temperature can be tolerated in the product without deviating from target mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high purity cobalt sputter target having a single phase h.c.p. structure and a magnetic permeability less than the intrinsic magnetic permeability of the material. Substantially pure cobalt is cast and slowly cooled, such as at a rate of 15° C./min. Or less, to form a cast target of single phase h.c.p. crystallographic structure. This cast target is hot worked at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to impart a strain of about 65% or greater into the cobalt material, followed by a slow, controlled cooling to room temperature, such as at a rate of 15° C./min. or less, to maintain the single phase h.c.p. crystallographic structure. The cooled target is then cold worked at substantially room temperature to impart a strain of about 5-20%. The sputter target of the present invention processed by this method has a magnetic permeability of less than about 9, grain sizes in the size range of about 70-160 &mgr;m, and average grain size of about 130 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A variable rate quench system allows the cooling of a heated workpiece to be controlled more closely. A liquid quenchant used in the system has an initial temperature, density and heat extraction index. The system comprises a first tank containing the liquid quenchant and to receive the workpiece and a second tank communicated to the first tank. The first tank has a means for agitating the liquid quenchant around the workpiece and a supply of make-up liquid quenchant communicated thereto. The second tank has a slurry of a non-liquid solid phase quenchant modifier and a means for selectively controlling addition of the slurry to the first tank. A real time data acquisition system acquires and analyzes temperature, density and agitation rate of the liquid quenchant, calculates an instantaneous heat extraction index of the liquid quenchant and compares the difference between the calculated index and a predetermined ideal index. Corrective action to minimize the difference is then taken.

Abstract: A method of cooling section steel, particularly sectional steel girders, from rolling heat, wherein, prior to a final air cooling, a water cooling process is carried out in such a way that section steel portions with material concentrations are cooled at outwardly projecting portions of the steel sections over a width of application and a duration of application which are variable and subject to a predetermined cooling strategy supported by a process computer to a value which is at least still slightly above the transformation temperature Ar1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for laser alloying of a workpiece and an apparatus for carrying out said process. The method embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a process for forming an alloy in the surface of a metal substrate comprising the steps of applying an alloy precursor material at a controlled rate to the surface of the substrate and then melting the surface and the precursor alloy material by the application of a laser beam in order to form an alloy of the precursor alloy material and the substrate. The method embodiment of the present invention further comprises the steps of measuring one or more parameters indicative of alloying depth, controlling the rate of precursor application in response to at least one of the measured parameters, and allowing the allow to solidify.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing and controlling the heat treatment of a metal alloy employing non-contact sensors selectively positioned to minimize the effects of background temperature contributions. The sensors monitor the temperature of the part being treated at a location that is remote from the surface that is being irradiated directly. In preferred embodiments, the surface where the temperature measurements are taken are located within a black body source. The collected temperature information is used to control the heat treatment of the metal alloy.

Abstract: A metal-physical model is used in a computer controlled cooling device for a rolling and cooling process for rolling a hot strip or a plate. The cooling parameters are calculated based on initial conditions. The computer uses the metal physical model to instantaneously alter the cooling parameters in response to changes in the final rolling temperatures and the rate at which the hot strip or plate is moved through the cooling device.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of a two-way shape memory alloy and device. The process of the invention allows a reversible adjustment of the characteristic transformation temperatures, as well as the direction of the two-way shape memory effect, at the final stage of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of controlling a reheat furnace to deliver pieces at an aim discharge temperature comprises the steps of determining the ratio between calculated reheat furnace discharge temperatures and measured temperatures of pieces in a rolling mill receiving the output of the reheat furnace, filtering this ratio based upon time in the rolling mill to provide the current filtered relationship between calculated discharge temperatures and said measured temperatures to provide filtered ratios, comparing desired temperatures in the rolling mill with said measured temperatures of pieces in the rolling mill to establish error values, filtering the error values based upon time in the mill to provide filtered error values, and processing the filtered error values and the filtered ratios to establish a short-term bias to the aim extract temperature.

Abstract: A method and tracking system for optimizing the tracking of a metal strip traveling over a plurality of crowned rolls in a continuous heating system designed to track a design strip having a design strip temperature profile. The invention attains an actual strip temperature profile in the metal strip that approximately coincides with the design strip temperature profile. This is accomplished by inputting metal strip variables and heating system variables into a control system and directing the control system to access a thermal model and a design strip temperature profile model. The control system then directs the operation of the heating system based on the metal strip variables, the heating system variables, the thermal model and the design strip temperature profile model such that the metal strip is heated to have an actual strip temperature profile that approximately coincides with the design strip temperature profile.

Abstract: A method for judging the properties of molten cast iron which consists of connecting three sampling vessels with an apparatus for obtaining a cooling curve of molten cast iron, measuring a cementite eutectic temperature (TEC) of cast iron poured to the first sampling vessel to which a chilling agent is contained, measuring a eutectic freezing temperature change of molten cast iron poured to the second sampling vessel being free of any additive, measuring a graphite eutectic temperature (TEG) of molten cast iron poured to the third sampling vessel, and inspecting a relation between the cementite eutectic temperature (TEC) and the graphite eutectic temperature (TEG) within the range of the eutectic freezing temperature change of molten cast iron.

Abstract: A temperature profile is determined of a metal sample for the metal to be converted to establish a temperature range indicative of a partially solid and partially liquid state of the metal. With this temperature profile, a metal preform is heated at a controlled rate from a temperature below the temperature range to a temperature within the range defined by the temperature profile to achieve a select percent by volume of liquid in the metal. This controlled heating to a desired temperature, which may be at a uniform rate, followed by holding at the desired temperature, thermally converts a dendritic structure of the material into a globular structure. The thermally converted metal preform is then recovered for subsequent use such as shaping into a desired article.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for regulating the annealing power in at least one annealing section of a continuous annealing and processing line for continuously cast metal products. The speed of the cast products (D) passing through the continuous annealing device is detected, as well as the voltage currently applied to the annealing section, which is converted into an effective value (U.sub.c) by means of a control device (50). The voltage supplied to the annealing section is modified by a control signal derived from the determined effective value of the voltage, in order to achieve a predetermined annealing power value dependent on the measured speed. At least the current flowing in one annealing section is also detected and converted into an effective value. The annealing power actually supplied to the annealing section is calculated from said effective values. The voltage value is modified by a control device until a predetermined value of the annealing power is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing thermomechanical processing of gears in which precise control of the thermal, metallurgical and mechanical action during the forming process is maintained. The apparatus comprises an induction heating system which reaustenitizes the surface of the gear with minimum decarburization, a material transfer system which provides timely operations on the work piece, tooling and fixture adjustments which provide accurate initial conditions for forming, and a process control architecture that provides the precise sequence and timing necessary to achieve metallurgically sound and dimensionally accurate gears. The induction heating cycle can be controlled from the peak, average or minimum gear surface temperature detected with a high response optical pyrometer. An inert environment is maintained around the workpiece during the induction heating and transfer to quenching above the M.sub.s temperature.

Abstract: A plurality of treatment station includes a plurality of heat treatment portions and staging portions. The staging portions utilize non-contact temperature sensors to measure an intensity of infrared radiation emitted from a part to be heat treated. A plurality of wavelengths of infrared energy emitted from a part are read with the wavelengths used as inputs to an empirical equation to calculate an apparent actual temperature of the part. The staging portions and the heat treatment portions are shielded to prevent infrared energy from the heat treatment portion from interfering with the accuracy of the staging portions.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a metal component uses a first heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature for solution heat treatment. The heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations to effect solution heat treatment of the component. Following quenching, a second heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature artificially ages the component.

Abstract: A process for making steel wear plates for use as railroad car truck side frame/bolster damping components utilizes the sequential steps of heating, pressing, quenching and then tempering. The heating process includes bringing the wear plate to a temperature of approximately 1750.degree. F. so that the plate is essentially 100 percent austenite. Generally uniform pressure is applied to the plate while heated to bring the plate to a desired flatness. Quenching fluid is thereafter applied to the flattened plate, while maintaining pressure thereon, to bring the plate to a predetermined brinnell hardness, a predetermined temperature, and a metallurgical characteristic of at least 90 percent martensite. The plate is thereafter tempered at a temperature of from 910.degree.-940.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to bring the plate to a brinnell hardness less than the hardness after quenching.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and an apparatus for heat treating a metallic material by performing hydrogen absorption in or desorption from the metallic material. The method includes the steps of recovering the hydrogen gas released from a desorption step and recycling it to a hydrogen absorbing step. Hydrogen recovering can be performed either in a device containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy or in a second heat treating furnace containing the metallic material. Various controlling devices are used to regulate the process of heat treating and recovering of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A plate temperature and an emissivity are determined at the outlet of an insulated heated zone, and compensations are established which reduce deviations between the respective measured values and the respective target values. A heat input is compensated for in accordance with the greater one of the compensations relating to the plate temperature and the emissivity, respectively. For a U-pattern material, .DELTA.Q is previously added to the heat input for the leading and the trailing end portion of the material. The band steel is irradiated by laser radiation at the outlet of the heating zone in order to detect the degree of alloying on the basis of the intensity of reflected radiation. When an unalloyed surface is detected, a target value of the heat input is modified. ITV camera is used to determine the optical reflectivity of the surface of the band steel at the outlet of a cooling zone in order to detect the degree of alloying.

Abstract: The spray unit lies downstream, in-line with an extrusion press and serves to cool metallic sections in particular sections of aluminum or an aluminum alloy from all sides. The cooling medium emerges from spray nozzles program-controlled in the direction of the section. The distance, the cross-section distribution and the direction of the spray nozzles are adapted specific to the geometrical shape and distribution of mass in the section. The optimum parameters are determined and stored in the unit processor. The spray nozzles are arranged in nozzle beams running in the direction of the extruded section. The nozzle beams comprise at least one longitudinal water channel and two longitudinal air channels, whereby cross-intersecting channels branch off from the water channels to the spray nozzles and the air channels terminate in air gaps which are directed towards the nozzle outlets.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast aluminum vehicle wheel uses a high intensity electric infrared heating system to heat treat the wheel. The infrared heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations. A first group of heating stations effects solution heat treating of the wheel, while a second group effects artificial aging. The infrared system enables the solution heat treating and aging to be completed in less than 15 minutes.

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 movementIn 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.

Abstract: A method for heat treating an aluminum part is provided. The method includes heat treating the aluminum alloy part with direct radiation from a source of infrared energy until the part attains a desired state of heat treatment. The method and apparatus further include monitoring of the part and controlling the intensity of the radiation source through proportional control in response to the measured temperature.

Abstract: A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier.

Abstract: Remelting/hardening treatment is carried out for a work by a remelting/hardening treatment apparatus including a torch for heating the work. First, the work is firmly placed in position in the remelting/hardening treatment apparatus and a temperature of the work is then measured by a temperature detector. When the measured temperature is lower than a lower limit temperature of a predetermined or particular temperature range, a level of output from the torch is lowered and a part of the work other than a part thereof to be treated is then preheated by the torch. Thereafter, the part of the work to be treated is subjected to remelting and hardening with the aid of the torch. Consequently, production of unacceptable works can be prevented reliably, since remelting/hardening treatment is not carried out at all while the measured temperature is lower than the predetermined or particular temperature range.

Abstract: A thin-webbed H-beam steel having a web thinner that flanges is produced by forcibly water cooling the outer surface of the flanges during an intermediate hot rolling prior to a final hot rolling by cooling to less than 700.degree. C., interrupting the cooling to return the temperature to greater than 700.degree. C., and repeating the cooling and interrupting in order to refine the microstructure of the surface of the flanges to a predetermined depth from the surface; final-hot rolling the intermediate-hot rolled H-beam steel; and forcibly water cooling the flanges of the final-hot rolled H-beam steel in a manner such that the web does not wave during this forcible water cooling, and such that upon completion of the forcible water cooling, thermal stress, generated in the web during air cooling to room temperature, does not exceed the buckling strength of the web.