US20190024203A1 - Method for heat treatment of a metal component - Google Patents

Method for heat treatment of a metal component Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190024203A1
US20190024203A1 US16/072,633 US201716072633A US2019024203A1 US 20190024203 A1 US20190024203 A1 US 20190024203A1 US 201716072633 A US201716072633 A US 201716072633A US 2019024203 A1 US2019024203 A1 US 2019024203A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
component
sub
region
furnace
temperature
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US16/072,633
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English (en)
Inventor
Andreas Reinartz
Jörg Winkel
Frank Wilden
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schwartz GmbH
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Schwartz GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE102016201024.7A external-priority patent/DE102016201024A1/de
Priority claimed from DE102016201025.5A external-priority patent/DE102016201025A1/de
Priority claimed from DE102016201936.8A external-priority patent/DE102016201936A1/de
Priority claimed from DE102016202766.2A external-priority patent/DE102016202766A1/de
Priority claimed from DE102016118253.2A external-priority patent/DE102016118253A1/de
Application filed by Schwartz GmbH filed Critical Schwartz GmbH
Publication of US20190024203A1 publication Critical patent/US20190024203A1/en
Assigned to SCHWARTZ GMBH reassignment SCHWARTZ GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Reinartz, Andreas, WILDEN, Frank, WINKEL, JORG
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0062—Heat-treating apparatus with a cooling or quenching zone
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/18—Hardening; Quenching with or without subsequent tempering
    • C21D1/19—Hardening; Quenching with or without subsequent tempering by interrupted quenching
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/62—Quenching devices
    • C21D1/667—Quenching devices for spray quenching
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/62—Quenching devices
    • C21D1/673—Quenching devices for die quenching
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/84—Controlled slow cooling
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/46—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for sheet metals
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D2211/00—Microstructure comprising significant phases
    • C21D2211/001—Austenite
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D2221/00—Treating localised areas of an article

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for heat treating a metal component.
  • the invention is used, in particular, during the partial hardening of optionally pre-coated components made of a high-strength manganese-boron steel.
  • the sheet steel which is generally provided in the form of a blank, is initially heated in a furnace and thereafter is cooled during the forming operation in a press, whereby it is hardened.
  • press hardening to provide body parts of motor vehicles, such as A and B pillars, side impact protection beams in doors, sills, frame parts, bumpers, transverse beams for the floor and roof, and front and rear longitudinal beams, which have differing strengths in sub-regions, so that the body part can partially fulfill different functions.
  • the center region of a B pillar of a vehicle should have high strength so as to protect the occupants in the event of a side impact.
  • the upper and lower end regions of the B pillar should have comparatively low strength, so as to be able to absorb deformation energy during a side impact, while enabling easy connectability to other body parts during the installation of the B pillar.
  • the hardened component So as to create such a partially hardened body part, it is necessary for the hardened component to have differing material microstructures or strength properties in the sub-regions. So as to set differing material microstructures or strength properties after hardening, the sheet steel to be hardened may, for example, already be provided with differing sheet sections that are joined to one another or may be partially cooled differently in the press.
  • the sheet steel to be hardened to partially differing heat treatment processes prior to the cooling and forming steps in the press.
  • This kind of process control generally has the disadvantage that the inward diffusion of a coating, which is usually to be applied to the surface of the sheet steel to protect against scaling, such as an aluminum silicon coating, cannot be efficiently integrated into the heat treatment process.
  • the option exists to carry out the partial heat treatment by way of contact plates, which are designed to partially control the temperature of the sheet steel by way of heat conduction.
  • a method for heat treating a metal component is to be provided, which allows a partially differing heat treatment of the component to be carried out on an industrial scale, and in particular as efficiently as possible.
  • the method in particular, is to help reduce the influence of the process segment of the heat treatment process located upstream of the press on the cycle time of the overall heat treatment process.
  • At least one first sub-region of the component (which is more ductile in the fully treated component) is convectively cooled by means of at least one nozzle, which discharges a fluid stream toward the first sub-region, so that a temperature difference of at least 100 K [Kelvin] is set between the at least one first sub-region and at least one second sub-region of the component (which is comparatively harder in the fully treated component), wherein the at least one nozzle is operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar.
  • the disclosed method is used, in particular, for the targeted component zone-specific heat treatment of a (steel) component or for setting different microstructures in a targeted manner in various sub-regions of a steel component.
  • the method is used to partially harden optionally pre-coated components made of a (high-strength) manganese-boron steel.
  • the disclosed method makes it possible to reliably carry out a partially differing heat treatment of a component even on an industrial scale.
  • the disclosed method makes it possible to reliably carry out a partially differing heat treatment of a component even on an industrial scale.
  • the at least one first sub-region of the component by means of at least one nozzle operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar, the influence of the process segment of the heat treatment process located upstream of the press on the cycle time of the entire heat treatment process can be reduced.
  • cooling the at least one first sub-region of the component by means of at least one nozzle operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar particularly advantageously allows the at least one first sub-region of the component to be cooled very quickly by at least 100 K, and in particular so quickly that a cooling period is less than or equal to a cycle time of a downstream press hardening tool (press cycle). It is not possible to achieve such short cooling periods, in particular, when using fans, which can be used to generate a (cooling) air stream toward a component surface.
  • a cooling period during which the at least one first sub-region of the component is cooled by way of convection or by means of the nozzle is less than fifteen seconds, in particular less than ten seconds or even less than five seconds, and particularly preferably less than three seconds.
  • the metal component is preferably a metal blank, a sheet steel or an at least partially preformed semi-finished product.
  • the metal component is preferably made with or of a (hardenable) steel, for example a boron (manganese) steel, such as that with the designation 22 MnB5. It is furthermore preferred that the metal component is provided or pre-coated with a (metal) coating at least to a large degree.
  • the metal coating may be a coating (predominantly) comprising zinc, or a coating (predominantly) comprising aluminum and/or silicon, and in particular what is known as an aluminum/silicon (Al/Si) coating.
  • the at least one nozzle is preferably disposed in a temperature control station, wherein the temperature control station is particularly preferably located downstream of a first furnace and/or a second furnace.
  • the at least one nozzle, and in particular an outlet of the nozzle may be oriented toward the first sub-region.
  • the at least one nozzle, and in particular an inlet of the nozzle may be connected to a fluid source.
  • the fluid source may be a tank in which the fluid forming the fluid stream is stored in compressed form.
  • the fluid may be, for example, (compressed) air, nitrogen, water or a mixture thereof, for example.
  • the fluid is preferably compressed air and/or the fluid stream is preferably a (compressed) air stream.
  • the at least one nozzle is preferably at least one compressed air nozzle.
  • the at least one nozzle is preferably operated with compressed air.
  • the at least one nozzle, and in particular an inlet of the nozzle may be connected to at least one compressor.
  • compressed air having a positive pressure of at least 2 bar can be provided by means of at least one compressor.
  • the compressed air thus provided can be supplied to the at least one nozzle. This may take place prior to, simultaneously with and/or at least partially simultaneously with the cooling by means of the at least one nozzle. If multiple nozzles are provided, these can be connected to a shared compressor.
  • the compressor is provided and configured for supplying compressed air having a positive pressure of at least 2 bar to the at least one compressed air nozzle.
  • the compressor can provide a positive (system) pressure of at least 2 bar, which is preferably kept available or stored in a pressure (or compressed air) reservoir.
  • a pressure (or compressed air) reservoir is disposed in a piping system connecting the compressor to the at least one compressed air nozzle and/or is connected to the piping system between the compressor and the at least one compressed air nozzle.
  • At least one activatable valve which is actuated, and in particular opened and closed, in keeping with a desired cooling period and/or a desired (compressed air) volume flow, can be disposed between the compressor and the at least one compressed air nozzle. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to form a preferably activatable valve between the compressor and the at least one compressed air nozzle, by means of which the flow rate of the fluid stream through the nozzle can be adapted, so that the volume flow through the nozzle can be adapted, for example as a function of the operating situation and/or as a function of properties of the component, such as the thickness of the component.
  • the (or each) nozzle is shaped in the manner of a fan nozzle. It is furthermore preferred when multiple nozzles are provided, which particularly preferably are arranged so as to form a nozzle array.
  • the shape of the nozzle array and/or the arrangement of the multiple nozzles is adapted to the (desired) geometry of the at least one first sub-region of the component.
  • the cooling preferably takes place by means of a plurality of nozzles, and in particular by means of at least five or even at least ten nozzles, which can be activated individually or in groups and which, in particular, can be supplied with a (certain) fluid volume flow.
  • the nozzles are preferably activated as a function of time. It is furthermore preferred that the nozzles are activated (individually or in groups) in such a way that one or more temperature differences are set deliberately between sub-regions of the component, for example between the at least one first sub-region and the at least one second sub-region.
  • the nozzles can be activated (individually or in groups) in such a way that ambient influencing conditions in the temperature control station, which can act on the component upon leaving the temperature control station, can be compensated for.
  • a compensation which in particular shall be understood to mean a prevention, may take place in such a way, for example, that a region of the component located closer to the edge, and in particular a region of the at least one first sub-region located closer to the component edge, is cooled to a lesser degree than a region of the component located further away from the edge, and in particular than a region of the at least one first sub-region of the component located further away from the component edge, so as to take into consideration or even (substantially) compensate for faster cooling of the component in the edge regions thereof, which may possibly take place upon leaving the temperature control station, in particular in the heat exchange with the surrounding area.
  • a temperature difference of at least 100 K, preferably of at least 150 K or even of at least 200 K is set between the at least one first sub-region and at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • the component has partially differing (component) temperatures, wherein a temperature difference is set between a first temperature of the at least one first sub-region and a second temperature of the at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • a temperature difference is set between a first temperature of the at least one first sub-region and a second temperature of the at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • it is possible to set several (different) temperature differences between sub-regions of the component It is possible, for example, to set three or more sub-regions in the component, each having a temperature different from the others.
  • the partially differing temperatures can cause differing microstructures and/or strength properties to be produced in the component, in particular during a possibly following quenching process, such as during a press hardening operation.
  • the at least one nozzle is operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar, preferably of at least 2.5 bar, particularly preferably of at least 3.5 bar or even of at least 5 bar.
  • a fluid forming the fluid stream has a positive pressure of at least 2 bar, preferably of at least 2.5 bar, particularly preferably of at least 3.5 bar or even of at least 5 bar, at an inlet of the at least one nozzle, in particular during a cooling period.
  • the positive pressure that is used to operate the at least one nozzle will refer in particular to the positive pressure kept available or stored in the pressure reservoir.
  • a positive pressure here shall be understood to mean a pressure that is determined relative to the ambient pressure or atmospheric pressure.
  • the fluid stream may be accelerated while flowing through the at least one nozzle.
  • the fluid stream exits the at least one nozzle with an exit velocity of approximately the sound velocity.
  • the fluid stream discharged by means of the at least one nozzle applies a blowing pressure of at least 3000 Pa [Pascal] or N/m 2 [Newton per square meter] onto a surface of the component in the at least one first sub-region of the component.
  • the cooling by means of the at least one nozzle sets a cooling rate of at least 100 K/s [Kelvin per second] in the at least one first sub-region of the component.
  • At least the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated by at least 500 K, preferably by at least 600 K or even by at least 800 K.
  • the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated by means of the at least one nozzle in a first furnace and/or by way of radiant heat and/or convection. It is furthermore preferred that the cooling takes place by means of the at least one nozzle in a temperature control station located downstream of a first furnace.
  • At least the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated by at least 100 K, preferably by at least 150 K or even by at least 200 K.
  • the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated by means of the at least one nozzle in a second furnace and/or by way of radiant heat and/or convection. It is particularly preferred when the second furnace is located downstream of the temperature control station.
  • a method for the (partially differing) heat treatment of a metal component comprising at least the following steps is disclosed:
  • the indicated sequence of method steps a), b) and c) is derived during a regular process of the method. Individual or multiple of the method steps may be carried out simultaneously, consecutively and/or at least partially simultaneously.
  • the (entire) component is heated in a first furnace.
  • the component is heated homogeneously or uniformly in the first furnace.
  • the component is heated in the first furnace (exclusively) by way of radiant heat, for example by at least one electrically operated heating element (not making physical or electrical contact with the component), such as a heating loop and/or a heating wire, and/or by at least one (gas-heated) radiant tube.
  • the first furnace can be a continuous furnace or a batch furnace.
  • step b) the component is moved, in particular, from the first furnace into a temperature control station.
  • a transport unit may be provided, for example at least comprising a roller table and/or an (industrial) robot.
  • the component travels a distance of at least 0.5 m [meters] from the first furnace to the temperature control station.
  • the component may be guided in contact with the ambient area or within a protective atmosphere.
  • step c) at least one first sub-region of the component is (actively) cooled in the temperature control station.
  • an input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component takes place in the temperature control station, simultaneously or at least partially simultaneously with the cooling of the at least one first sub-region of the component.
  • the at least one second sub-region of the component is subjected in the temperature control station (exclusively) to heat radiation, which is generated and/or irradiated, for example, by at least one electrically operated or heated heating element, which is disposed in particular in the temperature control station (and does not make contact with the component), such as a heating loop and/or a heating wire, and/or by at least one (gas-heated) radiant tube, which is, in particular, disposed in the temperature control station.
  • heat radiation which is generated and/or irradiated, for example, by at least one electrically operated or heated heating element, which is disposed in particular in the temperature control station (and does not make contact with the component), such as a heating loop and/or a heating wire, and/or by at least one (gas-heated) radiant tube, which is, in particular, disposed in the temperature control station.
  • the input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component can preferably take place in the temperature control station in such a way that a decrease in the temperature of the at least one second sub-region and/or a cooling rate of the at least one second sub-region is at least reduced while the component remains in the temperature control station.
  • This process control is in particular advantageous when the component was heated in step a) to a temperature above the Ac3 temperature.
  • the input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component in the temperature control station may take place in such a way that the at least one second sub-region of the component is heated (considerably), in particular by at least approximately 50 K.
  • This process control is in particular advantageous when the component was heated in step a) to a temperature below the Ac3 temperature, or even below the Ac1 temperature.
  • the method furthermore comprises at least the following steps:
  • step d) the component is moved from the temperature control station into a second furnace.
  • a transport unit may be provided, for example at least comprising a roller table and/or an (industrial) robot.
  • the component preferably travels a distance of at least 0.5 m from the temperature control station to the second furnace.
  • the component may be guided in contact with the ambient area or within a protective atmosphere.
  • the component is transferred directly into the second furnace immediately upon having been removed from the temperature control station.
  • the second furnace can be a continuous furnace or batch furnace.
  • step e) at least the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated in the second furnace by at least 100 K, preferably by at least 150 K or even by at least 200 K.
  • another heating process takes place in the second furnace, wherein at least the previously (actively) cooled at least one first sub-region is heated by at least 100 K.
  • at least the at least one first sub-region of the component is heated in the second furnace (exclusively) by way of radiant heat, for example by at least one electrically operated heating element (not making contact with the component), such as a heating loop and/or a heating wire, and/or by at least one (gas-heated) radiant tube.
  • step e) in particular simultaneously or at least partially simultaneously with the heating of the at least one first sub-region, the at least one second sub-region of the component is heated in the second furnace by at least 50 K, particularly preferably by at least 70 K or even by at least 100 K, in particular (exclusively) by way of radiant heat.
  • the at least one second sub-region of the component is heated in step e) to a temperature above the Ac1 temperature or even above the Ac3 temperature.
  • step e) in particular simultaneously or at least partially simultaneously with the heating of the at least one first sub-region, a decrease in the temperature of the at least one second sub-region and/or a cooling rate of the at least one second sub-region is at least reduced while the component remains in the second furnace.
  • step e) an input of thermal energy, in particular by way of radiant heat, into the entire component may take place.
  • the second furnace may (for this purpose) include a furnace interior, which in particular is heated (exclusively) by way of radiant heat, in which preferably a substantially uniform inside temperature prevails.
  • the input of thermal energy into the at least one first sub-region of the component in the second furnace preferably takes place in such a way that the temperature of the at least one first sub-region is increased by at least 100 K, preferably by at least 120 K, particularly preferably by at least 150 or even by at least 200 K.
  • the input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component in the second furnace can preferably take place in such a way that a decrease in the temperature of the at least one second sub-region and/or a cooling rate of the at least one second sub-region is at least reduced while the component remains in the second furnace.
  • This process control is in particular advantageous when the component was heated in step a) to a temperature above the Ac3 temperature.
  • the input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component in the second furnace can take place in such a way that the at least one second sub-region of the component is at least (considerably) heated, in particular by at least 50 K, particularly preferably by at least 70 K or even by at least 100 K, and/or is heated to a temperature above the Ac1 temperature or even above the Ac3 temperature.
  • This process control is in particular advantageous when the component was heated in step a) to a temperature below the Ac3 temperature, or even below the Ac1 temperature.
  • the method furthermore comprises at least the following steps:
  • the moving in step f) takes place by means of a transport device, for example at least comprising a roller table and/or an (industrial) robot.
  • a transport device for example at least comprising a roller table and/or an (industrial) robot.
  • the component travels a distance of at least 0.5 m from the second furnace to the press hardening tool.
  • the component may be guided in contact with the ambient area or within a protective atmosphere.
  • the component is transferred directly into the press hardening tool immediately upon having been removed from the second furnace.
  • the component is heated in step a) to a temperature below the Ac3 temperature, or even below the Ac1 temperature.
  • the Ac1 temperature is the temperature at which the transformation from ferrite to austenite begins when a metal component, and in particular a steel component, is heated.
  • the component is heated in step a) to a temperature above the Ac3 temperature.
  • the Ac3 temperature is the temperature at which the transformation from ferrite to austenite ends or has been (entirely) completed when a metal component, and in particular a steel component, is heated.
  • the at least one first sub-region is cooled in step c) by way of convection to a temperature below the Ac1 temperature.
  • the at least one first sub-region is cooled in step c), in particular by way of convection, to a temperature below 550° C. [° Celsius] (823.15 K), particularly preferably below 500° C. (773.15 K) or even below 450° C. (723.15 K).
  • a device for heat treating a metal component comprising at least the following:
  • the device may be used to carry out a method disclosed herein.
  • the device is preferably provided and configured for carrying out the method disclosed herein.
  • an electronic control unit which is suitable for carrying out a method disclosed herein and configured therefor, is assigned to the device.
  • the control unit comprises at least one program-controlled microprocessor and an electronic memory for this purpose, a control program that is provided and configured for carrying out a method disclosed herein being stored in the memory.
  • the first furnace or the second furnace is a continuous furnace or a batch furnace.
  • the first furnace is a continuous furnace, and in particular a roller hearth furnace.
  • the second furnace is particularly preferably a continuous furnace, and in particular a roller hearth furnace, or a batch furnace, and in particular a multi-level batch furnace comprising at least two chambers disposed on top of one another.
  • the second furnace preferably includes a furnace interior, which in particular is heatable (exclusively) by way of radiant heat, in which preferably a substantially uniform inside temperature can be set.
  • multiple such furnace interiors may be present corresponding to the number of chambers.
  • radiant heat sources are disposed in the first furnace and/or in the second furnace. It is particularly preferred when at least one electrically operated heating element (not making contact with the component), such as at least one electrically operated heating loop and/or at least one electrically operated heating wire, is disposed in a furnace interior of the first furnace and/or in a furnace interior of the second furnace.
  • at least one, in particular gas-heated, radiant tube may be disposed in the furnace interior of the first furnace and/or the furnace interior of the second furnace.
  • multiple radiant tube gas burners or radiant tubes into each of which at least one gas burner burns are disposed in the furnace interior of the first furnace and/or the furnace interior of the second furnace.
  • At least one nozzle which is provided and configured for discharging a fluid, is disposed or held in the temperature control station.
  • the at least one nozzle can be operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar.
  • the device can furthermore comprise at least one compressor, which is preferably assigned to the temperature control station, in particular for providing the positive pressure.
  • the compressor can be (fluidically) connected to the at least one nozzle, and in particular to an inlet of the nozzle.
  • the device comprises at least one pressure (or compressed air) reservoir, which is provided and configured for keeping pressure provided by means of the compressor available or storing this pressure.
  • the pressure reservoir is preferably assigned to the temperature control station.
  • the pressure reservoir is disposed in a piping system connecting the compressor to the at least one compressed air nozzle and/or is connected to the piping system between the compressor and the at least one compressed air nozzle.
  • the compressor is preferably provided and configured for providing the fluid forming the fluid stream at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar.
  • the compressor is preferably a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, in particular a screw-type compressor, or a turbo compressor, which particularly preferably is designed with a plurality of rotatably drivable blades (of at least one rotor) and a plurality of fixed blades (of at least one stator).
  • a source for a pressurized fluid which can be connected to the at least one nozzle, may be provided instead of or in addition to a compressor.
  • This is preferably a source in which a liquefied gas is vaporized, for example by way of an appropriate heat exchanger which causes the liquefied gas (such as liquefied nitrogen) to vaporize, for example under ambient air.
  • the vaporized gas can then preferably be supplied to a compressor for increasing the pressure, if the gas pressure at the outlet of the source should be too low.
  • At least one heating unit is disposed in the temperature control station.
  • the heating unit is preferably provided and configured for inputting thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • the heating unit is disposed and/or oriented in the temperature control station in such a way that the input of thermal energy into the at least one second sub-region of the component can be carried out simultaneously, or at least partially simultaneously, with the cooling of the at least one first sub-region of the component by means of the at least one nozzle.
  • the heating unit (exclusively) comprises at least one radiant heat source.
  • the at least one radiant heat source is designed with at least one electrically operated heating element (not making contact with the component), such as at least one electrically operated heating loop and/or at least one electrically operated heating wire.
  • at least one gas-heated radiant tube can be provided as the radiant heat source.
  • the device can comprise a press hardening tool, which is located downstream of the second furnace.
  • the press hardening tool is, in particular, provided and configured for simultaneously, or at least partially simultaneously, forming and (at least partially) quenching the component.
  • a use of at least one nozzle operated at a positive pressure of at least 2 bar for convectively cooling at least one first sub-region of a metal component is proposed, wherein the nozzle is used in such a way that a temperature difference of at least 100 K is set between the at least one first sub-region and at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a device that can be used to carry out a method according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the device from FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a time-temperature curve achievable by means of a method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows a further time-temperature curve achievable by means of a method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a device 12 for heat treating a metal component 1 , which can be used to carry out a method according to the invention.
  • the device 12 comprises a first furnace 7 , a temperature control station 8 , a second furnace 9 , and a press hardening tool 11 .
  • the device 12 represents a hot forming line for press hardening here.
  • the temperature control station 8 is located (directly) downstream of the first furnace 7 , so that a component 1 to be treated by means of the device 12 can be transferred directly into the temperature control station 8 upon leaving the first furnace 7 . Furthermore, the second furnace 9 is located (directly) downstream of the temperature control station 8 , and the press hardening tool 11 is located (directly) downstream of the second furnace 9 .
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a detailed view of the device from FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the temperature control station 8 of the device from FIG. 1 in more detail.
  • a nozzle 3 which discharges a fluid stream 4 toward a first sub-region 2 of the component so as to (actively) cool this first sub-region 2 by way of convection, is disposed in the temperature control station 8 .
  • the nozzle 3 is operated at a positive pressure of 5 bar.
  • the nozzle is connected on the inlet side to a compressor 13 .
  • a heating unit 11 which is provided and configured for inputting thermal energy into a second sub-region 6 of the component 1 , is disposed in the temperature control station 8 .
  • the heating unit 11 is designed as an electrically operated heating wire, for example.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a time-temperature curve achievable by means of a method according to the invention.
  • the temperature T of the metal component is, or the temperatures T of the at least one first sub-region and of the at least one second sub-region of the component are, plotted against the time t.
  • the metal component 1 is first uniformly heated to a temperature below the Ac1 temperature up until the point in time t 1 .
  • this heating takes place in a first furnace 2 here.
  • the metal component is transferred from the first furnace into a temperature control station.
  • the component temperature may decrease slightly during this process, for example due to heat emission to the surrounding area.
  • At least one first sub-region of the component is (actively) cooled in the temperature control station. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 based on the bottom time-temperature curve between the points in time t 2 and t 3 .
  • at least one second sub-region of the component is (slightly) heated in the temperature control station. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 based on the top time-temperature curve between the points in time t 2 and t 3 .
  • a temperature difference 5 is set in the temperature control station between the at least one first sub-region and at least one second sub-region of the component.
  • the component is transferred from the temperature control station into a second furnace different from the first furnace.
  • the partially differing temperatures set in the temperature control station may decrease slightly during this process, for example due to heat emission to the surrounding area.
  • the component is heated in the second furnace from the point in time t 4 to the point in time t 5 in such a way that the temperature of the at least one first sub-region of the component is increased by at least 150 K. Furthermore, the heating in the second furnace takes place in such a way that, at the same time, the temperature of the at least one second sub-region of the component is brought to a temperature above the Ac3 temperature.
  • the component is transferred from the second furnace into a press hardening tool.
  • the partially differing temperatures set in the second furnace may decrease slightly during this process, for example due to heat emission to the surrounding area.
  • the (entire) component is quenched in the press hardening tool. It is possible for a martensitic microstructure to be produced at least partially or even predominantly in the at least one second sub-region of the component, which has comparatively high strength and comparatively low ductility. Essentially no transformation has taken place in the at least one first sub-region of the component since the at least one first sub-region of the component has not exceeded the Ac1 temperature at any point during the process, so that a predominantly ferritic microstructure remains in the at least one first sub-region of the component, which has comparatively low strength and comparatively high ductility.
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a further time-temperature curve achievable by means of a method according to the invention.
  • the metal component is uniformly heated to a temperature above the Ac3 temperature up until the point in time t 1 .
  • this heating takes place in a first furnace here.
  • the metal component is transferred from the first furnace into a temperature control station.
  • the component temperature may decrease slightly during this process.
  • at least one first sub-region of the component is (actively) cooled in the temperature control station. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 based on the bottom time-temperature curve between the points in time t 2 and t 3 .
  • the temperature of at least one second sub-region of the component may decrease slightly in the temperature control station. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 based on the top time-temperature curve between the points in time t 2 and t 3 .
  • This (passive) decrease in temperature in the at least one second sub-region of the component has a considerably lesser cooling rate than the simultaneous (active) cooling of the at least one first sub-region of the component. It is apparent from FIG. 4 that a temperature difference 5 is set between the at least one first sub-region and at least one second sub-region of the component in the temperature control station.
  • the component is transferred from the temperature control station into a second furnace different from the first furnace.
  • the partially differing temperatures set in the temperature control station may decrease slightly during this process.
  • the component is heated in the second furnace from the point in time t 4 to the point in time t 5 in such a way that the temperature of the at least one first sub-region of the component is increased by at least 150 K. Moreover, the heating in the second furnace takes place in such a way that, at the same time, a cooling rate of the at least one second sub-region of the component is reduced compared to a cooling rate during heat emission to the surrounding area.
  • the component is transferred from the second furnace into a press hardening tool.
  • the partially differing temperatures set in the second furnace may decrease slightly during this process, for example due to heat emission to the surrounding area.
  • the (entire) component is quenched in the press hardening tool. It is possible for a martensitic microstructure to be produced at least partially or even predominantly in the at least one second sub-region of the component, which has comparatively high strength and comparatively low ductility. It is possible for a bainitic microstructure to be produced at least partially or even predominantly in the at least one first sub-region of the component, which has comparatively low strength and comparatively high ductility.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Articles (AREA)
  • Heat Treatments In General, Especially Conveying And Cooling (AREA)
US16/072,633 2016-01-25 2017-01-25 Method for heat treatment of a metal component Abandoned US20190024203A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016201025.5 2016-01-25
DE102016201024.7 2016-01-25
DE102016201024.7A DE102016201024A1 (de) 2016-01-25 2016-01-25 Wärmebehandlungsverfahren und Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung
DE102016201025.5A DE102016201025A1 (de) 2016-01-25 2016-01-25 Wärmebehandlungsverfahren und Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung
DE102016201936.8 2016-02-09
DE102016201936.8A DE102016201936A1 (de) 2016-02-09 2016-02-09 Wärmebehandlungsverfahren und Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung
DE102016202766.2A DE102016202766A1 (de) 2016-02-23 2016-02-23 Wärmebehandlungsverfahren und Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung
DE102016202766.2 2016-02-23
DE102016118253.2A DE102016118253A1 (de) 2016-09-27 2016-09-27 Verfahren zur Wärmebehandlung eines metallischen Bauteils
DE102016118253.2 2016-09-27
PCT/EP2017/051508 WO2017129600A1 (fr) 2016-01-25 2017-01-25 Procede de traitement thermique d'un élément métallique

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EP (1) EP3408420B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN109072330A (fr)
ES (1) ES2982368T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017129600A1 (fr)

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CN109022722B (zh) * 2018-07-23 2020-01-03 中国科学院金属研究所 一种高强度、高韧性犁柱的制造方法
DE102020133462A1 (de) * 2020-12-15 2022-06-15 Schwartz Gmbh Thermisches Behandeln von Bauteilen

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KR101277864B1 (ko) * 2011-03-31 2013-06-21 주식회사 포스코 열간 성형용 블랭크 열처리 장치 및 열간 성형품 제조방법
EP2548975A1 (fr) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-23 LOI Thermprocess GmbH Procédé et dispositif de fabrication d'un composant métallique durci doté d'au moins deux zones ayant une ductilité différente
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US12000007B2 (en) * 2018-02-06 2024-06-04 Integrated Heat Treating Solutions, Llc High pressure instantaneously uniform quench to control part properties

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ES2982368T3 (es) 2024-10-15
EP3408420C0 (fr) 2024-06-26
CN109072330A (zh) 2018-12-21
WO2017129600A1 (fr) 2017-08-03
EP3408420A1 (fr) 2018-12-05
EP3408420B1 (fr) 2024-06-26

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