Die Heat Treatment Technology
Advanced Die Heat Treatment Technology
"Precision heat treatment processes for superior extrusion die performance and longevity"
At GAL, we have the capability to undertake comprehensive heat treatment processes through our associate vendors, ensuring the highest standards of quality and customer specifications compliance. Our state-of-the-art extrusion dies are fully compatible with nitrogen surrounding atmosphere technology, resulting in significantly improved quality of supplied extrusions and enhanced operational performance.
Fluidized Bed Die Heat Treatment System
Our treatment consists of a fully automatic fluidized bed die heat treatment and nitriding system with inert gas atmosphere. This advanced system ensures totally oxide-free hot working of die steel with zero deformation and exceptional accuracy of extrusion tooling.
Oxide-Free Processing
Fully automatic fluidized bed system with inert gas atmosphere ensures completely oxide-free hot working of die steel, maintaining material integrity throughout the process.
Zero Deformation Accuracy
Advanced nitriding system with precise temperature control ensures zero deformation and exceptional accuracy of extrusion tooling, maintaining dimensional stability.
Heat Treatment Process Sequence
Solutionizing
525°C for 8 hours surface treatment
Quenching
Sudden cooling in water at 30°C
Natural Aging
Up to 5 hours aging process
Precipitation
165°C furnace treatment for 8 hours
Heat Treatment & Nitrogen Surrounding Atmosphere
During extrusion, it is essential to create an oxygen-free atmosphere for at least the initial 300mm of extrusion to prevent die bearing overheating. GAL's state-of-the-art extrusion dies are compatible with nitrogen surrounding atmosphere, resulting in superior quality extrusions.
Inertness Property
Nitrogen is completely inert to aluminium, preventing unwanted chemical reactions and maintaining material purity during the heat treatment process.
Superior Cooling
Liquid nitrogen at -320°F provides excellent cooling properties, effectively managing die temperatures and preventing thermal damage.
Surface Quality Enhancement
Nitrogen atmosphere decreases aluminium oxide formation, resulting in superior surface finish and reduced oxidation at critical temperature points.
Increased Capacity
Cooling with liquid nitrogen allows increased extrusion rates without exceeding permissible temperatures, boosting overall production capacity.
Prolonged Die Life
Nitrogen cooling reduces die wear significantly, allowing more profiles to be extruded before repair or replacement is required.
Precision Control
Advanced temperature control systems ensure consistent heat treatment results and predictable mechanical properties.
Detailed Heat Treatment Processes
| Process Stage | Temperature | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solutionizing | 525°C | 8 Hours | Dissolve alloying elements into solid solution |
| Quenching | 30°C (Water) | Rapid cooling | Retain supersaturated solid solution |
| Natural Aging | Room Temperature | Up to 5 Hours | Initial precipitation and strengthening |
| Precipitation | 165°C | 8 Hours | Controlled precipitation for optimal properties |
Metallurgy of Heat Treatment
Aluminium and its alloys are used in various cast and wrought forms with different heat treatment conditions. Forging, extrusions, and sections are examples of wrought products, while sand, gravity, and pressure die castings represent common casting methods. Heat treatment is specified by designers to enhance mechanical properties, hardness, and machinability.
Heat Treatable Alloys
Only certain aluminium alloys containing specific alloying elements like Cu, Si, Mg, and Zn in particular percentages can be heat treated to achieve desired mechanical properties. Non-heat treatable alloys can be annealed to facilitate forming operations, but cannot achieve the same level of strength enhancement through heat treatment.
Quality Standards & Compliance
- Highest Quality Standards: All heat treatment processes are carried out according to the highest industry standards and customer specifications.
- Associate Vendor Network: Comprehensive capabilities through our network of qualified associate vendors specializing in heat treatment processes.
- Process Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and quality control throughout all stages of the heat treatment process.
- Dimensional Accuracy: Zero deformation guarantee ensures maintained dimensional accuracy and tooling precision.
- Material Integrity: Oxide-free processing preserves material integrity and enhances final product performance.
- Customer Specifications: Flexible processes adapted to meet specific customer requirements and industry standards.
Technical Advantages
Advanced Metallurgy
Deep understanding of aluminium alloy metallurgy ensures optimal heat treatment parameters for each specific application.
Automated Systems
Fully automatic fluidized bed systems ensure consistent results and eliminate human error in critical process parameters.
Precision Control
Advanced temperature and atmosphere control systems provide precise processing conditions for optimal results.
Quality Assurance
Comprehensive quality control measures ensure consistent results and compliance with industry standards.
GAL's Heat Treatment Expertise
GAL's comprehensive heat treatment capabilities, combined with our nitrogen-compatible extrusion dies, represent the pinnacle of modern extrusion technology. Our commitment to quality, precision, and innovation ensures that every die receives optimal heat treatment for maximum performance, longevity, and dimensional accuracy. This integrated approach to die manufacturing and treatment sets GAL apart as a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry.
Experience Advanced Die Heat Treatment
Discover how GAL's advanced heat treatment technology can enhance your extrusion die performance with superior quality, extended life, and exceptional accuracy.
Contact Our Heat Treatment Specialists